University of Birmingham

During the day, the fresher's week was full of social events, informative talks about the course and university life, free sports sessions, societies and work/volunteering fairs, free carnival games and free goodies/vouchers from a variety of companies. Every night the Guild of students organised a different event and I went to three throughout the week, paired up with different accommodations for different club venues and encouraged to bond not only with my flat but also with my wider accommodation community. University of Birmingham offers a fantastic Fresher's Week, and from what I can see from the unofficial Facebook page, they adapted well with online events to welcome new university students during the pandemic. UOB has a few accommodation areas and I was placed in Tennis Courts Green Community in the Vale Village. Not only is there plenty of opportunities to mix with other accommodations through planned events, a shared accommodation hub and a general welcoming atmosphere, the accommodation I was placed in was particularly community-focused. The Green Community was a chance to live with eco-friendly roommates and shared a gated community with a central green space with a small community. I still have my hoodie and tote bag provided by the University, and I miss my experience there dearly. It was an easy transition from home with stable Wi-Fi, inclusive bills and a clean flat. The services improved massively in my three years there, I was already impressed prior to my attendance, however, the increase in study spaces, dietary options, environmentally friendly services (UOB reusable cups, money off if you brought your own cup, cold and hot water refill stations) continued to impress me throughout my time at University. Before I graduated, the Green Heart officially opened and I am deeply saddened that our summer on this open green space was cut short due to Covid-19. I personally did not make use of the sports ground, but the Student Union was always buzzing with activity, relaxation and new acquaintances. I led and was involved with 4 different student groups during my time, as well as performing and designing a handful of plays. The student union pushes student activity and enjoyment, and it is the most welcoming space to all years of uni. I studied English and Creative Writing. The department offered a huge range of modules, which were delivered to manageable amounts of students in lectures and small, intimate groups in seminars. In first year, you were placed in seminar groups with other students from your course, so the English and Creative Writing students were placed together in English seminar groups. This provided an easy transition into uni and allowed you to find friends in lectures with various English courses as well as build a solid base of friends within your specific learning area. The teaching here is what has inspired me to pursue a career of lecturing. The immediate University area of Selly Oak is a busy student area, with bars, late night shops and plenty of highly rated restaurants. The first years are usually contained to their accommodation facilities, and so it is an exciting step to move into Selly Oak as you progress through your university life. Birmingham's city centre offers plenty of cinemas, gyms, a huge number of clubs, bars, and restaurants, independent shops and a funky art district in Digbeth with a Dining Club of Street Food, Crazy Golf, art galleries, vintage stores and Clean Kilo - a plastic free food store. There is truly something for everyone in this city, and the fact that I continue to live in the Selly Oak area demonstrates the thrill of Birmingham.