Things to do after an Open Day

Open Days are by far the best way to get a feel for what’s on offer if you study with us, but just beyond campus lies a world of opportunity - the city which you could call ‘home’ for the next three years or more. If you’re visiting, why not make a day of it and take in Brum’s best bits?

1) Engage in some retail therapy

Birmingham is a shoppers' paradise, with glossy, modern shopping centres, restored Victorian arcades and a range of markets offering everything from designer labels to second-hand bargains. The Bullring (of international renown) has 160 big-name brands spread across three levels, including one of only four Selfridges high-end department stores in the UK.

If you’re looking to find something unique during your time in Brum, head to the Great Western and Piccadilly arcades or to Red Brick Market in Digbeth to find loads of independent retailers under one roof.  

2) Grab some seriously good grub

The peckish amongst you will be glad to hear that the food and drink scene in Birmingham is thriving, so be sure to grab a bite to eat after a busy day exploring our campuses! The city is packed with well-known top chains, full to the brim with a variety of independent cafés and bars (many offering student and other discounts) and the speciality supermarkets, butchers, bakers and farmer's markets make it a foodie's haven.

Walking distance from the City Centre: Mouth-watering burgers by The Original Patty Men (0.5 miles), Birmingham’s best street food at Hockley Social (1.2 miles), plus all the well-known favourites offered by The Bullring (0.6 miles).

Walking distance from City South Campus: Relaxed brunch at Boston Tea Party (0.4 miles), authentic Italian at Laghi’s Deli (0.5 miles), afternoon tea at The Edgbaston (0.1 miles), or if you’re feeling fancy, Michelin star-rated Simpsons (0.1 miles).

3) Soak up some culture

With world-class art, unique drama, musical flair, and diverse dance and performing arts, Birmingham is a great place to soak up some culture with whatever is left of your day.

If art is your thing, you’re in luck as Ikon Gallery and Birmingham Open Media are totally free to enter and a great way to while away an afternoon. Each offers a slightly different creative angle, so whether it’s an immersive dreamscape or a contemporary works you’re looking for, they’ve got you covered.

Being the original home of Black Sabbath, Duran Duran, The Streets, UB40, and Ocean Colour Scene to name a few, it won’t surprise you to hear that we’ve got a pretty impressive music scene. If you’re looking to catch some live music on Open Day, you’ll find regular gigs at The Sunflower Lounge, Hare and Hounds or Deadwax.

You might also like to visit The Library of Birmingham... ok ok hear us out! Opened in 2013 and referred to as the largest public cultural space in Europe, it houses an impressive number of books, as you'd expect, but more than that, it's pretty iconic. Not only is its design a thing to behold, but if you take a trip to the very top, you'll find the secret garden which offers panoramic views of the city skyline. 

4) Get competitive

5) Explore the coolest neighbourhoods in Birmingham

If it’s not enough that the city centre itself is undergoing unmissable transformation, we’re also on the doorstep of some of the niftiest neighbourhoods in the UK. Digbeth – home to our City Centre Campus – was voted the Coolest Neighbourhood in Britain by The Sunday Times and it has all the attractions to prove it! 

Then there’s Stirchley, the home of great bakeries and craft beer. The Jewellery Quarter, where you’ll find our School of Jewellery, stunning architecture and a host of top bars and restaurants. And finally, Moseley, a suburb known for its bohemian vibe and ‘proper’ pub trails.

6) Get lost! (in the nicest possible way)

One of the best bits about Birmingham is that you never quite know what you’ll find around the next corner. So, enjoy ambling aimlessly! It’s the best way to experience Birmingham and our friendly locals.

If you're in search of a slower pace then we recommend strolling along our canals. It’s one of our favourite boasts – we’ve got more miles of canals than Venice! And whilst ours might have slightly less of the romantic Italian charm, they offer the perfect slice of serenity after a busy day discovering why BCU could be the perfect place for you!