UK & Irish University Events at SI-UK Nigeria

University of Birmingham at SI-UK Ikeja Office

Overview

The University of Birmingham is an original British ‘redbrick’ university located in the city of Birmingham, just over 150km north of London. It was founded in 1900 as a successor to Mason Science College, with origins dating back to the 1825 Birmingham Medical School. The Times University Guide awarded the University of Birmingham the University of the Year Award in 2014.

The University of Birmingham is a member of the Russell Group of research universities and a founding member of Universitas 21.

Birmingham currently has just fewer than 30,000 students enrolled, 5,000 of whom are international, from nearly 150 countries. The cities central location in the UK means it is easy to navigate, and Birmingham International Airport services many locations around the world.

Services for International Students

The University of Birmingham’s Student Support and Counselling Service offers help and advice to students. It is staffed by a team of professionally-trained counsellors who assist students with any difficulties they may be experiencing. The International Students Advisory Service also provides trained and dedicated advisers for international students who have queries relating to immigration, working in the UK, healthcare, finance, personal and academic support. All services are free of charge.

The university offers an airport pickup service and runs an International Welcome Week for new international students to get to know each other and the university. During term time, English language classes are also available for free.

Ranking

• 17th in the Times University Guide 2016
• 17th in the Guardian University Guide 2016
• 18th in the Complete University Guide 2016
• 76th in the QS World University Rankings 2016

Internationally, the University of Birmingham is 76th in this year’s QS World University Rankings, placing Birmingham 11th out of the 24 Russell Group universities to feature in the ranking. In the international student barometer, 91% of students were satisfied with their experience at Birmingham.

In the 2014 Research Excellence Framework, 87% of Birmingham’s research was shown to have a global impact in areas such as History, Education, Chemical Engineering and Psychology. Birmingham consistently ranks in Computer Science, Dentistry, Hospitality & Tourism, Medicine and Music.

Accommodation

International students are guaranteed a place in University of Birmingham accommodation for at least their first year of study. It may be possible for students to stay in University of Birmingham accommodation for the whole of their time in the UK if they wish.

In halls of residence, students have their own study-bedroom but share other facilities. Breakfast and evening meals are provided in the Hall. Self-catering flats consist of five or more individual study bedrooms with a shared bathroom and kitchen. Private bathrooms are also available in some flats. There is also plenty of privately rented accommodation close to the University of Birmingham and the University's Housing Services Office will help to explore this option.

Location

The main University of Birmingham campus is at Edgbaston, where most of the teaching and other facilities are situated. Spacious and attractive with lawns, trees and a lake, it was the first campus university in England and the original 'red brick' university. The Selly Oak campus is situated on a beautiful garden site a short bus-ride from the main campus.

Birmingham is a major European city, and home to some spectacular Victorian and contemporary architecture as well as venues for art, music, theatre and sport, excellent nightlife, great shopping and eating, including the world famous Bullring Centre. The city also benefits from being surrounded by beautiful countryside.

Its position in the centre of England makes it a convenient base from which to explore the UK and Europe; the city is less than two hours away from London by road and rail, and has its own international airport. Warwick, Stratford, the Peak District and Wales are also all within easy travelling distance.