[Zenobia]

Hey everyone,

I was wondering if anyone could tell me a little about what it's like to be a postgrad at Birmingham? (Mods: feel free to move this to the postgraduate forum if that seems like a better place to ask.)

I guess I am also some information in general:
- What is the international community like?
- What's the archaeology department like?
- How would I go about finding accommodation in July?

I have been offered a place for the MRes Cuneiform & Ancient Near Eastern studies, and when I was at the campus for my interview I loved it. However I also have an offer for the MPhil Assyriology at Cambridge so I am waiting to hear my results June 20 to see if I can go there; so I suppose Birmingham is sort of my backup. Since I won't know till so late in the year, I will be very late in organising anything, and since I am excavating in Sweden all summer I also can't go to Birmingham to make any arrangements. Advice appreciated : ) I'd love to learn a little more about student experiences of Birmingham, especially the postgrad community.

[beebie]

I'm an undergraduate so can't reply exactly, but there is a big international community and a big postgrad community too. There are an enormous number of societies so there will be lots of opportunities there for getting to know others.

For housing it's probably wise to look at the Shac website: www.guildshac.co.uk. On it there is a noticeboard where you'll be able to find or ask about accomodation.

On Birmingham in general, the campus is lovely and it's nice to be central in the country. The city centre is relatively compact, not far away, and the trains are really regular. The city is definitely not as picturesque as Cambridge though and I imagine the crime rates are much higher. Personally I really like it as a student but don't really want to stay here afterwards (solely because I come from a small city so am more comfortable with that).

[Naminam]

Going to be a postgrad this Sept too but in a different department from you. So excited.

All I can say is the international community seems pretty good, the city in general is one of the most multicultural places in the UK.

[kk.creare]

hey even im joining for Mres in cognitive robotics

[kk.creare]

guys please help to choose between Atiken , Opal One and Victoria Hall.. My preferences are:
1.) Distance
2.) Social Life
3.) Ensuite
4.) Cost
5.) Students of same university ( i am not sure is it a matter to worry)
6.) Post graduate Student community( i am not sure is it a matter to worry)

I am joining psychology dept for Mres course
and also let me tell pros/cons currently i feel for victoria, opal, atiken ..

Victoria Hall:
Pros:
Very Near
Accommodation in ensuite and quite good

Cons:
From this year its only for Under grads allotted by university but i could book privately but don know how many post grads would be there.. i don wanna be odd man out

Opal One:
Pros:
Ensuite and nice accommodation
Fees also pretty good
On site gym/pool
Students from aston and city uni too (not sure this pros or cons )

Cons:
Its in between city centre and university ..so neither uni life nor city life .. and need travel for both..
Since mixed with other uni students not sure how well it goes..

Atiken:

Pros:
Its in vale and hence more events
Green environment
Atiken B and Atiken C reserverd for only Post grads (but i also feel would i miss undergrads )

Cons:
Accommodation is not so good and no ensuite(any better insight on atiken welcome )
Distance is quite far compared to victoria hall
If want to use gym/sports facilities then no near by ones

Please help me guys...

And please tell me in general - what difference it makes(pros/cons) living with undergrads and post grads.. i feel its more to fun to be with undergrads

And please tell me in general - what difference it makes (pros/cons)living with students of other unis?

[CAO]

Hi im also planning to apply in aitken...if anyone has photos of the rooms please post.

[kk.creare]

(Original post by Naminam)
Going to be a postgrad this Sept too but in a different department from you. So excited.

All I can say is the international community seems pretty good, the city in general is one of the most multicultural places in the UK.

Hey i am too joining for Mres in psychology dept which is your department ?? and where have you applied for accommodation ??

[kk.creare]

(Original post by CAO)
Hi im also planning to apply in aitken...if anyone has photos of the rooms please post.

Hii ..check this www.flickr.com/photos/unibirmingham/5488125825/
SO have you already applied ?? any reply from them ??
I have already applied to atiken and waiting for result

And which course are you joining ?

[natimiel]

Hi there!

I'm also starting a PG next September! I'm so excited! My MA is in the Education and International Development field, which is an outstanding area for developing countries like mine.

BTW, regarding accommodation, do you know the differences between 3 and 7 Pritchatts Road large double and superior double apartments? I'm going with my fiancé and we want to have enough space for both of us.

[CAO]

(Original post by kk.creare)
Hii ..check this www.flickr.com/photos/unibirmingham/5488125825/
SO have you already applied ?? any reply from them ??
I have already applied to atiken and waiting for result

And which course are you joining ?

Thanx for the link....actually im just a prospective student yet to decide if i really want to apply in bham.

[katieeeL]

i did a year abroad at birmingham during my undergrad and will be going back in september for my masters. the city has a lot going on. great food, music, art, clubs, shopping in addition to the lovely campus. there is a large international community at the uni as well as in the city. i would recommend living in the city centre (if you don't mind taking a 10 min train ride or 30 min bus ride) OR of course selly oak is a closer, more realistic choice. if you are dying to live on campus i would steer clear of the vale. i lived there during my undergrad and it was amazing, but as a postgrad you probably don't want to be surrounded by drunk 19 year olds. cheers!