History student Grace shares her experience with student life at the University of Birmingham, as well as her tips for how to get the most of your time at uni.
Hi guys! I’m Grace, a second year history commuter student at University of Birmingham. I just wanted to share a bit about all the wonderful opportunities on offer to make the most of your student life at the University of Birmingham, as well as my tips and tricks of how to get the most out of it!
One of the great things about attending the University of Birmingham is the wealth of options we have for societies. As a commuter, this makes it so easy to find societies which fit around my schedule.
For example, I attend craft society, which runs weekly during the day on campus, so that I can get stuck in. Societies are probably the best way to make friends at the University and whether its sports, craft (or even cheese!) it's made it so much easier for me to break into the social scene.
Top tip: joining a society that hosts virtual sessions (such as Video Game society) can help you to stay connected to the campus community whether you’re at home as a commuter or just back for the holidays.
I found that my course-mates are a fantastic way to make friends and are often my first port of call for going out. As a history student, I take advantage of course-based events such as History Hobnobs and events organised by the History Society to get stuck in with my friends on my course. I also attend SHaC (School of History and Cultures) trips using our institutional membership to English Heritage and National Trust, making it easy to get off campus with friends from my course.
There are honestly too many events on campus to list here, but some of my favourites include the regular live music at the Bramhall Music building, weekly quiz and bingo nights at Old Joe’s and performances organised by other music and theatre societies.
One of the best things about the University of Birmingham, (although perhaps I am biased as a proud brummy!) is the amazing city which is just a five-minute train ride from the campus. Birmingham has an incredible food scene, too many shops to count and a range of music and theatre to take in.
Another tip: students can get £5 tickets to Birmingham Symphony Hall, and I have been lucky enough to go take in many concerts there because of this.
Bonus tip: Get involved at home, whether you’re a commuter or just home for the holidays
Getting involved in campus life and wider student life has also given me the confidence to begin attending events at home I wouldn’t have dreamed of before. I attend my local parkrun every Saturday, as a good way to get out of the house when I’m not on campus, and it really helps me to feel socially connected whilst I'm away.
Most importantly, don’t be afraid to get stuck in, as you don’t know what activities might be the start of a new friendship or hobby!
Folk Society event
History BA
Hi, my name is Grace and I study History at the University of Birmingham.
