What is Student Support?

Making the transition to university is a big step which can be both exciting and a nerve-wracking experience. We are committed to providing the best support to all our students so you can get the most out of your university experience. That’s why we’re on hand to offer advice, support and knowledge on a wide range of issues.

Let’s explore everything on offer when you join Birmingham City University.

View video transcription

Academic Support

All of our teaching staff offer an open-door policy for students. Practically, this means that you aren’t limited to just your teaching time to ask questions. Most staff will post one-to-one session availability should you need more time with them, but if you have a question you can check their office hours and pop in to see if they are available for a quick chat.

You will also be assigned a personal tutor when you enrol at Birmingham City University. This member of academic staff will be your best port of call for any course-specific questions. They are a good sounding board for any issues you may be having, as they will likely be teaching on your course anyway, giving them intimate knowledge of your coursework and assignments.

Study Support

To help students fulfil their full potential, our Centre for Academic Success provides advice on a range of study skills through workshops and one-to-one appointments with our experts. So if you need help brushing up on your presentation skills, guidance on how to use punctuation marks or advice on structuring your essays, we have the support you need to succeed.

Mental Health and Wellbeing Support

We recognise the growing importance for students to have access to support for their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing, which is why we have a professional health and wellbeing service available on site.

Our experienced advisers are available for confidential drop-in sessions to discuss a range of matters, so whether it's difficulty sleeping, trouble settling in, or a mental health concern, you will have access to the support you need. We also offer a counselling service to students on-site – this is free and a great resource for those who might need a little extra help.

Disability Support

Our Disability and Mental Health Advisers offer advice, information and practical support to all students with a disability, medical condition, illness, mental health condition or specific learning difficulty, such as dyslexia.

Get in touch with our Disability Support Team to find out what sort of support could be available to you. For example, our support comes in various forms: extra time and support with assignments, specialist learning equipment, or in some cases a designated learning support worker - all intended to support the learning experience.

Financial Support

You may be feeling anxious about your finances and wondering how you are going to manage to pay for your tuition fees, living expenses and other costs associated with going to University. Our Finance Team, can help you get to grips with budgeting and money management, as well as provide advice on loans and grants.

Depending on your course and level of study, you may also be eligible to receive financial support for your tuition fees and living costs while you study with us.

Career Support

Careers+ is a fantastic way to take your skills to the next level, ensuring you leave us work-ready. The Careers+ team can support you with searching for work experience, placements and internships as well as a whole host of other support, including interview skills and CV writing.

Mentor Support

Our mentoring programmes are designed to help you settle into university life and enhance your professional experience. For academic and personal support, the university has a number of buddy schemes, where first-year students are paired with second-year students from their area of study.

When it comes to enhancing work skills, our professional mentoring scheme connects students with professionals working within Birmingham, to allow you to explore relevant career paths and develop networks within your industry.

Student Union

The Birmingham City University Student Union (BCUSU) is run by students, for students. The Student Union is here to make sure you enjoy your time at University. They run all of the varsity sports teams and student societies, which are available for all students to join. They cover all kinds of interests, from skiing and snowboarding and video games to crafting and dancing. There are also a variety of religious and international societies.

Starting university is always going to feel daunting, but hopefully a whistle-stop of all the student support services on offer has helped put your mind at ease.

If you’ve still got some questions why not take a look at our Student Support Hub for more information?

Clearing - give us a call card - clearing hotline

Clearing 2025

If you're considering your options for university this year, Clearing is a way for students to find the right course and university. Whether you aren't sure you'll meet your predicted grades, you've changed your mind about your firm choice, or you haven't applied yet, Clearing could be for you!

Find out more about Clearing

Related Content

What is a SU?

Going to university can be daunting, but the Students’ Union can be a big help. Most universities will have a Students’ Union – but what exactly are they?

Top tips for your first week at uni

Student vlogger Olivia shares her top tips for your first week at University.

What is Clearing?

Steffy and Josh applied to BCU through Clearing and never looked back! They discuss their journey through Clearing and their advice for applicants going through the process.

How to look after your mental health and wellbeing at university

University is an exciting chapter of your life – and 99 per cent of the time, it really is. However, sometimes it can be challenging with the student lifestyle taking its toll on your mental health.

[Music] welcome to BCU I'm Amelia and I'm here to talk about all the support services you can access as a student here. Throughout your time here as a student at BCU you'll have access to our full range of services. Any concerns questions or problems that you may have, then we're here to support you all the way. When you need it our team will be on hand to direct you towards specialist support that you may need. If you need disability advice, whether you're struggling with your finances or your mental health, help is at hand. Teams are also here to help with any academic challenges along the way, as well as offering career advice. All the information you will need about contacting student support can be found on the BCU website, this is where you'll be able to make contact with us. We have a money and childcare advice team, a mental health and well-being team, and an academic support team to help you with all elements of university life. You can also speak directly to someone at your Faculty Student Centre. Here on campus you'll be able to access our free and confidential services. It might be that if you have struggles or concerns you need to chat about you will be able to make an appointment with one of our therapists or advisers to either access short-term advice, longer-term counselling or support with accessing NHS treatment or practical support such as more time for assignments. BCU also has a well-being app available 24/7 and is full of loads of tips and tools to help address anxiety, stress and build confidence. These tools and techniques include mindfulness, breathing control and more. Look for the BCU well-being app on your app store to download. If you're a student that requires disability support you'll be able to make an appointment to speak with one of our disability advisers in the student inclusion team. There are also informal events and workshops that take place regularly to create a safe and welcoming environment for students from crafts to yoga. Each faculty has its own dedicated Faculty Student Centre this is your one-stop shop for all student support and guidance. Our Faculty Student Centre team will be able to advise you or point you in the right direction. So, that would include any of the support areas we've already talked about as well as other things like accommodation or financial advice. While you're at BCU should you run into any financial issues or worries, help is available to give you budgeting advice on making ends meet. As well as supporting with advice and information on budgeting and money management, the Money and Childcare Advice team can support you in accessing an emergency fund for BCU students in hardship, and a Student Pantry which helps students access food. They can also offer specialist advice for care leavers or students with childcare responsibilities. Birmingham City University has a unique financial support package called BCU Boost to support you all the way through your studies. This includes tonnes of advice from finance experts, and budgeting tips and benefits such as our big food discounts available here in our Curzon cafeteria and across all of our campuses. We're here to help you prepare for your professional future. The Careers Plus team provides help with CVs and applications, searching for jobs, interview advice, and even support for self-employment. This is the Careers Plus Centre in the atrium of the Parkside building, but every faculty has a Careers Plus office where you can arrange an appointment or drop in to get help achieving your goals. The Centre for Academic Success is BCU's central learning development service, helping to equip you with the academic skills required to complete your course. You can also book individual tutorials online and arrange to meet up with Student Life Coaches. The centre provides a whole range of support, including help with essay writing, project management, and improving your study skills. This has just been a quick look around at what student support is available at BCU. if you search BCU student support online then you can find in-depth information on each area of support that we offer, or of course drop in at your Faculty Student Centre. Student Support are here to help you to be able to just concentrate on why you're here, to study and to get the most out of uni life. [Music]