University of Birmingham

When your campus has its own museum, art gallery and restaurants (not to mention the world’s largest free-standing clock tower!), you’re probably struggling to think of reasons why you’d want to leave. But Birmingham city has some pretty exciting stuff going on. And as the youngest city in Europe, it’s chock-a-block with cool destinations. So if you find yourself with a weekend to spare, or if you want to really impress your mates from home when they visit, hop on the train from our very own on-campus railway station and explore some of the best bits that Birmingham has to offer.

1. The Custard Factory

It’s pretty hard to pick just one highlight from Birmingham’s creative quarter – it’s full to bursting with food, bars, art and activities. Digbeth Dining Club is less than a two minute walk away, offering scrummy street food and drinks from Thursday to Sunday, and the independent Mockingbird Cinema is a film experience like no other. If you want something a little bit more grown-up, then Ghetto Golf is the coolest 18+ mini golf course you’ll ever visit. Located in a giant warehouse-style building and decorated with an 80s vibe, it also serves a mean cocktail.

Or why not just go for a wander and a window shop, and immerse yourself in some of the coolest street art that Brum has to offer – there’s usually a free pop-up gallery or some edgy performance art going on somewhere nearby!

2. Lane7

This unconventional bowling alley offers a clever twist on a traditional pastime – filled with neon signs, street art, and slightly less ugly bowling shoes than the usual, it’s the perfect venue for a cheap and cheerful night out. As well as bowling, you can also try your hand at shuffleboard, karaoke and beer pong (alcohol optional!), or dabble in some of the retro arcade games they have to offer. Located 10 minutes from New Street Station.

3. Museums and galleries

Birmingham is full of so many incredible museums and galleries, that it’s hard to pick just one to make a priority. If you’re a modern art fan, the IKON Gallery is the perfect choice - internationally acclaimed and located at Brindley Place, it’s only a half an hour walk from the Vale, with the added bonus of free entry. The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is located a little closer to the city centre, and is famed for its pre-Raphaelite paintings; there are over 40 galleries to explore, displaying different art and history, and it even has its own traditional Edwardian Tearooms attached. And although it’s not off campus, it would be remiss not to mention UoB’s own Barber Institute of Fine Art, home to one of the most outstanding collections assembled in Britain.

Image: Beth Astington

4. Wildlife Conservation Park

If our Green Heart isn’t quite enough for you, then why not explore the Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park at Canon Hill Park – home to red pandas, meerkats, lemurs, and monkeys, the park plays an important role in species conservation, and is a great throwback to childhood days at the zoo. You can make a full day of it and pay a visit to the Midland Art Centre afterwards, less than a ten minute walk down the road. The centre organises theatre, dance, music and comedy performances, plus cinema screenings and workshops.

5.  Stratford-upon-Avon

Okay, so technically speaking this isn’t quite Birmingham, but this list wouldn’t be complete without paying a visit to Shakespeare country, especially since Stratford is also home to UoB’s own Shakespeare institute. This quaint little town hosts some fascinating Shakespeare heritage sites (free if you invest in a Student Art Pass!), as well as restaurants, shops and other museums. And of course, the RSC, the Black Swan and The Other Place are some of the best places in the country to catch a play – performances are on throughout the year, encompassing everything from traditional Shakespeare to more modern plays like Hilary Mantel’s ‘Bring up the Bodies’.

It’s never been more important to care about the environment, so we have some tips on how to have yourself an eco-friendly fresher’s and make sure you’re starting off university like you mean to go on.

Invest in metal straws

Whether you’re out partying or relaxing with a smoothie on campus, a straw is never going to go amiss when you’re in the mood for a cold drink - especially during Freshers’ week, you’re going to want to keep hydrated! So invest in some renewable metal straws and help reduce the amount of plastic thrown away. They’re reasonably priced and they’re a great talking point when you whip them out in the pub!

In fact, invest in reusable everything!

Water bottle, coffee cup, lunchbox – investing in all of these means less rubbish on its way to landfill AND it’s going to save you money in the long run too! Campus has plenty of water stations to fill up your bottle, and you’ll save money on your coffee every time you bring your own cup.

Go plastic free

It’s hard to do your weekly shop without ending up with a bin full of plastic wrappers and bags, but there are some really exciting ways to try and cut down on the waste. For starters we have our own Fruit & Veg stall on campus to get your five a day without all the plastic packaging. And Welcome Week is the perfect opportunity to load up on enough free tote bags to make sure that you’ll never have to buy another carrier again.

Recycling in accommodation

Sustainability in our accommodation is really important, and we have a loads of initiatives to try and make sure that you’re living as green as can be. In fact, we have a whole set of halls dedicated to it – in the heart of the Tennis Courts accommodation, the Green Community features it’s very own courtyard, 272 solar panels on its roof, 12 apple trees, living walls, bird boxes and so much more. You’ll also have the chance to volunteer for a charity, and organise your own sustainability events!

If you’re not quite ready to commit to this lifestyle full time, then there are still lots of opportunities to make an impact - even something as little as popping your bag of random leaflets from the Freshers’ fair in the recycling, as opposed to the main bin, can help make a world of difference.

Get involved across campus!

Campus is rife with opportunities to help save the planet, and as a member of the Guild of Students, you’ll have over 300 student groups at your disposal; the Environmental society promote sustainable living on and off campus, whilst Vegetarian and Vegan society will help you meet some like-minded ecological eaters. There’s even a part-time Ethical & Environmental Officer in the Guild to help promote the eco-cause at a university level.

Feast on some veggie / vegan food

What is it like to study, revise and take exams at university? How do you stay motivated? How do you manage stress? How to you maintain a balance?

The best people to ask are the students who are actually studying here – so we’ve asked them to share their top tips for ensuring you get the most out of your time studying at university!

1.    Do what makes you happy

Lacking motivation can be quite a flat feeling and it is important to try and stay positive. I’ve found it is much easier to stay positive about work when I’m just more positive in general – which makes sense, right? So, do what cheers you up! Personally, I have a huge playlist that is full of upbeat, strong, positive songs and I have a loud listen to this on my walk to campus, or while I set myself up to work. Music helps me, but find what helps you – it might be watching funny videos, or exercising – whatever it is, do it!

Beth, third year English Literature

2.    Streeeeetch

A little physical exercise will re-energise you and make you feel refreshed. But regular stretching before bed will ensure you sleep better – and we all work better with sleep. Getting quality sleep is hard when you’re stressed, so 20 minutes of gentle stretching before bed could make all the difference. Freddie, final year Business Management & Spatial Planning

3.    Find your ideal space

Find a place to study that works for you. For me this was either the library or at the local coffee shop. I found I got more work done in these places (away from distractions like the TV!) and it helped me focus on what I needed to do and I was less tempted to waste time. Harvey, second year Modern Languages

4.    Say ‘so long’ to social media

Everyone knows social media can hamper productivity but I didn’t realise just how much time I was spending every day mindlessly scrolling until I deleted the apps and saw my screen time plummet. I didn’t delete my accounts completely, I just deleted them from my phone but even this made a huge difference as scrolling on a phone is so much more addictive than on a desktop. Molly, third year English Literature

5.    Get back to nature

Trees, nature, parks. They’re everywhere in the UK! The best thing about most exam seasons being in summer is that the weather is always perfect for a quiet walk in the park. Luckily at Birmingham, the library is a short walk away from Winterbourne House and Gardens, and with free access as a student, I’m sure this May will be filled with beautiful walks. Eaad, second year Maths

6.    Don’t forfeit your social life!

Taking a night off or a couple of hours to catch up with a friend every so often, is essential to keeping your sanity. You can’t be expected to study all the time! If you start early enough, taking a night off to go out with friends really isn’t going to make much of a difference when it comes to your exam. In fact, it will probably help to improve your mood when studying, which in turn will more likely help you to stay motivated. Rachel, final year Biology

It’s officially chocolate season! Well, soon enough. But rather than 4 weeks of drowning your revision sorrows in all the chocolatey goodness you can get your hands on, there is an alternative! We’re here with some scheduling tips to help you structure your break to make sure you get time to work AND play. 

First off...

How do you study best?

Be honest, are you someone who needs the pressure of exams being imminent to crack open a book? Or do you struggle with doing too much and keeping a healthy work-life balance? 

Either way, figuring out what incentivises you to study can be just the thing you need to trick your brain into paying attention when you need it to and being able to slip into thoughtless bliss the rest of the time.

Can’t do anything until the deadline is scarily close?

Can’t stop working?

Do you do random 10 hour stints every few days?

Try making your own small deadlines - as long as you like - but make them manageable! Use a timer on your phone like the Pomodoro or Forest app for 20 minute to 2 hour stints. They help by giving you short timed breaks, so you don’t slip into accidentally scrolling on your phone for 3 hours.

These short deadlines are also good for making you have a break often enough. By completing enough of these stints you should find that you are being productive enough to feel like you accomplished plenty for the day and can take the rest of the evening or afternoon off. 

Scheduling work in daily, even if it’s only a little or more on certain days on others can help with this. Try holding yourself accountable to somebody else, whether a parent, a friend, or a reminder on your phone. 

  https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/846887904904981057/

Where do you focus best?   

Although your saint of a mum bringing you regular cups of tea is total bliss, figuring out the art of focusing at home can be a tricky one. What with parents, siblings, and pets flitting in and out of your room, a lack of actual study space, or the hassle of being subject to other people’s routines and schedules, it can be difficult to knuckle down effectively.

Background noise or eerie silence?

Outside or inside?

With people around or all by yourself?

The hustle and bustle of strangers in a café setting can be helpful for some, or maybe looking into the local library would be a good option for you. Maybe consider sitting outside if it’s nice weather and you have a table outside, it could be quiet enough for you but not complete silence either. 

You could recruit a friend from home to be your study buddy, sometimes just sitting next to somebody that is being productive can be enough motivation to kick your brain into gear. If working alone with no distractions is for you, maybe take an afternoon or a day to completely clear your room or study of all distractions and have a sign up on your door to let your family know when you’re working.

https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/746190231988881523/

When do you work best?

Are you a night owl or are you an early bird? University life may skew this, with many late nights, making early mornings unbearable. But in the comfort of home you may wish to trial the other out.

Schedule your study times at the times of day you tend to be the most alert. A few focused hours really are so much more valuable than many dozy ones. Maybe you like having a really productive day then taking the next day off, and so on and so forth. If this works for you, then go for it!

https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/850476710853183972/ 

Timetable Away!

Using these pointers, create your own personal timetable, structured around your own habits and preferences. Whether you do this in a physical planner or a digital one, we would advise colour coding it for clarity. 

Start by pencilling in any social events or family occasions, then work around this.  

Then make a note of the times of day that you work best.

Write down a list of any essay or project deadlines, as well as exams you will have. 

Break down each of these into components or milestones, whether related to planning, reading, writing, or revision of each section.

Plan in adequate time for each of these, adding in visual indications of when you aim to complete each milestone.

Think of some satisfying way to check these off or reward yourself when you complete these!

DO. 

You know yourself best, plan accordingly. We would advise setting out a couple of hours to do this in its entirety in one sitting, so that it doesn’t become another means of procrastination! We hope this helps, wherever you’re at in your workload!

https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/464574517808029623/

Now go out and plan, planners! 

We hope you have a lovely, and productive(!), break!

As we join the world to mark International Women’s Day on March 8, we thought we’d take a look back through history at some of the women who have achieved great things and made their mark at Birmingham. 

Marie Curie

In 1913 Marie Sklodowska Curie was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the University. During her award, the principal of the University, Sir Oliver Lodge, called Marie Curie “the greatest woman of science of all time”.

Gladys Boone

Gladys Boone (centre) joined the University in 1913. She became President of the Guild of Students in 1915 and graduated with a BA in 1916 and an MA in History in 1917. She went on to become the first recipient of the Rose Sidgwick memorial fellowship at Columbia University.

Dr Winifred Hackett

In 1929 Dr Winifred Hackett was the first woman to graduate from this University with an engineering degree. She went on to study for a PhD and won the prize for the ‘Best Engineer in the University of Birmingham’ in 1930. She then became an aeronautical engineer.

Audrey Kathleen Brown

Audrey Kathleen Brown studied Social and Political Science at the University from 1932. While here she developed an interest in running and became the first female member of the local athletics club to compete at the Olympics, in Berlin 1936.

Mary Lee Woods

In the 1940s, Mary Lee Woods won a scholarship to study Maths here and she went on to create one of the world’s first stored programme computers in 1949. She is also the mother of Sir Tim Berners-Lee who invented the World Wide Web!

Dame Hilda Lloyd

Dr Dame Hilda Nora Lloyd became the first female professor at the University in 1944. She pioneered ‘flying squads’ for the poor and helped save the lives of countless local mothers and babies.

Professor Charlotte Anderson

We like to think of campus as being quite a magical place.  Many areas of campus are likened to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, so we thought we’d take a closer look at the real-life magic happening right here in Birmingham!

1. Potter Soc

With a shared love of all things Harry Potter, the University’s Harry Potter Society celebrates the magic of the Wizarding World weekly - from Quidditch matches and Sorting to a Tri-Wizard tournament!

2. Friendships made on campus

Image: @saept_won

Isn’t friendship just the best kind of magic? The lifelong friendships you make at University are a little piece of magic that you’ll keep with you for the rest of your life. 

3. Student Creativity

Image: @laurapaintsandcreates

We’re constantly astounded by the creativity shown by our students - everyone from our Art Society to our students’ individual artistic endeavors! Inspired by our clock tower Old Joe and the new Fantastic Beats movie, Laura Kirk has created her very own magical creature, The Time Keeper!

4. Campus Sunsets

Image: @jaffsnaps 

Not to boast, but our campus sunsets really are something to behold. Rays of pinky hues over our trademark red brick - the result is nothing short of magical. 

Image: @iridescent_amorp

5. The Vale in the Morning Mist

Image: @alex.leung.photography

A far cry from Dracula’s ominous and omnipresent mists, the early morning mist creates a floating veil over the Vale lake - a magical sight for those that rise early enough to catch a glimpse!

6. Winterbourne Gardens

Image: @nabcaratela

If you’ve never visited, you’re truly missing out. This is a silent haven in the midst of academic stress, away from the hustle and bustle of campus, Winterbourne is a true little secret garden...

7. Campus

Areas of our campus are always being likened to parts of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. We’ve not yet seen a portrait move . . .  but you never know! 

8. Vale Fireworks

Image: @dr_m_o

They’re incredible sight to see, the yearly fireworks put on by our Guild of Students looks like a real show of wizardry!

9. Traditions

Image: @birminghman

Students steer clear of walking underneath Old Joe when he chimes, for fear that they’ll be cursed and fail their exams... Whether truth or mere superstition, we’d advise you do the same...you never know!

10. Our Research

From life-saving strides forward in science to groundbreaking new insights into social norms and behaviour, our academics’s research truly is fantastic. 

You don’t have to watch a fictional movie to enjoy some fantastic beasts! As part of our Fantastic Research project, we’re celebrating the weirdest and most wonderful of beasts that can be found across our campus! From birds to sea creatures of the deep, we’ve got it all. Can you think of any others?

 1. Grotesque Bird

No, we’re not just being rude, that really is its rather unfortunate name! ‘Lamp in the Form of a Grotesque Bird’ (~1620) by Arent Van Bolten can be found in the Red Gallery of our very own Barber Institute of Fine Art.  Designed by a Dutch silversmith, it might appear so odd due to it being designed to appear ‘ear-like’, which was fashionable at the time. Maybe ‘striking’ would be a better fit than ‘grotesque’?

2. Demonic Dragon 

The engraving of ‘The Companions of Cadmus Devoured by the Dragon’ (1588) by Hendrick Goltzius can also be found in the Barber in their Works on Paper collection.

The Barber website describes the piece as: ‘Ripping claws, fangs gouging deep into flesh, scattered heads and shredded bodies provide a graphic portrayal of the fate met by the companions of Cadmus’ - pretty monstrous stuff.

3. Fearsome Fish

The first fish appeared around 530 million years ago and are really quite fascinating! The Lapworth Museum of Geology contains an exceptional collection of fossil fish. The collection forms an important research resource for palaeobiologists within the School of Geography, Earth & Environmental Sciences, and internationally.

4. Mesosaur

Mesosaurs were the first marine reptiles, and grew up to 1 metre in length with a large tail and paddle-like limbs, which were adapted for swimming. They had long jaws with numerous small, sharp, teeth used to catch prey, such as small fish. They are found in rocks that are approximately 280 million years old but, geographically, are restricted to rocks in western Africa and South America. However, one can now be found in our Lapworth Museum!

5. Mantichora

The mystical Mantichora is presented in The History of Four-footed Beasts and Serpents (1658) by Edward Topsell, and can be found in the Cadbury Research Library.

Topsell's history is a 1100-page volume which covers old and fantastic legends about actual recognisable animals, alongside descriptions of mythical creatures such as the Hydra, the Gorgon, Shinx, Manticora, Lamia and Winged Dragon and Unicorn.

6. Boas

Another beast in the Cadbury Research Library - the Boas is a fearsome bulbous child-eating serpent that can be found in Introduction to The History of Serpents (1658) by Edward Topsell. Scary story or undiscovered monster...?

7.  Crotalocephalus Trilobite

This sea-dwelling predator is around 415 to 400 million years old and this exceptionally preserved example was found in Morocco. Listen to Katie, Assistant Curator at the Lapworth Museum of Geology, talk about this fantastical creature. 

8. Rhinoceros

This intricate Rhinoceros (1515) by Albrecht Dürer can be found in the Cadbury Research Library, in Historia animalium. Within this series of encyclopedias, the Swiss doctor Conrad Gessner attempts to describe all known creatures, including reptiles and insects. In 1515, to European audiences, the rhinoceros probably would have seemed a curious creature indeed!

9. Mermaid

Our beautiful Mermaid is the most fantastic of creatures! She features in our coat of arms and this wonderful sculpture of has sat outside the Guild of Students since 1961 - smiling at visitors and welcoming them to campus.  It was created by Birmingham sculptor William James Bloye who designed both this fountain and the mermaid relief on the exterior of the Guild of Students building. 

Now find out more about our Fantastic Research. 

What do you mean how to study? I know how to study? Well, moving on to a whole new level of study can be a daunting task. Many students find themselves with a lot of independent work which can be a challenge to tackle at first and find themselves feeling lost with where to start, but with some self-discipline, clear strategies - and a lot of Post-It notes - staying on top can be a breeze.

1.  Stay organised

Image: @studiesbyg

Keep track of everything you have to do – this is crucial for staying on top of work. Get a planner or a diary (paper or electronic) so you can write down work as soon as you get it and help organise deadlines and prioritise work. The University offers free academic planners to all first years so it’s well worth getting your hands on one if you can! It’s also important to keep close track of your classes and possibly make a timetable so you can see what times you have commitments and plan work/extra-curricular activities around this.

2.       Make usable notes

Image: @coffeemilk

Making notes in lectures that you can refer to easily will make life much easier when it comes to revising for tests throughout the year. Hand-written notes or typed notes will work better for you depending on which subjects you study and your preferred learning style, so take a few weeks to try out a few methods and find what works best for you, then stick to that style as much as possible. Make sure your notes are well-organised, either with a well-labelled filing system or clearly-named documents on your computer, so you can find specific notes at a moment’s notice.

It is also really important to keep track of your reading as you go by referencing everything properly the first time (page numbers and editions of books, or links to online sources) so that when it comes to writing the bibliography for an essay or project you don’t have to spend ages finding where you got one small bit of information from.

Remember, our Academic Skill Centre in the Library can help with study skills.

3.  Find the study space which works for you

Everyone’s brains work differently, so everyone has different places they prefer to work. For some, working in their room is ideal as it’s convenient and comfortable, but the University also offers loads of different study spaces so you can switch things up and figure out what works best for you. From coffee shops with some subtle background noise to traditional desk spaces in the central library, there are loads of different environments for you to work in alone or as a group.

Check out our Study Spaces site for a handy map as well as occupancy levels of our main study spaces.

It also helps to know when you work best. Some people prefer early mornings so that they can get their work done and have their evenings free, whereas others prefer late-night study sessions where they can work without any other commitments in the day. The main library is open 24/7 during term time with many other study spaces open long after classes have ended so you can study whenever and wherever you like.

4.  Don’t be afraid to ask!

I’m going to write this in bold because it’s very important: This is possibly the most important piece of advice any student or staff member at the university can give you! The staff are here to help in any way they can, there is no shame at all in not understanding something that a lecturer has dedicated their whole life to researching when you’re only just starting out. There are plenty of people to turn to, from module tutors to your personal tutor, who is there for any issue you may have whilst at university. You’ll never regret getting that confusing bit of information sorted out sooner rather than later.  

With so much going on during Welcome, food seems to become a last priority and finding time to cook seems like a drag. But we have some tips and some super easy beginner recipes that will soon have you eating well and on a budget. Of course, if you’re in one of our meal plan accommodations you’ll hardly have to worry about cooking, but you may find some of these tips helpful all the same!

Where to shop

The cupboards at home – before you even leave for uni, raid the cupboards to see if there’s anything in there you can get away with taking with you to avoid having to buy. Think cans, pasta, rice, snacks – every little helps! 

Morisson’s and Aldi – If you’re on the Vale, Morrison’s is your nearest supermarket (about a ten minute walk), or they even do delivery. Doing a flat shop together is a great way to figure out what stuff you need to get communally as well as getting to know people. For students in Selly Oak and Pritchett’s, Aldi is your best bet and a student favourite, with extremely cheap food right on Bristol Road!  

If you’re on the Vale and only need some milk, Costcutter is right in the heart of the student village in Shackleton Hall.

Spar – If you remember you need something whilst on campus, the Spar shops in University Centre and in the Guild have a lot of groceries and convenience food for a quick lunch.

Delivery – Many students like to do an online shop if they’re too busy to make the trip to the shop, and with major chains like Tesco, ASDA and Sainsbury’s all nearby there’s plenty of choice.

Where to grab a quick bite

The campus cafes – There are cafes all over campus – in the library, under University Centre, in the Bramall, the Muirhead, the Sports’ Centre – the list goes on! If you need a midday pick me up or a lunchtime snack there’s loads to choose from.

Subway – in the Guild and another student favourite.

Go Mex/Cafe – University Centre is the commercial centre of campus, and the two cafeterias offer food from all over the world, including what is commonly called ‘Birmingham’s best burrito’- but you’ll have to try them out and decide for yourself!

Wokfresh - dig into those noodle! Find them under University Centre.

Where to have a sit-down meal

Joe’s – The student bar in The Guild has a menu full of fantastic pub food (the nachos are a personal favourite), with specials all throughout the week, including an all-day breakfast on Sundays and two-for-one pizza on weekdays with a Joe’s card!

JC’s – If you’re on the Vale, you can go the JC’s restaurant at the bottom of Chamberlain tower for full table service at great prices (fancy!).

InFusion – This is where most first years on meal plan eat their dinners with a range of foods and theme nights throughout the year, but you can also pay by cash or card so it’s not just for those on meal plan!

Image: @helloems_

Image: @vspinkuob

About to drop off a loved one to begin an exciting new chapter in their life? You may want to spend a little time exploring the University yourself so you can get a feel for the place and entertain yourself whilst they’re at their welcome lectures. So, we have few suggestions of things you can do over Welcome Weekend while your student is busy!

1. Chill out at Winterbourne

Image: @framesofmoments

Winterbourne House and Gardens is right on our campus (G12 on your campus map) and features a historic Edwardian house and a 7-acre botanical garden. It’s gorgeous.   You can also get a cream tea in the café or explore their second-hand bookshop while you’re there. What better way to escape the crowds and relax?

2. Visit the Lapworth Museum of Geology

Image: @rebecca.louise95

Our Lapworth Museum of Geology is right in the centre of campus (building R5 on the map) and holds the finest and most extensive collection of fossils, minerals and rocks in the Midlands. Dating back to 1880, it is one of the oldest specialist geological museums in the UK. AND we have our very own dinosaur Roary! It’s even got activities for children if you’ve got younger family members with you!

3. Stop off at the Barber Institute of Fine Arts

Image: @what_a_joy

Yet another fantastic attraction right in the heart of campus (R14). The Barber boasts one of the most celebrated small fine art collections in Europe, with works by Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, Auguste Rodin, J. M. W. Turner, and Rubens. It also features a concert hall frequented by both the University’s music groups and professionals who regularly perform in the venue.

4.  Explore the city

Image: @meg_alys_

Forget everything you remember about Birmingham – it’s changed! Jump on a train from our station right on campus, it will take you less than 10 minutes to get to Grand Central Station in the heart of  Birmingham city centre. Go shopping in the Bullring and Grand Central, go sightseeing at the top of Birmingham Central Library (offering panoramic views across the whole of Birmingham), or experience some culture at Birmingham Museum and Art gallery. You could also venture down to the Custard Factory in Digbeth for a movie at the Mockingbird, food at Digbeth Dining Club, or try out the UK’s largest zero-waste supermarket, the Clean Kilo.

5. Attend the Parents’ Address!

Of course the most important thing to do is to attend the Parents’ Welcome Address!  This is your chance to be greeted by the University and hear about our all the services we have available for students - from student mentors to our mental health and wellbeing service. It’s a great way to get a comprehensive understanding of all we offer students at UoB and help put a nervous parent’s mind at ease!

Image: @redbricknews

The first day of University can be daunting – where do you go? What do you do? It feels like you should be doing loads of stuff straight away, but often the initial rush of moving all your stuff in can suddenly become very quiet once it’s all done. It’s important to remember that everyone’s moving in experience is slightly different depending on when they move in, but here’s an example of what the first five hours at University could be like to help put your mind at ease.

 Hour 1

Pick up your keys and head to your accommodation. Once you’ve figured out which flat is yours and wound your way through everyone else milling around, you head into the flat and find your room. At UoB the Guild provide a welcome team, consisting entirely of students, to help you find your flat, help carry boxes and answer any questions you may have the moment you get there.

They’ve all been through the move-in process too so don’t be afraid to ask them questions, no matter how small! The flat may be totally empty and silent if no-one else is in, or it could be crammed full of people if everyone is moving in at the same time with their whole family helping. You move in all your stuff and look at the piles of boxes in your room, with no idea where to start. You decide to make a cup of tea using your brand new kettle instead.

Hour 2

Tea-drunk (and possibly some flatmates introduced by this point) you start to put some things away, and already realise you’ve forgotten something important, meaning it’s time for your first trip to the shops! IKEA is only a 20 minute drive away and there are supermarkets all around, so there are plenty of options. Stock up on milk, bread, and stock cupboard essentials, also a laundry bag could be helpful, moving in is hard work).

Hour 3

You return victorious from your trip to the shops and finish unpacking your stuff. Things are still not quite in the right place and posters aren’t put up, but suitcases are emptied and boxes are flattened. You remember the University’s Insta Story about posting a picture of your Uni room and you want to join in, but it will have to wait. It’s now time for the emotional goodbyes as your family head off (you must remember to call them as soon as you’ve made a friend).

Things seem quite quiet so you go into the kitchen to meet your flatmates – you’re very nervous but surely opening a packet of biscuits will help?

Hour 4

Introductions have been made and you’re getting on really well with your flatmates – of course you get on better with some than with others but they’re all really nice! You’re just asking after the final person of your flat who is due to arrive when you hear the door unlocked and bags bashing along the hallway – your final housemate has arrived! You all rush to help them with their things over cheery introductions (their dad tells you about the traffic).

Hour 5

Everything has settled down again and all of you are sat in the kitchen wondering what to do next. Things are a little awkward, sure, but you can tell you’re going to get on well. You think about dinner and as a group you discuss the options: you could go out to eat? You could cook as a flat? You decide to order takeaway and watch some trashy TV before heading out on your first flat outing.

COMING to university can be a scary time - from meeting new people to starting a whole new stage in your academic career, there’s loads to think about! On top of that you have to remember all of the little things to bring with you to make sure the transition to student life is as smooth as possible . . . But don’t worry! Here’s a list of some of the smaller things you may have overlooked whilst packing!

Important information

Passport/ photo ID

Yes, you have your student ID (if you don’t you can pick yours up from our welcome marquees during welcome weekend!) but a government-issued photo ID will allow you to do all kinds of things - from applying to jobs to going out in the evenings.

Student discount cards

Cards like your NUS card or your 16-25 railcard are vital to living the frugal student lifestyle, they’ll make eating out, shopping and traveling around so much cheaper - when UoB has our very own train station, why not make the most of it?

Proof of address

Think bank statements – having proof of your home address can be really helpful if you want to apply for jobs or get a library card at the city library (if 2 million books in the university library isn’t quite enough for you!)

Electricals

Extension leads to make the most of the plug sockets in your room.

A memory stick to keep all of your important documents safe and avoid a last minute essay-panic – SAVE your drafts, just do it.

International Adaptors if you’re coming from abroad so you can charge your devices as soon as you get here.

Kitchen

Plastic food containers so you can make huge pots of pasta and save the rest for later.

Stock cupboard essentials pasta, rice, tinned tomatoes, spices so you don’t have to rush to the supermarket the moment you arrive – even if you’re in one of our catered accommodations it could be helpful to have a few bits and bobs around in case you’re not ready to embrace the pyjamas-are-most-definitely-for-popping-to-the-local-shop lifestyle yet.

Washing up liquid so you don’t get a quick build-up of dirty pots and pans.

Do not bring a toaster/ kettle/ sandwich press unless you’ve spoken to your housemates first - otherwise you’ll end up with a pile of six kettles you have no idea what to do with! Find your flatmates via our Facebook New Starters group  to speak to them in advance and organise who is happy to bring what and share out the load.

Image: @lydia_uoileh

Bedroom

Duvet and bed linen so you don’t have a very cold first night. Also bring a mattress protector to make your bed as comfortable as possible.

Coat Hangers so you have somewhere to put all of your clothes.

Decorations so your room can feel more like home – pictures of family and friends, extra blankets and cushions, ornaments, and souvenirs can all make your room feel cosier and help if you start to feel homesick. Now take a photo and share it with the University’s social media channels!

Image: @nuala_gallagher

Clothing

A winter coat as winter will come around quickly once term has begun.

A smart outfit or two that you can wear for job interviews, networking events or society balls.

Gym kit, you might as well act like you’re going to work out, you never know, it might actually happen!

Some versatile fancy dress bits that you can use again and again.

Stationery

Post-it notes so you can write greetings messages to your flatmates – sometimes it can be easier to introduce yourself with a friendly message to break the ice, especially if you’re feeling nervous.

A folder so you can start to organise your notes from introductory lectures as soon as you start.

White Tack so you can stick all those photos you brought on your wall!

Image: @ciciiicik

Others

An umbrella to protect yourself from the unpredictable British weather.

A water bottle and thermos so you can save money on drinks whilst also saving plastic.

Toiletries and medicine such as painkillers and vitamin C tablets to help ward off fresher’s flu (even though that’s impossible, you almost certainly will fall victim within the first month or so!)

Toilet paper because an awkward bathroom trip is possibly the worst way to make a first impression!

Just make sure you bring your sense of adventure with a healthy sprinkle of enthusiasm and you can’t go too far wrong! 

Your exams are over, your uni accommodation is all packed up, and all there’s left to do is graduate. But how do you mark this milestone?

1. Thank Old Joe for just being there

Image: @jobrightify

2. Enjoy that weight off your shoulders

Image:  @gregorylrobinson

3. Throw your hat in the air and hope it doesn’t land on your head coming down

Image:  @benpitman

4. Get the family involved

Image:  @tilllys

5. Finally take that walk under Old Joe

Image: @ maishmellow

6. Squat (it’s a thing apparently!) 

Image:  @uobslavsquat

7. Defy gravity

Image: @laurencomposer

8. Take a gazillion photographs

9. Replicate your dad’s graduation photo from his degree congregation in 1978

Exams are Tough. With a capital T. It’s a stressful time for all students, whether you’re a first-year or a finalist!

However, there are a few simple things you can do to make sure you’re totally ready for your exams. With these tips, we’re aiming to make you an exams guru!

Take care of yourself:

Eat During exam season, it’s tempting to live off instant foods. After all, less cooking equals more time for revision, right? Try to resist these temptations - your body and mind will thank you! Take the time to cook healthily or make healthy choices at food outlets. BBC iWonder and NHS Choices have handy guides on eating well - do have a look.

Delicious, healthy breakfast by UoB’s @megs.veg

Sleep Sleeping well is so important. A good sleep cycle improves concentration, mood, energy levels - among other benefits!  If you’re struggling to get to sleep, have a look at the NHS’s tips for getting a good night’s sleep.

Relax Although you may be trying to revise as much as possible, taking a break from the lecture notes to relax will improve your efficiency. You brain needs to recharge after studying! Exercise is a great way to relax and destress - have a look at the classes offered by the Sports Centre. We’ve also produced a little guide on the best places to relax in and around campus!

Students topping up on Vitamin D!

Listen to the experts:

Lecturer Zoe Schnepp posted a series of great tips over on Twitter to encourage students to be exam ready!

Get off social media!:

Follow the exam rules:

Now for the boring bit.  Exam rules are there for a reason, and a silly mistake could lead to an unintentional breach. With these tips, you can put the rules out of your mind and focus on smashing your exam!

Phones in pockets Even if it’s turned off, having your phone in your pocket is a possible offence. Make sure your phone is silent/turned off and in the designated area. If you are unsure where the designated area is, please speak to your exam invigilator, they are there to help.

Writing on your arm Check your hands and arms for any notes or writing - be it revision aids or yesterday’s shopping list. Invigilators won’t know when the notes were written, so it’s always best to keep your hands and arms clean.

Notes in permitted texts If you’re bringing in a permitted text to the exam, double check that there are no notes left in the pages from your revision. This could land you into trouble with the invigilators for obvious reasons - we don’t want that!

And finally, remember to...

Bring your student ID card.

Empty your pockets.

Remind yourself that you’re doing great!

[here’s some more stuff that you should remember to bring]

Remember: If exams and stress are getting on top of you, don’t hesitate to use the support networks available to UoB students. You’ll find Counselling and Well-being services here. The Birmingham Nightline are also a dedicated support and information service run by students, for students.

1. We have an original Monet painting This one is for all you budding art historians - our Barber Institute of Fine Art (yes, campus has its own art gallery) contains ‘The Church at Varengeville’ (1882) by Claude Monet, considered the father of French Impressionism. A painting of his recently fetched $81.4 million in a Sotheby’s auction… Hopefully our copy isn’t going anywhere.

 Photo: @barberinstitute

2. Peregrine falcons nest in our clocktower You’ve probably heard a lot about our beloved clocktower, Old Joe. Most people know that he is believed to have been the inspiration for the Eye of Sauron in the Lord of the Rings books and (possibly) the clocktower in the Pixar movie Monsters University. However, Joe keeps the peregrine falcons that nest in him rather secret. It’s thought that these incredible birds can dive at speeds up to 200mph - we’re very lucky to have them! Sometimes they can be spotted around campus; they most definitely can be heard!

Photo: taken by our Estates team at the top of Old Joe

3. We have one of the oldest Qur’an manuscripts in the world Buried in the Cadbury Research Library for conservation purposes, the manuscript was discovered by researchers in 2015 and is believed to have been produced between AD 568 and 645. That puts it close to the time of the prophet Muhammad himself (circa AD 570-632). The news of the radio carbon dating made the front page of the New York Times - it’s hard to stress the cultural and historical importance of this manuscript!

Photo: SeekersHub

4. We have a Whispering Gallery Whispering galleries are feats of engineering. Usually circular, they allow whispers to travel from one point on the circumference to any other point. Think plastic cups and string… without the cups and string. Ours is located above the main entrance in the Aston Webb building, out of bounds to us mere mortals!

5. We have a dinosaur His name is Roary. He lives in the Lapworth Museum. (yes, campus also has its own Museum of Geology).

Photo: megantravels360

6. There’s a fresh fruit and veg stand in the middle of campus If your mum is badgering you eat healthily at uni, tell her that we have our very own fruit and veg stall in the heart of campus!   

7. We have our own Shakespeare Institute Based in the picturesque heart of Shakespeare country, Stratford-upon-Avon, a variety of Shakespeare-literature postgraduate courses are taught at the institute. It’s well worth a visit if you get the chance - you might be lucky enough to meet the Institute’s feline resident, Squeaky.

Photos:  ellamchawk;  filip9wuw0

8. We have our own observatory Housing a high-power telescope capable of photographing deep space, the  University of Birmingham Observatory is a fantastic resource for students and the wider community. Astronomy in the City stargazing events run by the Physics department are hugely popular with staff, students and the general public!

Photo: Astrophysics and Space Research Group

The University also acts as the steward for the historic Grubb telescope on the roof of the Poynting Physics building. The 80-year-old telescope sits in a ‘shed’, which can be rolled back to reveal the ~4” refractor telescope.

September

Moving in weekend! The arrival of freshers from their summer holidays means campus is awash with exited new faces, proud families...

...and Instagram frames!

Photo: UoB Accommodation Service

October

It’s not long before our leafy campus is awash with autumnal colours - reds, oranges, yellows and purples. It really makes for some great photos! 

Photo:  Damien Walmsley

November

UoB students are blessed with an incredibly dedicated Guild of Students. Every year, the Guild put on a fantastic free fireworks display on the Vale, complete with fairground rides and lots of food/drink stalls. Not to be missed! 

Photo:  @uobguildofstudents

December

Before you know it, the Christmas adverts on telly and you’ve got stuck into your advent calendar. The wonderful Guild are again on hand to ensure students are getting in to the festive spirit, organising the annual Christmas on Campus event. Fairground rides, a life-sized snow globe, dodgems... and yep, you guessed it, all free!

January

There’s nothing quite like a crisp winter morning. This was taken at our resident Botanical Garden - Winterbourne House and Gardens - doesn’t it look lovely?

Photo: @winterbournehg

February

We can’t make any promises, but if it’s anything like this year...

Photo: tiffrij

March

The arrival of spring turns campus into a living canvas. Daffodils, crocus and other spring flowers are dotted all over the place!

Photo: @artsatbham

April

It’s (hopefully!) starting to warm up and the cherry blossom is in bloom. Students are busy revising for their exams - at least campus looks lovely!

Photo: @unibirmingham

May

Exam season. If the sun’s out you’ll certainly find people working outside, topping up on Vitamin D! 

Photo: @unibirmingham

June

Exams are over, time to kick back and relax. 

Or maybe not. Party the weekend away at ValeFest, the largest student-run charity festival in Europe. Taking place in early-June, this is must-do event! 

Photo: Vale Festival

July

Campus is brimming with hats, gowns and graduands - it’s graduation time. Let’s hope that by July 2018 the dab has gone out of fashion!

Photo: @artsatbham

August

Campus is much quieter but no less pretty; here’s our resident mermaid outside the Guild of Students. As students are enjoying their summer holidays, lots of preparations will be being made for the new cohort of freshers, ready to begin new year at UoB!

1. The Mass Spectograph, 1922

Francis William Aston’s humble beginnings – born in nearby Harborne, 1877 – belie his profound contributions to the study of Chemistry. A recipient of two degrees from the University (BSc 1910; DSc 2014) and later a lecturer, Aston’s invention of the mass spectrograph earned him a Nobel Prize in 1922.   It fundamentally changed the way elements were studied. The mass spectrograph allowed scientists to identify Isotopes in stable elements. With the redevelopment of the spectrograph in 1927, within eight years the principal isotopes for all but a few elements had been discovered. Now known as the mass spectrometer, Aston’s instrument remains in use to this day and testifies to his enduring legacy.

Image: Telegraph

2. Sir Norman Haworth’s work on Vitamin C, 1937

You don’t have to go back far in the history of the University Chemistry Department before finding Sir Norman Haworth. As a teaching fellow, Departmental Director, Dean for the Faculty of Science and Acting Vice Principal (1925-48), Chemistry at the University flourished under his leadership. However, his was an impact felt far beyond the confines of campus. Haworth’s foundational text The Constitution of Sugars (1929) became a standard text for Chemistry students. Eventually the importance of his work was recognized when, in 1937, he was awarded a joint Nobel Prize for his work on carbohydrates and the synthesis of Vitamin C. Not only did this lead to advances in organic chemistry; it paved the way for the cheap production of the vitamin for medical use.

Images (L-R): Encyclopedia Britannica, University of Birmingham  

3. The Cavity Magnetron, 1940

What is the connection between the University’s Physics Department, World War Two, and the domestic microwave oven? The answer: Harry Boot and John Randall. Working in the Physics Department, in 1940 the pair built a device capable of emitting pulses of microwave radio energy on a 10cm wavelength. Their ‘cavity magetron’ was an unprecedented invention, effectively making airborne radar possible. However, the pair could not find funding to develop the magnetron in Britain, suffering as it was under the strains of war. Under top secrecy, Winston Churchill authorised the ‘Tizard Mission’. Scientist Henry Tizard took Boot and Randall’s prototype to the USA, where an agreement was brokered for the development and mass production of the magnetron by American scientists. By early 1941, American and British planes were fitted with portable airborne radar. This would fundamentally alter the course of WW2. As one American historian put it, this was “the most valuable cargo ever brought to our shores." After the war, the cavity magnetron was developed to power microwave ovens, facilitating their mass production. To students this is perhaps the more enduring legacy!

Sir Henry Tizard (centre) pictured with MIT scientists during the Tizard Mission Image: MIT News

4. Fitting of the first heart pacemaker, 1960

Pacemakers are now used across the world to treat heart defects. This is thanks, in no small part, to the pioneering work of University of Birmingham alumni Leon Abrams and Ray Lightwood in the late 1950s. Setting out to tackle the high mortality rate associated with open heart surgery, and the unreliability of available pacemaker circuits, the surgeon Abrams, electrical engineer Lightwood and a team at Queen’s Hospital Birmingham developed the revolutionary controlled variable rate heart pacemaker. Using electrodes attached to the heart, all electronic components were kept outside the body. This solved issues of pain and infection associated with existing pacemakers. The first implant was successfully completed in March 1960 and by 1964, the Lucas-Abrams device was in commercial production. Fittingly, in June 2015 the world’s smallest pacemaker was implanted at Queen’s Hospital to Elsie Day, 55 years after the ground breaking work by Abrams and Lightwood.

Abrams pictured with his device; and the new, world’s smallest pacemaker Images (L-R): Birmingham Mail, Bloomberg

5. Male fertility tests, 2006