welcome from your student mentor team

Advice& Guidance

Welcome from your Student Mentor Team

An essential guide for everything you need to know before you even get here!

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Contents

Welcome to your accommodation from the Student Mentor Scheme!

• SowhatisyourStudentMentorScheme? 4

• AbriefintrotoyourGuildofStudents 5

• SupportingyouwhilstyouarelivingandstudyingattheUniversity 5

• StudentSupportServicesattheUniversity 6

• YourResidents’Association 6

• StudentSocieties&VolunteeringOpportunities 6

• SupportforInternationalstudents 7

• RegisteringwithaGP&Dentist 7

• Findingyourfeet–StudentMentoreventsthroughoutwelcomeweek! 7/8

• LivingontheVale 9

• LivingatPritchattsPark 10

• LivingatJarrattHallandVictoriaHall 11

• LivingatLibertyGardens 12

• LivingatLibertyCourt 13

• LivingatLibertyClose&IQ5 14

• LivingatBrookStudios 15

• LivingatCLVBirmingham 16

• GettingtoknowBirmingham 17

• Shopping,Restaurantsandbars,SellyOak&Harborne 17

• Cashpoints 17

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Welcome to your accommodation from the Student Mentor Scheme!

This booklet will tell you everything you need to know about finding your way around your new accommodation and the local area, before you even get here!

In it you will find handy information on getting around and using local transport, to locating your nearest supermarket to stock up on those cupboard essentials. You will also find information about what is on offer at your own site, such as the launderette and social space, as well as a comprehensive guide to events and activities taking place throughout welcome week.

It is recommended that you try to plan your time before you arrive so that you keep yourself busy, whilst at the same time expanding your social network, meeting new people and generally trying to find your feet. Don’t forget, that as well as having lots of fun and socialising during the first week, it is also essential that you pay attention to the important things such as registering with your local GP and dentist (information about how to do this can be found in this booklet), finding out who you should be contacting for support in your department, as well as the resources available to you on campus and completing your course registration.

Did you know that you can find out who you will be living with before you come to University?

In early August, the Guild of Students and the Student Mentor Scheme launched their Flatmate Finder App! The app is designed to help you make University friends on Facebook before you arrive. You can find out who you will be sharing your flat with, as well as others who live in your block and those who are on your course.

To access the app, please visit apps.facebook.com/guildff or for ease scan this QR code!

The Student Mentors and the fantastic Welcome Team (look out for the pink t-shirts!) are excited to welcome you to the University and will be on hand on the day to help you with your luggage and show you to your accommodation. They are able to answer any questions you might have and signpost you in the right direction. They are also fantastic at easing parent’s worries and are guaranteed to help make your arrival and welcome that little bit less daunting!

We look forward to welcoming you to your new accommodation in September and hope that you find this booklet useful. However, if you have any questions or would like to talk to someone before you arrive then please email us at [email protected] or call us on 0121 251 2395.

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So what is the Student Mentor Scheme?

The Student Mentor Scheme is here to provide you with advice and guidance whilst living in University accommodation. The Scheme can help you with a wide variety of issues including:

• Sharedlivingandaccommodationrelatedissues

• Youracademiccourse

• Financialmatters

• YourgeneralwellbeingwhilstlivingandstudyingattheUniversity The Scheme offers a variety of services to you throughout the academic year. This includes individual mentoring support, interactive workshops, mediation to help you work through any flat issues and help when you decide to move into a house after your first year. In addition, you will receive useful information to help you tackle important student issues.

Whatever you need help with, and whenever you need it, the Student Mentor Scheme service is here for you.

Just phone, email or visit our office based in The Vale Hub (Shackleton, The Vale). Fully trained Student Mentors and professional Support Staff will help you to solve any issue.

Our office opening hours are: Monday – Friday 4-8pm (term time). Our office opening hours will be extended throughout arrivals weekend and during Welcome Week, so please do drop by to say hi, you don’t need an issue to do so!

For further details about the scheme please visit www.guildofstudents.com/studentmentors

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 0121 415 8568

Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and if you ‘like’ our Facebook page you will be entered into a free prize draw to win a mini ipad by the 31st October 2014!

@StudentMentors1 studentmentorscheme

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A brief intro to your Guild of Students

As the first ever purpose-built student’s union building, the Guild is a popular place to go any time of the week. Joe’s Bar is a great place to go and relax in the day, with widescreen TV’s, pool tables, a great bar area and good food.

During the evening the Guild holds a number of different themed nights, for example sports night on a Wednesday. On Saturday night the Guild hosts ‘Fab and Fresh’, well renowned amongst all students. There is also a Spar convenience store, a Subway, and a Costa as well as other services such as STA Travel and Santander Bank.

In addition, the Guild also provides a number of services for students such as the Advice and Representation Centre (ARC), which is also home to the Community Wardens and us the Student Mentor Scheme, the Job Zone (for all part time work opportunities during your studies), Student Voice (representing students and helping them to voice issues that affect them) and also Student Development (which support student groups and societies, as well as the RA Scheme and numerous volunteering opportunities).

For more information about the Guild, please go to www.guildofstudents.com

Supporting you whilst you are living and studying at University

It’s ok to ask for a helping hand when you get here!

The first few weeks at University are undoubtedly an exciting time. Many students settle in straight away and really find their feet with little assistance, however there are some who find settling in that little bit more challenging. Please feel reassured that you are absolutely not alone and we are here to help.

The Student Mentor Scheme also offers extra support to any student, upon request. We can arrange for a Student Mentor to meet you over the first few days or weeks at university. This support can be utilised by any student who may benefit from having some support with settling into university life, adjusting and familiarising yourself with your new surroundings (e.g. finding where your lectures will be taking place, getting to know the library, understanding your timetable, finding out what events are taking place across the university plus much more!)

This support can be a one-off or on a more regular basis depending upon your needs. For more information or to request a meeting with a Student Mentor please email [email protected]

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Student Support Services at the University

If you are currently receiving specialist support at home, or if once you arrive you feel that you would like some support, then rest assured that the University has a fantastic support service available to all registered students.

A professional team of Counsellors, Wellbeing and Mental Health Advisors can offer support and advice in the following areas:

Wellbeing, Counselling, Disability (Mental Health Advisory Service & Learning Support) Tel: 0121 414 5130 Visit: 3 Elms Road, Edgbaston Park Road

Opening hours: Term time: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Vacation: Mon-Fri 9am-12:30pm and 1:30-5pm, except for University closed days

Your Residents’ Association (RA)

Every student living in University accommodation is represented by a Residents’ Association, a committee of student volunteers that are elected by residents. They provide sporting, volunteering, environmental, charitable and social events for everybody to enjoy.

For further information about your RA, including all of their events throughout welcome week and beyond, please visit www.guildofstudents.com/ra

Student Societies & Volunteering Opportunities

If you want to meet like-minded people, learn a new skill or embrace student life outside of study, you can get involved in a society or volunteering.

There are over 200 groups and a range of volunteering opportunities, so there really is something for everyone!

Being in a society or volunteering can help you meet new people, try something different and develop invaluable skills, something employers are always keen to see on your CV – and most importantly, it’s fun!

If you are keen to get involved then there will be a Societies & Volunteering Fair during Welcome Week, for more information about this and all other events, please visit www.guildofstudents.com/events. For information about societies, please email [email protected] and for volunteering enquires, [email protected].

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Support for International students

The Student Engagement Team are student volunteers who are here to help you settle into your student accommodation. A member of the team will visit you at your flat every month, and can answer any questions you may have about accommodation, international-specific issues, or anything else that might be affecting your wellbeing. For more information, please contact the International Support Officer by emailing: [email protected]

Registering for a GP & Dentist

It is really important to register with a GP Practice as soon as you start University. Although you may not need to see a doctor straight away, it will make things much simpler when you do. If you receive regular care from your GP Practice at home, it is even more important to register with a Practice here too so that your care can continue.

The University Medical Practice is the local practice for most students living in halls of residence. To register with them visit www.theump.co.uk, click on ‘New Patients’, ‘How to Register’ and download a Student Registration Form. You can either post your completed form to the practice or return it directly. For information on other local GP and Dental Practices and how to register with them, visit www.nhs.uk/service-search

Finding your feet

Feeling a little overwhelmed with all this information? Don’t worry, there’s a lot to get your head around in the first few weeks at University. The Student Mentor Scheme recognises that although University is very exciting it can be overwhelming at times.

The Student Mentor Scheme has organised a timetable of activity during the first week to help you settle in to your new surroundings, as well as making new friends.

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Wallplanner 2014/15Wallplanner 2014/15

For further details about these events, please visit: guildofstudents.com/studentmentors or contact the Student Mentor Scheme

Feeling low? Worried about a friend? If you feel you need someone to talk to or if you’re concerned about a friend and would like more information about the support available, then please email [email protected].

Advice & Representation Centre (ARC)(10:00am-4:00pm during term time/12noon-2:00pm during vacations)

0121 251 2400 [email protected]

Nightline (6:00pm – 8:00am, drop in 6:00pm – midnight at St Francis Hall)

Internal – 7999 [email protected]

University Security 0121 414 3000Emergency 0121 414 4444Suspicious people 0121 414 5624

Student Support Services 0121 414 5130 Wellbeing, Counselling, Disability (Mental Health Advisory Service, Learning Support). Opening hours: Term time: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Vacation: Mon-Fri 9am-12:30pm and 1:30-5pm, except for University closed days Visit: 3 Elms Road, Edgbaston Park Road

West Midlands Police enquiries 0845 113 5000Emergency Services 999NHS Direct 111Victim Support Line 0845 3030 900Samaritans 08457 90 90 90

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ACTIVITY INFORMATION WHERE DATE & TIME

Finding Your Feet Drop In Sessions

If you are feeling overwhelmed or unsettled then come for a chat, take

a break and meet new people

The Mentor Welfare Office, The Vale Hub

Monday 22nd – Friday 26th September, 2-8pm.

Pritchatts Park (Social Centre)

Tuesday 23rd September, 4-6pm

Jarratt Hall (Social Room)

Wednesday 24th September, 4-6pm

Finding Your Feet ‘Out and About’

Tours

Let the Student Mentor Scheme help you navigate your way around your

new surroundings

From all university residences (meet at site reception) to university campus and the local

area

Monday 22nd September, 11am

Finding Your Feet ‘INTERNATIONAL’

Tours

Let the Student Mentors help you navigate your way around campus

From the Vale, Pritchatts Park and Jarratt Hall

(meet at site reception) to campus and the local

area

Monday 22nd, Tuesday 23rd and Wednesday

24th at 12noon

Free Casino &

Mocktail night Free non-alcoholic cocktails The Hub Foyer, ValeMonday 22nd

September, 7.30-

10.00pm Quiz Night “Battle

of the Brains”Win a £50 shopping voucher


Tuesday 23rd September, 7-9.30pm

Games NightFun evening of nostalgic board

games, free snacks! The Melt, Vale Hub

Wednesday 24th September, 7-9.30pm

International Film Festival

Watch a selection of iconic films from around the world.

The Vale Hub & Pritchatts Park (Social Centre)

Wednesday 24th September,

2pm-midnight

Bowling & Pizza Night

Traditional 9-pin bowling alley and free pizza!

Upper InFusion, Vale Hub Thursday 25th

September, 7.30-10pm

Postgraduate Welcome

A chance to network and meet other postgraduate students in a relaxing

and welcoming environment.


Thursday 25th September, 7-9.30pm

Free Casino & Mocktail night

Free non-alcoholic cocktailsPritchatts Park (Social Centre)

Friday 26th September, 7.30-10pm

Global Cafe

A chance for international students to meet together in a relaxed and

welcoming environment. Free Costa drink provided.

Costa, Guild of StudentsTuesday 30th

September, 6-8pm

Post Welcome Week get-together

Welcoming those who’ve missed welcome week

The Melt, Vale HubWednesday 1st October, 6-9pm

Useful Contacts University Contacts External Contacts

The Student Mentor SchemeThe Student Mentor Scheme is here to provide you with advice and guidance whilst living in University accommodation. The Scheme can help you with a wide variety of issues including:

• Shared living and accommodation related issues

• Your academic course

• Financial matters

• Your general wellbeing whilst living and studying at the University

The Scheme offers a variety of services to you throughout the academic year. These include individual mentoring support, mediation to help you work through any flat issues and a contract checking service before you move into the private sector. In addition, you will receive useful information to help you tackle important student issues.

Whatever you need help with, and whenever you need it, the Student Mentor Scheme is here for you.

Just phone, email or visit us. Fully trained Student Mentors and professional Support Staff will help you to solve any issue.

Our Office Opening HoursMonday – Friday 4pm-8pm, term time only.

Outside of these opening times, please contact your accommodation reception for assistance.

The Mentor Welfare Office is based in Shackleton on the Vale, next to the Duck and Scholar.

Contact Us [email protected]

0121 415 8568 (Student Mentor Scheme, Vale Hub)

guildofstudents.com/studentmentors

Student Mentor Scheme

StudentMentors1

Mentor Welcome Week Activities

Your Residents’ Association (RA) Every student living in University accommodation is represented by a Residents’ Association, a committee of student volunteers that are elected by residents. They provide sporting, volunteering, environmental, charitable and social events for everybody to enjoy.

For further information about your RA, including all of their events throughout welcome week and beyond, please visit guildofstudents.com/ra

Throughout term one and beyond, your RA will be hosting a number of events to help you settle in and meet new people...

Monday 22nd September: Jimmy Spices

Wednesday 24th September: Sealife Centre

Friday 26th September: St Mary’s Hospice bucket shake

Sunday 28th September: Stratford trip

Wednesday 1st October: Trip to Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery

Friday 10th October: Action for Children Suspended Sleep Out

Saturday 11th October: Lantern Walk

Support for International StudentsThe Student Engagement Team are student volunteers who are here to help you settle into your student accommodation. A member of the team will visit you at your flat every month, and can answer any questions you may have about accommodation, international-specific issues, or your anything else that might be affecting your wellbeing. For more information, please contact the International Support Officer by emailing: [email protected].

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June

Moving in weekend

Moving in weekend

Freshers’ Fair (Day 1) (10am-4pm, Guild of Students)

Freshers’ Fair (Day 2, 11am-4pm)Jobs Fair (Guild, 11am-4pm)

Wellbeing Craft Drop-in session (3 Elms Rd, 2-4pm)

Sports Fair (Munrow Sports Centre)International Marquee (Campus)

Society Fair, Volunteering Fair (Guild, 11am-4pm)Employability Skills Fair (Guild, 11am-1pm)

Wellbeing Craft Drop-in session (3 Elms Rd, 2-4pm)

Society Fair (Guild, 11am-4pm)Fresher’s Ball (Guild, 10pm-3am)

Autumn Term starts

Jobs & Volunteering Fair (Guild of Students, 11am-3pm)

Clocks go back 1 hour

RA Election nominations open

FREE Halloween Face paintingUpper Duck & Scholar, Vale

6-10pm,

Halloween Film Night (Fusion, The Vale) 7-10pm

Halloween

Bonfire Night

Guild Council

Vale Fireworks

RA Election nominations close

Remembrance Sunday

RA Election voting opens

RA Election voting closes

Guild Council

Officer Team Election nominations open

Autumn Term ends

Christmas Eve (University closed day)

Christmas Day (Public Bank Holiday/ University closed day)

Boxing Day (Public Bank Holiday/ University closed day)

University closed day



New Year’s Day

Bank Holiday (University closed)

University reopens

Spring Term starts

Guild Council

Accommodation booking deadline for those planning to return

Officer Team Election nominations close

Valentine’s Day

Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day!)

Guild Council

Student Volunteering Week (visitstudentvolunteeringweek.org.uk

for more information)

Officer Team Election voting opens

Officer Team Election voting closes

Mother’s Day

Guild Awards

Guild Council

Spring Term ends

Clocks go forward 1 hour

Good Friday (University closed)

Easter Sunday

Easter Monday (University closed)



University reopens

Summer Term starts

Revision Week

Revision Week

May Day Bank Holiday (University Closed)

Exam period begins

Guild Council

Spring Bank Holiday (University closed)

Exam period ends

Vale Festival

Jobs & Volunteering Fair (11am-3pm, Guild of Students)

Guild Council

Grad Ball

Summer Term Ends

Father’s Day

Wall Planner 2014.indd 1 29/08/2014 11:52

Advice& Guidance9

Living on the Vale

Travel

Due to the Vale’s great location the main Edgbaston campus is in walking distance. There is a bus service that runs from the Vale to University campus. You can pick up more information and a timetable from Vale reception. Trains to and from City Centre go from Fiveways and University Station and you can also catch a train to Selly Oak and Bournville.

For further information on bus and train routes visit Travel West Midlands at www.travelwm.co.uk or visit National Rail at www.nationalrail.co.uk or phone 0845 748 49 50.

When out and about we always advise that you do not walk or travel alone, especially at night. Also, if you get a taxi make sure that it is a pre-booked and licenced one. For information on recommended taxi companies please feel free to ask your site reception for help.

Facilities

Once all of the unpacking is out of the way, it is time to start exploring your new surroundings.

There is a launderette in Shackleton and Tennis Courts. There is also a launderette for Maple Bank and Elgar Court which is located opposite Maple Bank Block 1.

The Duck & Scholar is the main bar at the Vale. It hosts a number of events throughout the year and is equipped with pool tables and a television. There is also The Melt (Panini bar), Pizza Shack and InFusion (dining area and night venue). There is also a free cash point located in the Vale Hub Foyer area (Shackleton).

Food

At the heart of The Vale Village is The Hub which boasts fantastic facilities for the entire Vale. There are a variety of different food outlets located in The Hub as well as the shop Costcutter where you can buy your groceries.

Nearby Selly Oak hosts various pubs, bars and restaurants. There are also supermarkets such as Tesco Express, Aldi and Sainsbury’s along the Bristol Road.

Supermarket opening times:

Tesco Express – 24hrs a day, 7 days a week

Aldi – 8am-9pm Monday to Saturday 11am-5pm Sunday

Sainsbury’s – 8am-10pm Monday to Friday 7am-10pm Saturday 10am-4pm Sunday

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Living at Pritchatts Park

Travel

Pritchatts Park is just a 10 minutes’ walk to the University’s Edgbaston campus.

The nearest train station to you is the University Station on campus. Regular trains go to New Street (City Centre) and Longbridge via Selly Oak.

For further information about train times and routes visit Travel West Midlands at www.travelwm.co.uk or visit National Rail at www.nationalrail.co.uk or phone 0845 748 49 50.


Facilities


There is a laundry room in Pritchatts House. The social centre comprises of a bar and it has plenty of social space and is used by students for a variety of social activities. The social centre holds themed nights during term time and has a pool table and TV.

Food

You are in close proximity to Harborne high street, only a 20 minute walk away, which has an array of shops and services for all your needs.

Nearby Selly Oak hosts various pubs, bars and restaurants including supermarkets such as Tesco, Aldi and Sainsbury’s along the Bristol Road.





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Living at Jarratt Hall and Victoria Hall

Travel

Being situated right in the heart of Selly Oak and a stone’s throw away from University Campus, the most popular way to get around is to walk! Also due to the great location, it is easy to catch a bus into Town from the Bristol Road or alternatively you can get a train from Selly Oak station. For further information on routes and timetables please visit Travel West Midlands at www.travelwm.co.uk or phone 0871 200 22 33 or National Rail at www.nationalrail.co.uk or phone 0845 748 49 50.


Facilities


Both sites have launderettes that are open 24 hours a day. Jarratt Hall has a social room that can be booked through the reception. There is a TV, DVD player, and a games console.

Food

The Bristol Road in Selly Oak hosts various pubs, bars and restaurants. There are also a variety of supermarkets including Tesco, Aldi and Sainsbury’s on the Bristol Road. Supermarket opening times:




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Living at Liberty Gardens

Travel

The Beeches is within easy reach of all local amenities and transport links such as Five Ways Train Station (located on Islington Middleway) where you can catch a train into town or to the University train Station.

The accommodation has good commuter links with the campus and city. A shuttle bus service runs between campus and some of Liberty Living sites, for further information please ask at your site reception for bus timetables.

For further information on routes and timetables please visit Travel West Midlands at www.travelwm.co.uk or phone 0871 200 22 33 or National Rail at www.nationalrail.co.uk or phone 0845 748 49 50.

When out and about we always advise that you do not walk or travel alone, especially at night. Also, if you get a taxi make sure that it is a pre-booked and licenced one.

Facilities


There are bike sheds and a launderette and The Beeches is in close proximity to the town centre allowing residents to participate fully in the city’s diverse culture and exciting social scene.

Food

Liberty Gardens is walking distance from Broad Street which hosts various bars, clubs and restaurants. You can also find a Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and a Tesco located at Five Ways. Supermarket opening times:

Tesco – 6am – midnight Monday to Saturday 10am – 18:00pm Sunday

Morrisons – 8am – 9pm – Monday to Saturday 10am – 4pm - Sunday

Sainsbury’s Local – 7am – 11pm, 7 days a week

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Living at Liberty Court

Travel

Buses run regularly into the city centre and to the University. You can catch a No 61 and 63 from the Bristol Road (A38) towards campus or into town using No 45 or 47 from Pershore Road. For further information on routes and timetables please visit Travel West Midlands at www.travelwm.co.uk or phone 0871 200 22 33 or National Rail at www.nationalrail.co.uk or phone 0845 748 49 50.

The accommodation has good commuter links with the campus and city. A shuttle bus service runs between campus and some of the Liberty Living sites, for further information please ask your site reception.


Facilities


Liberty Court has bike sheds, an on-site launderette and a social room with a pool table and TV. Liberty Court is also in close proximity to the town centre allowing residents to participate fully in the city’s diverse culture and exciting social scene.

Food

Liberty Court is close to Selly Oak which hosts various bars and restaurants. The nearest supermarket is Aldi located on Edgbaston Road, there are also supermarkets such as Tesco and Sainsbury’s located on the Bristol Road.





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Living at Liberty Close and IQ5

Travel Due to the location of Liberty Close and IQ5 from the University, knowing how to get around is very important. Walking is an option, but given Birmingham’s great transport links, using public transport is probably the most convenient way to get around.

The No. 44 bus leaves Bath Row every 20 minutes and takes about 10 minutes to reach university campus. It also stops at the Medical School/University train station, Selly Oak, Sainsbury’s and The Vale (Edgbaston Park Road).

Five Ways train station is your closest station, located on Islington Row Middleway. It is about 7 minutes on foot! If you come out of your accommodation and pass the Shell Garage on your right, walk to the end of Bath Row and onto Islington Row Middleway and there you will see the station in front of you! Trains run regularly to and from the City Centre (New Street station) via Five Ways and from there onto University station (main campus/Medical School), Selly Oak and Bournville.



Facilities


Liberty Close provides a spacious communal living area, on-site laundry facility, post handling and a limited number of free car parking spaces (available on a first come first served basis). An unlicensed Bar area is also available and can be used as a study area or for students to gather socially.

IQ5 has a launderette and cycle storage as well as a social hub with SKY TV and a PS3, and an atrium which has a pool table. It also has a brand new on site gym, which is opening in September!

Food Liberty Close and IQ5 are a stone’s throw from Broad Street which hosts various bars, clubs and restaurants. You can also find a Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and a Tesco located at Five Ways.


Tesco – 6am–midnight Monday to Saturday 10am – 18:00pm Sunday

Morrisons – 8am–9pm – Monday to Saturday 10am–4pm - Sunday

Sainsbury’s Local – 7am-11pm, 7 days a week

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Living at Brook Studios

Travel

Brook Studios is conveniently located in the heart of Selly Oak, which is only a few minutes’ walk the main Edgbaston Campus.

The nearest train station to you is the Selly Oak Station located on Heeley Road. Regular trains go to New Street (City Centre) and Longbridge via Selly Oak. There are also regular buses which will take you into the City Centre.

For further information on bus and train routes visit Travel West Midlands at www.travelwm.co.uk or visit National Rail at www.nationalrail.co.uk or phone 0845 748 49 50.


Facilities


There is a local laundrette called the Selly Soak located on the corner of Dawlish Road, where it meets the Bristol road. All other local amenities are just moments away.

Food

Just a few moments’ walk from your door you will find a Tesco Express, Aldi Supermarket, and also a large Sainsbury’s Supermarket. These local supermarkets are located along the Bristol Road. There is also an array of shops, bars and restaurants all in walking distance.





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Living at CLV Birmingham

Travel

Due to the location of CLV Birmingham, knowing how to get around is very important. Walking is an option, but given Birmingham’s great transport links, using public transport is probably the most convenient way to get around.

There is a bus stop located outside your residence. The no. 61, 63 & X64 will all take you to campus, dropping you on Edgbaston Park Road. If you cross the road and stand at the stop outside McDonalds, then the same buses will take you into Birmingham City Centre. The City Centre is also only 10 minutes away on foot!

Five Ways train station is your closest station, located on Islington Row Middleway. It is a 10 minute walk away. If you come out of your accommodation and cross over the Bristol Road, pass McDonalds on your left and straight up the hill. The station will be on your left.


When out and about we always advise that you do not walk or travel alone, especially at night. Also, if you get a taxi make sure that it is a pre-booked and licenced one. Facilities


CLV Birmingham offers great facilities; including an all-access gym, free for all residents, on site laundry, bike storage and a common room with a pool table and Sky TV and Wi-Fi throughout.

Food

CLV Birmingham is a stone’s throw from Birmingham City Centre, which hosts various bars, clubs and restaurants. You can also find a Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and a Tesco located at Five Ways, which you will reach by following the route to Five Ways train station and then carrying straight on to Five Ways Island.


Tesco – 6am–midnight Monday to Saturday 10am – 18:00pm Sunday

Morrisons – 8am–9pm – Monday to Saturday 10am–4pm - Sunday

Sainsbury’s Local – 7am-11pm, 7 days a week

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Getting to know Birmingham

There is something for everyone in Birmingham and you will get a warm welcome in one of the most culturally diverse cities in Britain.

Welcome Week is a great time to get out and about in Birmingham with your flatmates, giving you the opportunity to get to know your vibrant new city and to form lifelong friendships.

Here are a few ideas of things you can do with your new flatmates; there is so much on offer and definitely something for everyone!

Cadbury World - www.cadburyworld.co.uk

The National Sealife Centre - www.visitsealife.com/birmingham Millenium Point (hosting a 3D cinema) & the Think Tank Museum - www.millenniumpoint.org.uk Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery - www.bmag.org.uk

Shopping

If you fancy a bit of retail therapy then the Bull Ring is Birmingham’s newest shopping destination, with over 160 shops and 30 restaurants, including Selfridges and Debenhams. For something a bit more unique then you can always visit the rag market, which is right next to the Bullring by St Martin’s Church.

For somewhere a little bit more upmarket you can always head to the Mailbox (located on Commercial Street), where you will find a Harvey Nichols, as well as other high end shops, restaurants and bars.

Restaurants and Bars

In addition to the Mailbox, most of the bars are located on Broad Street in the City Centre, which also host a number of student nights each week. You will also find restaurants and bars in the Arcadian (China Town) and Brindley Place, which sits on the Birmingham canal, just off Broad Street. Selly Oak

Selly Oak is a popular student area. There are numerous curry houses, pizza places and Chinese takeaways dotted along the Bristol Road. There are lots of pubs and bars such as The Soak and the Goose, all catering for student’s budgets and requirements.There is also a library, swimming pool and gym (located on Tiverton Road). Harborne

Harborne is an upmarket residential area, located about 3 miles from campus. Being close to the medical school it is popular with medics and young professionals. It has a bustling high street with everything you might need, including a number of popular coffee shops, bars, pubs and chain restaurants. Money, money, money!

There are numerous cash points located on main campus. The Guild of Students has two, one at Santander in Mermaid Square and one inside the Guild by main reception. You will also find four cash machines at University Centre (next door to Costa in the main square), plus a NatWest Bank. Finally, on Edgbaston Park Road, a stone’s throw from the Guild, there is a Lloyds TSB.

A number of cash points can also be found in Selly Oak and along Harborne High Street.

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