Progressive House Babington Lane, Derby

Derby has a variety of student housing choices. These options fit different lifestyles, budgets, and preferences. Amber offers fully furnished, high-quality rooms. Whether you need a quiet place to study or a social space to meet new people, we have what you need. Here’s a breakdown of the room types available in student accommodation in Derby:

1. Ensuite Rooms - Ensuite rooms come with a private bedroom and attached bathroom, giving students personal space while living in shared housing.

Privacy: A private bathroom ensures comfort and convenience.

Shared Living Areas: Kitchen and lounge are shared, encouraging interaction.

Ideal For: Students wanting privacy with the option to socialise.

2. Non-Ensuite Rooms - Non-ensuite rooms provide a private bedroom with a shared bathroom, making them budget-friendly options.

Privacy: Bedroom remains personal, bathroom is shared with others.

Shared Living Areas: Kitchens and common areas are communal.

Ideal For: Students looking for affordable housing with community living.

3. Shared Apartments - Shared apartments offer individual bedrooms while residents share bathrooms, kitchens, and lounges.

Privacy: Bedrooms are private; other areas are communal.

Shared Living Areas: Strong focus on social living and group activities.

Ideal For: Students who enjoy community living and making friends.

4. Private Rooms - Private apartments provide a full flat with a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen solely for one person.

Privacy: Full privacy with no shared areas.

Shared Living Areas: None, the entire space belongs to the resident.

Ideal For: Students who want full independence and maximum comfort.

5. Studios - Studios are self-contained spaces with a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchenette in one unit.

Privacy: Complete independence with private facilities.

Shared Living Areas: No shared spaces inside the unit.

Ideal For: Students who prefer independence and quiet study environments.

6. 1-Bed Apartments - 1-bedroom flats provide a separate bedroom along with a private kitchen, bathroom, and living space.

Privacy: Full privacy with a separate bedroom and facilities.

Shared Living Areas: The entire space is private to the resident.

Ideal For: Students who want a home-like setting with more space.

Understanding the cost of living in Derby is essential for students budgeting their stay. Expenses can vary, but on average, students should plan for housing, food, transport, and other essentials. This guide outlines typical monthly costs to help you manage finances effectively during your studies.
1. Accommodation: £400–£700/month
2. Groceries: £120–£250/month
3. Transportation: £40–£50/month (student pass)
4. Utilities (Gas, Electricity, Water): £30–£80/month
5. Internet: £20–£30/month
6. Leisure & Social Activities: £50–£100/month

Getting around Derby is simple, affordable, and student-friendly. With a mix of buses, trains, cycling routes, and walking paths, students in Derby can reach universities, city hotspots, and nearby towns with ease.
1. Bus: The University of Derby offers the Unibus service connecting all campuses. A weekly student pass costs around £12–£15/week, with frequent routes every 10–15 minutes during term time. City buses from Arriva and Trent Barton cover the entire Derby area, including popular student neighbourhoods like City Centre, Rose Hill, and Brookside.
2. Train: Trains connect Derby to Nottingham, Leicester, and Birmingham in under an hour. Students can access railcards offering up to 33% off fares, making weekend trips and commuting from nearby towns cost-effective.
3. Cycling: Derby has over 60 km of dedicated cycling routes. Most student accommodations, including amber-listed Derby student apartments and student houses Derby, provide secure bike storage. Cycling is free, healthy, and often faster than buses for short trips.
4. Walking: Many students live within a 15–20 minute walk to the University of Derby or Derby College. Walking is free, convenient, and allows students to explore the city while avoiding transport costs.
5. Ride-Sharing: Services like Uber and Bolt operate across Derby. Typical rides within the city centre cost around £5–£10, useful for late-night returns from social spots or campus events.
Student Travel Tips: Use your student ID for discounts, plan routes with Google Maps or Citymapper, and combine cycling, walking, and buses to keep weekly commuting costs between £12–£25/week.

Derby is a student-friendly city where school life mixes well with fun and social activities. With green spaces, cultural events, and cheap entertainment, students can enjoy a balanced life outside class.

Derby has many affordable food and drink spots for students. Places like The Standing Order and Turtle Bay are great for casual meals, while Annie’s Burger Shack offers tasty American food. For nightlife, students can chill at The Friary or dance at Popworld. Many bars have student nights and discounts, making it easy to have fun after dark. You can also explore the 10 best clubs in Derby for a lively night out.

Derby hosts lots of cultural events all year. Derby Feste is a student favourite, with street shows, music, and art. The Derby Film Festival and Format International Photography Festival bring creative works to town. For daily culture, students can visit Derby Museum and Art Gallery or see a show at Derby Theatre. For those interested in exploring more about England's rich sports history, you can check out the top 10 oldest football clubs in England to get a deeper understanding of the country's football heritage.

Derby has calm parks and nature trails. Markeaton Park has walking paths, a boating lake, and sports areas, while Darley Park offers pretty views by the River Derwent. For weekend trips, the nearby Peak District National Park is great for hiking, biking, and outdoor fun. Students can shop at Derbion, a big mall with popular brands, tech stores, and cafes. For unique items, the Cathedral Quarter has small shops, used bookstores, and market stalls. It’s perfect for students wanting cheap clothes, gifts, and everyday items.

Derby has several respected universities, each with different programs and lively student communities. Here’s a look at the top universities in Derby:

1. University of Derby: The University of Derby is a modern public university with about 34,000 students. It offers over 300 programs in the arts, business, engineering, health, and education. The university is known for practical learning, strong ties to industry, and helping students find jobs. It supports around 1,700 international students from over 100 countries. Students can live near the University of Derby at places like Britannia Mill, which is close to campus facilities.

2. Derby College Group (DCG): Derby College Group is a large college with around 28,000 students. It offers A-levels, vocational courses, apprenticeships, and adult education. DCG has campuses like The Roundhouse, Broomfield Hall, and Joseph Wright Centre, all with modern facilities for students. Students at Derby College can find nearby student accommodation in Derby options for a comfortable study environment.

3. University of Nottingham (Sutton Bonington Campus): The main University of Nottingham campus is in Nottingham. The Sutton Bonington Campus, near Derby, specialises in biosciences and veterinary medicine. The university has more than 52,000 students. The Sutton Bonington Campus provides a close community and great facilities. Learners here can find student apartments in Derby nearby for easy access to classes and local amenities.

Finding the perfect student accommodation in Derby is easy with amber. Whether you’re looking for affordable student accommodation in Derby, modern Derby student apartments, or off-campus accommodation in Derby near Derby College, amber offers 100% verified listings, flexible leases, and personalised support. Students can compare properties, check amenities, and secure housing close to universities, parks, cafés, and nightlife, making campus life convenient and stress-free.