What is the best college to go to in Birmingham?

Erasmus' experience. Did you like it? What about Birmingham?

• I'm from Spain and this year I'll go to Birmingham as an Erasmus student, to the College of tourism, in the city centre. I'm really happy right now but I don't know how will be the experience. Have you ever been studying abroad? Did you like it? How is Birmingham? Tell me about the city or the halls of residence you have been there(I'll be in the Maltings) Regards

• Answer:

  Hi! I've never studied abroad, and I'm not on the Erasmus experience (which by the way you will love!) You should rent the film 'Pot Luck', which is a comedy all about the Erasmus scheme! It's great. I do however live and study in Birmingham! I am at Aston University, which is also very near to the town centre. Birmingham is an amazing city. I much prefer it to London, although of course, I'm sure you will take a trip to London at some point during your stay! It is only 90 minutes away from Birmingham on the train, which is great :-) *Shopping* Birmingham has a great shopping experience - aside from a large high street with shops, there is also 3 shopping centres. The largest and most famous is the Bullring - you can have a look at it here: http://www.bullring.co.uk/website/ *Nightlife* Birmingham is one of the best cities in the UK for night life! (I would say THE best, but I am biased!) There is one main strip which is only a short 10 min walk from the town centre, and this is called Broad Street. There are about a hundred bars, restaurants and clubs down there. There is also a large cinema, and a canal running underneath with more bars and restaurants called 'Brindley Place'. This will probably be where you go on your first night out! There is also the Mailbox, which is a short walk from Broad Street. This has lots of more upmarket restaurants and bars: http://www.mailboxlife.com/ Finally, there is China Town. Aside from having a lot of Chinese restaurants and shops, there is also another centre with nightlife and restaurants. It's lovely there: http://www.thearcadian.co.uk/ *Culture and Sights* There is so much to do in Birmingham and so much to see. I have included two links for you which cover everything! http://www.locatebirmingham.com/lifestyle/culture http://www.aboutbritain.com/towns/birmingham.asp *The People* The people in Birmingham are very friendly (in my opinion, friendlier than in London!) We are a very multicultural city, with a large proportion of English and Asian people. But just like in London, you will find that people from all over the world travel here. You will feel at home in Birmingham! *General Experience* You will get a feel for the city very quickly, because everything you need is all in one place, and all the nightlife is spread across the town centre. There are lots of things to do around the outside of Birmingham too, and I've included links for this. Birmingham is a lively, buzzing, busy, unpretentious city. I think you will have a brilliant time here! http://www.itchybirmingham.co.uk/ http://www.mybrum.co.uk/ http://www.beinbirmingham.com/exec/229738/29614/PROFILE=NDpTWURfQkhNMV8xNTIyMDc5OlNZRF9CSE0xXzc4NjUyMDpFTkdMSVNIOkdCOjoxMTc3NTA3MjE4Ojo6 http://uk.holidaysguide.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-240971-birmingham_things_to_do-i http://www.bbc.co.uk/birmingham/your_birmingham/brummie_pride/index.shtml xx Emmie