Where in the world is BCU?

Going to university in the centre of England is such a good choice – you’ve got a huge variety of transport options on your doorstep, and loads of places to visit, whether that be by plane, car, bus, train or (canal) boat. Not only is the world your oyster if you’re based at BCU, but there are amazing opportunities for your career and work experience, plus countless things to do for fun.

Birmingham

BCU is based right in the centre of Birmingham, which in itself is right in the centre of England. The City Centre Campus is based, you guessed it, in the city centre, with the School of Art and School of Jewellery close by. The City South Campus is in Edgbaston, a few minutes away from the centre and easily accessible by public transport. Birmingham’s three main train stations (New Street, Moor Street and Snow Hill) can get you to virtually anywhere in the country, and you can snap up great advance fares if you’re smart with when you book. Buses or coaches can also get you to where you want to go – there’s a huge coach station in Digbeth, 10 minutes’ walk from BCU City Centre Campus. 

History

Birmingham has a rich history, and BCU is no different – we can trace back our origins to 1843! The UK’s second city is the home of the industrial revolution, and was a buzzing centre of trade for centuries. More importantly, the best chocolate in the world was created and is still made in Birmingham to this day – Cadburys! You can find out more about Birmingham’s history in our article exploring how the city came to be and what sets us apart. {link}

Day trips from Birmingham

Here’s our top tips for where to go on a day trip from Birmingham – there’s so many places you can go to enjoy everything from culture to history, shopping to scenery! Read more about these destinations in our article about the best day trips from Birmingham. 

1. London 

(Distance from Birmingham: 1h20m by train)

2. Stratford-upon-Avon

(Distance from Birmingham: 40m)

3. Lichfield

(Distance from Birmingham: 40m by train)

4. Peak District

(Distance from Birmingham: 1h45m by car)

5. Alton Towers

(Distance from Birmingham: 1h by car)

6. Worcester

(Distance from Birmingham: 40m by train)

7. Cotswolds

(Distance from Birmingham: 1h35m by car)

8. Oxford

(Distance from Birmingham: 1h05m by train)

Job opportunities

As Birmingham is the UK’s second city, there’s no shortage of opportunities for employment, whether that is during your studies or after graduation. BCU has great links with industry, meaning that you’ll gain invaluable experience while you study on your course, too. Beware to always check your visa requirements and what restrictions you might have on working while you are here!

Entertainment

Birmingham has it all: shopping, theatres and cinemas, restaurants, bars, parks, bowling alleys and even crazy golf! Whether you stick to the city centre or venture out to Digbeth, Kings Heath, the Jewellery Quarter or Chinatown, there’s something for everyone here. The independent scene is flourishing, and with HS2 (a new high speed train line linking the country) and the Commonwealth Games around the corner, the city is only set to bloom even further. You can discover more of what the city has to offer for entertaining in our article on what you can do in and around Birmingham. 

Sport

Birmingham is renowned worldwide for its links with the sporting world, in particular cricket! Edgbaston Cricket Ground plays host to national and international tournaments – the perfect summer activity for study breaks. Birmingham will also be home to the Commonwealth Games 2022, with opportunities for employment, easy access to catch the action, and to feel the buzz of the city! On top of this, the arenas and sporting grounds across the city host many sporting events. Not forgetting top-level football clubs Aston Villa and Birmingham City. You can even take part yourself and become the next Sportsperson of the Year at BCU’s Doug Ellis Sports Centre facilities.