Life on campus
At Birmingham City University, we ensure there are opportunities for everyone to get the most out of student life. BCU has recently been awarded Gold for Student Experience in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) which means we put your development and happiness at the forefront of everything we do.
Your Students' Union
Birmingham City University Students’ Union is there to ensure you have the best possible time at university. They don’t just offer over 50 societies to get involved in, they also organise events and activities, from Welcome Week to discounted day trips. Our City Centre campus pub, The Eagle & Ball, regularly hosts quiz nights and karaoke nights for you to make memories with your new university friends.
The Students’ Union represents your interests and works to make your student experience better throughout your time here. It’s also a great place to go to access advice and support on academic, money, housing and health issues. Your Students' Union is with you every step of the way.
Welcome week
Welcome Week, also known as Fresher's Week, is your chance to get to grips with your course, meet new friends and most importantly, have a great time.
Your first week at BCUSport at BCU
At BCU, we offer tonnes of sports and activities you can get involved in, whether you want to compete, stay active, meet new people or do all three!
Get activeLife in Birmingham
Join us at BCU and you will be studying right in the heart of a vibrant city with lots to see and do just a few minutes’ walk from the campus.
All about BirminghamTake a virtual tour
Experience a day in the life as a BCU student through immersive 360-degree tours of our campuses. Take a look at our industry-standard facilities, innovative learning spaces and bustling social spots.
Social spaces on campus
Eagle and Ball Student Pub
Our Students' Union pub is the perfect place to meet friends, whether you're looking for an affordable lunch between lectures or an after-uni quiz night.
City South Social Kitchen
When you need a break from lectures and studying, Social Kitchen offers hot food, coffee and drinks to wind down with friends.
Costa and Starbucks
Both of our main campuses offer chilled spots to enjoy a real Starbucks or Costa coffee (at a reduced price!) whilst you study or catch up with mates.
Accommodation
Want to live on campus during your time at BCU? View our accommodation portfolio, decide which option suits you and get advice for how to apply.
Employability support
Employability is at the heart of all our courses but it doesn't end in the classroom. Our industry connections, career support and practice-based learning prepare you for the working world. If your goal is to own your own business, BCU has the highest number of student and graduate business start-ups of any university in the West Midlands (HESA, 2022).
Student jobs
We advertise a lot of our roles to students first, and Birmingham is full of shops, bars and part time work opportunities.
Student jobs at BCUPlacements
We work on course-related projects and student placements with companies and organisations like Gymshark, Microsoft, Cisco, Unity, Jaguar Land Rover, Sky UK and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.
Placement opportunitiesGraduate+
Our Graduate+ scheme embeds career-related skills into every one of our degree courses and gives you the skills employers want.
More about BCU Graduate+BCU Boost
BCU Boost is a unique financial support package designed to simplify your student life at BCU, from the moment you apply, through to graduation day. It includes travel incentives, helpful tips for managing your finances, access to professional financial support, and discounts on food and drink across our campuses.
Finance, learning and student support
Throughout your student journey, you’ll have access to our full range of support services, including career advice, mentoring, advice on finance, mental health and academic support.
Finance
Finance is a key factor when deciding to take a higher education course. We can help you navigate finance management.
Help on financeLearning support
If you choose to study at BCU you can be confident that your learning needs are our top priority and we have teams to fully support you.
Learning supportStudent support
Our professional support services are there to help you through a variety of circumstances during your time at BCU.
Support servicesHear from our students
The best people to tell you about life on campus are our students. Explore our blog to see what a day in the life of a BCU student looks like.