My Exchange at The University of Birmingham
The 360 International exchange programme has proven to be one of the most enjoyable and pivotal moments during my time at university. I completed a semester exchange to the University of Birmingham in the UK during Semester 1 2024. It was such an incredible experience, and I encourage everybody who can to apply.
Before I left for Birmingham, I had heard many horror stories about the city. One person even told me that the best part of Birmingham is that “everywhere is close to the train station so you can get out of there!” So, heading into this exchange I was justifiably nervous about what Birmingham would be like. I was pleasantly surprised. Birmingham is a friendly city which is very accessible, full of lovely people, and has an intense culture associated with its post-industrial history. As with anywhere in the UK, Birmingham is full of history, and it was amazing to look around at structures built even before New Zealand was found by Abel Tasman!
The University of Birmingham provides great accommodation for exchange students. Standard accommodation is within a shared flat which allows you to meet people from all different cultures, as exchange students are usually put in accommodation together. The University offers many different accommodation options, including studio rooms. Alternatively, there is plenty of availability for student flats through renting privately, and the University can help students with this.
The University’s orientation was minimal, but this did not affect my experience in any way as you get to meet so many new people incredibly quickly. You then have the fun of exploring the beautiful campus together. Birmingham’s campus has been rated the third-prettiest in the whole country, and I can testify that this holds true. It is amazing!
The courses on offer at Birmingham were wide-ranging and diverse. All teaching and mentorship was amazing, and lecturers were always available to help with anything you needed.
One of my favourite day trips out of Birmingham was to the quaint town of Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare. A few friends and I saw a show at the Shakespeare Globe, and we were back in Birmingham ready for the next days’ classes.
England is a great country to live in, although costs can stack up quite quickly. The exchange rate from the Pound to the New Zealand Dollar is roughly double, however essentials like groceries are cheaper. I averaged about GBP 30 (about NZD 60) per week for living costs. Eating out is expensive, and alcohol purchased at pubs can compare to be steep according to New Zealand standards. If you match this to an English wage, though, most things are fairly priced.
I highly recommend the 360 International exchange programme without reservation. It is easily one of the best decisions I have made in my university career, and has provided me with so many opportunities and connections in such a short time.
Q&A
What were some of the highlights of the academic experience at your host university?
The University of Birmingham offers great teaching, and exciting academic opportunities. Seminars given by subject experts are regularly on offer, and I encourage you to attend these. Academic support is well-advertised and available should you need. International students are prescribed a tutor as a first point-of-call, and lecturers/other teaching staff are always keen to help in any way they can.
Would you recommend any particular activity/activities unique to your host country or university?
There are over 300 student-led groups at the University of Birmingham. There is definitely plenty to choose from – anything from sports to volunteering, food to media – it is all on offer.
What are your top 3 tips for future students attending your host university or going on exchange to your host country?
Embrace the culture and rich history of England. There are not many countries where you can walk around a major city and see buildings erected over 1000 years ago, or to visit royal palaces and private castles everywhere. It is truly magical. Speaking of magic, Harry Potter was filmed in England and Scotland, and you can tour many of these filming locations!
Do your research. England is a relatively small country, but the student culture varies widely depending on the place you are in. Generally, the further north in the country you go, the more relaxed the vibe is. It is also cheaper in the North! Birmingham has a great mix of ‘north and south,’ and has a lively culture. The city is full of great bars, eateries, and clubs, but if this isn’t for you, don’t worry. The city is also full of many other attractions and historical sites to check out.
Have fun. Yes, you are on a university exchange with the primary focus being your studies, but also remember this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You will always have the opportunity to study harder when you are back in Auckland (when your courses do actually contribute towards your GPA), and I encourage you to remember this to make the most of your time overseas. Relax!
How much did you budget for your exchange? Was this enough? Were there any lessons learned that would help future students budget for their own exchange?
I knew that an exchange would be expensive, and this was true. Accommodation was a major expense, even though living costs were comparatively lower than in New Zealand. Travelling a lot was a main priority of mine while on exchange, so I budgeted accordingly. A loose estimate for six months away, including accommodation at Birmingham, was about NZD 12,000. This is probably more than most will be prepared for, and this is totally okay. It is just where your priorities lie!
Saving is important to achieving the best experience while on exchange. Would you rather have a few GBP 5 ice creams at the beach, or take a GBP 20 flight to Italy and enjoy gelato near the Coliseum? (Cheers, Ryanair!)
Birmingham is, on average, about seven times cheaper than London. Just another reason to choose this wonderful city.
What are your most significant takeaways from your experience abroad?
An exchange is one of the best decisions you can make while at university. I ended up learning more about myself and my values, and am now able to appreciate the vast history and culture of the UK.
Comparing these things to New Zealand also allowed me to realise how good we have it in our little corner of the world. Birmingham is one of the furthest inland points in all of the UK (it is at least a four hour drive to the coast), so I found myself missing the sea in a way I never thought I would have before I left. I also missed a good cup of coffee – in the UK, this is expensive and usually always disappointing!
However, the UK boasts many great things also, not least its wonderful cosmopolitanism, but more specifically Birmingham’s multicultural heritage. You can find restaurants from all over the world there, and the city’s incredible diversity is markedly noticeable when you travel to less-diverse places.
Do you want to share anything about travels you did outside your host city/country?
The UK, being a key country in Europe, has many cheap flights and a hugely efficient rail network for easy transport across the country, and to international destinations. Budget airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet regularly offer GBP 10-20 flights into Europe. Hostels are reasonably cheap, and the thrills of travel you will experience are unmatched when you are on exchange. It’s a vastly different feeling to travelling internationally with parents.
Writing this reflection is making me want to go back!
