ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½

A bustling city with a legendary past, ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ boasts vibrancy, culture and a tonne of green spaces.

We don’t mean to brag, but with a large student population, it’s no surprise that ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ has been ranked 7th in the UK and 48th in the world in the QS Best Student Cities 2027 rankings.

But what makes our vivacious city so special for students? And what do you need to know before arriving in the heart of the UK? 

We’re all about world-leading academia

While we love our ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ roots, the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ strives to be a university without borders. We have inspiring campuses in three countries, energising us to be a globally engaged university committed to making a difference in our cities and regions.

And our global impact isn’t just locational. As a member of the UK's prestigious Russell Group and the Universitas 21 global network of research-intensive universities, we deliver a high standard of education at home and abroad. 

Outlaws and villains? No, this isn’t a fairy-tale, it’s our history

The ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ was founded in 1881 as ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Civic College, but the city of ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½â€™s story stretches much further back – to the 6th century, in fact.

ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ has a vibrant past filled with folklore and industrialisation. Medieval outlaw, Robin Hood helms from the city and there’s no better place to learn about the local legend. ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ has ample industrial history too, from lace making and hosiery to tobacco, bicycles and even arrow making.

Did you know that there’s also a network of caves directly underneath the city dating back to 1250?

We are a centre of discovery

Some pretty amazing medical discoveries have been made here too. While lecturing at the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½, physicist Sir Peter Mansfield pioneered the creation of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and transformed the world of medical imaging. Mansfield was knighted in 1993 and won the Nobel Prize in 2003. He remains an inspiration to students and staff and serves as a reminder of what can be achieved here in ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½.

We’re in the middle of the action

The ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ really is the heart of the UK, boasting a central location 110 miles northwest of London, 30 miles southeast of Sheffield and 45 miles northeast of Birmingham. We also have excellent travel links. Buses and trains run throughout the city and further afield and we’re one of eight cities in the UK with a tram network. The university also provides subsidised hopper bus services that run between the main University Park, Jubilee and Sutton Bonington campuses. East Midlands Airport is only 12 miles away from University Park.

We’re proud of our diverse culture and attractions

ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ has an abundance of art galleries, theatres, cinemas, and live music venues - there’s something for everyone to enjoy in between studies.For history buffs, ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Castle has 1,000 years of history to explore. The bustling high street, Victoria Shopping Centre and Broadmarsh have plenty of shops to keep shopaholics busy. And sport lovers can get their fix at the City Ground, home of ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Forest FC. ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ students can also enjoy an array of exciting bars, restaurants and independent eateries. Situated on the edge of the Peak District, ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ also benefits from a variety of green spaces right on its doorstep. Stately homes, walking trails and seemingly never-ending forests offer quiet thinking spots when you need a break from study. Did you know University Park sits within 300 acres of extensive greenery? 

Whoever you are, whatever you're into, find your people here at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½, the heart of the UK.