Chat with our students

If you’re wondering what University will be like, when placements might be or just generally interested about student life then we’re here to help. Over the next few weeks, you may receive a call from a student (if you haven't already) who is studying on your chosen course to answer any questions you might have. We know that taking a call from an unknown number might be daunting, so we’ve put together the below tips to help you get the most out of your call.

When might I get a call?

The students usually call between 5 and 8pm on either Tuesday or Thursday.

What happens if I miss the call?

If you miss the call then the student will leave a voice message to let you know they have called. If you can return the call between 5 and 8pm that same day then you will be able to speak to the student, however if you call the number back after that day you will get through to the marketing team who will only be able to take questions and/or let you know the student's next earliest availability.

If you miss the call and do not call back then we may call you again, usually 48 hours after the initial call and then the following week after the second call. We will only call you a maximum of three times so if you do not answer, or return the call by then we won't persist in trying to contact you.

What if I can’t talk?

If when the student calls you're unable to talk for very long, simply let them know and ask them to call you back at a more suitable time between 5 and 8pm that day. If you can’t do between 5 and 8pm that same day then you can re-arrange for a call back another day, but this won't be the following day. It's worth answering the call to let the student know you do want to talk but can’t for very long at that time so that they know to try you again another time or on a different day.

I can’t really think of anything to ask

Don’t think you have anything to say or ask? That’s ok, you can just use the call for a friendly and informal chat. Don’t feel pressured into feeling you need a list of questions ready and, remember, no question is a silly question so please do use this opportunity to ask anything you’d like!

Here's some suggestions of topics to guide your possible questions: 

• Facilities
• Time spent in uni
• Placements
• Working and studying
• Sports clubs/societies
• Living in Birmingham (if you're moving here for study)
• Travel to campus
• Accommodation

Of course, the student will only have their own personal experience to go by so might not always know the answer straight away but rest assured that if they don’t immediately know the answer, they will get it for you.

Will this call affect my application?

Not at all! Calls from our students are simply courtesy calls to answer any questions you might have about the course or student life.