The University of Birmingham Guild of Students is located on the University of Birmingham's Edgbaston Campus, near the East Gate.
University of Birmingham Guild of Students (February 2018). Photography by Elliott Brown
It is near Edgbaston Park Road, the East Gate and University Road East.
Every student at the University of Birmingham is automatically a member of the Guild of Students.
As a charity and the students’ union for more than 34,000 students, they're here to offer you a range of support, help you to develop skills outside of study, have fun, meet new people and represent you to the University.
All to make sure you get the best from Birmingham!
History of the University of Birmingham Guild of Students
It has it's foundations at Mason Science College in the centre of Birmingham, having been founded back in 1878. The University of Birmingham was founded in 1900, with the Guild of Students being provided for by a Students Representative Council. Both the Guild and the University celebrated their centenary in the year 2000. Mason College had a club house on Great Charles Street, which opened in 1905. The Guild being provided under the 1900 Charter, was formed in 1909 as the Guild of Undergraduates, being based at Edgbaston. The Guild was a founding member in the National Union of Students. The current building near the East Gate of the campus was built in 1928, being designed by the architect Holland W. Hobbiss. Additions were built in the 1950s and 1960s. In the early 2000s, they were known as the Birmingham University Guild of Students (BUGS). But a new branding was introduced in 2007 (replacing the BUGs brand which had been adopted in 2000).
University of Birmingham Guild of Students (February 2018). Photography by Elliott Brown
Mermaid Square
The Mermaid fountain in Mermaid Square was sculpted by William Bloye in 1961. It was made of bronze and stone. Opposite the square is a footbridge that leads to the Aston Webb Building and Chancellor's Court.
Mermaid Fountain by William Bloye at BUGS (January 2020). Photography by Elliott Brown
Footbridge between the Guild of Students and Aston Webb Building
This footbridge crosses over Ring Road North. It links the Guild of Students from Mermaid Square to the Aston Webb Building and the Chancellor's Court.
BUGS footbridge (January 2020). Photography by Elliott Brown