Birmingham University Guild of Students - A Student's Guide

21 April 2022

Finding the right course at university is important, and naturally you’ll want to secure some great student accommodation in Birmingham, but it’s also important to explore what else a university has to offer. As a hub for student social events, activities, societies and so much more, checking out the student’s union is definitely worth looking into.

University Guild of Students - A Student's Guide

Introducing Birmingham’s Student Union (UoB)

If you’re looking to study in the amazing city of Birmingham, we’ve put together a quick and handy guide to get you started with the student’s union, or the Birmingham University Guild of Students as it’s known to the uni’s 34,000 strong student population . You can use this guide to familiarise yourself with this key part of Birmingham University student life and get a feel for the services and support that will be available to you while you’re studying in Birmingham.

The main Birmingham uni campus is situated between the popular student areas of Selly Oak and Edgbaston, and this is also where you’ll find the Birmingham University Guild of Students (Birmingham University Student’s Union), right in the middle of the university campus. So it’s easy for you to access everything from the services to the societies that the Guild of Students can offer you while you’re studying in Birmingham.

The Role of the UoB Guild of Students

The Birmingham student’s union acts as a hub for student activities and incentives for all students undergraduate and postgraduate. Sports teams and societies are housed here, key members of the student supports team and staff are generally found here. You’ll also find shops, cafes and break out spaces to hang out with friends.

All students at the University of Birmingham automatically become members of The Guild of Students once they enroll in the university. It’s run entirely by elected students who take a year out of their studies during placement year to represent the university’s 34,000 students.

UoB Groups and Societies

Every year, The Guild of Students holds a societies’ fair in a large marquee area. This is an excellent opportunity to browse over 300 groups and societies at Birmingham uni – there’s bound to be something that will appeal to you as the groups cover activities and games, academic assistance, campaigning, volunteering, food & drink, religious beliefs, music, performance or media. Events at the Birmingham student union range from housemate finding and mentoring to social walks and wellbeing guides – there’s sure to be something for you to enjoy.

Student groups are a great way to begin your student life in Birmingham and make new friends at university. You can explore your favourite activities, pick up some handy skills and even learn something new! Maybe a new language, or you may even find your new favourite gaming buddy or a new group to discover the best student nights in Birmingham with?

UoB Jobs and Volunteering

You’ll never be short of studies or fun things to do in Birmingham, however, if you’re looking for part-time work while studying at Birmingham uni, The Guild of Students is there to help you. On their website, new student job listings are uploaded weekly so if you see anything you fancy, all you need to do is send an email! The university job agency Worklink is also located in The Guild on the ground floor. If you’re looking for casual work on campus in one of the many cafes or as a Student Ambassador helping out with open days, this is the place to go.

You can also get involved with volunteering at The Guild. There are loads of different opportunities to volunteer on campus, from sports, to helplines and Community-led volunteering in Selly Oak. If you would like to offer some time to help other students and join over 8000 students already volunteering at the university, The Guild will help you with that.

Mental health and wellbeing at UoB

The Guild of Students’ most important job is to support you in anything you need during your studies at the University of Birmingham. Guild Advice is located on the ground floor of The Guild and offers support if you need help with academic issues, housing, finance, wellbeing and mental health, or as an international student. If you need someone to talk to, just drop in and they will help you with anything that’s bothering you!
If you have just moved into university halls or private student accommodation in Birmingham and you’re settling into shared living, Student Mentors are there to help you too. For international students who just moved to the UK from abroad, the Global Buddies team will be happy to help you with settling into your new life in Birmingham! Global Buddies organises events for international students to mingle and help you make new friends from all over the world.

Upcoming Events

Where to find the student union?

A short car ride, cycle or train from our Birmingham uni accommodation, the Birmingham student union enjoys an easily accessible central location to the university. The official address is:

University of Birmingham Guild of Students
Edgbaston Park Road
Birmingham
B15 2TU

At Collegiate, we offer an exceptional university living experience by creating stand-out student accommodation that reflect your ambition, enhance your wellbeing and support your studies. Our student accommodation in Birmingham offers cosy and secure en-suite rooms for students.

What’s more, our on-site teams are here to ensure you’re well looked after during your stay, and can offer advice about the local area – like where to find the best pizza in Birmingham or fun and unusual places to visit in Birmingham – and provide support, even if it is just for a chat and a cup of tea!