Thoughts on University of Birmingham? History at UOB? Rape? Harassment and others?

I’ve applied to UOB through A2B. However I have huge anxiety about the university. I’ve visited the open days and I liked the uni but it felt like I’m just part of a transaction.

I’ve applied for history and philosophy so if anyone who studies these subjects can provide me insight, I’m very grateful.
HOWEVER, a lot of things are holding me back. First off, the general anxiety I feel about starting this humongous university. I come from a all girls school so working around boys will be some thing I haven’t done since primary. (This is a weird thing which is difficult to explain, I’m just an awkward person).
I’ve also heard about the rape of an UOB student and several other students addressing the university’s inability to take action. That’s appealing to me. From what I’ve heard, some people describe how people near Selly oak, especially men sexually harass students. That’s another factor throwing me off.
Thirdly, due to the university’s gigantism I feel misplaced. I’m not a social person so I’m worried about socialising. As I’m applying through a2b, I believe I’m not academically worthy enough to be there.

I love history. The modules are not my most favourite but I’m open to studying them. I need more insight on the subject in regards to UOB.

I have tremendous amount of anxiety about starting university in general and I don’t know what my decision is going to be if I’m able to attend the university.

Thank you.

Reply 1

legendiwal

trust

University of Birmingham

Birmingham

Reply 2

UoB - Engineering and Physical Sciences

Official Rep

Hi I study Cheical Engineering at UoB.

Firstly, if you've been given an offer then you deserve to be at the unviersity, let your university work speak for itself, no one will care how you made it to university and if you work hard you'll do well, I can promise you that.

Secondly I am just as appalled as you are by the story of the Universities ineffctualness at dealing with those stories of sexual assault and I'm not going to defend the University, but I will say that I have seen nothing but outpourings of support and love for those victims among current students on social media. And the leaders of the guild of students have issued statements pledging to forces the univrsity to make changes regarding sexual assault policy.

Thirdly, are their creeps in Selly Oak? sometimes yes, this is similar to any other large university area, there are weirdos about but in general they're harmless and having lots of other students always about tends to make me feel pretty safe.

As for socialising the university has hundreds of student run groups covering all sorts of interests I'm sure you can find something you might enjoy with people who share similar interests to you!

https://www.guildofstudents.com/studentgroups/

I hope that helps calm some of your fears, I really do love studying at Birmingham and would highly reccomend it despite some o your concerns.

Thanks

Harry