University of Birmingham 2015 Applications FAQ + Chat Thread + Offers

Hi! I don't know much about the IB or law, but I'd say it depends on your other 4 choices. If all of your other choices are the same as your grades or lower, then I think having 1 above is a good idea hope this helps

Hey thanks for replying

I'm an International applicant so I don't have any idea as to how this system works but that being said, have you heard of anyone who has been made a conditional offer despite missing the criteria by a slight grade ?

I always try to think of a question to ask to make an impression on the admission tutors and to show my interest, but I'm just really bad at thinking of them! I'm glad this has helped you! I only live about an hour away from Birmingham so I know quite a lot about the city, so if you're not local and have any questions just ask! I really hope I get an offer too

I want to urge anyone who receives an unconditional from Birmingham to PLEASE think through thoroughly whether this university is really right for you. I received my unconditional last year and was struggling with my studies and didn't think i had any hope of getting AAB (which was my offer from everywhere else) so I though hey, Birmingham's a decent uni, I'll go there and I can relax about everything and it'll all be great. I'm 3 weeks into my time here and I absolutely hate it, I'm miserable here for several reasons and I just know that this uni isn't for me, I walk around with a gut instinct that this isn't where I belong or where I can ever feel happy...the more frustrating thing is that I did in fact get AAA in the end, so I could have got in anywhere else.

Don't get me wrong, a lot of people love it here and Birmingham is a well-respected university. But please, don't fall into the unconditional security trap like I did and put it as your firm unless you are ABSOLUTELY sure Bham would've been your first choice anyway.

Remember, universities are businesses; they're not giving you an unconditional because they're being nice or caring to you, they're doing it because they want to trap you into going there and giving them your money.

I'm seriously considering dropping out of university this year to take a gap year and reapply for a different uni next year, probably Manchester as it's much closer to home for me and I feel I'd be a lot happier there, but I'm not sure whether dropping out is really an option because of money :\ PLEASE don't get yourself into the same situation I did, I ignored everyone who questioned whether Bham was really the best choice because I was too scared to consider the alternative.

edit: also something I forgot to mention, in my time here the vast majority of people I've met also received unconditional offers. So it feels like...does anyone here really want to be here because they liked the uni? Or just for the same reasons I came here?

That's really convenient. I live about an hour and a half away but I've only been to Birmingham once and I love the city. Hoping the uni is as awesome. How do you think student life is in Birmingham. I know it's cheaper than London but I don't know how expensive it is


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It really depends on what accommodation you get. I'm in the cheapest one, but it's a lot cheaper per week than the next one. Some of the accommodation is very overpriced, however mine was the cheapest I saw out of all the unis I looked at. The train to the city centre is also very cheap, and costs just £1.50 for a return with a railcard. As for food, I walk to Aldi in Selly Oak, so don't end up paying a lot, but it's a bit of a walk if you're carrying things. There aren't really any large supermarkets that are close to where I am, however tesco is close to the vale, and a taxi apparent costs £1 per person each way if the taxi is full. You can also get shopping delivered there, which is a good idea if you want heavy things. The food on campus is rather expensive for what it is, as is meal plan. It's a lot cheaper to cook for yourself, even if you buy quite expensive food. My friends on meal plan find that even though they pay far more per week than I spend on food, it isn't enough to last them a week due to how expensive the food is. If you have any other questions, feel free to quote this post/PM me

Went to the open day today and I loved the campus. The accommodation is quite nice (saw Shackleton, mason, maple). Mason was my favourite but the cost made my heart drop. It's so expensive. I really want an ensuite as well. Yeah I didn't really like the meal plan system as well, that's why I didn't really like Shackelton that much. But overall I liked the university in general


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Anyone applying for psychology?

I am applying for Political Science and Sociology.. My school hasn't sent my application off even though it is finished. Hopefully they will send it as soon as half term is over.

I am predicted ABB but I think I can achieve AAB - I think the typical offer/requirements are much lower than most undergraduate courses because I have loads of friends applying who need AAA/AAB - anyone else applying who is predicted ABB?

I am. Just sent off my application, Birmingham is my top choice.

Ah cool! Where else have you applied?

Edinburgh, Reading, Manchester and KCL (i live in London therefore my parents forced me to apply to atleast one in london)
what about you?

That's really convenient. I live about an hour and a half away but I've only been to Birmingham once and I love the city. Hoping the uni is as awesome. How do you think student life is in Birmingham. I know it's cheaper than London but I don't know how expensive it is
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