Make the most of university life! Discover 10 essential bucket list ideas, from joining societies to exploring Birmingham’s hidden gems and festive events.
Life at the University of Birmingham has so much to offer, from festivals to picnics to Christmas markets. Here are 10 of the most essential things I think you need on your university bucket list!
The University of Birmingham has over 500 societies and clubs to get involved with. These range from course-specific societies, sports clubs, those dedicated to particular interests, and even more niche ones like cheese society! There is something for everyone and societies are a great place to make friends and spend your free time outside of studying.
The Vale Village at the university is covered in beautiful green scenery, a huge lake and lots of trees and nature, making it the perfect place for a picnic, especially for study breaks during the spring term! Grab your friends, some snacks and a football, and you’ve got yourself a lovely afternoon.
Wolverhampton racecourse hosts a student race day each term throughout the academic year. There is a bus that goes straight from the university, and it is such a fun day to dress up with your friends and watch the horse races. I would recommend this for a different day out.
There are exciting games going on every Wednesday on the Bournbrook pitches that are great to go and watch, whether you are supporting a friend or just want to watch some sport. One game I would particularly recommend is Kickstart - this is a big rugby or American football game usually during the first semester where our cheerleaders, the Pussycats, perform at half-time. There are also fireworks at the end!
Wednesday nights across most universities are notorious for Sports Night. Ours is held in the Guild of Students and before the actual club night begins, sports teams hold their own socials. These often have an outfit theme and lots of games. Good luck attending your Thursday morning 9am though!
Digbeth is such a cool area of the city, with graffiti artwork at every turn, it also holds a myriad of vintage shops and independent stores. Some of my favorite's include Cow and Redbrick Market. Whilst you’re there, be sure to take a break in one of the many coffee shops.
When the nights are starting to get a bit colder and Birmingham city centre is getting increasingly busy it can only mean one thing… it’s time for the Birmingham Christmas market! This is an authentic German market selling drinks, yummy food, as well as Christmas presents. The vibes are great and it’s a brilliant way to get into the Christmas spirit with your housemates.
Balls are often hosted by courses and sport societies towards the end of term and are such a lovely way to get dressed up (something that does not always happen at uni!) and celebrate all of the year’s hard work.
Selly Oak is the heart of the student community at the university, particularly after the first year. Club nights at Circo on Mondays and Fridays are the closest you will get to having everyone you have met at university in one place. There are also pubs like the Goose and the Bristol Pear that are great places to have a catch up. I also cannot forget about the brilliant places to get a curry, the Soak and Dilshad’s!
Valefest is a festival put on by the University of Birmingham students in our very own Vale Village! Throughout the day there are performances by local artists, student bands and more well-known artists. Previous headliners have included Birmingham-based band Overpass and the Hunna!
I am currently a second year politics and international relations student at UoB! I love going to the gym, playing netba...
