YOUR

WELCOME GUIDE
1 Welcome!
2-3 Supporting you – who are we?
4 Settling in – the first things to do!
5 Settling in – your questions answered!
6 Where you live – Birmingham!
7 Maps – Birmingham & the Chinese Quarter
8 Travelling around Birmingham – transport
9 - 10 Getting to know Birmingham – things to see & do!
11 Personal safety
12 Where you live – Your accommodation – Pritchatts Park
13 Your accommodation – The Vale Village
14 Your accommodation – Jarratt Hall (Selly Oak Village)
15 - 16 Shared living – learning to live together
17 Managing your money
17 Registering with a local doctor
18 Recycling & rubbish made easy
19 Contacts – ISAS & BIA
20 Contacts – Living (Accommodation), Student Support
& The Guild of Students
21 Other useful contacts
21 A final message from us
WELCOME TO
BIRMINGHAM
 HELLO & WELCOME
FROM YOUR STUDENT MENTORS (INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT)
& YOUR STUDENT ENGAGEMENT TEAM!
We’re really excited to welcome you to the University of Birmingham
and to our lovely city!

You should be very proud of yourself for achieving the qualifications required
to study here and being brave enough to leave friends and family to live in
a different country!

All of the student accommodation team, including the Student Mentors

and Student Engagement Team are here to help you settle in to your
accommodation and make sure you have the best first year possible
at the University of Birmingham!

Over the next few days, you will receive lots of information about living and
studying here – this booklet can act as your reference guide if you forget
anything. The following pages include information about your accommodation,
campus and local area, covering everything you need to know about getting
around and using local transport, to locating your nearest supermarket to
stock up on those cupboard essentials! We’ve also provided some information
about the types of facilities on offer at your accommodation site, such as the
launderette and social space, as well as tips on handling rubbish and recycling
and how to handle any shared living issues that may arise. In addition to this
booklet you will also receive a handy wall planner. Not only is this a fantastic
study tool, but it will also provide you with a list of events and activities,
including social events and weekly drop-in sessions, taking place
throughout the summer.

Don’t forget, that as well as having lots of fun and socialising, it’s important
to register with your local Doctor as soon as possible – in case you feel
unwell during your stay. More information on how to register with a Doctor
is provided in this booklet. It’s also important to know about who you should
contact if you feel you need some support, sometimes just having someone
to talk to can help to ease any worries you may have and this is why we are
here to help.

All that is left to say is that we hope you have a great time at the University
of Birmingham. This day marks the start of a life-changing experience for
you – we hope you are as excited about it as we are!

We look forward to meeting you all!

1
SUPPORTING YOU –
WHO ARE WE?
IT’S OK TO ASK FOR A HELPING
HAND WHEN YOU GET HERE!
The first few weeks at University are
undoubtedly an exciting time, but it’s
also inevitable that some challenges will
appear along the way. You are absolutely
not alone and we are here to help.
LILY Customer Service Manager and
the Student Engagement Team
Lily, a Customer Service Manager within
accommodation who specialises in supporting
international students, is here to help you
settle into university life and to ensure you
get the best experience living in university
accommodation. Lily can help you with any
questions or concerns you may have. Lily is
assisted by The Student Engagement Team
who are a student group of volunteers who
can also provide extra support and guidance
to you during your stay in accommodation.
Many of the volunteers are international
students themselves who will understand
some of the challenges you may face.
SETTLING IN
STUDENT MENTORS
(INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT)
Student Mentors are trained to provide
free advice and guidance to students living
in university accommodation. They specialise
in supporting international students just
like you and can help you with a range
of issues including:
• Shared living and accommodation issues
• Your academic course
• Financial matters
• Your general wellbeing whilst living
and studying at the University
Student Mentors can meet with you on a
one-to-one basis, for however long you
need. They can support you with settling into
university life and adjusting and familiarising
yourself with your new surroundings. For
example, finding where your lectures will
be taking place, getting to know the library,
understanding your timetable, as well as
finding out what events are taking place
across campus and in the local area, plus
much more!
Student Mentors can also offer a mediation
service to help you work through any flat
issues, guidance on keeping yourself safe
(including free personal attack alarms) and
general advice if you’re worried about a
friend or flat mate.
There is no problem too big or too small, so
whatever you need help with, and whenever
you need it, your Student Mentors can help.
 CONTACTING US
Your Student Mentors and the Student
Engagement Team will be visiting you
regularly and will be your main source
of support throughout your time here.
To contact your Student Mentors, including
booking a meeting with them then please
email: mentorwelfare@guild.bham.ac.uk
or call: 0121 251 2395.
If you wish to contact the
Student Engagement Team
or Lily (Customer Service Manager),
please email: l.e.badger@bham.ac.uk
or call: 0121 414 9022 (Pritchatts Park reception).
Don’t forget to follow the Student Mentors
on Twitter and ‘like’ their Facebook page too!
@StudentMentors1
studentmentorscheme
Other Customer Service Managers
In addition to Lily (who is located mainly at
Pritchatts Park), there are other Customer
Service Managers within accommodation
who can support you during your time here.
Please find their details below:
AMY CHURCH
Located mainly at Jarratt Hall
Email: a.church.1@bham.ac.uk
Call: 0121 415 1011 (Jarratt Hall reception)
CHARLOTTE BROUGHTON
Located at The Vale,
responsible for Tennis Courts
Email: c.broughton@bham.ac.uk
Call: 0121 415 8520 (Vale reception)
LOUISE TWIGG
Located at The Vale,
responsible for Maple Bank,
Elgar Court & Shackleton
Email: l.twigg@bham.ac.uk
Call: 0121 415 8520 (Vale reception)

ANDY LEE
Located at The Vale,
responsible for Chamberlain & Aitken
Email: a.j.lee.1@bham.ac.uk
Call: 0121 415 8520 (Vale reception)

JULIA COVERDALE
Located at The Vale,
responsible for Mason
Email: j.coverdale@bham.ac.uk
Call: 0121 415 8520 (Vale reception)

3
FIRST THINGS
TO DO!
BEAT YOUR JETLAG
One of the hardest things to cope 
with initially will be adjusting to the time
difference in the UK. Firstly, make sure your
watch is set to local time. We recommend
you stay awake until it is night time in the UK.
It may be very tempting to have a nap, but
it is important to establish a new sleeping
pattern straight away.
SET UP YOUR INTERNET
You can connect to the internet in
your bedroom for free. Most of our
accommodation has Wi-Fi - please see 
the ASK4 leaflet in your welcome pack 
for more details.
SETTLING IN
MAKE SURE YOUR
MOBILE PHONE WORKS
You may have to swap your SIM card when
you arrive in the UK. Alternately, you may
have to buy a new phone all together. It is
easiest to buy a Pay As You Go phone,
which means you top up credit as and
when you need it.
GET IN TOUCH WITH
YOUR FAMILY OR FRIENDS
The easiest, and cheapest, way to do
this is by downloading Skype and getting in
contact with your loved ones via the internet.
However, you could also sign up to Rebtel,
who offer cheap rates for international calls
from any mobile or landline.
Find out more here: www.rebtel.com
 YOUR QUESTIONS
ANSWERED!
Q How do I collect my post?
A Post will be delivered to your
accommodation. If you are unavailable
to accept your parcels, you will have to
contact your courier to arrange to pick it
up yourself from another location, or to
arrange an alternative delivery date.
There is also a service called Doddle,
where you can arrange to collect your
post/parcels from the University Centre.
Handy when you’re in classes all day.
Take a look at www.doddle.com for
more information.
Q How do I do my laundry?
A There is a launderette on site, you
will be given a laundry card for you to
apply credit to and use as and when
you like. You are required to bring
your own detergent.
The on-site launderettes are open
24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
See the relevant ‘Your accommodation’
section for the on-site location of
your launderette.
Q Can I connect to Wi-Fi?
A You can connect to Wi-Fi in your block—
ask at your reception for more details.
5
Q What can reception do for me?
A You can ask reception about:
• Your accommodation (including reporting
faults or anything that is broken)
• The local area
• Collecting post
• Finding someone to help you if you
are worried about something/have
a problem
Pritchatts Park - Reception is open from 8am
until 7.00pm on weekdays, during term time
(8am-4pm out of term). However, other site
staff are on duty 24 hours a day, 365 days a
year. The reception staff will be able to help
you with a variety of different queries.
The Vale Village - Reception is open 24
hours a day, 365 days a year. The reception
staff will be able to help you with a variety
of different queries.
Jarratt Hall - Reception is open from 8am
until 7.00pm on weekdays, during term time
(8am-4pm out of term). However, other site
staff are on duty 24 hours a day, 365 days a
year. The reception staff will be able to help
you with a variety of different queries.
 WHERE
YOU LIVE
SUPPORTING YOU –
WHERE YOU LIVE
BIRMINGHAM!
WHO ARE WE?
Facts
It’s ok about
to ask Birmingham!
for a helping hand when you get here!
The first few weeks at University are undoubtedly an exciting time, but it’s also
• Birmingham
inevitable is located
that some in the West
challenges Midlands
will appear of the
along the United Kingdom.
way. You are absolutely
notIt alone
is the and
second largest
we are herecity in the country (in terms of population) after London.
to help.

• 
LilyBirmingham
– Customerhas a reputation
Service Managerfor being
and the at the forefront
Student of technological,
Engagement Team economic
and scientific development; it has been called ‘the first manufacturing town in the world’.
Lily, a Customer Service Manager within accommodation who specialises in
• 
People who
supporting were bornstudents,
international in Birmingham
is hereare calledyou
to help ‘Brummies’.
settle into university life
There is also a distinct regional accent which you might notice
and to ensure you get the best experience living in university while you’re here!
accommodation.
Lily can help you with any questions or concerns you may have. Lily is assisted
• 
by‘The
The Bullring’, located in the
Student Engagement city centre,
Team who areisathe busiest
student shopping
group centre in the UK
of volunteers
whoin terms of provide
can also numbersextra
of visitors perand
support day.guidance to you during your stay in
accommodation. Many of the volunteers are international students themselves
• 
whoCulturally, Birmingham
will understand someisofhome to a wide range
the challenges of music,
you may face. theatre and art venues. The Barclay
Card Arena (city centre), the O2 academy (Bristol Street), the Hippodrome (Hurst Street) and
the Birmingham
Student Museum andsupport)
Mentors (International Art Gallery (Chamberlain square) are just a few!

• 
The weather
Student Mentorsin are
the trained
UK is generally unpredictable,
to provide but guidance
free advice and it is often to
fairly cold!
students
Here
living in are the average
University temperatures
accommodation. for specialise
They the year ininºCsupporting
(Celsius): international
students just like you and can help you with a range of issues including:

• Shared living and accommodation issues

• Your academic course
• Financial matters
• Your general wellbeing whilst living and studying at the University

Student Mentors can meet with you on a one-to-one basis, for however
long you need. They can support you with settling into university life and
adjusting and familiarising yourself with your new surroundings. For example,
finding where your lectures will be taking place, getting to know the library,
understanding your timetable, as well as finding out what events are taking
place across campus and in the local area, plus much more!

Student Mentors can also offer a mediation service to help you work through
any flat issues, guidance on keeping yourself safe (including free personal
attack alarms) and general advice if you’re worried about a friend or flat mate.

There is no problem too big or too small, so whatever you need help with,
 BIRMINGHAM

EDGBASTON HARBORNE SELLY OAK CITY CENTRE

Pritchatts Park, the Vale Village, Jarratt Hall and university campus are located in Edgbaston.
Nearby areas are Selly Oak, where most students live after their first year at university, and
Harborne, which is mainly populated by young professionals. The city centre is just under 4
miles from your accommodation, or 10-15 minutes by taxi, bus or train. For more information
about transport, please see the next page.

CHINESE QUARTER
The Chinese Quarter is located in
the city’s Southside. It spans Hurst
Street, The Arcadian, Ladywell Walk
and Pershore Street.

The Chinese Quarter has a variety

of supermarkets, restaurants and
social venues.

7
TRAVELLING AROUND BIRMINGHAM
TRANSPORT
WALKING
Pritchatts Park, The Vale Village and Jarratt
Hall are all within walking distance of the
main Edgbaston campus and even the city
centre (if you’re feeling adventurous).
*It takes 10-15 minutes to walk from Pritchatts Park to
campus, 30 minutes to walk to Fiveways/Broad Street
and 20 minutes to walk to Selly Oak.
*It takes 10 minutes to walk from Jarratt Hall to campus,
30 minutes to walk to Fiveways/Broad Street and 5
minutes to Selly Oak train station.
*It takes 15-20 minutes to walk from The Vale to campus,
20 minutes to walk to Fiveways/Broad Street and 30
minutes to walk to Selly Oak.
TRAIN TRAVEL
We have our own university train station on
campus so travelling by train is easy and
convenient. University station is only two
stops from Birmingham New Street (here you
will find the famous Bullring Shopping Centre
and many other places of interest), and the
journey takes approximately 8 minutes. You
can also travel to lots of other regional and
national destinations from University station.
Trains to and from the city centre also go
from Selly Oak, which is a 5 minute walk from
Jarratt Hall. Ask a member of staff within your
accommodation or on campus for directions
to your nearest station.
BUS TRAVEL
If you live in Pritchatts Park then there
is a bus stop at the exit of Pritchatts Park,
opposite the blood transfusion centre.
From there you can catch buses which
travel all around Birmingham. They take
you to the supermarket at Five Ways,
the city centre and New Street station.
If you live on The Vale then your nearest
bus stops are on Church Road and Edgbaston
Park Road. They provide direct links to the
city centre and campus, with buses running
every 15-20 minutes.
If you live at Jarratt Hall then there is
a bus stop on Bristol Road immediately
outside Aldi supermarket, from there you
can catch bus number. 61, 63 and 98 to
the city centre. For further information
on bus and train routes visit:
Travel West Midlands at www.travelwm.
co.uk or National Rail at www.nationalrail.
co.uk or phone 0845 748 49 50.
TAXI TRAVEL
If you want to book a taxi, the university and
the Guild of Students recommends Castle
Cars. You can call them on (0121) 472 2222.
It should cost you around £6 to travel
from Pritchatts Park or The Vale to the
city centre and around £7 from Jarratt Hall
(based on a car of up to 4 people).
 GETTING TO KNOW BIRMINGHAM
THINGS TO SEE & DO!
There is something for everyone in
Birmingham and you will get a warm
welcome in one of the most culturally
diverse cities in Britain.
head to the Mailbox (located on Commercial
Street), where you will find a Harvey Nichols,
as well as other high end shops, restaurants
and bars.

Weekends & evenings are a great time to

get out and about with your new flatmates/
RESTAURANTS AND BARS
friends, giving you the opportunity to get
In addition to the Mailbox, most of the bars
to know your vibrant new city and to form
are located on Broad Street in the city centre.
lifelong friendships.
You will also find restaurants and bars in the
Arcadian (China Town) and Brindley Place,
Here are a few ideas of things you can do
which sits on the Birmingham canal, just off
with your new friends; there is so much on
Broad Street.
offer and definitely something for everyone!

Selly Oak
Cadbury World
Selly Oak is a popular student area. There
www.cadburyworld.co.uk
are numerous curry houses, pizza places and
The National Sealife Centre Chinese takeaways dotted along the Bristol
www.visitsealife.com/birmingham Road. There are lots of pubs and bars such
as The Soak and The Goose, all catering
Millennium Point (hosting a 3D cinema)
for student’s budgets and requirements.
& the Think Tank (Science) Museum
There is also a library, swimming pool
www.millenniumpoint.org.uk
and gym (located on Tiverton Road).
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
www.bmag.org.uk Harborne
Harborne is an upmarket residential area,
SHOPPING located about 3 miles from campus. Being
close to the medical school it is popular with
If you fancy a bit of retail therapy then medics and young professionals. It has a
the Bull Ring is Birmingham’s biggest bustling high street with everything you might
shopping destination, with over 160 shops need, including a number of popular coffee
and 30 restaurants, including Selfridges shops, bars, pubs and chain restaurants.
and Debenhams. For something a bit more
unique then you can always visit the rag
market, which is right next to the Bullring
by St Martin’s Church. If you enjoy shopping
then make sure you pay Grand Central a visit
too; this is located around New Street train
station and the Bullring and hosts a number
of high end shops, boutiques and restaurants.
For somewhere a little bit more upmarket,

9
MONEY, MONEY, MONEY!
There are numerous cash points located SUPERMARKET OPENING TIMES:
on main campus. At the Guild of Students,
there is a Santander cash machine in Mermaid Tesco Express 24hrs a day, 7 days a week
Square. You will also find four cash machines
at University Centre (next door to Costa Aldi 8am-9pm
in the main square), plus a NatWest Bank. Monday to Saturday
Finally, on Edgbaston Park Road, a stone’s 11am-5pm Sunday
throw from the Guild of Students, there is
a Lloyds TSB. Sainsbury’s 8am-10pm
Monday to Friday
A number of cash points can also be found 7am-10pm Saturday
in Selly Oak and along Harborne High Street. 10am-4pm Sunday

LOCAL SUPERMARKETS AND ON SITE/

CAMPUS FOOD OUTLETS
At the heart of The Vale Village is The Hub
which boasts fantastic facilities for the entire
Vale. There are a variety of different food
outlets located in The Hub as well as the shop
Costcutter where you can buy your groceries.

If you live in Pritchatts Park then in addition

to The Vale Village, you are in close proximity
to Harborne high street, only a 20 minute
walk away, which has an array of shops,
including Iceland and a Sainsbury’s local.
Regardless of where you live and particularly
for those living in Jarratt Hall, nearby Selly
Oak hosts various pubs, bars and restaurants.
There are also supermarkets such as Tesco
Express, Aldi and Sainsbury’s along
the Bristol Road.
 PERSONAL SAFETY – THINGS TO REMEMBER
Selly Oak Villages, Pritchatts Park and The Vale Village are all very safe places to live.
However, you should always be aware of the potential for crime and take your
personal safety very seriously.
Please read the following advice carefully:
DO
• Carry a personal safety alarm.
• Walk during day light hours
and travel in groups
• Book taxis in advance.
Taxis should NOT pick you up from the
side of the road if you haven’t called for
one, unless they are black cabs.
• Mark your valuable items with a UV pen.
This means the police can return them
to you if they become lost or stolen.
You can get a personal attack alarm and a
UV pen for free from a Student Mentor, so
just drop them an email or ask them about
this when they visit you.
11
DON’T
• Walk home alone, especially at night
• Get in unmarked or private taxis.
We recommend Castle Cars.
You can call them on: 0121 472 2222
• Advertise your valuables. Make sure you
keep laptops and phones hidden when
you are walking to and from campus.
• Carry a lot of cash on you at one time
If you have any questions or concerns
regarding your personal safety, then you can
speak to the campus Police Officer. Over the
summer months (out of term time) the Police
Officer is available Monday to Friday 10am-
2pm in the Police Room, which is located in
University Centre on campus.
Remember! When out and about we always
advise that you do not walk or travel alone,
especially at night. Also, if you get a taxi
make sure that it is a pre-booked and licenced
one. The University of Birmingham and Guild
of Students recommend Castle Cars.
IN AN EMERGENCY, PLEASE SEE
‘IMPORTANT CONTACTS’ ON PAGE 21 FOR
SECURITY/EMERGENCY SERVICES NUMBERS
 ACCOMMODATION

Pritchatts Park
call: 0121 414 9022
email: pritchattsreception@contacts.bham.ac.uk

Welcome to Pritchatts Park, which is

home to a blend of undergraduates and
postgraduates from all around the world.
Pritchatts Park has its own social centre which
contains a large lounge area where many of
your social activities will take place. The Snack
Shack is located close to the bar with vending
machines for hot and cold drinks and food.
CLEANING
You will be expected to keep your own
bedroom clean and tidy. You will also
be required to undertake your share of
cleaning in the communal areas. Equipment
will be provided for this purpose, but you
will be expected to provide your own
cleaning materials.

LOCATION FIRE SAFETY

Pritchatts Park is located in Edgbaston
and is only a 10 minute walk to main campus.
It is also within walking distance to the suburb
of Harborne, this is where you will find
a wide variety of shops, bars, restaurants,
cafes and supermarkets.
(See Maps on page 7).
Your safety is our number one priority. It is
VERY important that you read and understand
the fire safety notices in your flat. We will be
sending you more information once you
have settled into your accommodation.

FACILITIES
The social centre at Pritchatts Park is called
The Park Social and it comprises of a bar
and has plenty of social space and is used
by students for a variety of social activities.
The Park Social also has a pool table and TV.
There is a Study Zone located in Pritchatts
House which can be used by all residents if
you need a quiet space to work. There is also
the Snack Shack in Pritchatts House where
you can purchase drinks and snacks. There
is a laundry room in Pritchatts House.
 The Vale Village
call: 0121 415 8520
email: valereception@contacts.bham.ac.uk
Welcome to The Vale, which is home to a
blend of undergraduates and postgraduates
from all around the world.
The Vale has its own social space called The
Hub. The Hub is located in the heart of The
Vale Village and is situated below Shackleton.
It provides recreational facilities including
bars, restaurants, a convenience store, The
Vale 24 hour reception and a coin operated
launderette. The Hub is available to all
students who want a meal, sandwich, coffee
or relaxing drink. Chamberlain, our newest
accommodation, also has a small restaurant
which is available for all students.
LOCATION
The Vale is located in Edgbaston and is only
a 20 minute walk to main campus. It is also
within walking distance to the city centre and
Broad Street, this is where you will find a wide
variety of shops, bars, restaurants, cafes and
supermarkets. (See Maps on page 7).
13
FACILITIES
The Duck & Scholar is the main bar at
The Vale. It hosts a number of events and is
equipped with pool tables and a television.
There is also The Melt (Panini bar), Pizza
Shack, InFusion (dining area) and The Hungry
Duck (in The Duck & Scholar). There is a
free cash point located in the Vale Hub
Foyer area (Shackleton).
There is a launderette in Shackleton and
Tennis Courts. There is also a launderette for
Maple Bank and Elgar Court which is located
opposite Maple Bank Block 1.
CLEANING
You will be expected to keep your
own bedroom clean and tidy. You will also
be required to undertake your share of
cleaning in the communal areas. Equipment
will be provided for this purpose but you
will be expected to provide your own
cleaning materials.
FIRE SAFETY
Your safety is our number one priority. It is
VERY important that you read and understand
the fire safety notices in your flat. We will be
sending you more information once you have
settled into your accommodation.
 ACCOMMODATION

Jarratt Hall (Selly Oak Village)

call: 0121 415 1011
email: jarrattreception@contacts.bham.ac.uk

Welcome to the Selly Oak Village, which

is home to a blend of undergraduates and
postgraduates from all around the world.
Selly Oak Village comprises just one property
– Jarratt Hall, situated just south of the main
campus, close to the University and the
large student community of Selly Oak.
CLEANING
You will be expected to keep your
own bedroom clean and tidy. You will
also be required to undertake your share
of cleaning in the communal areas. Equipment
will be provided for this purpose but you
will be expected to provide your own
cleaning materials.

LOCATION FIRE SAFETY

Selly Oak Village is located in Selly Oak
and is only a 10 minute walk to main campus.
It has a wide variety of shops, bars,
restaurants, cafes and supermarkets.
(See Maps on page 7). It has excellent
links to the city centre.
Your safety is our number one priority. It is
VERY important that you read and understand
the fire safety notices in your flat. We will be
sending you more information once you have
settled into your accommodation.

FACILITIES
Jarratt Hall has its own social room with a
TV (speak to a member of site staff about
booking this room) and a launderette that
is open 24 hours a day.
 SHARED LIVING
LEARNING TO LIVE TOGETHER
As a tenant living in university accommodation you now have equal responsibility over
things that may not have mattered before, such as the cleaning and who puts the bin bags
and recycling out for collection, and what is or isn’t acceptable in regards to noise and using
your accommodation as a social space.

For all the excitement of living together, there will inevitably be a few problems along the way.
Use these tips to prevent some of these problems. If everyone in your accommodation is
in agreement, then initial troubles should be easily dealt with and long-term issues prevented.

• O
 nce you have moved in try and have
a flat meeting with your new flat mates.
Get together in the communal area to
discuss how you think this area should/
shouldn’t be used and what is or isn’t
acceptable behaviour.
• T
 alk about security
Everyone has an equal responsibility to
keep the flat safe, ensuring you lock all
of your doors when leaving for the day
or if you head out in the evening.
• C
 leaning
Discuss cleaning and cleaning standards.
Make sure you are all responsible for your
own rooms and you take a fair share in
cleaning the communal areas. It would
be beneficial to draw up a cleaning rota
making sure that this is flexible and fits in
with each other’s timetables and deadlines.
• Having friends over to stay
Is this acceptable within the group?
How long is too long?

• S
 tudy habits and times
Be considerate of each other’s space
and need for privacy at certain times.
• S
 leeping habits
Do some of your housemates like to get
a good eight hours of sleep and wake up
feeling fresh at 6am? Are there others in
the house with a preference for staying up
late, chatting with friends and then lying
in until lunchtime? Preferences vary, so be
considerate of others if they are trying to
rest or if they need some quiet time.
• K
 itchen and equipment
Make sure that the kitchen space and
storage, both in the cupboards and the
fridge/freezer is allocated fairly and that
food is labelled to avoid confusion when
preparing meals.
• B
 asic items
Think about whether or not you will be
sharing any basic items such as milk, tea,
coffee, toilet roll etc. If so, then who is
responsible for replacing them, will you be
taking it in turns to replenish the stock?

• L
 ifestyle differences
Some like to party into the small hours,
others prefer to relax at home and get
an early night. Discuss this when you
move in and think about ways in which
you can socialise together so that
everyone feels included.
• D
 o not waste resources
Remember, every time you leave a light
on unnecessarily or leave the heater on
in an unoccupied room, you are wasting
money. These bills are included in your
accommodation cost; however it is
important that you take an active role
in looking after your environment.

15
 WHAT TO DO IF YOU
A
EXPERIENCING PROBL E R
IN YOUR FLAT E MS

MEDIATION
Mediation is a
safe place for
and address an everyone to ex
y issues they ha press their co
ve before they ncerns
escalate.
Typically, you
and your flatm
that are concer ates will meet
ning you. A St as a group to
staff will be th udent Mentor discuss the iss
ere to help th or a member ues
resolving the e discussion mov of accommod
issues. e forward and ation
look at ways of
Don’t worry! M
ediation meetin
problems in yo gs are designe
ur flat, not crea d to help to ea
to get help. te them! Ther se the
efore please do
n’t hesitate

PLEASE REMEMBER
If you are expe
riencing any iss
you feel you w ues whilst livin
ould like someo g in your acco
Mentor (Intern ne to talk to, th mmodation an
ational Suppor en please spea d
site (visit your t), a member k to a Student
site reception of accommod
Customer Serv for help) or yo ation staff at yo
ice Manager re u can also cont ur
For contact de sponsible for act Lily, your
tails, please se th e Student Enga
e page 21 in th gement Team
is booklet. .
 MANAGING YOUR MONEY
It is important that you understand the hidden costs of university and budget
for these when you arrive to make sure that you don’t run out of money!

Below are a few expenditures that you should be aware of to help you
budget for the first term.

1 Course expenditures including trips, 6 Weekly food shopping

books, equipment and printing costs
estimated average £10 per week
2  Travel (buses/taxis/trains)
estimated average £7 per week
3  Signing up to societies (£3-£5 on average)
and sports clubs (£120-£150 on average)
estimated average £25 per week
7  Socialising (alcohol/nights out/eating out)
estimated average £13 per week
8 NUS Card – £12
9 Joe’s Loyalty card – £1

4 Money for general expenditure - £20 10 Deposit for next year’s house –
normally equivalent of one month’s rent
5  Laundry (£2.60 Washing Machine, (if you choose to live in the private sector!)
£1.40 Dryer)

*Prices stated above subject to change.

For more money saving tips please visit:
guildofstudents.com/support/studentmentors/finance/

REGISTERING WITH YOUR LOCAL DOCTOR’S SURGERY

It is really important to register with a doctor
as soon as you start university. Although you
may not need to see a doctor straight away,
it will make things much simpler when you do.
If you receive regular care from your doctor
at home, it is even more important to register
with a doctor here too so that your care
can continue.
The University Medical Practice is the
local practice for most students living in
halls of residence. To register with them visit
www.theump.co.uk, click on ‘New patients’,
‘How to Register’ and download a Student
Registration Form. You can either post your
completed form to the practice or return
it directly. For information on other local
doctors and how to register with them,
visit www.nhs.uk/service-search.

17
 THINGS
RECYCLING & RUBBISH MADE EASY TO KNOW

We take great pride in recycling stuff, wherever possible. This helps to keep our
carbon footprint low, which in turn helps keep our university campus looking green.

Here is what happens to items that we recycle here in the UK.

1. Collection 2. Manual Sorting 3. Chipping

Recycling facilities gather
available recyclable plastic
materials in their area, from
roadside collections, special
recycling bins, or even
directly from industries.
All plastic items that are After sorting, the sorted
collected are then sorted plastic products are
according to the various chopped for melting.
plastic types.

5. Pelleting
The cleaned and chipped
pieces of plastic are then
melted down into pellets.
These pellets are then
sold to manufacturers
who melt them down
and use the material
to make new products.
4. Washing
A particular wash solution
consisting of an alkaline,
cationic detergent, and water
is used to effectively get rid
of all the contaminants on
the plastic material,
stripping adhesives
and shredding labels.

THINK BEFORE YOU THROW

general WAste Mixed Recycling Glass
Carrier bags Paper Plastic bottles Wine bottles
Food cartons Cardboard Drinks cans Spirit bottles
Yoghurt pots Magazines Milk bottles Beer bottles
Food waste Cereal boxes Toiletry bottles Jam jars
Old clothes Greeting cards

For more information on rubbish and recycling,

please email Matt in Environmental Services: m.j.beveridge@bham.ac.uk
 ISAS & BIA
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
ADVISORY SERVICE (ISAS)
The International Students Advisory Service
(ISAS) provides support for all international
students at the University of Birmingham.
Their advisers offer free advice and guidance
before and during your studies.
Coming to study in another country is a huge
decision and you may find that being part
of another culture is very exciting, whilst at
the same time missing the things that feel
familiar to you.
The Student Engagement Team & Student
Mentors, alongside other support services
at the university, will help you adjust to your
new life. However, ISAS are the experts on
international matters.
BIRMINGHAM
INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY (BIA)
The Birmingham International Academy
(BIA) runs the Pre-sessional Programmes
for international students. These are
intensive, motivating and challenging
Academic English courses. They focus on the
language, concepts and study skills necessary
for academic success in your degree courses.
During term time, the BIA provides in
sessional English language support to
undergraduate and postgraduate students
studying on their main programmes at the
university, such as guidance on essay writing,
time management and exam techniques.

ISAS CAN HELP YOU WITH CONTACT ISAS

• A
 pplying for Entry Clearance as a as.bham.ac.uk/studentlife/international
Student Visitor, Tier 4 Student or (0121) 414 8464
Student Dependant. www.studenthelp.bham.ac.uk

• Applying for and submitting applications

for extension of Leave to Remain as a
Student or Student Dependant.
• Applying to switch your visa from your
previous sponsor to the University of
Birmingham sponsorship.
• Immigration implications of taking a leave
of absence from your studies or changing
course or mode of study.
CONTACT BIA
birmingham.ac.uk/international/bia
(0121) 414 6209
presessional@contacts.bham.ac.uk
The Birmingham International Academy (BIA) provides
English language support and is located in the Priorsfield
building on Edgbaston Park Road.

• Changing your immigration status.

• Working during your studies and schemes

for work after study.

• Applying for Entry Clearance as a

General Visitor for friends/relatives to
visit or attend graduation ceremonies or
visit you during your studies.ISAS provide
a range of different services and will help
you with everything from Visas to working
in the UK and social activities.
19
IMPORTANT SERVICES
ACCOMMODATION SERVICES
Student life at the University of Birmingham
is so much more than your bedroom. Not
only are you far away from home, but for
most of you, student accommodation will
be your first time living independently. The
university strive to offer you a welcoming
environment so that your new room instantly
feels like home.
Birmingham offer a fantastic choice of living,
all which provides a safe, secure and
sociable start to your university experience.
However, if you encounter any problems
with your accommodation during your stay
here, please don’t hesitate to contact Living.
Call: 0121 414 8000
Email: living@contacts.bham.ac.uk
Visit: www.birmingham.ac.uk/students/
accommodation
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
AT THE UNIVERSITY
If you are currently receiving specialist
support at home, or if once you arrive you
feel that you would like some support, then
rest assured that the university provides a
wide range of support for its students.
Student Support has a professional team of
Counsellors, Wellbeing, Disability and Mental
Health Advisors that can offer support and
advice in specialist areas.
Call: 0121 414 5130
Visit: Aston Webb Building,
Edgbaston Campus
Online: intranet.birmingham.ac.uk/student/
support.aspx (info. & opening times)
THE GUILD OF STUDENTS
The Guild is a popular place to go any time
of the week. There is a Spar convenience
store, a Subway and a Costa as well as
other services such as FixIT (IT and printing
services), STA Travel and Santander Bank.
The Guild also provides a number of
services for students, including:
• Guild Advice offers free, impartial and
confidential advice, they specialise
in five main areas; academic, finance,
immigration, housing and employment.
• The Community Wardens aim to make
the local area safer, cleaner and greener
for all residents in Selly Oak.
• Jobs, Skills & Volunteering offer job skills
workshops and help you to find part-time
work and volunteering opportunities.
• Student Voice represents students and
helps them to voice issues that affect them.
• Student Groups provides support
to student groups and societies,
as well as the Residents Association
(RA) scheme.
For more information about the Guild
please go to guildofstudents.com
OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS
Lily, Customer Service Manager Security (non-emergency)
and the Student Engagement Team) Tel: 0121 414 3000
Tel: 0121 414 9027
Email: l.e.badger@bham.ac.uk Police/Ambulance/Fire
If you have an emergency then please
Student Mentor Scheme call 999 for immediate assistance
Tel: 0121 251 2395
Email: mentorwelfare@guild.bham.ac.uk BIA
Online: www.guildofstudents.com/ Tel: 0121 414 6209
studentmentors Email: presessional@contacts.bham.ac.uk

Pritchatts Park reception UKCISA

Tel: 0121 414 9022 Tel: 020 7788 9214
Email: pritchattsreception@contacts.bham. Online: www.ukcisa.org.uk
ac.uk
NHS Direct – medical non-emergencies
The Vale reception and healthcare advice
Tel: 0121 415 8520 Tel: 111
Email: valereception@contacts.bham.ac.uk Online: www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

Selly Oak Village (Jarratt Hall) reception Ask4 (Internet provider)

Tel: 0121 415 1011 Tel: 0114 303 3232
Email: jarrattreception@contacts.bham.ac.uk Email: support@ask4.com

Finance (resident fees)

Tel: 0121 414 6074
Email: studentfees@bham.ac.uk

A final message from us…

We hope this guide has helped you to start getting to know your new home!
There will be a lot to learn and to familiarise yourself with when you arrive at university
but if at any point you feel overwhelmed or even just clueless about using the laundrette
then just ask a Student Mentor, a member of your Student Engagement Team or a member
of accommodation staff! No problem too big or too small, just give us a call, email or drop
in to a Student Mentor support drop-in session (details of which you will find on the wall
planner) and we can help make sure you get the best out of your time here.

Have a great summer and we’ll see you soon!

Love from, The Student Mentors

and the Student Engagement Team x