Birmingham is home to a lively and multicultural community. Just a simple walk through the city centre will be enough to immerse you in the vibrant community that Birmingham represents.
Celebrations
Throughout the year, the city hosts cultural and religious celebrations that light up the streets and the skies of the city, including celebrations for Chinese New Year, Holi, Vaisakhi, Diwali and many more. Birmingham City University Students' Union (BCUSU) also celebrate lots of these events on campus so you can get involved on campus.
Non-religious and cultural events in the city are also a great way to meet people from different cultures. In recent years, Birmingham has also hosted events such as Pride, the International Dance Festival, the Great Birmingham Run and many different festivals to cater for your style and taste.
“As an international student, I wanted to feel like I could fit in and make friends easily. In Birmingham, I get to live the city life I wanted, and I definitely feel welcome here.” — Danish, Psychology student from Malaysia
Theatre, music and entertainment
Birmingham is home to creatives from many cultures, which brings a rich music and arts scene to the city.
Small venues such as the Glee Comedy Club, The Ikon art gallery, The Rep Theatre and the Sunflower Lounge are the places to see local talent. Bigger venues in the city regularly host international acts and theatre performances.
Lots of cinemas around the city regularly play international films, so you don't have to miss out on the latest releases from your home country.
Places of worship
Birmingham is home to many religions, meaning there are places of worship dotted all around the city for you to visit. Many of these places of worship also hold regular events which encourage the local community to congregate and spend time with one another, which is a great chance to build your community in Birmingham.
The university also has a Faith and Spirituality Team, which can signpost to local places of worship, answer questions about their own faith or support students of any faith in times of difficulty.
Students' Union societies
As a student, you can join BCUSU societies, which are social groups to make new friends and meet like-minded people. There are many faith and culture societiies, see them all here.
There are also tonnes of societies for sport, hobbies and special interests. Learn more about societies.
“I have friends from all around the world — Nigeria, Yemen, Pakistan, India, the UK and Portugal — and I learned something from each of them. Being part of this community has made me more open-minded and resilient.” - Andreea, Business Management student from Romania
Food from around the world
Birmingham's food scene is culturally rich with cuisine from around the world. We have our own Chinese quarter, full of restaurants, cafes and supermarkets. Elsewhere in the city, you can find food from all across the world - from Nepal to Ethiopia. So, whether you're looking to try something new or for a taste of home, Birmingham has it!
There are also lots of supermarkets in the city that stock international ingredients, so you can make some of your favourite dishes.
A diverse and global city
Simply by living in the city, you will be immersed in Birmingham's community. Being a university that’s based in the city centre, our students get to live in the middle of such a rich community and experience a culture that is so unique to the city but quickly makes them feel at home.
