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Student life at Birkbeck

Studying in the evening doesn’t mean you can't get the full student experience of life at a vibrant city-centre university. As a Birkbeck student, you can choose as much or as little of the standard university experience as you like. You might work during the day, study, undertake an internship - or do something completely different.

Birkbeck offers a unique combination of evening study and a matchless central London location, right in the geographic and academic centre of the city, giving you exceptional opportunities.

Birkbeck offers a famously friendly, welcoming environment and we will be with you every step of the way, offering academic support and pastoral guidance whenever you need it. Many people are drawn to Birkbeck because we support and enable diverse life choices.

CENTRAL LONDON CAMPUS

  • Our campus in Bloomsbury, central London, is a lively student-centred area that’s home to a number of other universities and colleges of the University of London, including UCL and SOAS.
  • Our courses are taught on our Bloomsbury campus, which offers all the facilities you need and is well-served by public transport, making it easy to get to and from the College.
  • We are surrounded by world-famous museums and galleries, which can assist in your studies.

STUDENTS’ UNION

  • We have our own Students' Union (SU), which represents students’ interests via campaigns related to the environment, equality and extended student services.
  • The SU's societies and clubs are a great way to spend time engaged in activities you love, and maybe discover one or two new ones. You can join clubs for sports including climbing, football, rowing and scuba diving. Societies cover academic interests and cultural groups.
  • The SU is a great place to meet students across other courses and departments and experience the essence of the College. You could even represent Birkbeck by becoming a Student Councillor, or appearing on University Challenge!

SOCIAL LIFE

  • Birkbeck has a range of cafes, coffee shops and a bar, as do the other nearby University of London Colleges. Torrington Square is also home to the popular weekly Bloomsbury Farmers’ Market, where you can try an exciting range of cuisines.
  • With the West End, Soho, Covent Garden and King’s Cross on our doorstep you can take full advantage of London’s shops, restaurants, bars, theatres and clubs before and after your evening classes. We are one of the best universities for nightlife.

EVENTS

CONNECT ONLINE

  • Birkbeck has a presence across all major social media channels, including FacebookTwitter and Instagram. We use these channels to keep you up to date with what’s happening at Birkbeck, including our #BBKresearch, news and events. Follow us and share your #BBKlife with us.

TEACHING SPACES AND LIBRARIES

  • Birkbeck contains all the teaching spaces, laboratories and facilities you need to get the most from your time with us.
  • Our own richly resourced library is spread across five floors of the main Birkbeck building, and we are situated in one of the world’s greatest concentrations of libraries - including the British Library and Senate House Library - many of which Birkbeck students can access.

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

LEARNING SUPPORT

  • Moodle, our online learning environment, allows you to chat with your lecturer and other students about classes and topics. If you miss a class, you can access material and join the discussion online. You may also be able to watch videos of your lectures.
  • Our Learning Development Service supports undergraduate and postgraduate students in every area needed to become a successful student, including free workshops, accessible learning materials, and one-to-one meetings.
  • We offer English language and academic writing courses for undergraduate students, including pre-sessional English short courses

ACCOMMODATION AND LIVING COSTS

TERM DATES AND CLASSES

  • The academic year at Birkbeck runs from October to July and consists of three terms: Autumn, Spring and Summer.
  • Some courses are taught over two terms - usually the Autumn and Spring terms, with revision and examinations in the Summer term - while others are taught over all three terms.