Preparing for University
Get ready for your new life as a student
Help and advice
If you're heading to uni soon, you're bound to have loads of questions about how best to prepare, and what you need to know. We've put together some handy info so you can start your uni experience in the best way possible!
What to take to uni
Packing for uni? Here’s our checklist so you know what to take and what you can leave at home.
Read moreStationery essentials
Our list of everything you need in your pencil case to make sure you're ready for lectures and study sessions.
Read moreFinance and budgeting
We cover all you need to know about finance and budgeting before, during and after uni.
Read moreHow to make friends
Nervous about making friends? Check out our top 3 ways to put yourself out there and make connections at uni.
Read morePreparing for the academic side of uni
Find out more about the shift to university study and how to get yourself ready.
Read moreDifferences between school and uni
Starting university is exciting but it also brings a lot of change. Find out the key differences you can expect at uni.
Read moreGET READY FOR UNI: THE PODCAST!
Wondering what university has in store? First-year students Ethan and Libby host BCU's Get Ready for Uni podcast, where they discuss their experiences of studying at university so far. From managing money for the first time, to discovering a new city, they cover all of the big questions you might have about making the transition to university life.
Preparing for university
Birmingham City University students, Jess, Tierney and Shelby are here to advise you on how you should be preparing for university
Birmingham
A-Z Guide of Birmingham
If you're new to Birmingham, discover all you need to know about the city and what makes it special in our A-Z Guide.
Get to know BirminghamFreshers guide to Birmingham
We've compiled everything you need to check out as a fresher in Birmingham - from bars to fun places to go.
Places to go26 facts you didn't know about Birmingham
We all know Birmingham is the UK's second city. But what makes it really great, you might ask?
Discover BrumGet ready for uni: LIVE!
Starting university this September? We hosted a series of live talks, with sessions from real students and expert staff. From making friends to budgeting, getting work experience to feeling motivated, our sessions will be a productive and fun way to get ready for university this Summer.
Hear from our students
How much I spend at uni
Second-year student Emily shares how much she spends weekly on accommodation, food and other essentials.
Student living costsHaving a part-time job at uni
Caitlin shares what it's like balancing part-time work and university, and what the challenges and benefits are.
Working alongside uni