International student guide to Derby accommodation

Moving to a new country for university is a lot. This guide covers the practical side of choosing accommodation at Northgate House in Derby: how to book before you arrive, what you can leave at home, how to get from a UK airport, and what protections you have if your visa or place is delayed.

Booking from overseas

You do not need to visit Northgate House in person before booking. The team handles international enquiries by email and phone.

1. Send an enquiry. Use the contact form with your university, course, preferred dates and room type.
2. Get current availability. The team replies with what is available for your dates and the price for that room.
3. Confirm the booking. The team shares the booking documents, payment details and any current requirements (guarantor, deposit, payment plan).
4. Travel. Most international students take a train from a UK airport to Derby railway station, which is within walking distance of the property.
5. Move in. The room is furnished and bills are included. Pick up your keys from the on-site team during office hours (Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm).

The booking guarantees

International applicants often book months in advance, before visas or place confirmations are finalised. Northgate House publishes two booking guarantees for exactly this:

• No Visa, No Pay. If your UK student visa is refused, you can cancel without paying, subject to the published terms.
• No Place, No Pay. If you do not get a place at university, you can cancel without paying, subject to the published terms.

Full terms are confirmed by the team at the point of booking. See the offers page for the headline terms.

What is included on arrival

Rooms are fully furnished and bills are all-inclusive. That means you can arrive with essentials and clothes only, and not need to spend your first week setting up utilities or buying furniture.

• Small double bed (4ft), desk, chair, wardrobe and storage.
• Private bathroom in every room (ensuite or studio).
• Kitchen with hob, oven, fridge-freezer and storage. Private in studios, shared in ensuite flats.
• Electricity, gas, water and heating included.
• Wi-Fi up to 200Mbps included.
• Contents insurance included for your belongings.
• Access to the on-site gym, study rooms, cinema room, games room, communal lounge and laundry.

A practical packing list

The room has the furniture and the building has the bills. You still want to bring:

• ✓ Passport, visa and offer letter from your university
• ✓ Clothes for all UK seasons
• ✓ Bedding (optional packs may be available, ask the team)
• ✓ Bath towels and toiletries
• ✓ Basic kitchen items (cutlery, plates, mugs)
• ✓ UK travel adaptor for chargers
• ✓ Some GBP cash for the first few days
• ✓ A sturdy suitcase and a daily backpack
• ✓ Medication and a copy of any prescriptions
• ✓ Bank card that works internationally

Getting to Derby

Derby is in the East Midlands. Most international students travel from a UK airport (London Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham, East Midlands or similar) by train to Derby railway station. From the station, Northgate House on Agard Street is within walking distance.

The team can suggest the most straightforward route for your specific airport when you enquire. The address to share with any taxi or rideshare service is:

Northgate House, Agard Street, Derby, DE1 1DZ, United Kingdom

Life in Derby

Derby is a compact city of around 257,000 people in the East Midlands. From Northgate House, the University of Derby Kedleston Road campus is about a 5-minute walk. Derbion shopping centre is around 3 minutes. Tesco Express on Friar Gate, Sainsbury's Local near the university, and Aldi on Uttoxeter New Road handle most food shopping.

For travel, Derby railway station runs direct trains to London (~1h 30m), Birmingham (~40m), Nottingham (~20m) and Sheffield (~30m). A 16–25 Railcard cuts off-peak fares by a third.

For a fuller picture, the University of Derby city centre student guide covers shops, food, nightlife and day trips.

What you do not need to worry about

• Setting up utility accounts. Included.
• Signing a separate Wi-Fi contract. Included.
• Buying contents insurance. Included.
• Buying basic furniture. Already in the room.
• Working out how to get to campus. Around 5 minutes on foot.

Common questions