Welcome to your new home

We can’t wait to welcome you to our student community. But we know it’s not easy when you’re new and far from home. That’s why we’ll do everything we can to make you feel part of the University family and help you settle in.

Getting here and moving in

The first thing is to get here and move in. If you’re living in University accommodation, you can choose your preferred time and date to move in on the Accommodation Pass portal.

Pick up your ID card

As your home address is outside the UK, you can collect your ID card once you arrive on campus.

Plan your Welcome calendar

There’s so much going on in the first few weeks of university. So plan ahead for the events you’d like to attend for your course. Plus, there are plenty of other activities and we don’t want you to miss out. Here’s what to look out for.

Arrivals Weekend: Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 September

This is when most students move into their new accommodation, meet new people and start exploring our campus. We’ll be on hand to help it go smoothly, introduce you to new friends and find your way around.

We know it can feel scary when you’re in a new country and you don’t know anyone. You may also feel a bit homesick at first. But everyone’s in the same situation and everything will be set up to make things easier. Of course, if friends and family want to travel over with you, they’re very welcome to attend some of our activities and events.

Welcome Week

Welcome Week starts on Monday 18 September and marks the start of Semester 1. It all starts with your induction and orientation to life at Birmingham. We’ve got a great programme of events in store to get you excited and help you feel at home. It’s where lots of induction and orientation will happen. You can also build your personal plan around it, using our Welcome Timetable. Here’s what to expect during the week:

• Take part in academic induction sessions, meeting students and staff from your School, College and Course.
• Visit the Wellbeing Marquee and get involved in activities, or simply find a space to relax.
• Join a campus tour, learning where everything is and what’s on offer.
• Meet our sports teams and clubs at the Sport & Fitness Fair.
• Attend your College Welcome event and the International Welcome Celebration.
• Go to the Guild of Students' exciting Welcome events and activities, including the Societies Fair.
• Collect your student ID card from the Welcome Hub, if you haven't already.
• You’ll be able to get your BRP card if you chose to collect it from the University.

What happens after Welcome Week?

When Welcome Week has finished, the warm Birmingham welcome doesn’t stop there. We’ll continue to give you all the support you need, hosting events and activities long after Welcome Week is done. Meaning whenever you arrive, you’ll have chance to join in.

Our Welcome Registration Hub will still be open, where you can get your ID and BRP cards (if collecting from campus). You can find out all the latest events and information on the student intranet and our MyUoB app is another great way to stay connected.

Guild of Students events

The Guild of Students is your students' union, here to help you get the most out of university life. They’ll have a busy calendar of welcome events, including the famous Societies Fair and Welcome Fair, where you can find like-minded students (and a few freebies too).

Beware of unofficial events

You may see some unofficial Facebook groups, or chats on WhatsApp and Snapchat. They may be called ‘University of Birmingham Freshers’ or look like they belong to your accommodation site.

But while they could be genuine and fun to join, just be careful. Many of these groups are set up by promoters who want to sell you tickets to events that aren’t linked to the University or Guild of Students. You will find all official events on the Guild of Students' website and Facebook page.