Information Day Guide

Check-in/meeting location: Medical School (B1)

Check-in/meeting point: Medical School (B1)

Check-in/meeting location: Medical School (B1)

By train

Travelling to the University by train is the easiest and most convenient option. We are the only university campus in mainland UK with its own railway station - University station. Trains run up to six times an hour from Birmingham New Street, and the journey takes around seven minutes.

Please be aware that the University station opened in January 2024. The former station building is now exit‑only and cannot be used to access the platforms. On Open Days, a one‑way system will be in operation to help manage passenger flow and reduce queues.

To enter the station, please use the main entrance on the Medical School side of the building. If this is your first time visiting the new station, we recommend allowing a little extra time to familiarise yourself with the new layout.

For the latest information on train times and ticket prices, please visit National Rail.

Coach and bus travel

There are frequent express coach services to Birmingham from London, Heathrow and Gatwick airports and many other UK cities. The long-distance coach station is in Digbeth in the city centre. This is just a 12-minute walk from Birmingham New Street station or a 15-minute taxi ride to our Edgbaston campus.

If you are travelling from within the West Midlands, several local bus services stop at different parts of the University’s main Edgbaston campus, the Vale Village accommodation site, and the Selly Oak campus.

Bus service numbers: 1, 1A, 48, 61, 63, 76, X20, X21, X22

For more details on routes, timetables and fares, please visit the National Express West Midlands website.

Campus parking

Parking on campus is limited, and we unfortunately cannot guarantee a space for visitors. We strongly recommend using public transport where possible.

If you are driving, our staff/ambassadors will be on hand when you arrive to direct you to the most suitable parking area.

The main car parks for Information Day visitors are:

• North East Car Park (via Pritchatts Road) - B15 2SA
• Brailsford Drive Car Park (via Vincent Drive) - B15 2QU (EV charging stations available)

If visiting the Medical School, we recommend parking at Brailsford Drive Car Park. 

Please note that parking costs £3.50 for the day. Get the complete travel information.

Blue Badge parking

Visitors with a Blue Badge can use the designated accessible bays on the main campus. Please enter via the East Gate on Edgbaston Park Road (postcode: B15 2TS). Spaces cannot be reserved.

Selly Oak parking

Selly Oak train station is a short walk from campus and has a large car park with nearly 400 spaces, and parking is free, making it a convenient alternative if campus parking is busy.

City centre parking

There are numerous parking options in Birmingham city centre, including NCP car parks and large shopping centre car parks. From the city centre, a direct train from Birmingham New Street to University station takes around 7 minutes.

Clean Air Zone

Birmingham operates a Clean Air Zone in the city centre. Unlike a congestion charge, which applies to all vehicles, this only affects higher‑polluting vehicles. If your journey takes you through central Birmingham, please check whether your vehicle is subject to the charge.

To find out more and see whether your car is exempt, visit the Brum Breathes website.

Campus access

We have implemented a programme of accessibility adaptations on campus. All new buildings are being designed with accessibility in mind. Our team of staff and student ambassadors will be able to help direct you to our accessible routes across campus.

Please fill out our accessibility form if you have any additional requirements you would like to request before the Information Day.

We provide a variety of support options across the day, including:

• British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters – must be requested one month in advance

• Access to a dedicated quiet space available throughout the day for anyone who may need time away from busy areas. Our quiet space is in WG12, Aston Webb Building and is open throughout the day.

• Smaller group campus tours, with groups of no more than 10 visitors; our campus tour team will be happy to accommodate this on arrival at the tour marquee
• Blue Badge parking support (please note this is subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed or reserved)
• Facilities such as baby feeding rooms and prayer rooms are available across campus. You can view their locations on our campus map, and you can also ask our friendly staff and ambassadors on the day.

To help you plan, the University also works with AccessAble, providing detailed accessibility guides for our buildings and spaces. You can also view our Edgbaston campus mobility map (PDF, 448MB).

Blue Badge holders

We have dedicated parking bays on campus for Blue Badge holders, and all new buildings and major campus developments are being designed with accessibility in mind.

Make the most of your Information Day visit by bringing a few essentials with you:

• Your booking confirmation
• Your phone - useful for accessing your programme, campus map, taking notes, and capturing anything you want to remember.
• Questions you’d like to ask - whether they're about your course, accommodation, student life, or support available, our staff and students are here to help.
• Comfortable shoes - the campus is large, and you may want to explore subject facilities, accommodation, and other areas during your visit.
• A notebook or notes app - there will be lots of information to take in, so make a note of anything you’d like to follow up on.
• Family or supporters - if they’re joining you, encourage them to come along and ask their own questions.
• Weather-appropriate clothing - some activities and tours take place outdoors, so please check the forecast and dress accordingly.

Most importantly, bring your curiosity! This is your opportunity to explore, ask questions, and get a feel for what studying and living at the University of Birmingham could be like.

If you have unanswered questions and would like further advice and guidance on the Information Day, please email openday@contacts.bham.ac.uk.