What is an Applicant Taster Day?
An Applicant Taster Day (ATD) gives you a chance to experience what it is like to study at BCU by taking part in sample teaching sessions, meeting our staff and students and listening to course presentations. You will also be able to see our facilities and find out about the support we offer you. Our aim is to make you feel like part of the BCU family, and give you the opportunity to ask in-depth questions about modules, facilities, placements and student life in Birmingham.
Why are Applicant Taster Days important?
ATDs are a great way to turn any concerns you have about university into excitement. The purpose is to give you a more focused experience, which is tailored to the course and department you have applied tor. You will have the chance to meet your course tutors, as well as current students, and experience what it would be like to study your chosen course at BCU.
You will get an in-depth experience of what it's like to study at BCU
Through the day, you will gain a holistic experience of what it is like to study at BCU. You will get information about your chosen course, including where your course can take you and student life at BCU. You can also explore our campus and facilities, meet your future tutors, speak to current students and find out about additional support BCU can offer, including finance, mental health and wellbeing.
Take part in interactive sessions
We want you to get the most out of the ATD, so you can make an informed choice about whether BCU and your chosen course are right for you. Therefore, sessions will be informative as well as interactive and engaging, with opportunities to take part in activities related to your course.
Meet your lecturers and current students
Who better to explain what student life is really like at BCU than our current students? You will also be able to find out more about the course from your lecturers and learn about the ways you will be taught at BCU. So, remember to bring some paper and a pen to write down your questions and take notes of all the useful information you will receive.
Easy to access
As the the UK’s second biggest city, Birmingham has great transport links via train, bus or road. Please be aware that, although our City South Campus is outside Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone (CAZ), if you drive through the CAZ on your journey to visit us, and your vehicle is not compliant, you will be charged.
Get your questions answered
All of our ATDs include a Q&A session where you can ask specific course or module-related questions of our staff and students. (Or find out more about student social life!)
Do take some time to prepare for your ATD by thinking of some questions in advance.
Free experience
We don’t charge for our ATDs, although please bear in mind transport/parking costs and possible lunch costs if you are attending in person. Also remember that if you choose to spend longer on your visit (which is a great way to get to know the area around campus) it may cost you more in parking fees and refreshments.
What’s next?
Once you’ve attended your ATD, you can start planning for university. You may want to think about your journey to campus, and familiarise yourself with maps of our City South campus and surrounding area. Our blog also features a range of information about the facilities at City South and what the local area has to offer, as well as tips to help you get ready for university.
- Google Map of BCU City South Campus
- City South Campus Map
- BCUSU Where to Live in Birmingham
- Exploring the parks around our City South Campus during Love Parks Week
- BCU City South Mary Seacole Library
- What stationery supplies do I need for university
- Get to know your City South Campus
- Five things to do in Edgbaston
