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Higher education

Talk to other parents whose children are preparing for university on our Higher Education forum.

Original poster

Birmingham University Parents

34 replies

glitterbiscuits · 20/08/2019 17:01

www.facebook.com/groups/UoBparents/?ref=share

This is a new Facebook group for parents with DC off to or currently at University of Birmingham.

OP posts:
richandwai · 20/08/2019 17:15

Thank you. I've sent a request to join.

Original poster
glitterbiscuits · 20/08/2019 20:41

I never seem to see Brum mentioned on the higher ed threads.
Is anyone else out there?

OP posts:
MarchingFrogs · 20/08/2019 20:47

YesSmile.

Imminent and former, actually (DS1 graduated in 2018).

Original poster
glitterbiscuits · 20/08/2019 22:12

@MarchingFrogs any top tips?
DS is having cold feet!

OP posts:
MarchingFrogs · 20/08/2019 23:01

@glitterbiscuits, we really left him to get on with it, but one thing I would definitely advise is have a look at the social activities / societies and find things to join in with. Even if he doesn't carry on with everything, give a few things a go. I was intrigued to hear that DS1 had taken up mountaineering in his first term. It turned out that Rock Soc was the musical variety. However, he did join in a trip to a climbing wall at one point (in Walsall, I think).

One thing he took part in a couple of times was Lost - they got taken off somewhere in a coach, blindfolded, I think, and had to make their way back to the university without spending money, completing various tasks in the process. The first year, he got one eyebrow shaved, although I'm still not sure whether this was intentional or accidentalGrin.

latedecember1963 · 21/08/2019 07:18

DS2 has just completed 2 years and is currently spending a year studying in Australia. He'll return next July ready to do his final year.
He's had a very happy experience socially and academically. He's found the teaching staff genuinely interested. He joined lots of societies including Ultimate Frisbee and Orchestra. He also made loads of friends through the Sober Socials society. You don't have to be tea total to join, but they organise weekly events that don't involve alcohol.

He was in Elgar Hall for the 1st year and opted for catered. He found the food a bit repetitive and "school dinnerish" but it suited his purpose at the time.
In the 2nd year he lived in a shared house in Selly Oak. Because of the practicalities of trying to sort a house share for next year while being in Australia he may well go back into Halls for his final year.

Good look to all new starters. It doesn't feel like it now, but the time will fly by. I can't believe it's 2 years since we were in your position!

richandwai · 21/08/2019 10:52

Hi my son has been allocated Elgar Court but self catered. What did your DS think of the accommodation? Thanks

howwudufeel · 21/08/2019 10:54

I loved Birmingham when we looked around for the open day. Not sure if DS will apply there but I would be delighted if he did. I hope all your dc have a wonderful time there

CBear99 · 21/08/2019 11:44

DS just finished 2nd year at Brum and absolutely loves it. Off to British Columbia Canada for his year abroad next week so very excited about the opportunities he hopes it'll offer him. Spent 1st year in Chamberlain. Very expensive- catered food not great and not enough of it so ended up buying food too. 2nd year in Selly Oak - very grim to me but he loved it!

howwudufeel · 21/08/2019 12:28

We tried a meal in the restaurant which serves Chamberlain when we went to the open day. It was Ok but a really small portion. DS is tall and active and he would really struggle. It made him realise he’s better off cooking for himself. I liked the Maple self-catered halls.

latedecember1963 · 21/08/2019 14:53

Richandwai,Re Elgar Court Hall, his room was a reasonable size with an ensuite loo, wash basin and shower. He had plenty of desk space and plug sockets. He had a single bed and we provided pillows, a quilt and bed linen.
The comunal kitchen was newly refurbished and had a fridge, freezer and oven and hob.
It was close to the laundrette and he paid for washing/drying by card.
Hope moving in day goes well for him.

latedecember1963 · 21/08/2019 14:59

Meant to add that I think there may have been a kettle and toaster provided at Elgar Court, but we got him crockery, cutlery, pans, a baking tray, a measuring jug and some basic utensils for when he wanted to cook.

richandwai · 21/08/2019 16:04

latedecember1963 thank you so much for your replies and all the information. My DS is looking forward to moving in and meeting his flat mates. I hope your DS is enjoying his time in Australia.

latedecember1963 · 21/08/2019 18:05

You are very welcome. He's loving Australia. Thank goodness he needs to come back to complete his degree or he might not come back. 😊

jacquettalux · 21/08/2019 18:16

I went to Birmingham and it really is a fantastic uni. I graduated a few years ago (2016) so not sure how relevant my knowledge will be now, but let me know if I can help!

waltzingparrot · 21/08/2019 21:25

Hi, can I join please? DS is moving in next month. He's been allocated Aitken accommodation, so meal plan and shared bathroom.

I sort of feel for the money they pay, they could put a cheap kettle and toaster in each kitchen but it's not on the inventory list I found online. Does every kitchen end up with 6 of each?

SmithfamilyRobinson · 22/08/2019 15:08

I am in - or to be precise DS is in! It wouldn't have been my choice as I preferred Leeds for his course but I get the good reasons for choosing Brum! He is in Tennis Courts. Off to Reading, have had words about alcohol!

waltzingparrot · 22/08/2019 16:50

Mine's also gone to Reading - We did alcohol & drugs ( I worry about them more).

KeyboardplayerXXX · 23/08/2019 12:58

I've requested to join the Facebook page. My DD is staying in Bournbrook. It's self catered. I was wondering if a kettle and toaster would be provided !

isadoradancing · 23/08/2019 20:13

My DD is starting in Birmingham and we live in Switzerland she'll be so far away but she's so excited.

Bear01 · 23/08/2019 20:39

Anyone's DC staying at Oakley court from September?

MarchingFrogs · 23/08/2019 21:53

DD's in Battery Park. On what I assumed to be the top floor (her flat is 9xx) until she said that someone in one of the group chats is in flat 10xx in the same block. She seems to have got herself onto about 7 different group chats. She has found two of her flatmates so far and they seem sociable.

I did not get a positive response when I suggested that I could join a Mums and Dads FB group, howeverShock.

HostessTrolley · 23/08/2019 22:53

Btw my Dd didn’t study further maths for all of year 12, she dropped it in February after doing reading and research and making a couple of calls to unis she was interested in - I think kings and Nottingham, who told her that a fourth A level made no difference at all to their selection processes.

0ellenbrody0 · 24/08/2019 20:21

@Bear01 my DD has been allocated Oakley Court! She would have preferred an en suite but seems quite happy.
I’m not on Facebook but will keep an eye on this thread.

MyGhastIsFlabbered · 24/08/2019 20:32

I went to Birmingham back in the 90s. I'm sure my info is well out of date but happy to help if I can.

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