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Campus life

Societies, sport and culture on campus

You will have the opportunity to explore new activities, cultural collections and develop new skills on our vibrant campus

The Guild of Students 

As a student at the University you’re automatically a member of The Guild of Students – our students’ union. The Guild exists to help you develop skills outside of study, have fun, meet new people, and make sure everyone gets the most out of their university experience.

University is a time for growth and self-discovery and many students choose to fill their time outside of their course by finding likeminded individuals and joining a club or society. At Birmingham there is something for everyone with over 500 to choose from. From Acapella to Harry Potter, and Shakespeare to Match of the Day, whatever your interest there’s something here for you. And remember, if there’s not a club that interests you, you can always start your own.

The Guild operate an extensive social calendar including club nights, workshops, fairs, debates and more. The University works in close collaboration with The Guild to organise Welcome (our name for Fresher’s) to ensure that new students have everything they need from the moment they arrive.

There are also lots of volunteering opportunities and campaigns you can get involved in through The Guild of Students. They’ll also help you to find a part-time job alongside your studies, and the Guild is also home to a wide range of support services to help students navigate their way through university life.

The Guild of Students

Arts and Culture

The University of Birmingham is home to a diverse cultural offer which includes public museums, galleries, archives, libraries and cultural venues. Our cultural collections and venues deliver innovative and high quality research, teaching and public engagement. Together they present a diverse range of events and performances throughout the year. We look forward to welcoming you.

Lapworth Museum

Winterbourne

The Barber Institute of Fine Arts

After my gap year, and juggling everything university life has to offer, I missed exercising and the impetus it gave me to look after my body and make healthy dietary choices. So, I got into a new routine and found that I could do it all!

Courteney, English and Creative Writing student

Sport and fitness

Sport & Fitness is for all at Birmingham – home to international sporting scholars and world-class fitness facilities. From the Commonwealth Games Legacy to Campus League tables, your sporting journey starts now…

Sport and Fitness
Men's tennis match being played on courts
Become a Birmingham Lion and choose from 62 sports clubs offering something for all fitness and ability levels. Compete against other Universities nationally in the BUCS leagues – or try a new sport. Wednesday fixtures, socials and events are all a part of Birmingham student life.
Women's indoor netball match
Represent your course, department or society in competitive and social leagues across the university with Campus League.
Aerial view of campus sports pitches
The University has two international standard hockey pitches, flexible 3G pitches which can be used for 5-a-side and 11-a-side football, as well as netball and tennis courts, and a 400m athletics track at Edgbaston Park Road.
Sport and fitness club entrance
Opened on our Edgbaston campus in 2017, Sport and Fitness is a world-class facility with two gyms, 50m swimming pool, three studios, six squash courts, climbing wall and 200sm of arena space. 2023 also saw a gym refurbishment of the floor and 200-station machines. Tiverton Gym based in the heart of nearby Selly Oak also offers a student-only multi-functional gym option.
Women playing indoor badminton
Book indoor and outdoor courts and pitches online for your choice of sport. You can also choose from 150 classes per week ranging from dance, to yoga, to body combat, or join our Level Up Workshops led by our in-house experts.
University of Birmingham student athletes in varsity kit.
At Birmingham, sport is for all.

Next steps

See also