Student City Guide: Birmingham 2025

If you wish to live in a big fancy city while studying at a university in the UK, but London’s too fancy and expensive for your pockets, then Birmingham is the right choice for you. Let us take you on a student guide of this buzzing city that caters to a highly culturally diverse atmosphere full of vibrant things to do and see. Hence we assure you there won't be a time when you will be homesick. Being the second-largest city in the UK and the heart of the Midlands, why would you choose Birmingham for your academic journey? Below we take you on a journey to Birmingham. Everything from education to nightlife, from the city’s culture to its hotspots, from transport to the lifestyle, find everything in this Student Guide of Birmingham.

About Birmingham

Welcome to the Brum City! A place that has become a favourite among the young and old for all the right. Birmingham always wins hearts with its great lifestyle, top-notch educational institutions and flavourful food. Located only about 100 miles from London, Birmingham is considered to be the cultural, social, commercial and financial center of the Midlands. The city has beautiful architecture and is a modern and lively locality with many parks, cafes, museums, galleries and even more pubs and bars. You might also find student accommodation in Birmingham which is affordable and budget-friendly for international students who want to puruse their higher studies.

Study in Birmingham

Why Study In Birmingham

Birmingham, located in the glorious heart of England, is a diverse, modern, and exciting city with a rich cultural and intellectual history. Birmingham city is less than two hours from London. It offers students everything they could want from a capital city while still being within easy reach of the picturesque English countryside. It is home to world-renowned universities, making it one of the best study destinations in the world. Being a multicultural city, living here as a student would never lead to a dull moment.

Top Universities In Birmingham

1. University of Birmingham

The University of Birmingham is a beautiful redbrick university with a verdant campus in Birmingham, about 150 kilometres north of London. Birmingham, founded in 1900, has been challenging and developing brilliant minds for almost a century. Research at the University has a history of breaking new ground, pushing the boundaries of knowledge, and making a difference in people's lives. The University of Birmingham, a founding member of the Russell Group and Universitas 21, is a prestigious, world-leading educational institution with an exceptionally high teaching standard.

Top Courses To Study

• Molecular biotechnology
• Social policy and criminology 
• Nuclear engineering 
• Business and Management
• Arts and Humanities
• Philosophy of mind and cognitive science

2. Aston University

Aston University is a vibrant, inviting, and international campus-based university in the heart of Birmingham, the UK's second-largest city. It was founded in 1895 and acquired its Royal Charter as a University from Queen Elizabeth II in 1966. The campus is home to five schools (Business, Engineering and Applied Sciences, Languages and Social Sciences, Life and Health Sciences, and the Medical School) offering foundation, undergraduate, and postgraduate teaching and research programmes. 

Top Courses To Study

• Engineering and Technology
• Business and Management
• Arts and Humanities
• Life Sciences and Medicine
• Accounting and Finance
• Applied Chemistry

3. Birmingham City University

Birmingham City University successfully combines innovative teaching and learning, innovative student support and effective partnerships with some of the country’s leading employers. Our commitment to developing graduates with the skills and experience employers need means that 97 per cent of our students are in employment or further study within six months of graduating – which places us in the top ten multi-disciplinary institutions in the UK.

Top Courses To Study

• Arts and Humanity
• Engineering and Technology
• Business & Management
• Social Science and Management

4. Newman University

Newman University College is known for its quality courses and for having one of the best graduate employment rates of UK colleges and universities. Newman University is a Catholic University but welcomes students of all religions and backgrounds. Ensuring the degrees offered are relevant to the modern world is also a key feature at Newman. All full-time degrees have a work placement module, and an important part of the curriculum is developing transferable skills useful for further study or employment after graduation. 

Top Courses To Study

• Accounting
• Art and design
• Business & Management
• Criminology
• Education
• English and creative writing

5. University College Birmingham

University College Birmingham (UCB) is in the heart of Birmingham, the UK's second city. It originated as a technical college in the early 20th century and was granted full degree-awarding powers in 2007. Today, UCB is Europe’s leading specialist in management courses for the culinary arts, hospitality and tourism; our students also go on to forge global careers in sports, creative services, business, finance, education, healthcare and community. International students come to UCB because of its reputation for excellent degrees and state-of-the-art facilities. 

Top Courses To Study

• Culinary Arts Management
• Cyber Security
• Business & Management
• Digital Marketing
• Finance and Accounting
• Food and Nutrition

Student Accommodation in Birmingham

Top Localities in Birmingham

1. Digbeth
Digbeth is now a centre for the innovative industry. It is a popular student destination for the Fazeley Studios and Custard Factory, which generate a wide range of digital and cultural businesses. It exemplifies both Birmingham's past and future. It is a cultural hotspot, making it one of the city's most vibrant neighbourhoods.‍

2. Erdington
Erdington, 5 miles northeast of the city centre, is perfect for student housing. It is one of the most desirable neighbourhoods in and surrounding Birmingham. There are numerous leisure facilities and eateries to satisfy your taste buds. Spaghetti Junction is a well-connected metropolitan suburb with a Cross City Line railway station, convenient access to the highway, and excellent bus service.

3. Edgbaston
Edgbaston is one of Birmingham's more affluent neighbourhoods. It is well-known for its parks and the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Edgbaston city is home to the Edgbaston Cricket Ground, the world's oldest lawn tennis club, the Victorian campus of Birmingham University, and numerous restaurants.

4. Aston
Aston is a neighbourhood in Birmingham, England. Aston is a ward within the Birmingham Metropolitan Authority, located immediately to the northeast of central Birmingham. Birmingham City Centre is approximately 1.5 miles away. Because of its ethnic diversity, Aston is ideal for student housing.

5. Selly Oak
Selly Oak is in a popular, multicultural, and bustling Birmingham neighbourhood noted for its independent boutiques and lively nightlife. This modern student accommodation is just a short distance from the city centre and on the doorstep of the University of Birmingham's Selly Oak and Edgbaston campuses. It also features a variety of rooms to suit all preferences an exceptional communal area.

Top Accommodations in Birmingham

Being an affordable city, Birmingham offers various student housing options near every significant university, bus and train station and every famous market. We have included a listing of the top well-maintained and budget-friendly student accommodations in Birmingham to help you out during your research.

1. iQ Broderick House, Birmingham
2. The Heights, Birmingham
3. Vita Student Pebble Mill, Birmingham
4. The Old Fire Station, Birmingham
5. Canalside, Birmingham
6. Bagot Street, Birmingham
7. 88 Bromsgrove House, Birmingham
8. Calthorpe Court, Birmingham
9. iQ Penworks House, Birmingham
10. Belgrave View

Jobs in Birmingham

Part-Time Jobs In Birmingham

Earning as a student may seem difficult, but it isn’t. Students can take up multiple part-time jobs while studying in Birmingham to help save up the extra bucks. The major campuses, Aston University and Birmingham University attract students from around the country and worldwide.

Living in Birmingham

Birmingham was listed among the Top 10 Student Cities in the UK by QS Best Student Cities 2022, so you can be sure that you living in Birmingham as a student will be nothing short of amazing. Now that you know that your living in Birmingham will be memorable, let's go straight into the cost of living in Birmingham for students.

Cost Of Living In Birmingham

Birmingham, the second-largest city in the UK, is regarded as the East and West Midlands business, financial, social, and cultural hub. Even though you're now enthused about the idea of moving to Birmingham, we bet you still have some doubts regarding the city's student-friendly cost of living. Is Birmingham pricey for college students? So, to clear them out, let's break down all costs one by one.

Travelling In Birmingham

When considering your cost of living, it is essential to factor in your travel costs. Birmingham has an extensive railway network that provides both local and regional services. Students frequently use the three main stations, Snow Hill (conveniently positioned for Aston University), Moor Street (for BCU), and Birmingham New Street. In Birmingham, buses are widely used because they connect all city areas. A monthly pass for public transportation will set you back about £55 each month.

Bus: The town is served by many bus operators, including Plusbus, Arrive, Merseytravel, and Stagecoach. Buses typically run from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, but these times may be altered by bank holidays and may change somewhat across services.‍

Train: Birmingham has a well-rounded and efficient transportation system, which National Express West Midlands mostly provides. Public transportation can take you anywhere you need, and you can plan your journey with the Citymapper or Birmingham Journey Planner apps. Return tickets are unavailable, but single fares are approximately £2.30, and day tickets are approximately £4.50. In Birmingham, though, a student transportation pass costs about 165. In the long run, this is a fantastic price at only £1.28 each day. A student travel card can be purchased from NX Bus.

Top Clubs In Birmingham

1. Popworld
Popworld, the king of cheesy tunes and cheap drinks, is a must-see for student evenings in Birmingham. Popworld has a superb soundtrack to match every vibe. It has all the hip and quirky frills, like disco balls, movie paraphernalia, and a dancefloor that would make you jealous. ‍

2. The Mill
The Mill is well-known in Digbeth for its events. The Mill is good because it hosts a variety of nights out. There's something for everyone, from Reggae Bingo to the Abba Experience to DnB nights. On some nights, the venue is one of the quieter ones in Digbeth, which could be a plus if you don't want to be sweating up against strangers all night.‍

3. PRYZM
PRYZM is a super club with super-fun party nights and super-low drink rates. While different evenings will provide different results, if you want to experience a Birmingham student club night, come on a Thursday for P.A.R.T.Y. Expect beers starting at £1.80 and four separate music rooms.‍

4. Tunnel Club
Tunnel Club, a warehouse delight nestled beneath Birmingham's railway arches, is a vibrant subterranean club. Tunnel Club is at the peak of its clubbing game, with a complicated sound system and expertly coordinated light displays. From techno and dance to disco, hip-hop, and k-pop, the ever-changing lineup of events will keep you dancing till the wee hours of the morning.‍

5. Snobs
Snobs is a club in Birmingham city centre that promises a new kind of partying experience. It is known for being one of Birmingham's most popular alternative nights out. Students who enjoy a little air guitar or Indie bop will love this venue, which features the greatest in Indie songs and alternative tracks.

Top Restaurants In Birmingham

1. The Birmingham Stable
‍Everyone has friends who prefer getting a good deal on a night out. The Stable is unquestionably the place to take them because it serves reasonably priced pizza, pies, and lager. Because it serves locally made fresh sourdough, the casual dining location is ideal for the occasion.‍

2. Afrikana
‍"There's something for everyone" at Afrikana. Authentic African cuisine with main courses starting at £8. This restaurant has become popular in numerous places around the UK, but the Birmingham branch is a must-see.‍

3. Grand Central Kitchen
Want to have a filling meal? Looking for a low-cost alternative? Take a look at this café. Serving delicious cooked English breakfast, and is highly praised by locals and tourists. With breakfast menus starting at less than £3, it easily becomes a preferred place among students.‍

4. Bodega
Knowing that your dinner at Bodega is also reasonably priced on Taco Tuesday will make every mouthful infinitely more delicious. Relax while enjoying traditional South American cuisine and a cocktail at this low-cost Birmingham restaurant, knowing your wallet is happy.‍

5. PhatBuns
Locals love PhatBuns restaurant because it serves tasty, juicy burgers at a reasonable price. It's a step up from Mcdonald's, with burgers, wings, shakes, and more; don't miss this one, especially for a hangover cure during Birmingham Freshers Week.

Student Applications

1. Notion
The app's main selling point is its versatility. With Notion, you may manage projects, make a calendar, write a daily journal, plan trip itineraries, and take notes. It can help you organise your university work and everything else in your life.‍

2. Soundnote
If Notion is a table knife (tested, trusted, and suitable for almost any occasion), Soundnote is unquestionably a steak knife. You'll want to use this app if you struggle to concentrate during a long lecture.‍

3. BigOven
While BigOven offers traditional recipes, the leftovers feature makes it a must-have for any student. Simply enter the ingredients you have on hand, and BigOven will recommend various recipes that can use what you have on hand.‍

4. Circle of Six
The Circle of Six app is available for both Android and iOS and was created to help university students stay in touch with close pals. The app is especially useful for looking for lost pals on nights out, and it also allows users to send an instant call for help to their circle of six friends at the touch of a button.

Top Tourist Hotspots In Birmingham

1. Victoria Square and Birmingham City Centre
2. Cadbury World
3. National Sea Life Center
4. Birmingham Botanical Gardens
5. Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum

Explore Birmingham

Conclusion

Here you have it! The whole A-Z Student city guide of Birmingham. We know this will be your go to list for whenever you need to go around the city by yourself or with you pals. And if you have more questions about where to eat or where to party and how to spend your weekends, you can check out out ultimate 30 Things To Do In Birmingham to ensure you never have a dull day in the Brum City.