Your Welcome timeline

There is lots to think about when getting ready to start University. We've put together a simple timeline to help you understand what to expect and when.

This page gives a general overview of what happens each month. Find out what happens in June and July, August (including what happens around results day), and into September and Welcome Week itself. We also have answers to a few frequently asked questions, and our Welcome Checklist (PDF 215KB) will help you tick off those essential tasks.

Page last updated: Monday 2 September 2024

What to expect

Between January and June

Applying for your programme

  • For undergraduate applications, check UCAS key dates for details and make sure you know what to do and when to do it.
  • Application timelines for postgraduates vary - find out more about applying for postgraduate taught and postgraduate research programmes.

Accommodation applications

  • Accommodation applications for students starting in the 2024/25 academic year opened on 1 December 2023. If you are an undergraduate student, you can apply as soon as you have received your offer via UCAS. We encourage you to do this even if Birmingham is your insurance choice. Find out more and apply.
  • We guarantee all undergraduates, international postgraduates, study abroad and exchange students a room in our accommodation, as long as you meet the terms of your offer and make us your firm choice, and apply by the deadline for the relevant guarantee scheme - 30 June 2024 for UK undergraduates, and 31 July 2024 for postgraduates and non-UK undergraduates.
  • If University of Birmingham is your insurance choice, then unfortunately we cannot guarantee you accommodation. However, we would still encourage you to register for accommodation from 1 December 2023.
  • If you miss the deadline, you can still apply for accommodation with us but we can’t guarantee that you’ll receive an offer.

June and July

  • The deadlines for our Accommodation Guarantee Scheme are 30 June 2024 for UK undergraduates, and 31 July 2024 for postgraduates and non-UK undergraduates. Check your eligibility and find out more.
  • For postgraduate students, you will receive an email inviting you to book your room in accommodation as soon as you have applied.
  • Online Registration opens in June for students with unconditional offers and those who have already met the conditions of their offer. You will receive an email when you are eligible, which will include your student username and password.
  • For students who require a visa to study in the UK, once you have received your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), you will be asked to start completing the My Right to Study process. The process will be available through to September.

August

Embargo period

  • Around a week before the SQA and A Level Results Days, UCAS places an embargo on universities to avoid miscommunication about your results. If you applied via UCAS, we cannot discuss your application with you during this period, and you might notice that you receive fewer emails and updates during this time.

Results day

  • A Level Results Day is Thursday 15 August 2024. Scottish students will receive results via SQA on Tuesday 6 August.
  • You will normally receive an email or two on the day, as we're excited you'll be joining us!

Online Registration

  • Online Registration emails are sent in batches after A Level Results Day. You should receive it within a week of your place being confirmed - don't panic if it takes a few days!
  • Once you have completed Online Registration, you will be able to access your student email and can download the MyUoB app.

Accommodation

  • For undergraduate students, you will be invited to book your room once A Level results are out (even if you already have your results or did other qualifications). You will receive an email either on or within a week of Thursday 15 August giving you a time slot to log in and book your room.
  • Time slots are randomly generated to ensure everyone has fair access to the booking system. Can't login during your time slot? You'll get another chance within a week of A Level results day.
  • Once you have selected your room, you will need to make the Advance Payment (£550). This is non-refundable and acts as the first instalment towards your accommodation fees.
  • Find out more about booking your room

Planning for Welcome

  • All students, whether you were waiting for results or not, will start to receive weekly Welcome emails after A Level Results Day to help you plan for September. These will include useful information about arriving to the University, our events and activities during Welcome, and information from your School and College.

Early September

  • If you complete Online Registration by Tuesday 3 September and your home address is in the UK, your ID card will be posted to you. If your home address is outside the UK, or you complete it after the deadline, you will be able to collect your ID card once you arrive on campus.
  • Students who require a visa to study in the UK should continue to upload the relevant documents to My Right to Study.
  • If you are moving into University accommodation, you will be able to complete the Accommodation Pass from early September. This will provide essential information, and allow you to choose your move-in slot, purchase a bedding or dining pack, and Sport & Fitness memberships.
  • Our packing list will help you plan what to bring. Make sure you check the inventory for your accommodation, and understand the insurance that is provided. Find out more about inventories and insurance.
  • You can apply for a student parking permit, if you meet the eligibility criteria. Permits are valid for the rest of the academic year. You will need to re-apply each academic year.
  • Your programme and School induction sessions are available in the MyUoB app for undergraduate and taught postgraduate students.
    • Please note, students in the College of Medicine & Health (formerly Medical & Dental Sciences) will be able to access their timetable on Friday 20 September.
  • Postgraduate research students will hear directly from their School about induction and orientation sessions.
  • You can sign-up to the University Music mailing list to get all the latest information and updates about our music opportunities, with over 35 ensembles and lots of other opportunities. Whether you want to find out about audition slots, or are interested in an un-auditioned ensemble, you can find out more on the University of Birmingham Music Society page.

Pre-Arrivals Weekend

  • The main moving-in period for University accommodation will be Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 September. If you are living in University accommodation, you will be able to choose your preferred time and date for moving in on the Accommodation Pass.
  • The Parents' and Guardians' Welcome Address will be broadcast online. It is aimed at the family and friends of those of you starting undergraduate study for the first time, but all are welcome to join.

Arrivals Weekend

Arrivals Weekend (Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 September 2023) will be a busy time with lots of students moving into accommodation. You and your guests will be able to:

  • Join a campus tour to help you find your way around.
  • Enjoy Welcome activities, including the Welcome Fair and Welcome Marquee.
  • Collect your ID card from the Welcome Registration Hub if you didn't receive it in the post.

Visit the What's on in Welcome to find out more as we get closer to September.

After Welcome Week

Teaching will begin fully on Monday 30 September, following your academic timetable. This is usually the date you will receive the first instalment of your student loan, if you are eligible for one. You can check your payment dates on your student loan account.

There will still be plenty of support available and lots of events and activities taking place after Welcome Week, including the Welcome Registration Hub for ID cards and BRP card collection. The student intranet is your best place to find out all the latest information as a student and the MyUoB app will connect you to essential services and updates.

Some frequently asked questions

Do I need to attend a registration/enrolment event when I arrive?

No, registration and enrolment is done through Online Registration and so you do not need register or enrol in-person when you arrive. You must complete Online Registration before you can begin your studies.

Do I need to register with the Guild of Students (students' union)?

When you complete Online Registration, you agree to become a member of the Guild of Students, your students' union. You do not need to register with them separately. Find out more about what you are agreeing to in Online Registration, and how you can opt out of membership.

When will I get my student ID card?

You will be able to receive your student ID card once you have completed Online Registration. If you have a home address in the UK and complete Online Registration before the deadline in early September (TBC), your ID card will be posted to you. Otherwise, you can collect it from your accommodation or the Welcome Hub on campus from Saturday 16 September onwards.

When can I get a council tax letter/bank letter?

Once you have completed Online Registration, you can access Verify the next working day - our proof of study system. On Verify you can access downloadable and shareable letters which prove your student status, for example to apply for a council tax exemption or to open a student bank account.

Why does my student finance say it is awaiting confirmation?

The University is required to confirm to Student Finance England (or equivalents) that you are a student. We confirm your attendance after you have completed Online Registration, and send daily updates to Student Finance during this time. 

When will my student loan be paid to me?

You can check your payment dates by logging into your Student Finance account. Your loan is usually paid to you when teaching begins - for most students, this will be Monday 30 September.

We have hundreds more FAQs available on our Student Help site, answering questions about everything from Welcome Week to visas and immigration to student administration. The FAQs also connect you directly to the teams who can answer your questions - just click Contact Us at the bottom of any answer.