Welcome to campus! We're delighted to have you here, and you and your guests can take time to explore and visit our Arrivals Weekend activities.
Arrivals Weekend is for all students, whether you've moved into University or partner accommodation, are living in the local area, or commuting to campus, completely new students or students returning for second or later years. You're welcome to bring guests with you, whether that's family or friends.
Getting your ID card
If you live in the UK, you may already have had your ID card posted to you. If not, you can collect your ID card from the Welcome Registration Hub. The Hub is in the marquee (big white tent) outside the Main Library and is open 10:00-16:00 on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 September. The Welcome Registration Hub is open throughout Welcome.
Car parking and travel
Parking on campus is free over the weekend. The North East Multi-Storey car park on Pritchatts Road has plenty of space (please be aware of spaces reserved for the Edgbaston Park Hotel), and there will be a free shuttle bus running to The Vale Village. Our Security teams will be on hand to direct you if car parks become full.
If you're moving into accommodation, please head to your site for your booked moving-in slot. Find out more about moving in.
Please avoid parking on residential roads around campus, out of courtesy to our neighbours.
Birmingham Clean Air Zone
If you are driving to campus, make sure you are aware of the Birmingham Clean Air Zone, which covers the city centre. Vehicles that do not meet the emission standards for the zone are subject to a daily fee. Campus itself is outside of the Zone, and it is possible to travel to campus from all directions without passing through the Zone. Many cars and vehicles are exempt. Find out more and check if your vehicle is exempt.
What's happening on campus
Moving in?
Your Hall Reps' Pizza Parties are the perfect way to meet your neighbours and get to know the people you're living with - all over a free slice of pizza! Pizza Parties take place 17:00-19:00 - check the Guild's events page for details.
Living locally?
Drop in to our Commuter Students' Social to meet other students living out and travelling to campus. Call in the Wellbeing Marquee between 11:00-13:00 on Saturday 16 September to come and say hello.
Campus tours and Information Points
Our Information Points outside the Main Library, in University Square and at the Aston Webb Main Reception will be open across Arrivals Weekend. You can pick up a Welcome map, grab a lanyard, and ask any questions you might have, from the nearest toilets to the best days out in Birmingham! Our Welcome Assistants will be on hand to help you.
Campus tours for new students and their guests will take place at 12:00, 13:00, 14:00 and 15:00 on Saturday and Sunday. No booking necessary - just meet outside the front doors of the Main Library.
Canal boat tours
Hop on a traditional narrowboat and explore the Birmingham-Worcester canal. The boat will run between The Vale Village (next to Maple Bank) and Selly Oak (next to Battery Park), stopping off at University station on the way.
The boat will depart the Vale at 11:00, 13:00 and 15:00, and from Battery Park at 12:00, 14:00 and 16:00. It will also stop at University station about half past the hour. There's even a bonus trip from the Vale into the city centre, departing at 17:00!
No need to book, just come along - look out for the Welcome Assistants. See canal boat timings for more details.
Welcome Fair
Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 September 10:00-16:00, Monday 18 September 10:00-17:00, Great Hall, Aston Webb
The Welcome Fair is a great way to find out about the teams and departments here to support you, including Colleges, the Student & Community Living Teams, Careers Network, the Community Safety & Security Team, Worklink and many more. No booking required, just pop in!
Wellbeing Marquee
Saturday 16 - Friday 22 September, 10:00-16:00, Marquee (big tent) next to Chancellor's Court and Old Joe
The Wellbeing Marquee is one of our key venues over Arrivals Weekend and Welcome Week. It is where lots of organised activities and events take place, but also a space you can drop in to chill out, meet the pets as therapy dogs (and their owners!), do some crafts or take part in some relaxed sports throughout the week. You will also be able to meet and get information from some key internal wellbeing teams and local organisations working to support you at the University throughout your studies.
Make sure you pop in throughout Arrivals Weekend and Welcome Week to see what's going on.
Looking for a quieter space? We're taking over the Aston Webb Study Space, where you can find relaxed activities and current students to chat to. Head down the stairs by Bramall Music Building - our Welcome Assistants can help.
Live music
Head to University Square (the bit in the middle of campus) for live music from some of our students and local artists. Take some time to relax and soak in your surroundings.
Food and drink
Exploring campus can be thirsty work, so why not take a break and grab a drink or a bite to eat. Our catering outlets are open at slightly different times to normal - check out what's available
Fellows Coffee Shop (Bramall)
Open 08:00 - 16:00, Bramall Music Building, Chancellor's Court (R12 on campus map). A relaxed cafe space, selling hot and cold drinks, cakes, sandwiches and snacks.
Costa Coffee (Sport & Fitness Centre)
Open 08:00 - 18:00, Sport & Fitness Centre (O7 on campus map). As you would expect, a Costa coffee shop, offering all the delicious coffee shop items.
Fellows Coffee Shop (Main Library)
Open 09:00 - 16:00, Main Library (R30 on campus map). A relaxed cafe space just inside the library, selling hot and cold drinks, cakes, sandwiches and snacks.
Joe's Bar (Guild of Students)
Open 12:00 - 21:00, Guild of Students (O1 on campus map). Our traditional Students Union bar is a good place to relax with a drink, or grab a bite to eat with a good range of reasonably priced burgers, pizzas, salads and other pub lunch favourites.
Street Food in University Square
Open 11:00-15:00, University Square. A variety of street food stalls offering a range of cuisines.
Winterbourne House and Garden Terrace Tea Room
Open 10:30 - 16:30, Winterbourne House & Gardens, (G12 on campus map). If you fancy something a bit special, try our very own botanical gardens tea room for a more relaxed setting. You can enjoy drinks, snacks and cakes, a light lunch or even afternoon tea, whilst looking out on to the beautiful Winterbourne gardens. Remember, students get free entry to Winterbourne with a UoB student ID card and students' guests get access for £1 throughout Arrivals Weekend and Welcome Week.
After Arrivals Weekend?
For details of our catering outlets at other times, please see the main campus catering page.
Exploring campus
Main Library
The Main Library will be open over Arrivals Weekend. Students can access the building with a student ID card, and family and guests are welcome to come and look around - just speak to the Reception desk. The café will be open, and there are public access toilets, including a Changing Places accessible toilet.
Sport & Fitness Centre
The Sport & Fitness Centre will be open over Arrivals Weekend, and staff will be on hand to answer questions about memberships. The Costa Coffee will also be open as usual.
Guild of Students
The Guild of Students' building will be open over the weekend, including Joe's Bar and Subway. Pop in for a bite to eat, or visit Reception with any questions.
Great Hall
The Great Hall is one of our most iconic features - over Arrivals Weekend it will host the Welcome Fair, so you can come on in and explore.
Other buildings on campus
Some buildings may be closed or limited access over the weekend, however you are welcome to walk around campus as you wish, and visit any buildings which are open. Our Welcome Assistants and Information Points can help point you in the right direction.
After Arrivals Weekend
Arrivals Weekend is just the start - we've got plenty more happening across Welcome Week and beyond to help you keep settling in.
Find out what's happening in Welcome Week