Student Life in Birmingham

First, it was Balti curry, then the Peaky Blinders came along and following the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, the city of Birmingham came to notice worldwide. The city proved to be one of the most memorable hosts in recent times. Naturally, its reputation grew exponentially, and it was only a matter of time before students took notice of this metropolis.

Birmingham is an excellent option if you want to go to university in a big city but don't want to pay London's high living costs. A culturally diverse, vibrant, and packed with things to see and do, you’d have to find stuff if you wish to be bored. You can be sure your student life in Birmingham will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Birmingham Student Accommodation

Given its reasonable property rent rates, Birmingham student accommodation becomes a fitting option for students. There are thousands of student flats and properties in and around Birmingham, all at an affordable price, so you won't have trouble finding a place to live.
Due to its proximity to the University of Birmingham, Selly Oak is the city's most famous student suburb. Along with the city's new purpose-built blocks, Harborne, Edgbaston, and Kings Heath are popular areas for student housing. Another well-known student accommodation in the city is Onyx, a student dormitory near Aston university.

Finally, the part that makes or breaks your selection is the rent. The average rent for student housing can range from £95 to over £150 per week, depending on the location and quality of the house. Now compare that to the rent in London, and be sure to rub your eyes gently as they’re already in shock. 

Popular areas in Birmingham

Although the city as a whole is a sight to behold with complexes, shopping centres, residences and eateries all in plenty throughout, a few areas stand out from the rest. Localities like Digbeth, Jewellery Quarter and Harborne are the most notable. Here is some brief information about the trio.‍

1. Digbeth‍

As a student, you’ll certainly ‘dig’ this locality, which is often called the coolest neighbourhood in Britain. This former industrial district has been transformed into a cultural and creative hotspot. The locality now boasts several music venues and art spaces.

2. Jewellery Quarter‍

English Heritage calls the Jewellery Quarter a "national treasure," It continues to be a hub of industry, producing 40% of British jewellery to this day. The Georgian streets of the Jewellery Quarter are lined with indie shops, trendy bars, art galleries, and the Jam House, a popular live music venue.

3. Harborne‍

Harborne is located on the outskirts of the University of Birmingham campus and is home to supermarkets, fresh vegetable markets, pubs, restaurants, and some of Birmingham's most popular independent businesses. Many students who prefer a more relaxed village atmosphere choose to live in the maze of side streets that surround the main high street.

Here is a glimpse of our student accommodation in Birmingham, Staniforth House, a popular choice among students. You can choose from a range of rooms that are fully furnished with a comfortable bed with storage space under, personal study area, mirror and wardrobe. The rooms also have an attached bathroom and a fully fitted kitchen with microwave, fridge freezer, stool, vacuum cleaner, mop and bucket. Studios also have a breakfast bar with the kitchen to enjoy freshly cooked meals. The accommodation also offers amazing amenities like a communal study area, common area, cinema area, vending machine, amphitheater along with an outdoor courtyard with picnic tables and deck chairs
Here is a slight peek into what Staniforth House in Birmingham is all about

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What Makes Student Life in Birmingham Ideal?

Regarding student life, things like a university, quality education, student accommodation, lifestyle and overall well-being are non-negotiable. And the city of Birmingham ensures that it stays that way, ticking all of the boxes above and adding a few of its own. A combination of things makes Birmingham a student-friendly place.
Prestigious universities like The University of Birmingham and Birmingham City College, safe neighbourhoods, a well-laid-out public transport network and thriving nightlife ensure that students have the time of their lives in this city.
It is relatively easy to get around the city considering the transport network, and one can avail of the student bus pass in Birmingham to travel at discounted rates. Student bus pass Birmingham offers tickets at almost half the usual rate and helps you save a few pounds on travel.
As a student, you are spoilt for choice in the city, as there is so much to do and so little time, juggling between university life and vibrant student life in Birmingham.
You can check out places like:

1. The Custard Factory

The Custard Factory would be a great name if it were for a dessert bar or any eatery. Still, in reality, it is the city's creative industries hub, home to design studios, digital agencies, and exciting popups. This is an excellent resource and source of opportunity for those in the city pursuing business, marketing, and professional service degrees. 

2. Balti

The Balti Triangle, located in the city's southern half, is home to the highest number of balti restaurants in Birmingham. These restaurants are responsible for serving some of the best curries you’ll ever have. Remember that they pack a punch, so be ready to get your tastebuds tingled.

3. Digbeth Dining Club

Digbeth Dining Club is open every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and is home to an eclectic mix of independent street food and world cuisine outlets. Dining here should be on your bucket list.

Best Pubs in Birmingham for Student Night Out

Birmingham has built a solid reputation over the years for having some of the best student nights in the country. Student nights in the Midlands are quite something, comprising everything from two-for-one cocktails and happy hours to frugal nights showcasing some of the region's best contemporary music. Head down to these iconic places for a pint or two (because who’s counting, right?) with your friends or just relax and enjoy a quiet drink alone after a long day at the university. 

• The Rose Villa Tavern
• The Ruin
• Island Bar
• Bacchus Bar
• The Victoria
• The Lord Clifden

Events and Theme Parks in Birmingham

There are numerous theme parks to keep adults, children, and everyone in between entertained. Birmingham has plenty of options for family fun. Students can spend a fun day at theme parks. You can visit places like

• Birmingham Adventure Theme Parks & Zoos
• Drayton Manor Theme Park
• West Midlands Safari Park
• Twycross Zoo 
•  Inflata Nation Inflatable Theme Park Birmingham
• Big Fun Showtime
• LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Birmingham
•  CBeebies Land.
  Funfairs and cultural events are organised at the Birmingham city hall all year round. These events are known for being colourful, fun and vibrant. As a student in Birmingham, you should not miss out on this.

Tourist Attractions in Birmingham

Your student life in Birmingham would not be complete without exploring the magnificent city. Regarding attractions and sights, Birmingham is considered to be blessed with breathtaking views within the city's borders. As a student, you can avail yourself of a special discount on the tickets issued at the sites, provided you carry your valid student identification cards. 
Accessing these attractions is also very convenient for students due to the well-connected public transport system in the city. Some of the major attractions that students can explore are:

• Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
• Cadbury World
• Drayton Manor Theme Park
• Bullring and Grand Central
• Thinktank Museum

If you're looking for more things to do in Birmingham head to our blog 30 things to do in Birmingham.

Student Discounts in Birmingham

Nope, this is not a joke or any clickbait. It’s as real as it can be. We have compiled a list of places where you can get a significant discount on the regular rates, provided you show your valid student ID card.

1. Movie Theatres: Odeon cinemas will give you a 25% discount on tickets if you show your valid NUS card at the box office.

2. Restaurants and Bars: There are plenty of student discounts in bars and restaurants in Birmingham. You can avail yourself of discounts at places like The Rose Tavern, Nightingales and The Village Inn, Wok & Go and a host of others.

3. Apple Store Birmingham: Perhaps the holy grail of student discounts, Apple has deals that will help you with your academic equipment, such as up to £100 off a MacBook Pro and generally good deals on software packages to help get you started on that study.

4. Birmingham Student Bus Pass: The student bus pass offered by west midlands transport reduces ticket prices by 50% for university and college students. Students can apply for this pass online or simply pay a visit to their nearest bus station.

Conclusion 

We certainly have tried to cover all the bases you need to start your student life in Birmingham. However, the beauty of this city is such that we could never run out of things to say about it. But one thing is for sure, your student life in Birmingham would be nothing short of memorable. All in all, Birmingham is a city you’d want to experience, and this doesn't just come from us but by order of the Peaky Blinders.

Psst! A little secret for those who just scroll through till the end without actually reading, our Birmingham city guide covers most of the topics written but not all. So if you missed something above, do give it a read again.