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International Students Support

We want all international students to have the information and support needed to help you settle into life in the UK but also ensure you have every opportunity to make friends and enjoy your time at the University of Birmingham.

Explore our International Student Support Page for lots of essential information.

Settling In From visas to employment information

Social Events and community

Support How to access support if you need it

Settling into life at University of Birmingham

From organising student accommodation to knowing what to pack and what documents to bring with you, we know you’ll have lots of questions about preparing to travel and what to do when you arrive in Birmingham. To help you, we have compiled a range of key information on our International Welcome page, all to support your journey to the University of Birmingham.

You can also visit our International Welcome page for information on how to set up a UK bank account, register with a GP (Doctor) to access healthcare and more.

International Welcome Page

Representing You

We know, moving to a new country can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. We have an International Officer who is here to represent and support you during your time at Birmingham and help you feel at home in the Guild and across the University.

Whether you have questions or have ideas to improve the international student experience, please do get in contact with your International Officer via email or social media.

International Officer

Visas and Immigration

Do you have questions about Student visas? The University provides detailed information on their dedicated Student visa guidance page, which includes information about visas, immigration requirements and applying to study in the UK.

You may also find the UKCISA (UK Council for International Student Affairs) webpages helpful for independent guidance about Student visas and studying in the UK.

For official information about Student visas and immigration requirements, you can also visit the GOV.UK Student visa guidance page

International Student Team

If you’re looking for support relating to visas and immigration, you can get in contact with the University’s International Student Team. IST offer specialist support and guidance for prospective and current international students studying in the UK.

Working During Your Studies

Many international students choose to work part-time during their studies, so you can earn money while you’re studying. The Guild offers a range of student staff roles throughout the year which are advertised through our website, and additional opportunities may also be available through Worklink and across the University.

Please note that depending on your visa and course type, there may be restrictions on the number of hours you are permitted to work during term time.

The University’s International Student Team provides guidance on working in the UK as an international student which we’d encourage you to read.

View Our Jobs Hub

Events

The Guild runs events and activities throughout the year to help students meet people, settle into university life and explore the Birmingham community.

During the Welcome period and beyond, we host a range of events giving you the opportunity to:

- Meet other students at the Guild and across campus or accommodation sites
- Explore campus and the city
- Learn more about student life
- Have fun

View All Events

Community Pantry: 11th June 3pm - 5pm; Guild of Students - 2nd/Top Floor (see event description for full details); Our Community Pantry is here to offer Cost of Living support to students. Emergency Food parcels are available to collect weekly. Please complete the online request form to arrange a parcel.

Joes Big Quiz: 11th June 6:30pm - 10pm; Joes Bar at the Guild of Students; Come along to Joe's Bar for a night of quiz, cash prizes for 1st, 2nd & 3rd place. £5 per team, maximum 5 people in a team.

Community Pantry Eco Shop: 12th June noon - 1pm; Guild of Students - Car Park; £5 food shop thanks to FareShare.; Buy Tickets

World Cup Live Haiti vs Scotland: 14th June 2am - 4am; Guild of Students; Watch the World Cup Live Wetherspoon @Joe's

Junkbusters 15.06: 15th June noon - 3pm; See Event Description; Every year, we host collection stalls in and around Selly Oak. All you need to do is dig out the things you no longer need, drop them into a bin bag and pop along to one of our collection points with your items.

Scrutiny Panel - International Officer: 15th June 3:30pm - 4:30pm; Microsoft teams; Buy Tickets

Community Breakfast: 17th June 9am - 11am; Guild Reception; You are invited to come along for a free continental breakfast.

Scrutiny Panel - Ethnic Minorities Officer: 17th June 1pm - 1:30pm; Microsoft teams; Buy Tickets

Residence Life Office Pop Up: 17th June 5pm - 7pm; Belgrave View, Social Space; Pop-Up Wellbeing Office, speak with your Residence Life Wellbeing Team - no appointment needed!

Umbrella Sexual Health Stall: 17th June 5pm - 7pm; Metal Works, Common Room; Stop by the Umbrella Stall for free, confidential sexual health support at your student accommodation! Get expert advice, free contraception, and private STI testing – all in one place.

Joining a Society

Joining a student group or society is a great way to make friends, explore new interests and feel part of the University community.

A student group or ‘society’ is a group of students brought together over a shared interest.

The Guild has 350+ student groups and societies, including, cultural and international societies, academic societies, faith groups and sports, hobby & volunteering groups

Join a Student Group

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a photo of students at the socities fair

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International Groups

The International Students’ Association (ISA) is an example of a free-to-join society specifically for international students. They provide a community for international students and regularly host events throughout the year.

You can learn all about our 350+ student groups online and see what events and activity they have planned throughout the year.

Support and Advice

We want to ensure you have the best university experience, which means knowing how to access support if you need it during your studies. You can explore a range of support options through our Health and Wellbeing Hub and we have outlined some key services below.

Support Services

Guild Advice

Guild Advice is a free, confidential and non-judgemental advice service available at the Guild for all students at the University of Birmingham. They can provide support and guidance on issues including academic issues, housing and wellbeing.

Visit Guild Advice

University Support

The University provides a range of support for international students to help you when you’re settling into university life and during your studies such as wellbeing, accommodation, academic, disability, support for adjusting to life in the UK and faith and chaplaincy services.

Visit University Support

Other Support

Scam Awareness

Anyone can be a target of scams, especially international students. We want to help you be as safe as possible so it’s vital you know what to look out for and we recommend that you visit the University’s website for advice on avoiding scams.

Remember, anyone can become a victim of a scam. if it looks official, don’t assume it’s real – scammers can look professional too.

Support in an emergency

If you or someone around you is in a life-threatening emergency, call 999 immediately for emergency services in the UK. You should then call University security on 0121 414 4444. You can also alert them through the SafeZone app.

If you need urgent medical advice or support that is not a life-threatening emergency, you can call 111 for NHS care guidance.

For non-medical emergencies or safety concerns on campus, the University Security team is available 24 hours a day.

Visit the University Community Safety and Security webpages for emergency contacts, campus safety information and support services.

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