Birmingham is the second largest city in the UK and is also a vibrant and diverse place. Birmingham is famous for its world-class universities, rich culture, and lively student life, attracting students from all over the world. However, if you want the most colourful university experience in this bustling city, it is better to prepare in advance. From securing accommodation and managing finances to exploring the local area and understanding student life, this blog will guide you through the key steps to take before starting your academic adventure in Birmingham.
5 Things You Should Do in Advanced
Accept Your Offer and Arrange Your Visa
After confirming acceptance of an offer from the University of Birmingham and paying the required deposit, international students will need to proceed to apply for a UK student visa and prepare all the necessary documentation. This usually includes your passport, CAS, proof of funds, visa application form with photographs, academic documents with English transcripts and proof of English grades, personal statement, etc. The UK, as a popular study destination, usually has a peak visa season from June to August. It is advisable to visit the UK Visas and Immigration website as early as possible to fill in the visa application form online and make an appointment to apply for your visa.
Secure Accommodation
It is important for international students to find suitable accommodation within an unfamiliar city. Good accommodation can reduce the stress of your life and help you focus better on your studies. You can find a very large selection of student accommodation Birmingham, including Non-En-suite, En-suite, Studio and apartments. All of these rooms will offer exquisite finishes and a variety of amenities, including, but not limited to, gyms, screening rooms, laundries, and more. In addition, the great thing about uhomes.com’s student flats is that bills are included in the rent, so you don’t have to worry about all sorts of daily expenses.
Organize Finances
Before travelling to the University of Birmingham, it is important to familiarise yourself with relevant financial information to help better plan and manage your costs during your studies. You will need to ensure that you have a sufficient budget for tuition fees; the University of Birmingham supports payment of tuition fees in instalments, but failure to pay on time can affect the continuation of your education. Tuition fees for undergraduate programmes at the University of Birmingham range roughly from £15,210/year to £27,180/year, and for Masters programmes from £15,660/year to £31,050/academic year. The cost of accommodation is around £10,000, in addition to monthly living costs averaging around £1,200 per month.
Get to Know the Campus
Knowing the University of Birmingham’s campuses in advance can help you find different classrooms and facilities more quickly once you arrive. The University of Birmingham has two main campuses: the Edgbaston Campus and the Selly Oak Campus. The Edgbaston Campus is recognised as one of the best campuses in the UK and is the University’s main campus, containing most of the academic buildings, libraries, student accommodation and administrative offices. There are over a dozen libraries within the University, each subject usually having its own specialised library, comprising a total of 2.5 million volumes and over 3 million manuscripts, as well as ample computing facilities and excellent study conditions. There are also several canteens on campus, offering a wide variety of dining options such as English breakfast, pizza and roast chicken.
Engage with the Student Community
You can also join some student communities in advance to get help in various aspects. Although the main official groups of the University of Birmingham are student groups on Facebook, you can also learn about and join the relevant official communities through other means, such as the university’s official website, Reddit, Instagram, and so on. In these official communities, you can communicate with other new students, get the latest information and notices from the university, and participate in activities organised by the university. The University of Birmingham also has many student societies and interest groups that cover art, music, sports, culture, and so on. You can join a society that suits your interests, take part in club activities and make friends with like-minded people.
How to Find a Suitable Birmingham Student Accommodation
You can find suitable student accommodation in Birmingham through various platforms and resources.
Online Student Accommodation Platforms
These platforms specialise in student housing, offering filters for price, location, and amenities. uhomes.com is worth checking out as it offers 400+ Birmingham homes for students. You can find a wide range of accommodation types and get help from professional rental advisors.
University Accommodation Services
University of Birmingham: Their official accommodation services provide a range of options, from on-campus halls to partnerships with private accommodations.
Birmingham City University: Offers halls of residence and guidance on finding private housing.
Check the university website or contact their accommodation office for direct advice.
Social Media and Forums
Joining networking groups can broaden your search and, in some cases, lead to more affordable accommodation options. Plus, it’s a great way to find a roommate when you need one.