If you’re anything like me, you’ve already scoured websites trying to determine which Universities are the best. So, anything I could say about Birmingham’s high-ranking reputation seems useless because you probably already know that. To determine if the University of Birmingham is good, you need to know what life there might look like, which is what I aim to show through my own experience of first year. I’ve broken it down into helpful sections, exploring the pros/cons of life at the University of Birmingham.
Applying to the University of Birmingham
Before arriving, I found that unlike other Universities I applied to, Birmingham offers a lot of support for prospective students. From Open Days to Offer-Holder events, you’re given tasters of where and what you’ll be studying. I found narrowing down my options difficult, but going to Birmingham’s Offer-Holder day solidified it as my first choice. I liked that it was a self-contained campus for students, not spread out across the city, and that there weren’t any stressful interviews or admission tests for my course. Compared to all the stress of Sixth Form exams, it was a breeze!
Life at the University of Birmingham
Whilst it’s important to know what reputation your University has when applying, most of us are realistically very worried about what our lived experience is going to be like. I’ve found that Birmingham’s resources, from events on the Student Guild website to weekly Brum Bulletin emails, cover most things you might need.
Studying
Birmingham is particularly proactive with student support, which I’ve already found myself relying on. But it’s not just me, students on StudentCrowd have rated Birmingham’s facilities and Student Union over 4 stars. These facilities include things like a community pantry with a cookbook designed for students. It is great for when student loans are running low right before your weekly shop.
For assignments, there are academic resources like AWAS for humanities students, which offers online and in-person mentoring when you need it. I’ve found myself using them often when overwhelmed by deadlines. With everything from past essay examples to personal tutor meeting sessions, you never have to worry about managing everything by yourself. This support also covers many other aspects of student life, from mental health services to disability services. As a neurodivergent student myself, it’s been great to see the support available!
Campus
The self-contained campus is ideal for students. Everything is within walking distance, which makes it easier to find your way around. It also means there are great resources, such as food trucks, restaurants, and phone chargers, always within an arm’s reach.
Another thing that makes the University of Birmingham good is the Library. With a recent revamp, it’s a bright yellow god-send. The Library is 24/7, so you’ll always have a place to study, even when pulling those all-nighters to cram. It boasts many other resources, like laptop loans, a cafe, and so many comfy chairs. There are even therapy dogs if you’re looking for an adorable way to de-stress.
However, if the library isn’t for you, there are many other places to study across campus and in the city. Surrounding the picturesque Green Heart, there is everything from quiet little nooks in the Arts Building to group tables in the Teaching & Learning Building. I would recommend downloading the UoBCampus app, as there are tons of other places to study on it, and it lets you know how busy they are.
Societies and Extracurriculars
University isn’t just about your degree; you also want extracurriculars! I’ve found that the University of Birmingham is great for opportunities, with weekly employability emails and a portal for career skills, you’re never short on ways to gain experience or a bit of extra cash. There are even jobs on campus at the Guild!
But if student life leaves you a bit fried, then there’s always something fun to do to chill out instead. Birmingham is special in that it holds a unique, monthly Artisan market on campus, where you can get your fill of homemade fudge or cheese, and even handmade denim purses. At the Student Guild, I often find a new stall outside to bag some exciting freebies.
There’s also an amazing selection of hundreds of societies. With a society’s fair and taster sessions in fresher’s week, you can explore them all to make new friends or find new hobbies. But you’re free to dip in and out when you want to, as I’ve found through their social media advertising. There’s everything from horror movies to baking, to re-enacting battles with Batsoc!
Social Life
If you’re someone looking to party, then there’s that too. With clubs for students surrounding the Selly Oak area, like Circo and VodBull, there are great places for you to shed any stress. In fresher’s week, these places often do discounts and fun nights to check out. There are also events like Sports nights and FAB XO at the Guild. But if these aren’t your pace, there are still quizzes at Joe’s bar and pubs to meet up with friends and have some fun.
They also provide loads more free events for students on campus. If you’re more of an introvert like me, these make great solo dates! And they are great if you’re looking for a sober night out instead. I recently saw an outdoor screening of Wicked at the Vale! You can take a look at some other fun things to do in Birmingham here.
Accommodation
This is also another pro for Birmingham, as it boasts a large variety. I spent my first year in partner accommodation, Oak Brook Park, and only had to cross the road to campus. If you’re someone like me who needs their sleep, it’s ideal. I loved being able to see Old Joe (the Brum clock tower) lit up each night from my window! The accommodation in the Vale is also great and still within walking distance to campus.
Whilst I’ve found that partner accommodation might be a little more expensive, you get proximity and amenities in return. Halls are a much more reasonable price, and your stay includes tons of free sports and social events to enjoy with your flatmates. From Jarratt Hall to Pritchatt’s Park, you’ll never have to worry about not finding the right place for you. You could prepare ahead and go check out our guide to Brum’s best accommodation!
City Life
Another bonus is the surrounding area that is catered to students, with a large shopping park that has its own giant Sainsbury’s. You don’t need to travel far to find the things you need. There are plenty of shops around this too, with cafes and restaurants lining the Selly Oak streets. If you travel just 10 minutes down the road, there’s also Selly Oak Park.
Unlike the other Birmingham Universities, the University of Birmingham is a little further away from the city centre. I’ve found this a plus, because it means that there’s less traffic and less noise, but if you do want to experience all that the city has to offer, then there’s not one but two train stations nearby that take just 5 minutes to New Street Station!
Final thoughts
Whilst I’m unable to cover every single factor of life at Birmingham, I hope that some of my highlights have stood out for you. As these are a handful of the many reasons why the University of Birmingham is not just good, but great! A big reason why I chose Birmingham was that it had many glowing reviews, and I’ve loved my experience in the heart of the West Midlands.
And if you want further reasons why you should apply, be sure to look at our student guide for Birmingham.