University of Birmingham: What it's really like

Want to go to a Russell Group university with one of the biggest student bodies in the UK? Birmingham could be the one for you!

Birmingham at a glance:

What’s the University of Birmingham like?

The University of Birmingham is the most targeted university by top graduate employers in 2024. We’re England’s first civic university, with the oldest business school in England and some of the oldest medical and law schools. We were the first university to ever graduate a female medical student.

My favourite features on campus are Old Joe, the tallest free-standing clock tower in the world, with peregrine falcons that nest at the top; and our own university train station, as it’s an easy way to stay connected with the city centre and travel about to other places. We also have a wide variety of cultural facilities on campus like the Barber Institute of Fine Arts, Winterbourne House and Gardens, the Lapworth Museum of Geology, and the Elgar Concert Hall.

If I was going to describe the university in three words, it would be innovative, inclusive, and welcoming.
 

What's it like for students to live in the local area? 

The University of Birmingham is a campus university based in Edgbaston. It’s located just outside Birmingham city centre and can be accessed easily by the direct train line from New Street to the university station.

The city centre is a diverse, vibrant, and youthful community; Birmingham is one of the youngest cities in Europe. With sports grounds, music arenas, shopping centres, restaurants, theatres, museums, and art galleries, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

The campus is a green and spacious area surrounded by charming suburbs like Moseley, Stirchley, Harborne, and Bournville (the home of Cadbury’s chocolate!). My personal favourite places to visit are the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and the Wildlife Conservation Park. There are hundreds of parks in Birmingham (more than there are in Paris!), so if it’s green spaces you’re looking for, then you’ll definitely find them here.


What accommodation options are available to students? Are these different for international students? 

We have three main accommodation villages – Vale Village, Pritchatts Park Village, and Selly Oak Village – and all of them are close to the main campus. You can choose between lakeside accommodation, scenic views, low-carbon accommodation, or vibrant and bustling student areas. There are en-suite rooms, shared bathrooms, studio apartments, catered, and self-catered options.

Our catered option, Student Living Plus, makes cooking, budgeting, and preparing food options easier. During term time, you’ll have money loaded onto your student card to spend at over 20 food and drink outlets across campus and the Vale Village. And you get a 10% discount at all our eligible outlets, with your money rolling over each week.

We also provide an accommodation guarantee. So, if you select us as your firm choice and apply for accommodation before the summer deadline, we guarantee you accommodation in your first year, and you can even pick your own room! 


What facilities does the institution have that make it stand out from other institutions? 

Some of my favourite facilities here are the Collaborative Teaching and Learning Building, The Birmingham Institute of Forest Research, and our Sports and Fitness Centre. 

In the Collaborative Teaching and Learning Building, we have a wet lab, dry lab, and an e-lab.
The dry lab features microscopes, laser cutters, and 3D printers, while the e-lab fosters collaboration in a computer environment. The wet lab, equipped with fume cupboards and specialised instruments, is ideal for conducting chemical experiments.

The Birmingham Institute of Forest Research is a world leader in understanding how forests react to the threats of climate change. It brings together students from STEM subjects to humanities.

Finally, Birmingham is well-known as a sporting university. At the Sport and Fitness Centre, we have Birmingham’s first 50-metre pool, a 200-station gym, a ten-metre climbing wall, and a full-size athletics track, helping our students stay active alongside their studies.


Do you offer any work placements or study abroad options for students? 

With over 350 exchange partners across the world, everyone who studies with us has the opportunity to go abroad. Depending on your interests, you can choose to spend a year studying in your top country choices, complete a short-term field trip, volunteer at summer schools, or complete internships abroad. 

We also have a campus in Dubai, which offers all students (except for those in the College of Medicine and Dental Sciences) the opportunity to complete a year studying there as part of their degree. Whilst in Dubai, you’ll be able to study one of four pathways – business, computer science, engineering, or psychology, giving you an introduction to your chosen subject.

These opportunities will help you boost your academic learning, enhance your career prospects, develop transferable skills, and make incredible memories whilst experiencing new cultures. 


Do you offer any unusual or unexpected courses? 

One of our most unique courses is Applied Golf Management Studies. Graduates from this degree lead in the development of golf around the world, as they can also apply for membership of The Professional Golfers’ Association.

The degree offers a professional placement and extracurricular golfing competitions. It’s a great opportunity for any students looking to get into a career in golfing. 
 

Want to explore more UK universities? Unifrog’s Shortlisting tool can help you put together a list of great potential courses.
 

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