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THINKING ABOUT STUDY IN THE
UNITED KINGDOM? THIS IS OUR BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO STUDYING IN THE UK WITH REAL-LIFE EXPERIENCES AND ADVICE FROM UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM STUDENTS AND GRADUATES FROM ACROSS THE GLOBE.
‘Come to the UK. You will have an unforgettable experience.’ Yuwen Jia, MA Education 2015
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A GREAT COUNTRY The decision to study at an international institution can be daunting. There is lots to learn and practical steps to consider in planning a move to a new country. We have asked our alumni, current students, and staff to provide some helpful hints, tips and advice to help you in your application to study in the United Kingdom.
POPULATION
64,975,764 13% OF WHICH WERE BORN OUTSIDE THE UK 210 DIFFERENT NATIONALITIES MAJOR RELIGIONS MULTI FAITH
PARLIAMENTARY DEMOCRACY AND A CONSTITUTIONAL MONARCHY, LED BY A PRIME MINISTER
EMERGENCY NUMBER INTERNET DOMAIN 999 (FIRE, POLICE, AMBULANCE AND COAST GUARD)
300 DIFFERENT LANGUAGES SPOKEN ome of the best S universities in the world are based in the UK Hannah Cotillon, BA International Relations, 2015
STUDENTS IN HIGHER EDUCATION
2.38 MILLION (HESA) T he UK has a prestigious education system and also easy access to Europe for travelling May Kuan, MEng Mechanical Engineering, 2012
www./co.uk
A s I am from a tropical country, it was exciting and interesting to be living in a place with four seasons Dr Muhammad Nur Arif bin Abdul Rassip, MBChB, 2009
CURRENCY POUNDS STERLING (ÂŁ)
8,000 KM
I chose the UK for its excellent reputation and the great variety of courses and options C atherine Delacour, LLB with French, 2009
OF COASTLINE
28 UNESCO
NEVER MORE THAN
WORLD HERITAGE SITES
70 MILES FROM THE SEA
1,528,480 (HESA)
STUDENTS IN THE UK STUDYING FOR THEIR FIRST DEGREE (UG LEVEL)
Search UKCISA for more helpful information for international students preparing to study in the UK.
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A VIBRANT CITY At the heart of the UK, Birmingham is an exciting and culturally rich city in which to live. As Britain’s second city, Birmingham welcomes 64,000 students every year across five universities helping to make it an incredibly vibrant and exciting city in which to study.
YOUNGEST CITY IN EUROPE
8,000 ACRES
40% OF THE POPULATION ARE UNDER 25
OF PARKS AND OPEN SPACE
irmingham was amazing; the people there B were so nice and friendly! I could find anything I wanted there including the things I had been missing from home Bazrina Ramly, MA Applied Linguistics, 2014
A POPULAR DESTINATION
UK’S 3rd MOST VISITED CITY irmingham offers a wide range of places B to see Christos Galanopoulos, MSc Geotechnical Engineering, 2012
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LANGUAGES SPOKEN IN THE CITY
NAMED THE
UK’S MOST ENTREPRENEURIAL CITY OUTSIDE LONDON he city has everything! Birmingham is a vibrant T British city; it has a multiracial community and colourful culture to learn from Dr Muhammad Nur Arif bin Abdul Rassip, MBChB, 2009
FIVE UNIVERSITIES IN THE CITY
AND 20 WITHIN A ONE-HOUR DRIVE I liked that Birmingham offered the benefits of a big city without being as costly as London Hannah Cotillon, BA International Relations, 2015
To learn more about the City of Birmingham and find out about events in the region go to Visit Birmingham.
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A GLOBAL UNIVERSITY Since 1900, the University of Birmingham has been a leading global university opening access to education, encouraging intellectual curiosity and making important things happen for students from across the world.
£175 MILLION OF INVESTMENT
250 ACRE
IN OUTSTANDING FACILITIES ON CAMPUS INCLUDING A NEW SPORTS CENTRE AND LIBRARY
PARKLAND CAMPUS
I chose the University of Birmingham primarily because of the excellent reputation and because of the warm reception I received from staff when I first enquired about the programme Sarah Button, MSc Urban and Regional Planning, 2014
£3.5 MILLION INVESTED IN NEW EMPLOYABILITY INITIATIVES
FOUNDER MEMBER OF UNIVERSITAS21
A GLOBAL RESEARCH LED UNIVERSITY CONSORTIUM
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WE ASKED OUR ALUMNI WHY THEY CHOSE TO STUDY AT BIRMINGHAM.
Birmingham is one of the Russell Group members, and is top in the nation for my course Anneli Hibbert (MA TESOL, 2013)
The university allowed me to study in a large city while still having the campus experience Hannah Cotillon, BA International Relations, 2015
OVER 40 INTERNATIONAL STUDENT-LED SOCIETIES AND ASSOCIATIONS I think the University of Birmingham is among the best universities in the world Bazrina Ramly, MA Applied Linguistics, 2014
ALUMNI FROM MORE THAN
190 COUNTRIES
Because of the University’s impressive history and architecture Florian Dittrich, MSc Strategic Marketing & Consulting, 2010
For more information and a chance to look around campus online simply search ‘virtualtour.bham.ac.uk/campus/international/’.
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KEEPING YOU MOVING! In addition to the many things to see and do within Birmingham itself, the city also enjoys an unrivalled position at the heart of the country with excellent transport links across the UK and beyond.
Travelling in and around the UK is a breeze Dr Muhammad Nur Arif bin Abdul Rassip, MBChB, 2009
143 DIRECT ROUTES
FLY AROUND THE WORLD FROM BIRMINGHAM AIRPORT EVERY DAY I especially like that Birmingham is so centrally located to many excit ing places in the UK James K. Dew, Jr, PhD Philosophy
irmingham has a good transport B ation system, so I could easily go to othe r cities or countries in my free time Evita Suteja, MSc International Business, 2014
av H ing an intern ational airpor t half an hour from the city centre makes it ea sier for stud ents who enjoy travellin g to different parts of Europe du ring breaks r Muhammad D Nur Arif bin Ab dul Rassip, MBC hB, 2009
I chose the UK because it is only a short flight away from friends and family! Catherine Delacour, LLB with French, 2009
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The campus is well connected by rail to the rest of the country, and with Birmingham less than two hours from London and many other major cities, it’s a great place to be Sarah Button, MSc Urban and Regional Planning, 2014
MORE THAN
90% OF THE UK BUSINESS MARKET IS WITHIN A FOUR HOUR JOURNEY TIME OF THE CITY
CITY
DISTANCE (KM)
TRAIN TIMES (AVG)
Stratford upon Avon Oxford Manchester Cardiff Cambridge Liverpool London
35
56 mins
92
1 hour 8 mins
113
1 hour 38 mins
142
2 hours
142
2 hours 46 mins
150
1 hour 34 mins
163
1 hour 25 mins
Dublin Brighton Belfast Edinburgh Glasgow Paris
307 352
FLIGHT TIMES (AVG)
45 mins 3 hours 6 mins
354
1 hour 5 mins
394
4 hours 21 mins
1 hour 15 mins
406
4 hours 15 mins
1 hour 15 mins
473
4 hours 38 mins
1 hour 15 mins
LOCATED AT THE HEART OF THE COUNTRY FOR ROAD, TRAIN, AND AIR TRAVEL, BIRMINGHAM IS A TRANSPORT HUB FOR 400 MILLION PEOPLE EVERY YEAR OVER 279 POSSIBLE INTERNATIONAL CONNECTIONS
To see what awaits you and to get advice about how to make the most of your time in the UK head over to Visit Britain and start planning!
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The University of Birmingham has been welcoming students from across the world for more than a century. Here is some advice for students thinking of coming to the UK from alumni and students who have already made the exciting and rewarding move.
NORTH AMERICA ake the be M st of your da ys while in Birmingham . When you le ave the city and all your friends, it m ay be difficult to get back in touch with everyone you have met because they will literally be fr om all over the world. Mee Seong Li , MPhil Pure M athematics, 20 05
T he quality of research drew me here, and when I found an amazing lab where I could continue researching deve lopmental disorders, I knew that it was the perfect place to be. Kelly Leyden, MRes Cognitive Neur oscience and Rehabilitation, 2010
The University was very easy to work with, the tuition is reasonably priced and the faculty is wonderful! James K. Dew Jr, PhD Philosophy
CITY
DISTANCE TO BIRMINGHAM (KM)
New York Toronto Los Angeles
5419 5581 8629
It was very ork nt for me to w rta po im a topof n io is rv under the supe versity ni pher. The U shelf philoso rs to so es s Prof had numerou . m choose fro Jr, PhD James K. Dew Philosophy
he ‘Careers in Business’ T department provided very useful information that enabled me to better understand what potential employers were seeking and market myself accordingly. V onetta Charles, MBA International Business, 2010
I liked the library, the ease of acce ssing documents from off-campus and the extensive availability of journals. Sarah Button, MSc Urban and Regi onal Planning, 2014
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EUROPE CITY
DISTANCE (KM)
FLIGHT TIMES (AVG)
Amsterdam Brussels Paris Berlin Madrid Rome Moscow
441
1 hour 20 mins
472
1 hour 10 mins
473
1 hour 15 mins
1024
1 hour 45 mins
1339
2 hours 20mins
1592
2 hours 40mins
2554
5 hours 25mins
I came to improve my English and learn how to strategically run a successful business. Antonios Papadimitriou, MBA 2011
The opportunity to live in another country, with a different culture and way of thinking was the main reason that I chose to study in Birmingham.
Coming to the UK allowed me to learn new problem solving research methods with students of different backgrounds and nationalities. Christos Galanopoulos Geotechnical Engineering Msc 2012 I was pleasantly surprised by how easy everything was. I was expecting a lot of administrative hassle and millions of question marks but everything was very clearly explained and there was always someone you could turn to if you had any questions. Catherine Delacour –LLB with French, 2009
Christos Galanopoulos, Geotechnical Engineering MSc, 2012
The greater amount of personal interaction with staff and professors is a positive difference from other countries. Florian Dittrich, MSc Strategic Marketing & Consulting, 2010
I definitely recommend going to visit the universities you are interested in. It is much easier to decide when you have seen the buildings and spoken to the people. Catherine Delacour, LLB with French, 2009
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CHINA CITY
DISTANCE TO BIRMINGHAM (KM)
Beijing Shanghai Guangzhou
8148 9223 9519
I choose to study in this programme because the programme was competitive, a large number of students were from Chinese universities and the education quality is excellent. Zhe Jiang, MSc Mathematical Finance, 2014
d Be open minde seas er ov an ng when choosi face d get ready to university, an ying ud st d hing an different teac counter en to ed ar ell prep models. Be w al and not a res, it is norm different cultu bad thing. ing MSc Engineer Steven Zhao, 2012 Management, e Th chance to co mplete my masters in on e year, which is faster than ot her countrie s, was appealin g. Zhe Jiang, M Sc Mathemat ical Finance, 2014
uring the time of writing essays D and dissertation, my professors gave me plenty of advice. However learning in the UK demands great self-discipline as Chinese teachers give students more supe rvision. Yuwen Jia, MA Education 2015
hile in China you learn just to pass the W exams. In the UK, we studied the whole theory and its details. Sid Da Xu, MSc Money, Banking and Finance, 2014
he British people were T so nice and helpful. Yuwen Jia, MA Education, 2015
T ry to go out of your house and be part of the local culture but be prepared that the British accent is different from the US one. Sid Da Xu, MSc Money, Banking and Finance, 2014
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HONG KONG CITY
DISTANCE TO BIRMINGHAM (KM)
Hong Kong
9654
inding good F student accommodat ion helped me to avoid disruption an d focus upon studying. Spencer Kan, MBA, 2012
I don’t think other countries offer so many opportunities for one on one time with tutors and staff as they do in the UK. If you have a problem you can go straight to that person and they will dedicate time and effort to you.
ersity’s the Univ Studying in as so mpus w y main ca cause m sive be to n e e impres k tes were a m eas. s s id cla ange nd exch 2 1 0 2 share a BA, r Kan, M Spence
uring my studies I learnt that hard D work, having an industrious tend ency, being able to analyse and problem solve while quickly thinking on your feet definitely helps. Kevin Ho, BEng Electronic and Elec trical Engineering, 1998
Hannah Cotillon, BA International Relations, 2015
It was gre at to be in such close co ntact wit h staff and tuto rs. Hannah C otillon, B A Internatio nal Relati ons, 2015
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SOUTH EAST ASIA CITY
DISTANCE TO BIRMINGHAM (KM)
Kuala Lumpur Singapore Jakarta
10657 10956 11814
C oming to Birmingham allowed me to get to know lots of friends from different cultures and work together with them. Evita Suteja, International Business, 2014
My biggest d the as the food an reservation w te af r doing re. However, different cultu g to the UK I in before com ch ar se s re e m so ve no problem that I would ha is od fo al was confident that Hal m and found practising Isla e. bl la ai av ly easi dul Ar Nur if bin Ab Dr. Muhammad , 2009 Rassip, MBChB
S tudying in the UK has really helped me to improve my English proficiency skills as I was surrounded by native speakers of English. azrina Ramly, MA Applied B Linguistics, 20142010)
I never felt sm all when I w as among the le cturers and th e native studen ts, even whe n I was the on ly Malaysian student in th e class; they always tried to lift my sp irit. Bazrina Ram ly, MA Applie d Linguistics, 20 14
ne thing I found interesting O was the practical, all-round study approach right from the first year. Dr. Muhammad Nur Arif bin Abdul Rassip, MBChB, 2009
The large group exercised our ability to ssions discu allocate tasks amongst ourselves preparing us for leadership positions in the future and providing a positive learning experience. Heizeline de Gracia, BSc Business Management with Communications, 2015
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BEING BIRMINGHAM irmingham is a B great city with a lot going on culturally. Hannah Cotillon, BA International Relations, 2015
Chosen as The New York Times’ ‘Foodiest city in Britain’ and one of the Rough Guide’s ‘Top 10 cities to Visit’, Birmingham is a great place to be. With a world-class orchestra, Birmingham Royal Ballet, touring West End shows and top performers, the city offers a real cultural heart to the UK.
here is a good live music scene in the city. T Lucia Carrasco, Life Science, 2013
Birmingham hosts the UK’s largest Christmas German market attracting over 5.5 million visitors each year. I enjoy the time around Christmas with markets and lights around the city centre. Dr Muhammad Nur Arif bin Abdul Rassip, MBChB, 2009
The city is an internationally recognised sporting hub with world class facilities for golf, cricket, football, athletics, tennis and speedway to name just a few. opics like UK soccer are great T as talking points for getting to know new people. Spencer Kan, MBA, 2012
Birmingham has so much more beyond the city centre. From the bars and exhibitions of the Jewellery Quarter to the home of Cadbury chocolate at Bournville, and with miles of scenic canal walks and cycling and easy access to glorious English countryside, there is plenty for all tastes and budgets.
I f you like to shop, the city centre is one of the best shopping places in the UK. Dr Muhammad Nur Arif bin Abdul Rassip, MBChB, 2009
There has been over £850 million investment in leisure, transport and business facilities across the city over the last five years including Grand Central train station, The Mailbox, and Resorts World Birmingham irmingham has lots of different areas to explore. B There is always something to do! Hannah Cotillon, BA International Relations, 2015
For more exciting things to do when you arrive search Visit Birmingham and get inspired.
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MEMORIES AND TOP TIPS Making the move to a new country can be a daunting experience, so we asked some of our graduates what made their decision worthwhile and what advice they have for making your journey to the UK a truly rewarding one. I found clos e friends who m I could travel and hang out with, and we’re still in contact now although we are currently resi ding in diffe rent countries. May Kuan
alking from the student W halls to the Business School in the morning was my best memory because of the fresh air, beautiful sunlight and the lovely birds singing. Spencer Kan
The long walks around Edgbaston campus and all the relaxed evenings at the pub. Catherine Delacour
I enjoyed the sun in the park near the Old Joe clock tower with my friends. Evita Suteja
repare well and do P your research. Catherine Delacour
Don’t hesitate to join societies. Hannah Cotillon
he professional lecturers T at the University helped me to address any reservations about studying in the UK. Evita Suteja
Bring waterand shoes. proof clothes is country, it Because in th one season and no rains in every ella! takes an umbr Sid Da Xu
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Do not be afraid, it’s an opportunity to transform into an independent person and enjoy life to the fullest throughout your years in the UK. May Kuan
he learning process is T much more independent in the UK. Get ready to be independent, and enjoy the fun! S teven Zhao
e as flexible and openB minded as you can. Don’t worry too much, relax and let things flow. Lucia Carrasco ancy dress in the UK really F means fancy dress – and that you should go all in! Catherine Delacour
Definitely take the chance to live and study in a great environment. Florian Dittrich
Be more inquisitive of subjects and fields of study which you normally wouldn’t think too much about. It might just pique a new interest which you never knew you had before. Kevin Ho
herish every C minute to develop yourself, learn as much as possible and try to have practical and relevant work experience. Yuwen Jia
ead and study as much as you R can about the industry you want to break into. Heizeline de Gracia One year is very short. So try to keep more pictures and diaries, you will never regret doing that. Sid Da Xu
y advice? Study smart M and play hard. Dr. Muhammad Nur Arif bin Abdul Rassip
GETTING READY Ready for your UK study experience? This checklist will get you started. The rest is up to you!
mingham for Sear ch University of Bir t applyin g more information abou date Check Passport is up to Pa ck for all seasons
cup of tea Have yourself a lovely the UK and get ready for life in
life at Want to find out more about am? ingh Birm
Find out more about life at Birmingham from alumni and friends by using the links below or search for the ‘University of Birmingham’ to keep up with the latest information about our university. www.facebook.com/unibirmingham www.youtube.com/unibirmingham @unibirmingham
Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
www.birmingham.ac.uk
All facts correct at time of publishing. All views expressed are those of the individuals cited and not the University of Birmingham. Produced with support from our international alumni community.
12085 © University of Birmingham 2016. Printed on a recycled grade paper containing 100% post-consumer waste.
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