About Birmingham
Birmingham is a beautiful, multicultural city with a strong industrial history and vibrant culture. Its top universities, like the University of Birmingham, Aston University, and Birmingham City University, attract students from all over the world. There is always something to see and enjoy, like street art and independent shops in Digbeth, or food from the many restaurants in the Balti Triangle. The city also has some very affordable and student-friendly areas to live like Selly Oak, Edgbaston, and the City Centre. These areas are also close to campus and have plenty of cafés, parks, and a lively nightlife for students. With connections to Nottingham, Leicester, and Coventry only a short train journey away, students can also travel easily for summer internships from Birmingham.
Best Student Accommodation in Birmingham
Birmingham is home to some very safe and luxury student accommodation that is just a walk away from major universities. Here are some of the best options for student accommodation in Birmingham:
Why Choose Birmingham for Higher Education?
Birmingham is one of the best student cities for quality education and real-world experience. Students are given unique access to big global brands, including companies in tech, design, and analytics, offering student internships, placements, and job opportunities. The multicultural feel, enjoyable arts scene, supportive student communities, and social environment help you quickly settle into your new life and help you succeed and thrive personally and professionally.
Best Areas for Student Accommodation in Birmingham
Even though Birmingham is a safe city for students, you’ll find a few areas more populated by students than others. Here are some of these neighbourhoods:
- City Centre: Perfect for students who want to be in the heart of the action, with easy access to universities, shopping, and nightlife.
- Selly Oak: A popular student area near the University of Birmingham, offering affordable and convenient housing options.
- Edgbaston: Known for its leafy streets and proximity to the University of Birmingham, Edgbaston is ideal for students seeking a quieter environment.
- Jewellery Quarter: A trendy area with a mix of historic charm and modern amenities, popular among students and young professionals.
Different Types of Birmingham Student Accommodations
- Private Student Accommodation (PBSA) in Birmingham: Birmingham has a variety of professionally managed PBSAs (purpose-built student housing), which are near major universities like the University of Birmingham, Aston University, and Birmingham City University. These buildings offer fully furnished shared rooms, ensuite student rooms, and private student studios, including all-inclusive rent which covers all the bills, Wi-Fi, and access to different amenities like study areas, gyms, social lounges, and 24/7 security. With their welcoming atmosphere, PBSAs in Birmingham are a popular choice for comfort, safety, and easy-going university life.
- University Halls in Birmingham: Many students opt for university-managed halls. These are typically located on or near campus. Room types and facilities vary at the universities.
- Shared Student Apartments in Birmingham: Ideal for students who want to live independently, shared flats let you live with friends or other students. These usually require handling your bills, contracts, cleaning, and cooking.
Cost of Living in Birmingham for International Students
Birmingham is one of the most affordable cities in the UK for students. Here’s a breakdown of the cost of living in Birmingham:
- Accommodation: The average cost of student apartments in Birmingham ranges from £400 to £600 per month.
- Food: £100-£150 per month for groceries.
- Transport: £50-£100 per month for public transport (with student discounts on buses, trams, and trains).
- Utilities and Bills: Most private student accommodations in Birmingham include all-inclusive bills (electricity, water, heating, and Wi-Fi)
- Dining Out: £8-£20 per meal, depending on your choice! You can grab a quick snack at local favourites like Original Patty Men or enjoy a meal at student go-tos like Tamatanga or Nando’s.
- Entertainment: £50-£90/month. Students favour movie nights at the Electric Cinema.
Transportation in Birmingham
Public transport is the best way to get around in Birmingham. Here are all the public transport options in Birmingham:
- Bus: Operated by TfWM (Transport for West Midlands), buses are a convenient way to travel. This is the easiest way to travel across the city.
- Trams: The West Midlands Metro connects the whole city and is the most efficient way to get around Birmingham. You can buy monthly or annual student passes to save money.
- Trains: You can book trains from Birmingham to thousands of destinations across Europe from Trainline.
Student Life in Birmingham
Birmingham is the right combination of excellent quality of education and an exciting social scene for students. The city is therefore home to thousands of students, not just from the UK but from the whole world. Here's what you should know about Birmingham if you’re headed there soon to study:
- Restaurants & Cafés: From amazing street food at Digbeth Dining Club to coffee and cake at Yorks Café, there are many food options available in Birmingham.
- Student Clubs & Events: Join university societies, poetry events, or open mic nights across student hubs.
- Markets & Malls: Explore the Bullring for different brands or visit the Birmingham Rag Market and vintage stores in the Jewellery Quarter.
- Weekend Getaways: Take a quick train ride to Coventry, Stratford-upon-Avon, Nottingham, or even London for a change of scene.
- Libraries & Study Spots: The Library of Birmingham is an excellent place to finish your study goal or settle into cosy cafés like Faculty or Medicine Bakery to finish your pending assignments.
- Live Music & Art: You can enjoy live gigs at the O2 Academy, exhibitions at Ikon Gallery, or indie films at the Mockingbird Cinema.
Universities in Birmingham
- University of Birmingham: The University of Birmingham is one of the top universities in the UK and is known for its courses in sciences, humanities, business, and engineering.
- Aston University: Located in the city's urban area, Aston University is known for its programs in business and engineering. It also has strong links with industry and provides students with opportunities for placement in all industries.
- Birmingham City University (BCU): A career-focused, modern, and established university. BCU excels in highly creative and forward-thinking areas such as media, art, and design, as well as significant courses in health disciplines.
- University College Birmingham (UCB): UCB is known for its courses in hospitality, culinary arts, tourism, and business. It blends practical training with academic knowledge, enabling high employability of students.
- Newman University: Located in Bartley Green, this university is well regarded for education, social sciences, and humanities.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
- University Scholarships: The University of Birmingham, Aston University, and Birmingham City University provide numerous merit-based and need-based scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
- Government Grants & Loans: The UK Government provides UK students who are eligible with both tuition fee loans and maintenance loans to help with their studies.
- GCC Country-Specific Scholarships: Students from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other Gulf countries may have scholarships and financial support available from their home governments, embassies, and cultural ministries.
- External Scholarships: International students studying in Birmingham can also apply for prestigious funding opportunities such as Chevening Scholarships and Commonwealth and global organisation awards.
Tips for International Students
- Open a UK Bank Account: After arriving in Birmingham, you will need to set up a local bank account so that you can manage your rent, shopping, and other expenses easily.
- Get a Local SIM Card: Most mobile phone providers also offer affordable student plans! Network providers such as GiffGaff, EE, or Vodafone can get you online quickly. All can be set up in a store and are readily available around Birmingham.
- Understand Local Etiquette: Don't be taken aback by a friendly "Alright?"; a typical greeting in Birmingham is to say hello as you pass someone, so embrace this interaction as it is showing warmth. People in Birmingham are very friendly and chatty, so engage in the chit chat and general politeness.
- Plan your Budget: Use the many budgeting apps available, as well as finding discounts through UNiDAYS and Student Beans, to ensure you maximize your student budget as much as possible.
- Alphaway Support: From airport collections to helping you navigate Birmingham and settle into your room, Alphaway is here to help make the process as easy as possible.
Health & Safety Tips & Student Well-Being Resources
- Register with the NHS: Register with a local GP that is close to where you will be staying in Birmingham. This will ensure that you can access free healthcare during your time here.
- Save Emergency Numbers: The emergency number is 999. You should also save your university's campus security number to reach it quickly.
- Stay Safe at Night: If you are walking at night, keep to well-lit areas and stay aware of your surroundings. Birmingham has many options for getting home using night buses that you can travel on with your student discount, or trusted taxi services like Uber and Bolt.
- Mental Health Services: There may be free counselling, mental health drop-ins, and wellbeing services at the universities in Birmingham that you can access. If you feel that you need support, don't hesitate to access them.
