Each year around a quarter of the University’s first year students choose to live off-campus with their family, partner, friends or by themselves. The University provides information and support for these students through Staying Local.
Staying Local Hub
There will be a Staying Local Hub in the Main Library ilounge (R22, Edgbaston campus map) on Saturday 17 September, where you can meet up with new friends, or just take a break and eat lunch.
Many students use the Hub as a meeting place prior to going to induction events at their school/department and the Guild of Students. Local students from previous years will be available to give you tips and answer your questions. You can also pick up information about public transport links, keeping your bike secure, personal safety, car shares and more.
FOCSOC activities
Freshers off Campus Society (FOCSOC) are a Guild of Students society set up by local students, specifically for local students. Whether you are living at home, in off-campus halls or other non-university accommodation, FOCSOC are for you!
They organise activities such as sports and social events, which are great opportunities to meet other students in similar situations, make friends and live Uni life to the max!
Home Students' Officer
Your Home Students' Officer for 2011/12 is Mikayla Jones. You can contact her on:
Mikayla Jones, Home Students' Officer "My name is Mikayla Jones and I am your Home Students Officer (HSO) 2011-2012. I am one of seven student elected volunteers, called a 'non-sabbatical officer', who - along with the seven Sabbatical team members - make sure that students at our University are represented within the guild and wider campus. My specific role is to represent of all of the Home Students at Birmingham. Not an easy task, but I am looking forward to the challenge!
There is plenty of support for Home Students here at Birmingham, you just have to look. In the Guild there is the Home Students Association and FOCSOC; some degree courses have targeted events; there is the staying local team in the University and of course me. You are not alone there are hundreds of us! I know exactly what it is like to study at this University whilst living at home. I am currently in my 3rd Year of Social Policy living with my parents and in no way have I let this hold me back and neither should you!
When the opportunity came to run for HSO I jumped at the chance and luckily for me, I won. I was voted in on my manifesto aims of improving commuting, computing and community. During this year I hope to meet as many home students as possible, but you do not have to wait for me to get to you, if you want to contact me for any reason my details are above.
Have an amazing year!"