My Medicine and Surgery Open Day experience

What to expect?

Visiting universities can be extremely daunting. It’s okay! You are not the only one thinking this I promise. One top tip is to make sure you register for the Open Day. This sends you all the information on the subject talks available, where to find them and other general information that is good to know before you come.

As soon as you arrive there is lots to do on campus. You can take a tour of university accommodation, learn more about sports on campus, speak to students and staff, and enjoy some delicious food!

I decided to sit back and listen to the music which was playing by some of our students. It was incredible to soak in the exciting atmosphere of everyone thinking of coming to the university, as well as their families, friends, and lots of dogs too! I mean, who wouldn’t want to sit in the sun looking at Old Joe!

Inside the Aston Webb building there were multiple welcome talks running throughout the day. If you’re unsure about Birmingham, this is the perfect talk to come to as it tells you exactly why you should join the university and what you should do on an Open Day. Our Medicine and Surgery subject talks also take place in this amazing building (which feels just like you’re in Harry Potter).

There was also a student life marquee next to Old Joe which had multiple stalls covering things from student wellbeing and what campus has to offer to, where to live and so much more. This marquee is 100% worth a visit if you’re worrying about anything or have any general questions.

Visit the Medical School

Over at the Medical School there was lots to do! There were talks in the lecture theatre throughout the day about the different courses the College of Medicine and Health offer. In the common room, each course had a stall set up where you can ask any questions. Our very own lecturers who teach on the Medicine and Surgery course were there for you to talk to, as well as some current students! Student ambassadors were also leading tours of the building so that you could see the facilities such as the prosectorium, and ask any questions about what studying at Birmingham is like.

And make sure you don't forget to meet the infamous MedSoc!! As the biggest Medical Society in the country, we have lots of societies and sports for you to find out more about on the day. Our Medsoc president, and other members of the Medical Society were there talking about what events are on throughout the year as well as the societies you can get involved in once you are a student. The Basic Life Support team were also offering everyone the opportunity to get a masterclass in CPR. 

Head to The Vale

The Vale is one of three accommodation villages (and my personal favourite!). I started my tour of the accommodation by grabbing a map from one of the lovely student ambassador’s and headed to one of the open flats to walk around and view the accommodation. Here you can see exactly what your room could look like and imagine how you’d decorate it! There are lots of friendly student ambassador’s leading tours of The Vale Village and answering any questions about student life and moving out.

My top tips

• Attend an Open Day - You’ll be living at university for at least three years so it’s great to get a feel of the campus. It’s a super fun day with lots to do. It really gives you the feel of university life.
• Make the most of the day – Whether you want to learn more about your course or speak to the students about student life, have a rough idea of what you want to see.
• Take it all in! – It can be difficult to keep track of all the information you will get at an Open Day. Try to make a note of what you find out or ask your family and friends to help.
• Explore the Sport and Fitness centre – If you are interested in sport or joining a team, make sure you visit Sports and Fitness! Take a tour of the gym and facilities and speak to the captains and coaches of our university teams. Make sure you head over to the pitches to see our teams in action!