There is lots to think about when getting ready to start University. We've put together a simple timeline to help you understand what to expect and when.
This page gives a general overview of what happens each month. Find out what happens in June and July, August (including what happens around results day), and into September and Welcome Week itself. We also have answers to a few frequently asked questions.
Page last updated: Tuesday 16 January 2024
Applying for your programme
- For undergraduate applications, check UCAS key dates for details and make sure you know what to do and when to do it.
- Application timelines for postgraduates vary - find out more about applying for postgraduate taught and postgraduate research programmes.
Accommodation applications
- Accommodation applications for students starting in the 2024/25 academic year opened on 1 December 2023. If you are an undergraduate student, you can apply as soon as you have received your offer via UCAS. We encourage you to do this even if Birmingham is your insurance choice. Find out more and apply.
- We guarantee all undergraduates, international postgraduates, study abroad and exchange students a room in our accommodation, as long as you meet the terms of your offer and make us your firm choice, and apply by the deadline for the relevant guarantee scheme - 30 June 2024 for UK undergraduates, and 31 July 2024 for postgraduates and non-UK undergraduates.
- If University of Birmingham is your insurance choice, then unfortunately we cannot guarantee you accommodation. However, we would still encourage you to register for accommodation from 1 December 2023.
- If you miss the deadline, you can still apply for accommodation with us but we can’t guarantee that you’ll receive an offer.
- The deadlines for our Accommodation Guarantee Scheme are 30 June 2024 for UK undergraduates, and 31 July 2024 for postgraduates and non-UK undergraduates. Check your eligibility and find out more.
- For postgraduate students, you will receive an email inviting you to book your room in accommodation as soon as you have applied.
- Online Registration opens in June for students with unconditional offers and those who have already met the conditions of their offer. You will receive an email when you are eligible, which will include your student username and password.
- For students who require a visa to study in the UK, once you have received your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), you will be asked to start completing the My Right to Study process. The process will be available through to September.
Embargo period
- Around a week before the SQA and A Level Results Days, UCAS places an embargo on universities to avoid miscommunication about your results. If you applied via UCAS, we cannot discuss your application with you during this period, and you might notice that you receive fewer emails and updates during this time.
Results day
- A Level Results Day is Thursday 15 August 2024. Scottish students will receive results via SQA on Tuesday 6 August.
- You will normally receive an email or two on the day, as we're excited you'll be joining us!
Online Registration
- Online Registration emails are sent in batches after A Level Results Day. You should receive it within a week of your place being confirmed - don't panic if it takes a few days!
- Once you have completed Online Registration, you will be able to access your student email and can download the MyUoB app. Find out more about IT for new students.
Accommodation
- For undergraduate students, you will be invited to book your room once A Level results are out (even if you already have your results or did other qualifications). You will receive an email either on or within a week of Thursday 15 August giving you a timeslot to log in and book your room.
- Timeslots are randomly generated to ensure everyone has fair access to the booking system. Can't login during your timeslot? You'll get another chance within a week of A Level results day.
- Once you have selected your room, you will need to make the Advance Payment (£550). This is non-refundable and acts as the first instalment towards your accommodation fees.
Find out more about booking your room
Planning for Welcome
- All students, whether you were waiting for results or not, will start to receive weekly Welcome emails after A Level Results Day to help you plan for September. These will include useful information about arriving to the University, our events and activities during Welcome, and information from your School and College.
Early September
- You can use the Guild of Students' official accommodation Facebook groups, run by your Hall Reps, to find other students who will be living in the same accommodation as you.
- Information about your Welcome events and activities will be available from early September so that you can start to plan what you want to do during Welcome Week. This will include information about your academic induction sessions, School and College events (which will be key information about your subject area), as well as all of the exciting Welcome events taking place across campus.
- Students who require a visa to study in the UK should continue to upload the relevant documents to My Right to Study.
- You can sign up to the Guild of Students' Welcome mailing list to be the first to hear about their Welcome news and events.
- If you complete Online Registration by early September (exact date to be confirmed) and your home address is in the UK, your ID card will be posted to you. If your home address is outside the UK, or you complete it after the deadline, you will be able to collect your ID card once you arrive on campus. Find out more about ID cards.
- If you are moving into University accommodation, you will be able to complete the Accommodation Pass from early September. This will provide essential information, and allow you to choose your move-in slot, purchase a bedding or dining pack, and Sport & Fitness memberships.
- Your can use our Welcome events and activities plan to help you decide what you want to do during Welcome Week. This will include your academic induction sessions, and School and College events (which provide important information about starting your studies), as well as all of the exciting Welcome events taking place across campus.
- You can apply for a student parking permit, if you meet the eligibility criteria. Permits are valid for the rest of the academic year. You will need to re-apply each academic year.
- Our packing list will help you plan what to bring. Make sure you check the inventory for your accommodation, and understand the insurance that is provided. Find out more about inventories and insurance.
- You can sign-up to the University Music mailing list to get all the latest information and updates about our music opportunities, with over 35 ensembles and lots of other opportunities. Whether you want to find out about audition slots, or are interested in an un-auditioned ensemble, you can find out more on the University of Birmingham Music Society page.
- You will continue to receive weekly Welcome updates by email.
Getting here and moving in
- The main moving-in period for University accommodation will be Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 September. If you are living in University accommodation, you will be able to choose your preferred time and date for moving in on the Accommodation Pass. Find out more about moving in.
- The Parents' and Guardians' Welcome Address will be broadcast online. It is aimed at the family and friends of those of you starting undergraduate study for the first time, but all are welcome to join.
Arrivals Weekend
Arrivals Weekend (Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 September 2023) will be a busy time with lots of students moving into accommodation. You and your guests will be able to:
- Join a campus tour to help you find your way around.
- Enjoy Welcome activities.
- Collect your ID card from the Welcome Hub if you didn't receive it in the post.
Visit the Welcome Events page to find out more as we get closer to September.
Welcome Week
Welcome Week begins on Monday 23 September 2024, and marks the start of Semester 1. It is the main induction and orientation period for new students. You can use the Welcome Timetable to build your personal plan for the week. We are still busy planning the timetable of events and activities, but you will be able to:
- Attend your academic induction sessions, and meet students and staff from your School and College.
- Join a campus tour to find out more about campus.
- Meet our sports teams and clubs at the Sport & Fitness Fair.
- Enjoy a full programme of Welcome activities.
- Take part in the Guild of Students' exciting Welcome events and activities, including the Societies Fair.
- Collect your student ID card from the Welcome Registration Hub, if you haven't already done so.
- For international students, you will be able to get your BRP card if you chose to collect it from the University.
You do not need to attend a central registration or enrolment event when you arrive, as this is done through Online Registration.
After Welcome Week
Teaching will begin fully on Monday 30 September, following your academic timetable. This is usually the date you will receive the first instalment of your student loan, if you are eligible for one. You can check your payment dates on your student loan account.
There will still be plenty of support available and lots of events and activities taking place after Welcome Week, including the Welcome Registration Hub for ID cards and BRP card collection. The student intranet is your best place to find out all the latest information as a student and the MyUoB app will connect you to essential services and updates.
Where can you find the latest news and updates as a student?
If you haven't already done so, you should register with a local GP (doctor) and tell us about any disabilities you have.
A few frequently asked questions
Do I need to attend a registration/enrolment event when I arrive?
No, registration and enrolment is done through Online Registration and so you do not need register or enrol in-person when you arrive. You must complete Online Registration before you can begin your studies.
Do I need to register with the Guild of Students (students' union)?
When you complete Online Registration, you agree to become a member of the Guild of Students, your students' union. You do not need to register with them separately. Find out more about
what you are agreeing to in Online Registration, and how you can opt out of membership.
When will I get my student ID card?
You will be able to receive your student ID card once you have completed Online Registration. If you have a home address in the UK and complete Online Registration before the deadline in early September (TBC), your ID card will be posted to you. Otherwise, you can collect it from the Welcome Hub on campus from Saturday 16 September onwards.
Your ID card
When can I get a council tax letter/bank letter?
Once you have completed Online Registration, you can access Verify the next working day - our proof of study system. On Verify you can access downloadable and shareable letters which prove your student status, for example to apply for a council tax exemption or to open a student bank account.
Proof of study letters
Why does my student finance say it is awaiting confirmation?
The University is required to confirm to Student Finance England (or equivalents) that you are a student. We confirm your attendance after you have completed
Online Registration, and send daily updates to Student Finance during this time. If you have completed Online Registration, you do not need to do anything else.
When will my student loan be paid to me?
You can check your payment dates by logging into your Student Finance account. Your loan is usually paid to you when teaching begins - for most students, this will be Monday 30 September.
We have hundreds more FAQs available on our Student Help site, answering questions about everything from Welcome Week to visas and immigration to student administration. The FAQs also connect you directly to the teams who can answer your questions - just click Contact Us at the bottom of any answer.
Visit our FAQs