Derby University (UoD) is one of the post-1992, 'new' universities that emerged from the old polytechnics and teacher-training colleges. Generally not regarded as pure 'research' institutions like the red-brick and research-led 'Russell Group' Universities, centres like Derby have tended to initially concentrate on their strengths, such as teaching excellence and community outreach.

The principal campus is at Kedleston Road (KR), about 30 minutes' walk from Derby city centre. There is, however, a dedicated University bus service that offers heavily subsidised travel back and forth from KR to the city, then onto the railway station.

Currently, KR's buildings are in the middle of a £13.8 million pound re-fenestration of the exterior, which quite frankly was beginning to look its age. Despite the obvious disruption, this exercise has clear long-term benefits to students and staff. The campus itself is set in rolling tonsured lawns and sports areas, plus the inevitable disfigurement of large car parks that are a feature of any large institution these days. The main feature of KR is the imposing atrium that boasts a Waterstone's bookshop, clothes boutique, bank, ATMs, shop selling consumable comestibles, stationery, and subsidised broadsheet newspapers and also the 'red top' variants.

The other UoD sites are the nearly Britannia Mill and Markeaton Street (this, opened by Sir Richard Branson a couple of years ago) which are served by a free shuttlebus from KR, and further out, there is the Victorian architectural wonder at Buxton, officially opened by Charles and Camilla, no less.

In the recent national Research Assessment Exercise (RAE), UoD received glowing reports and commendations, with 25% of its research submission rated as 'world class' and 70% of international standing. As a result, the University has received substantial research funding to carry its research endevours into the next decade. This, under the current leadership of Professor John Coyne, the Vice-Chancellor, is a clear statement of intent by UoD to raise its game in terms of research. However, UoD still maintains its high standards in terms of teaching excellence, as its consistently high reports from external examiners and independent assessors testifies.

The city of Derby is a pleasant, safe and interesting place. There's lots to do, and to keep the entertainment-savvy student occupied. Try it.