The 10 best things about being a Uni of Birmingham student
Ash Sutton
13 June 2025 • 6 min read
The views and opinions expressed in these blogs are those of the UniHomes Content Ambassadors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of UniHomes. UniHomes accepts no liability for the content of these Student Blogs.
About the author: Hi! My name is Ash, I am a Digital Media and Communications student at the University of Birmingham. I am an aspiring lifestyle, arts and culture journalist and all-around geek. In the times I’m not spending an absurd amount of money in restaurants, you can usually find me tucked in the corner of my bedroom with a coffee and my latest cross-stitch kit, rewatching a Marvel movie or listening to Broadway soundtracks until I am sick of them.
As one of the UK’s Russell Group universities, the University of Birmingham (UoB) is one of the most sought-after places to gain a degree. Besides the first-class education and prestigious qualification, the Uni of Birmingham has many features that put this institution above others for students. Here are my top 10 favourite things about being a UoB student.
A beautiful campus
Spanning 250 acres of land, the University of Birmingham is one of the most visually aesthetic campuses in the Midlands; the buildings are grand and beautiful structures that are deep-rooted in the history of the university. From Old Joe Clock Tower to the intricate detailing of the Aston Webb building, the campus architecture is awe-inspiring. Surrounding the buildings, University of Birmingham has plenty of greenery. The biggest pride of the uni is their Green Heart, which provides a perfect place for a picnic on a sunny day.
The Artisan Market
On a lucky Tuesday (usually the first one of the month) you may stumble upon the Artisan Market in University Square. Having only started in October 2024, it has already become a delightful surprise on campus. Home to over 50 independent retailers, the market gives students a place to browse for a never-ending supply of trinkets, crafts and baked goods. Just make sure you come with a stash of pocket money as it's near-impossible to wander the stalls without buying something!
So much culture!
The University of Birmingham is more than just an education institution — it also has a multitude of cultural activities dotted across campus, most of which people don’t realise! The Lapworth Museum of Geology can be found within the Aston Webb building. The museum is one of the UK’s oldest and displays a plethora of rocks and even a T-Rex skeleton. Entry is free and is a great way to spend an hour between lectures.
The history continues into the corridors of the Aston Webb building, as most walkways have a range of historical artefacts and statues that you can read about on your way to class.
The Barber Institute of Fine Arts
Ever wanted to go to an orchestral concert on your lunch break? At UoB you can do just that. On Fridays, the Bramall Music Building provides students with the chance to engage with a variety of classical musicians via their lunchtime concerts. Again, like the Lapworth Museum, admission is free. The Institute also offers evening and weekend concerts, so students are never starved for entertainment.
University services
The University, like many others, has its own wellbeing and careers services located within University Centre. Their utmost priority is to ensure all UoB students have a pain-free experience at Birmingham. The wellbeing team can provide counselling, advice and assignment extensions to those who need them as well as setting up Reasonable Adjustment Plans for students struggling with physical and mental health issues so they can receive extra support in class and surrounding exam periods.
The career service provides support with CVs, cover letters and interviewing skills which students can use to help get themselves into the job market. They put on group sessions, open themselves to 1-1 drop-ins and even proof-check and give feedback on documents over email.
Field trips
Outside of lectures and seminars, the university offers regular field trips related to your course. If you're a Digital Media and Communications student, the department gives students the opportunity to travel to Stratford-upon-Avon once a year to watch the RSC’s latest production, all for free!
The Guild of Students
The University of Birmingham’s Guild of Students was one of the things that drew me to Birmingham. With over 100 societies and an entire dedicated to the union, the Guild of Students is a hub of student life. There is absolutely something for everyone from the Cheese society to the Doctor Who society, and it really makes being a UoB student all the more fun.
Guild student media
The Guild of Students also homes Birmingham’s media centre. Including Birmingham’s student-run paper Redbrick (my biggest passion at uni), BurnFM the radio station, GuildTV, the international magazine The Linguist and the Photography Society; Birmingham’s student media is an enriching experience for budding journalists, presenters, producers and writers. Being part of something like Redbrick or BurnFM can also land students a plethora of external opportunities, and maybe if you’re lucky you could land yourself a job as a UniHomes Content Ambassador like me!
FAB XO!
The weekly club night of UoB takes place every Saturday across Joe’s Bar and the Guild’s Underground Night Club. The club night gives students four rooms of music for only £6 and is a convenient and safe environment for Birmingham students to enjoy a drink and a dance. The Guild also put on Sports Nights every Wednesday in the same place, for the athletic sort and those particularly keen on fancy dress.
Our UniHomes Content Ambassadors are current students across the UK who share tips about student life in their city to help you make the most of your time at uni. If you're interested in writing for our programme, click here for more details.
