Bcu Accommodation

Hi, I'm looking at studying at BCU studying photography. I am wondering if any current/past students have any advice on whether this university is 1, good for photography, 2, what accommodation is best and which to avoid, and 3, if you'd recommend the university as a whole. As I have had mixed opinions on the city/uni as a whole and have never lived in a city before, thanks

Reply 1

04MR17

Volunteer Section Leader, Clearing and Applications Advisor

@BCU Student Rep, perhaps you could offer some thoughts here? :smile:

Reply 2

BCU Student Rep

Official Rep

Original post by Anonymous

Hi there,

BCU is ranked the number one Photography course in the UK (Guardian University Guide) and throughout your time on the course, you'll cover technique, theory, experimentation and ethical practice. There's also lots of support and encouragement towards employability and gaining industry experience too.

Most creative courses at BCU study in The Parkside Building, so you'll be surrounded by other creatives throughout your days on campus. Photography wise, there are the main studios, a darkroom, film processing room, printing facilities and exhibition spaces. But you'll also be able to access the other facilities in The Parkside Building, which you might not necessarily associate with photography straight away - textiles, metal/woodwork, computer resources.
I really like studying in this space as it's really open plan and feels like a working atmosphere of a professional studio. Plus, it's really great to be so close the uni library in the Curzon building too - just across the road - and it's only a 10 minute walk to the city centre.

BCU is also ranked the number one Photography course in the UK (Guardian University Guide)!
For Accommodation, there are quite a few within a 15/20 minute walk of the City Centre Campus - where you'll be studying. There's University Locks, which is just behind the uni, so it's a good one if you want to roll out of bed and head in to do some work. I stayed in Bentley House in my first year and I really loved my time there. It's about 15 minutes from uni. I stayed in a flat of 5 people, and to be honest, I wouldn't have wanted any more flat mates than that as I felt it would have been too crowded in the shared spaces. The reception and security staff were lovely and any time I needed help, they were always there.

As a whole, I've loved my time at BCU so far. I am originally from a much smaller city, so moving to Birmingham for me was a big change. I adjusted quite quickly, and after juts finishing my second year, I know the city much better now. I think my time here so far has been so great, as I've thrown myself into lots of different aspects of uni life - my course, becoming a student ambassador, working as a content creator, and joining some societies too. So, I would say the more you immerse yourself into new opportunities, the more you'll get out of your time at BCU. Thankfully, I've not needed to access student support services, but as a student with a disability, I have been able to navigate uni life really easily and there's always been the support there.

And Birmingham as a city - I love! It can sometimes be a bit overwhelming as it does get busy and the city is so big, but I also love these elements of it too. And once you start getting to know the city better, you'll find it doesn't seem so big.

I would suggest having a look at the BCU Photography Instagram page if you get chance. I did this for the fashion course when I was looking at unis, and it was a nice way to see what the course is getting up to from day to day work. Here's the link: https://www.instagram.com/bcuphoto/

You've probably had a look already, but here is the course page: https://www.bcu.ac.uk/courses/photography-ba-hons-2024-25#overview

I hope this helps. 🙂
Emily
Student Rep at BCU