Shops and services

There is a huge range of shops and services on campus, from hairdressers to banks, bookshops, opticians and supermarkets. The building code appears after the name of each outlet for ease of finding on the University maps.

Appleby hairdressers: University Centre, R23

Opening times:

Closed during the Games

Hairdressers in University Centre; offering styling, cutting, colouring and highlighting.

Tel: +44 (0)121 414 6276 or +44 (0)121 472 5772

Rymans: University Centre, R23

Opening times:

  • Monday: 09:00 to 17:00
  • Tuesday to Friday: 09:00 to 16:30
  • Friday: 09:00 to 16:00
  • Saturday: 09:00 to 17:00
  • Sunday: 09:00 to 16:00

Rymans stationery offers top brands, a wide range and great value.  Promotions take place throughout the year, offering big savings on essential stationery and accessories.

For further information, please call +44 (0)121 472 0879

Spar: University Centre: R23 and Guild of Students, O1

Opening times (open as normal during the Games): 

Spar - Guild of Students

  • Monday to Friday: 07:30 to 21:00
  • Saturday to Sunday: 10:00 to 16:00

Spar - University Centre 

  • Monday to Friday: 07:00 to 19:00
  • Saturday: 09:00 to 17:00
  • Sunday: 10:00 to 16:00

Not only do we offer a significant range of leading brands, from Heinz to Stella Artois, we also offer our own brand range. All Spar own brand products match the leading brands in quality, at prices that are convenient to you!

For further information, please call +44 (0)121 414 8562

Unique: University Centre, R23

Opening times (open as normal during the Games): 

  • Monday to Friday: 09:00 to 17:00

Unique, located in University Centre, offers a range of products and services:

  • Greeting cards and gifts
  • Full Royal Mail services
  • International phone cards
  • Fax Bureau for sending and receiving faxes
  • Dry cleaning agent
  • DHL courier services
  • A full range of University branded clothing and souvenirs

For further information, please call +44 (0)121 414 4885

SW Optics opticians: University Centre, R23

Opening times:

Travel disruption may affect opening hours, so we advise you to check before your appointment by calling +44 (0)121 414 2714.

  • Monday and Friday: 11:00 to 16:00
  • Saturday and Sunday: CLOSED
  • Vacation opening times will vary: call to check.

SW Optics, located in University Centre, offers eye examinations, quality products and a high level of service in a relaxed and friendly environment.

  • Dispenses value and designer spectacles with high quality single vision and multifocal lenses.
  • Fit and supply a range of contact lenses.
  • Supply safety eyewear and prescription swimming goggles.

Free eye tests:

  •  For all those under 16 years of age.
  •  Under 19 years of age and in full time education.
  •  Over 60 years old.
  •  Diabetics.
  •  Receiving benefits.

For further information, please call +44 (0)121 414 2714

Costcutter: The Vale Student Village

Opening times: 

  • Monday to Sunday: 11:00 to 21:00

Costcutter located on The Vale, is open 7 days a week and sells a wide range of groceries, frozen food and chilled foods, confectionery and newspapers, sandwiches, snacks, ice cream, alcohol and tobacco.

Special offers are always available at Costcutter offering value for money at your convenience.

For further information, please call +44 (0)121 257 4355

University of Birmingham Online shop

You don’t need to be on campus to browse the University’s current range of gift and souvenir items. Head over to the University of Birmingham Online Shop for branded clothing, prints, jewellery and more. Overseas delivery is available.

Please note: we do our best to publish accurate opening times here for all shops on the University campus, but shops will occasionaly close at different times to those published here due to circumstances beyond our control, and we might not be informed in time to be able to update this page.