Student Housing Guide: Birmingham 2024

Birmingham, UK, is a vibrant and dynamic city located in the heart of England. It is the second-largest city in the United Kingdom and offers an abundance of culture, history, and modern attractions. From its world-class shopping districts to its stunning architecture, Birmingham has something for everyone! Whether you’re a music lover, art enthusiast, or foodie, you’ll find plenty of options to explore in this bustling city. With the help of this Birmingham student housing guide, you will be able to find a wide range of Birmingham student housing at an affordable rent.

When to start looking for student housing?

Your first priority will always be looking for the best student accommodation as it will be your home away from home, and your student accommodation impacts your college experience significantly. To find your perfect Birmingham student housing, check out the following tips.

• To avoid missing out on the greatest possibilities, avoid waiting until the last minute to make your Birmingham student housing bookings.
• Beat the crowd and start looking for student accommodation during your first term for the best selection of properties because more than a quarter of first-year university students start looking for Birmingham student housing for the following year within weeks of commencing their degree.

Things to keep in mind when choosing accommodation

Finding perfect Birmingham student housing can be a bit tricky. There are a lot of things to look for when choosing your student accommodation. Here is a list of some of the things you need to keep in mind and research about them.

• Budget for rent: The first step is to determine how much you want to spend on rent by calculating your budget. You can save money on rent by making this choice.
• Neighbourhood: Make sure you research the area thoroughly. Ensure that the neighbourhood is safe for habitation and that the necessary services and transportation are accessible.
• Cost of Living: You can also get an estimated cost of living in the city so that you can budget your rent, transportation, utility bills and other additional expenses.
• Extra Amenities: Many Birmingham student housing provides extra amenities such as free wifi, laundry facilities, gym etc. So make sure that you check and enquire about all the amenities the student accommodation or the property provides.
• Contract Terms: Before you sign your contract, make sure to get it reviewed by an expert attorney so that you may make an informed and assured choice. 

Types of accommodation 

Birmingham student housing is divided into the following types. It is vital to know about the student room choices available so that you can choose according to your preferences and needs.

Purpose Built student housing (PBSA): This includes the Birmingham student housing that was designed and built just for people like you! Common characteristics include an all-inclusive fee and extra benefits, including fully furnished apartments, laundry service, 24-hour security, common areas, and study rooms. The rent range for PBSA is £80- £275/ week. When booking with amber, those looking for the best Birmingham student housing will encounter these three primary types:

Ensuites: Students who prefer their privacy will find ensuites to be the best option for student accommodation, providing access to a private bathroom and a shared kitchen.
Price range: £65- £215/ week

Non-ensuites: In contrast to an ensuite, non-ensuite housing contains a shared kitchen and bathroom. This kind is ideal for those studying social studies.
Price range:  £80- £120/ week

Studios: The single multipurpose space, which might be private, makes this form of housing possible.
Price range: £90- £260/ week

Best areas in Birmingham for student housing

1. City Centre

The city centre can be one of the best areas in Birmingham you can choose to reside in. The benefits of residing in the city centre are numerous. The main appeal to a city for students can be the proximity to their university campus and the active social scene. Over the past few years, the number of large, specifically designed student projects available in the city has grown quickly.

2. Digbeth

Digbeth, which the Sunday Times dubbed the "coolest neighbourhood in Britain," is gradually becoming one of the greatest locations to live in Birmingham due to how distinct it is from the rest of the city. It is also referred to as Birmingham’s “Bohemian” neighbourhood and is home to many independent stores, pubs, and theatres.

3. Bournville

Bourneville, often known as Birmingham's garden suburb, is frequently cited as one of the best areas to live in the metropolis. A "verdant suburb," Bournville is home to vast parks, open fields, and a high street that is home to The Clean Kilo, the largest zero-waste supermarket in the UK.

4. Solihull

One of the best places to live and work in England has been deemed Solihull, a suburban area on the outskirts of the metropolis. This historic market town is one of the best areas to live in Birmingham because of its lively nightlife that includes theatres, movies, and restaurants. This area also has very well-connected public transportation.

5. Edgbaston

This vibrant neighbourhood is the ideal substitute for those seeking a quieter lifestyle with the convenience of Birmingham's city centre facilities just a short drive away because it is home to the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Edgbaston Cricket Ground. This area is one of the city’s affluent suburbs.

Top 10 accommodations in Birmingham

Here are some of the best-recommended student accommodations in Birmingham.

1. Canalside

With a variety of room styles that include a double bed, study desk, closet with lots of storage, private bathroom, and communal kitchen, Canalside is a popular option for Birmingham student housing. This property is just a few minutes away from famous universities such as Aston University, University College Birmingham and the University of Birmingham.
Amenities: Wifi, study room, bike storage, table tennis, games room, gym, laundry room, etc

2. Belgrave View

If you are looking for student accommodation in Birmingham, you should definitely consider Belgrave View. This property is situated in the heart of the city so it becomes convenient for students to travel and commute and explore the city. You can choose from a variety of ensuite rooms at this property. The University of Birmingham, Birmingham City University, and Aston University can all be reached on foot in within 25 minutes.
Amenities: Wifi, gym, social lounge, laundry room, bike storage, common room, free events, etc.

3. Bagot Street

Bagot Street is a well-known and one of the largest Birmingham student housing, with 16 floors and two buildings. This home is situated on Bagot Street, 4 minutes from Aston University, and 15 minutes from the University of Birmingham. The closest train station to Bagot Street is Birmingham Snow Hill, where students can board and tour all the nearby cities during their break.
Amenities: Study facilities, gym, wifi, laundry room, recycling facilities, electric heater, on-site cinema, etc.

4. Onyx

Onyx is one of the best student accommodation in Birmingham. It provides you with a wide range of en-suites and very spacious rooms to select from. Aston University and Birmingham City University are both just a 10-minute walk from the home, making it the ideal location for both city and university life.
Amenities: Games room, laundry, CCTV, cycle store, social events, outdoor social space, vending machines, workspace, shared kitchen/living spaces, etc.

5. The Heights 

The Heights, one of the best student accommodation in Birmingham, provides a selection of elegantly decorated rooms, all fully equipped with double beds, tables for studying, wardrobes, private bathrooms, and communal kitchens. This facility has studio apartments and rooms with bathrooms and is also nearby well-known universities such as Aston University, University College Birmingham and the University of Birmingham.
Amenities: wifi, gym, study room, BBQ area, communal lounge, garden, maintenance team, bike storage, etc.

6. Calthorpe Court

Calthorpe Court offers a beautiful range of Birmingham student housing which includes a variety of en-suite options. The neighbourhood surrounding this property is very vibrant and dynamic. It is also surrounded by a plethora of amazing restaurants and cosy cafes. With the bus stop being this close, you wouldn’t have to worry about travelling via public transport.
Amenities: table football, study room, games area, tv, courtyard, bike storage, pool table, laundry room, etc.

7. iQ Penworks House

iQ Penworks House will always make you feel home away from home. This Birmingham student housing a fully furnished rooms which include a bed, underbed storage, a study desk, a closet and bookshelves. All the apartments in this property have free wi-fi working at high-speed, and all the utility bills are included in the accommodation rent.
Amenities: dining area, social spaces, TV lounge, pool table, table tennis, laundry facilities, regular social events, etc.

8. iQ Broderick House

iQ Broderick House is a very modern and bright Birmingham student housing choice. You can go to the atrium and social hub when you want some company, where you may play some table tennis while making plans for the evening. The property has an easy connection to the city's public transportation, which makes getting around the city a breeze.
Amenities: close to universities, cinema room, laundry facilities, study space, canal view, regular social events, etc.

9. The Old Fire Station

The Old Fire Station is a fantastic, ANUK-accredited Birmingham student housing that was formerly a working fire station and is now a Grade II Listed property with many original elements. It takes just five minutes to walk to significant universities like Birmingham City University and Aston University.
Amenities: study room, communal lounge, social calendar, bike storage, outdoor courtyard, in-house keeping, etc.

10. Globe Works

Your stay will be more comfortable than ever as Globe Works is a Birmingham student housing that provides simple comforts like a cosy bed, lots of storage space, a private bathroom, and a common kitchen! The large studios with fitted kitchens and extra living space are an option for anyone who values a little bit of seclusion.
Amenities: courtyard, study room, TV area, common room, cinema room, communal spaces, wellbeing event.

Questions to ask before finalising the accommodation

Finding the right place to move in, choosing it, and then signing the lease can be a tedious procedure. We have made a questionnaire for you that you need to ask before you finalise a perfect Birmingham student housing for yourself so that you are assured that you have made the right choice.

• How far will I be from my university?
• What are the neighbours like?
• What do the neighbours think of the area, and how is it?
• How far is the nearest bus, tram, or subway stop, and how frequently do they run?
• Are rooms already fully-furnished?
• How safe is the neighbourhood, and how secure is the property?
• Will bills be included in the rent?
• Am I allowed to redecorate?

Moving in Checklist for Students

Viola! You found yourself a home away from home, finally. The only thing left to do is start packing and moving into your student accommodation. Here is a list to help you start packing for your big move. 

• Important documents
• Electronics and accessories
• A variety of clothing according to the weather 
• Stationery for university
• Utensils and cutlery
• Bedsheets, blankets and pillows
• Toiletries
• Medical items

Scams and Frauds

Scammers and con artists prey on renters by posing as accountability, legal documentation, and paper trails in order to trick and deceive you into parting with a significant amount of money. Amber prioritises your safety and wants to make sure that your booking process runs well and smooth. To prevent rental fraud or scams, you can check the following items.

• Never pay using cash or non-traceable methods.
• Always view the accommodation before finalising it.
• Don’t provide confidential or sensitive information.
• Make sure the landlord passes the vibe check.
• Talk to the current tenants to find out what they think of the property and neighbourhood.

It is very important to have more detailed information about rental scams and how to avoid them. 

We sincerely hope that this Birmingham student housing guide helped you in your search for housing in Birmingham. If you're looking for a place to continue higher studies, Birmingham should unquestionably be on your list because it provides a variety of student-friendly activities. You will discover a lot more during your stay in Birmingham and will not want to leave this area!