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Social and cultural programmes

Students will have the opportunity to enjoy a range of day trips and events offered through the Birmingham International Summer Social programme, which is included as part of the fee package. It's a fun way to experience British culture, explore the UK and make friends.
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Welcome!

Step into life at the University of Birmingham and start your summer with new friends from around the world. In your first few days, you'll get a guided tour of our beautiful campus, discover Birmingham city centre, and enjoy a welcome event at The Exchange. It's the perfect way to settle in, make connections, and begin your BISS adventure.

  • A large group of young people stand under a high ceiling with a bright orange sun sculpture hanging above them

    Students listen to speeches at the welcome event in The Exchange under the magnificent sun sculpture

  • Six students smile at the camera standing in the Lapworth Museum

    Students at the farewell event in the Lapworth Museum

  • Three students pose in red and blue kayaks on the canal.

    Students enjoying seeing Birmingham from kayaks on the canal

  • Summer school students in front of the fountain

    BISS 2025 group posing with 'Floozie in the Jacuzzi'.

  • A group of smiling students pose in a car park with red brick buildings behind them

    Students outside the Lapworth Museum, enjoying the sun at the farewell celebration

Exploring the UK

The social and cultural programme includes exciting day trips to some of the UK's most iconic destinations. Previous BISS students have visited Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon and Liverpool, as well as local highlights such as the Black Country Living Museum, Cadbury World and a variety of relaxed and informal on-campus events. Experience the best of the UK while making friends with students from around the world.

  • A large group of students pose at the entrance to Cadbury World

    A day out at the world-famous Cadbury chocolate factory is delicious!

  • Summer school students posing in the streets of Oxford holding umbrellas

    Seeing the sights of Oxford on a day trip

  • Summer school students posing with the London eye in the background

    BISS students on a trip to London.

  • Summer school students posing with Ozzy the Bull of Birmingham city

    We love the famous Ozzy the Bull at New Street station in Birmingham.

  • Summer school student group posing for picture on a sunny day

    BISS students on a day trip to Black Country Living Museum

Support every step of the way

From the moment you arrive, you'll be supported by our dedicated BISS team and student ambassadors, who are current University of Birmingham students. Whether you need help settling in, recommendations for the best places to eat, or advice on exploring Birmingham and beyond, there's always someone on hand to help.

As a Birmingham International Summer School student, you'll have access to dedicated wellbeing, advice and support services from the Birmingham International Academy Wellbeing and Student Experience Team. Our friendly staff are here to help you feel confident, connected and supported throughout your time with us.

Looking for a way to stay active, try something new, or meet other students? You can also take part in a wide range of sports and activities through our Active Residences programme. Open to all abilities, it's a fun and welcoming way to build confidence, make friends and get even more from your summer experience.

  • Summer school students posing for the camera on a University of Birmingham campus

    Exploring UoB campus, students posing in green heart, with our famous Old Joe in the backdrop.

  • Summer school students discussing their class work

    BISS students brainstorming during a lecture.

  • A lecturer holding a hand written white board for the Summer school students

    Academic class in progress for our BISS students.

  • Summer school students in a sterile environment of a lab looking at the monitor and conducting an experiment

    A lab session in progress for BISS Biomedical students.

Farewell

Celebrate all you’ve achieved and say goodbye at our Farewell Reception in the stunning surroundings of the Lapworth Museum of Geology. It's the perfect excuse to dress up, take photos with new friends, and mark the end of an unforgettable experience.

  • three summer school students posing for a fun picture with props

    Dressing up for our farewell celebration

  • back of two summer school students who are clicking a selfie

    And capturing some memories!

  • Two students walk towards the camera carrying plates and drinks inside a museum

    Students enjoy the farewell celebration event in the stunning Lapworth Museum of Geology.

  • Summer school students posing with their lecturers holding completion certificates

    Certificate conferment to the BISS 2025 students.

  • three Summer school students laughing together

    BISS means laughing with new friends!

I really enjoyed my lectures and lab works. We got to learn about things like obesity and microbiome. I got to learn new lab techniques and how to refine and other finer details. I got to interact with a lot of friends, discover many England cities, learn a lot about the UK and its way of life. 

Saad, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands
Biomedical, BISS 2025

Contact us

Contact the BISS team

FAQs

Check our frequently asked questions