So you’ve just moved to Birmingham? Lucky you!
I’m Olly, your Guild President for this academic year! I’m responsible for leading the Full-Time Officer Team and overseeing relations between the Guild and the University – from the Vice-Chancellor to Student Experience Officers. I studied for four years at UoB so being President makes it my fifth year here in Brum (that’s what everyone here calls Birmingham). Therefore, I’d like to think I know a lot about how to get the most out of living in Birmingham – which I’ll share with you and how I, as President, am utilising Birmingham for the student’s advantage.
How you can make the most out of Birmingham!
I found the city centre is good for big high street shops, chain restaurants and museums. However, the city’s real charm comes from the areas surrounding the Uni. You’ll enjoy Birmingham so much more when you explore beyond Selly Oak and the city centre! Harborne is a short walk from the Vale and a quick bus ride from Selly Oak. It’s Brum’s charity shop capital! It’s great for a quick, cheap and sustainable shopping spree and has some cosy cafes.
Stirchley is just south of Selly and has an amazing Brewery that serves some incredible pizza. It’s best for some drinks, brunches out with friends and offers cost effective supermarket options. Kings Heath has a classic high street vibe and has some of the city’s best independent live music venues. Lastly, Moseley is a bus ride away but has an active community, fancy restaurants and some dubiously named pubs!
What am I doing as Guild President in Birmingham?
Well, I’m glad you asked. There are eight Students’ Unions (SU’s) dotted across the entire West Midlands Combined Authority and I’ve been leading a movement to unite these SUs in one political alliance. Housing, skills, transport all exist on the regional level and if all students can unite their political voice, we could hopefully have a better impact of changing Brum for the better. I’ve hosted the first meeting of this alliance, and the next one will be in Coventry.
I’ve also been strategising how to further the Guild’s political power by ourselves. Having already met the Mayor of West Midlands and some Birmingham City Council Cabinet Members, I’m hoping to set out a standard and legacy of political relationships for the Guild.
Feel free to reach out via email or Instagram or visit the Officer Office on the ground floor of the Guild of Students building!