Advice to new students

The best formal advice we can give (for all MedSoc courses) is in our Guide to the 1st Year.

The following frequently-asked questions (FAQs) may be of use:

What’s the social life like, here in Birmingham?

At Birmingham MedSoc, there are many events that you may have access to, alcoholic and non-alcoholic. With medics, flatmates, uni mates, or even other groups that you meet in the vast space that is Birmingham. General nights can be found on our Freshers Page. This is not including the usual hang outs in Selly Oak at such places like The Goose, Gunnies (The Gunbarrels), or Urban Village. Every now and then, we have some “friendly” Medics vs Law bar crawls, and other social events organised by MedSoc/ENTs; and let’s not forget MedBall (massive event) and the weekend away. We also organise non-alcoholic socials, such as Go Karting and Paintballing events.

Why should I choose Birmingham?

Well, it’s obvious, because we’re the best – You don’t believe it? You think we’re biased? Let us prove it to you:

  • Birmingham is the second biggest city in the UK, ie: There’s so much to do, yet it is not as crowded as London is. Source: Hopkins, Eric (2001). Birmingham: The Making of the Second City 1850-1939. Tempus Publishing. ISBN 0752423274.
  • Birmingham University is a campus university (a university situated on one site, with student accommodation, teaching and research facilities, and leisure activities all together.
  • The Medical School at Birmingham Uni is the second biggest in the UK, with an intake of almost 400 undergrads and 60 GECs per year. [citation needed]
  • Graduates of this Medical School are of the top five performers in the MRCP (Membership of the Royal College of Physicians) exam. Source: McManus et al (2008). Graduates of different UK medical schools show substantial differences in performance on MRCP(UK) Part 1, Part 2 and PACES examinations. BMC Med. 2008; 6: 5.

Not enough reasons?

  • We have the brand-new QE hospital (Opens in 2010).Source: University Hospital Birmingham. Birmingham’s new hospital. Last accessed March 2009.
  • Our predecessors invented Whiz!

Where can I park my car?

For student like us who are based at the Medical School, it is best to park at the Pritchatts Road Car Park (corner of Pritchatts Road and Vincent Drive – 5 min walk from Med School).

After 4.30pm Monday to Friday and at weekends, Students who have registered their details with Car Parking Records will automatically be able to access the main campus car parks using their swipe card. There is no charge made for parking at these times.

Disabled students should supply evidence of disability with a completed application form. They will then be entitled to free access to the campus.

Charges - £1.00 per day pay & display Mon – Fri until 4.30pm. Please note that wheel clamping is in operation. The Car Parking Records office deals with:

  • Applications for access to parking
  • Changes to vehicle registration
  • Requests for disabled access

E-mail carparking@bham.ac.uk to get your car registered, you need to send them your name, student ID, and car registration number along with any other requests/enquiries.