Personally I believe UCB has to be one of the most authentic, real, comfortable places for anyone to come. I came to UCB when it was peak lockdown and I was terrified. However, UCB goes ABOVE & BEYOND to make sure support for students is never missed out! There's always an opportunity for support available, always interactive things going on campus such as drop ins, activities, games, opportunities to get to know people, it has to be one of the most welcoming environments ever, considering I went to other Universities for open days etc and nothing compared. Moreover, UCB ensures that all students have employability opportunities from setting up your own business to finding jobs. I was able to have the opportunity to become a student ambassador which became my first job. With UCB help they helped develop my skills by giving me different job roles, interacting with different people, communities, cultures which really really grew my confidence! As i moved on into my second year the support was still immeasurable, I was able to speak about my passions and they helped me get a job within University as Further Education Progress Coach, allowing me to work with FE students and gain my mentoring skills and help pass that down to others and inspire them. UCB puts students opinions, thoughts, feelings at the centre and ensure they use that to make everyone feel welcome and provide whatever students want and need in the best possible way. UCB also has the GUILD which is such an interactive open community always hosting events, even something as nice as movie nights, food parties and so on. There's always an opportunity, always something going on so everyone has the chance to participate! I also had the passion for my own personal hobbies such as Mendhi (Henna designs). UCB helped encourage me in this by creating an event where I got to showcase that and do that in University and help build that up. There is a never ending amount of support, encouragement and a welcoming vibe here at University. It has to be one of the best facilitating places to as UCB has a few campuses which is amazing as it helps students use the different facilities rather than being stuck in one place for example, using the library in one building, computer rooms in another, study spaces and so on! I honestly can’t think of anything that needs improving other than just keeping the cafes open for longer as they close at 3:00pm & for University students/staff/even college students who are here till 5 or 6 it would be ideal to get a drink or snack but with it closing early it doesn’t help as no cafes within any of the buildings are open. Other then that, UCB is an amazing college/university which is also at the centre of Birmingham and has easy access to all the food hubs nearby, the Birmingham library, student life and just open to opportunities within Birmingham!

As I started my course in peak lockdown this was something I was terrified about. I was always on edge thinking ‘am i going to get my University experience?’ ‘will i get the same support’? and so on. However, UCB has been very understanding of how tough these times can be and so with my course they made it as comfortable and accessible to everyone as much. As i am in my second year now we have been having blended learning since year 1. This consists of face to face lectures as-well as being taught online, having online tutorials, individual support in person and so on. This has been an amazing approach for me as I get to have both aspects and it has helped me in getting both perspectives of teaching which I love! Lecturers are also very understanding that online teaching can be difficult as you don’t get that same face to face contact and are encouraging by making everyone feel comfortable using breakout rooms so we get group work done without it being just talking for hours, using different tools such as padlet walls and making it all interactive! Lecturers always be available within working hours and reply to emails and whatever support required as quick as possible. The course also has placement hours which the hired team are so dedicated in as they helped me find my placement, sorted out all the details/DBS at a time when it was impossible for placements to happen and schools were not taking anyone in. Due to difficulty with the pandemic in the first year they also cut placement hours to 87.5 hours in the first year which really helped personally as I was stressed out with work, the pandemic itself so the opportunity to still go in was fantastic. To ensure we don't miss out they helped gain further placement experience within the second year by coming out to assess us in teaching, provide training, support skills and tools which further aided me.

I think as UCB is in the central of Birmingham the location is perfect as all of Birminghams opportunities are nearby such as food hubs, the library, places to just sit and relax, shopping centres, student night life and so on! Everything is nearby which helps in being accessible and easy to just grab whatever needed or even just some relaxing time away where there is many areas to do that which parks and cafes nearby.

No

I love the food, the atmosphere and the course. Everyone is very friendly and the staff want students to succeed which is evident with the support and guidance they give.

The staff are all wonderful and the canteen is great with varied food choices which taste great. There is also starbucks services and breakfast choices. The computer rooms are vast with fast internet service and IT support available during regular university times (9-4).

The uni staff give in depth feedback quickly which is very useful. They also give personal support well as I have been given good advice.

There is a democracy when it comes to the students union as there are candidates who put themselves forward and students vote for them. The person who wins the election voices student concerns which are from each course.

Yes its in the city centre so its close to lots of shops and only 20 minutes away from me in a car.

Theres lots of different societies and sports clubs as well as a gym and spa which is lovely and good valud for money.

I like how interactive and engaging the course is and how dedicated staff are. They always provide fast feedback and answer any misconceptions students have. I love going on trips and experiencing learning by doing. I do not like doing presentations in front of others.

35

Yes, there is department dedicated to employability who help students find work placements and jobs as well as support students with CV writing and interview preparation.