Big Welcome Fair: Day 1 - book your free ticket now!

Big Welcome Fair: Day 1 - book your free ticket now!

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...until BCUSU’s Big Welcome 2026


Don't miss our Big Welcome Fairs on 16th and 17th September. Book your free ticket now for Day 1.



Events Below

What's On

Person on rock climbing wall at BCUSU's Big Welcome Fair 2023 Give It A Go Month
14th September 10am - 11th October midnight
Various Locations
Your chance to try many of our societies for free, join events and see what's right for you!
Society Event | In Person Event | Give it a Go! | Off Campus | Big Welcome Event | City Centre Campus | City South Campus | On Campus
Graphic logo for City South Social City South Social
15th September 10:30am - 3:30pm
City South Campus
Our welcome to City South Campus: freebies, prizes, societies and more...
Society Event | In Person Event | Officer Team Event | Big Welcome Event | City South Campus | On Campus
Graphic logo for Big Welcome Fair Big Welcome Fair: Day 1
16th September 10:30am - 3:30pm
City centre campus
Meet partners, get freebies, play activities and more...
In Person Event | Big Welcome Event | On Campus
Thatchers: Juicy Sounds
16th September 6pm - 9pm
Plot C, Gopsal St
Live DJs and giveaways. Sign-up now!
In Person Event | Big Welcome Event | City Centre Campus | BCUSU partners | Freshers Event
Graphic logo for Big Welcome Fair Big Welcome Fair: Day 2
17th September 10:30am - 3:30pm
City centre campus
Meet and join societies...
In Person Event | Big Welcome Event | On Campus
Freshers Quiz Night
17th September 7:30pm - 10pm
Eagle & Ball, Gopsal St
Our FIRST weekly quiz night. BIG cash prize must be won!
Eagle and Ball Events | In Person Event | Big Welcome Event | City Centre Campus | On Campus
Small business market, image of two persons sat at stall with art designs Small Business Market
22nd September 10am - 4pm
Curzon Atrium, Curzon Building
Connect with local businesses after our Big Welcome Fair!
In Person Event | Anytime Event | Wellbeing | Big Welcome Event | City Centre Campus | On Campus | Birmingham Event | BCUSU partners
Burlesque Taster Session
22nd September 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Curzon Drama Studio c463 (tbc)
Give it a go session for burlesque! Everyone welcome, no experience needed!
BCU Active | Give it a Go! | Big Welcome Event | City Centre Campus | BCU Sport
Freshers Karaoke Night
22nd September 7:30pm - 11pm
Eagle & Ball, Gopsal Street
First Karaoke of the year: Welcome to BCU!
Eagle and Ball Events | In Person Event | Big Welcome Event | City Centre Campus | On Campus | Freshers Event
Burlesque Taster Session
24th September 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Curzon Drama Studio c463 (tbc)
Give it a go session for burlesque! Everyone welcome, no experience needed!
BCU Active | Give it a Go! | Big Welcome Event | City Centre Campus | BCU Sport
quiz night event tile with illustration of brain Quiz Night at Eagle & Ball
24th September 7:30pm - 10pm
Eagle & Ball, Gopsal Street
Join us for our weekly pub quiz. BIG cash prize to be won!
Eagle and Ball Events | In Person Event | Big Welcome Event | City Centre Campus | On Campus
images of two girls sailing on boat with red helmets, big welcome logo in bottom right Sailing and Paddleboarding trip
30th September 1pm - 4pm
Midlands Boat Station, B16 9EU
Learn a new skill this Big Welcome with Midlands Boat sailing! ⛵
Big Welcome Event
quiz night event tile with illustration of brain Quiz Night at Eagle & Ball
1st October 7:30pm - 10pm
Eagle & Ball, Gopsal Street
Join us for our weekly pub quiz. BIG cash prize to be won!
Eagle and Ball Events | In Person Event | Big Welcome Event | City Centre Campus | On Campus
Person on rock climbing wall at BCUSU's Big Welcome Fair 2023 Give It A Go Month
25th January 10am - 21st February midnight
Various Locations
Your chance to try many of our societies for free, join events and see what's right for you!
Society Event | In Person Event | Give it a Go! | Off Campus | Big Welcome Event | City Centre Campus | City South Campus | On Campus
View more








Schedule

Tickets

Book your free ticket

£0.00 (Big Welcome Fair)

Tap a building or street to see what's on
Big Welcome Fair campus map: RBC, Parkside Building, Millennium Point, Eastside Park, Curzon Stage on Cardigan Street, Gopsal Street stalls, and Curzon Building ground floor
Select an area on the map to see the stalls, events and facilities there.

Accessibility Information

  • We're expecting high footfall at this event, please expect large crowds, with peak hours from 11-2pm. Please consider this when planning to attend.
  • Ear plugs: collect from stewards or security at entry and exit points, or ask staff throughout the event (staff will be wearing cyan blue t-shirts).
  • Physical access: the Curzon Building is wheelchair accessible.
  • Bringing a carer or support person: If you'd like to be accompanied by a support worker, family member or friend, please email disability@bcu.ac.uk in advance - we'll need their name, their relationship to you, and confirmation of who they'll be accompanying, so we can add them to the guest list and make sure they're able to get through the entry checks on the day. If you'd like the University to arrange a support worker for you instead, please include this in your email.
  • Outdoor activities: the mini petting zoo is wheelchair accessible, but the Meltdown inflatable activity and Rock Climbing wall are not wheelchair accessible.
  • Quiet Room: a designated room is located in C001. You can access this room through the Library. Enter the library, turn immediately right and go towards the end of the room to find C001. If you need a silent room to relax, please visit our Calm Space (C144) - this can be located on first floor.

Day 2 of BCUSU’s biggest welcome yet…

  • Join societies
  • Meet your Officer Team 2026/27

Here’s what’s on…

1. Curzon Building

There’s more to university life than lectures – meet societies and see which groups could be a match for you. Here’s who’s booked so far:

  • Accounting Society
  • Ahlulbayt Soc
  • BCU Gaming
  • BCU Pole Fitness
  • BCU Racing
  • Bengali Soc
  • Birmingham Student Caving Club (BSCC)
  • Cheerleading
  • Dance Society
  • Filipino Society
  • Film & TV Society
  • HerSpace
  • Indian Society
  • LGBTQ+ Society
  • Marketing Society
  • Midwifery
  • Navigators Christian Society
  • Nigerian Society
  • Paramedic Society
  • People of Colour Society
  • Psychology Society
  • School of Art Society
  • Scratch Radio
  • SheSports
  • Table Top Gaming Society
  • Welsh Society
  • Women’s Society
  • Women in STEM Society

2. Eagle & Ball

Claim a mini pizza from just £2.50, at your Students’ Union pub.

Look out for helpers in blue t-shirts on the day – they’ll be there to direct you!

*Photography will be taken at this event. Please let a member of staff in a cyan blue t-shirt know if you’re not comfortable with your footage being taken.

Accessibility information

  • We’re expecting high footfall at this event; please expect crowds, with peak hours from 11am–2pm. Please consider this when planning to attend.
  • Ear plugs: collect from staff throughout the event (staff will be wearing cyan blue t-shirts).
  • Physical access: the Curzon Building is wheelchair accessible, but will be busy on the day – please let us know if you’d like support getting around the event.
  • Quiet Room: a designated room is located in C001. Access it through the Library – enter the library, turn immediately right and go towards the end of the room to find C001. If you need a silent room to relax, please visit our Calm Space (C144) on the first floor.

Freshers Fest

Ibiza Welcome Party, Monday 14th September. The Nightingale Ibiza Welcome Party
14th September 10pm - 3:30am
Nightingale Club, Kent St, B5 6RD
Freshers 2026 starts at Brum's historic gay nightclub
In Person Event | Off Campus | Big Welcome Event | Freshers Fest
Graphic image for BCUSU Freshers Fest 2026: Freshers Rooftop Party, Tuesday 15th September. XOYO Birmingham Freshers Rooftop Party
15th September 6pm - 11pm
XOYO, Lower Trinity St, B9 4AG
Party with a skyline view at Digbeth's intimate roof terrace
In Person Event | Off Campus | Big Welcome Event | Freshers Fest
K-pop Society X Big Welcome Fair!
17th September 10:30am - 3:30pm
Curzon Atrium
Meet our society at the freshers fair 17th september! come by and say hi, we will have boba and freebies to give out :)
Money Matters | Freshers Fest
Vodbull Sneak Peek: Snobs Vodbull
17th September 10pm - 3:30am
Snobs, 200 Broad St, B15 1SU
The UK's longest running student event - don't miss out!
In Person Event | Off Campus | Big Welcome Event | Freshers Fest | Birmingham Event | Freshers Event
Week 1 Closing Party: Friday 18th September Week 1 Closing Party
18th September 10pm - 3am
O'Neill's, Broad St, B1 2HG
The biggest night of Freshers week! The only way to end your first week in Brum. 2 Floors Of Music: Chart, Throwbacks, RnB, Rap, Bashment, Afrobeats. Did we mention student drinks offers ALL NIGHT LONG?
In Person Event | Off Campus | Big Welcome Event | Freshers Fest | Birmingham Event | BCUSU partners | Freshers Event
Bingo Lingo, Saturday 19th September, Luna Springs Freshers Bingo Lingo
19th September 6pm - 11pm
Luna Springs, Lower Trinity St, B9 4AG
5 games of 3 bingo boards with terrible prizes to be won, expect on-stage dancing, raves and utter chaos!
In Person Event | Off Campus | Big Welcome Event | Freshers Fest
UV Neon Party UV Neon Party
21st September 10pm - 3am
Barbara's, Broad St, B15 1SU
One of the most talked about nights of freshers week!
In Person Event | Off Campus | Big Welcome Event | Freshers Fest | Birmingham Event | BCUSU partners | Freshers Event
WKD Wednesdays WKD Wednesdays
23rd September 8pm - 1am
Gosta Green, Holt St, B7 4BG
Enjoy discounted drinks and meals, and a live music DJ from 9pm
In Person Event | Off Campus | Big Welcome Event | Freshers Fest | Birmingham Event | BCUSU partners | Freshers Event




Find your People

There’s more to uni life than lectures. We have nearly 100 groups to chose from, find your people by joining a society.

Browse all Societies

Give it a Go Month

No commitment, no limit, try as many societies as you like. Free taster sessions from Monday 14th - Sunday 11th October.

How do I take part?

  1. Check our society events (workshops, meet-ups, classes or socials) on our What's On page
  2. Give it a Go - attend sessions and meet other members. No need to buy a membership.
  3. Find their social media channels. All our groups are student-led, the best way to find out about events could be on their social media.

Society Quiz

This quiz tool helps you find your perfect society match from over 100+ options by taking a quick, fun quiz that highlights what you're into and point you toward the groups you'll vibe with most.

If quiz is not working please use this link here

How to join a Society

1

add membership

Find a society

Browse all societies and click for more information. Click Add Membership to add the membership to your basket.

2

Notification of 1 item in the basket

Checkout in your basket

Click your basket in the top right of your screen. Proceed to checkout to purchase your membership (you will need to be logged in).

3

notification of an email being received

Check your email

When you have completed your purchase, you will receive a receipt by email. Find the society on social media for updates.

Society events

Person on rock climbing wall at BCUSU's Big Welcome Fair 2023 Give It A Go Month
14th September 10am - 11th October midnight
Various Locations
Your chance to try many of our societies for free, join events and see what's right for you!
Society Event | In Person Event | Give it a Go! | Off Campus | Big Welcome Event | City Centre Campus | City South Campus | On Campus
Graphic logo for City South Social City South Social
15th September 10:30am - 3:30pm
City South Campus
Our welcome to City South Campus: freebies, prizes, societies and more...
Society Event | In Person Event | Officer Team Event | Big Welcome Event | City South Campus | On Campus
Curzon Freshers Society fair
17th September midnight - 18th September midnight
Curzon
Join us at the society fair and get a good bag by purchasing a membership
Society Event | In Person Event | City Centre Campus | On Campus | Freshers Event
BCU Panjabi Society | Welcome Fair 2026 🎉
17th September 10:30am - 3:30pm
BCU City Centre Campus, Curzon Building
Meet the BCU Panjabi Society at Welcome Fair! Discover our events, culture and community, meet the committee and find out how to get involved. Everyone is welcome — Panjabi or not! 💛
Society Event | City Centre Campus
Fresher’s Stall Film & TV Society Welcome Fair
17th September 10:30am - 3:30pm
Curzon Building, City Centre Campus
Join us for on freshers week for the relaunch of BCU's very own Film & TV Society, where you can meet like minded film fanatics! We'll be based at the Curzon building at the City Centre Campus, Thursday 17th September, 10:30am - 3:30pm.
Society Event | In Person Event | City Centre Campus | On Campus | Freshers Event
Meet the LGBTQ+ Society at the Big Welcome Fair!
17th September 10:30am - 3:30pm
City centre campus
Get a first glance into your LGBTQ+ Society! 🏳️‍🌈
Society Event | In Person Event | City Centre Campus | On Campus
School of Art Society Logo School of Art Society X Big Welcome Fair
17th September 10:30am - 3:30pm
Curzon Building, C087
Meet the School of Art Society at the Big Welcome Fair!
Society Event | City Centre Campus | On Campus
Person on rock climbing wall at BCUSU's Big Welcome Fair 2023 Give It A Go Month
25th January 10am - 21st February midnight
Various Locations
Your chance to try many of our societies for free, join events and see what's right for you!
Society Event | In Person Event | Give it a Go! | Off Campus | Big Welcome Event | City Centre Campus | City South Campus | On Campus

Explore Brum

Frequently Asked Questions

Big Welcome

BCUSU’s Big Welcome is a series of events in September and October to welcome you to life at BCU.

There’s more to university than lectures - for good times, friendship and community discover events on our What’s On page.

Events

Some events require booking, to limit or manage capacity. This is not the case for all events, but there will be a clear booking option at the bottom of the event if you need to book.

We’ve worked with our external partners to bring you these events either free, or at a reduced cost.

When there is a cost, this would be at student friendly prices.

Big Welcome Fair

Yes, for Big Welcome Fair: Day 1, only. It’s free to book and you can book online.

When you complete your booking, you will receive a QR code in your inbox. This will be scanned to enter the Fair.

Booking is not required for Big Welcome Fair: Day 2.

Absolutely! All BCU students are encouraged to attend our Fairs. It’s the best way to find what university has to offer.

It depends where you’re travelling from, but the location of our Big Welcome Fair is 4 Cardigan St, B4 7BD.

Walking:
The City Centre Campus is a short 10-15 minute walk from Birmingham Moor Street Station, and a 20-25 minute walk from Birmingham New Street Station.

Bus:
Most bus services terminate in the city centre. Moor Street Queensway and the Priory Queensway Interchanges are the closest to City Centre Campus. The 14 bus route stops on Cardigan Street (near campus).

If it is your first time using a bus in Birmingham, we recommend paying with a contactless method – just tap your card on the reader every time you board a bus and you won’t be charged more than the maximum DaySaver rate, no matter how many times you travel.

Freshers

Freshers Fest is BCUSU’s official nighttime events.

We’ve been working with a local promoter to organise nighttime events in the city’s biggest and best clubs.

If you love clubbing, this is perfect for you. If you’ve never been clubbing before, this is the best chance to try it!

Yes, friends and family are welcome at our Freshers Fest events, even if they’re not BCU students. They just need to book tickets and have a valid ID to enter the venue.

This is perfectly normal. We’d recommend finding other students at our free daytime events, or by asking other students on your course or in your flat.
Societies are also a good way to find students. View all societies online and find them on social media to see what events they might be attending.

Tickets are available for the following:
BCU Key info