54 Harrow Road is a beautiful yet affordable student accommodation in Birmingham that offers students a number of shared apartments. The University of Birmingham is a 13-minute walk from the property and a 10-minute drive to the Mander Portman Woodward, making it a popular choice amongst the students.
The rooms come fully furnished with a sizeable bed that is comfy, and a study desk. a chest of drawers and a wardrobe to store all the belongings. The shared kitchen has a dishwasher, an electric oven, a fridge, and a washing machine. It also has a breakfast bar, a TV where the students can stream their favorite shows or movies, and a dryer. One can also choose to take a quiet walk in the garden after dinner and unwind after a long day of classes.
The location of the property is very convenient, as there are a lot of coffee houses nearby, like Cafe Face or Hey Brew Espresso. Students can hang out with their friends at Goose, The OVT, Selly Oak, or Circo Student Bar Birmingham on a weekend. One can also choose to grab dinner at 水哥(Classic HK Kitchen) or Yakinori - Selly Oak, which is also around the corner. Places like the Yakinori - Selly Oak and the Winterbourne House & Garden can be kept for the weekend to visit.
The accommodation is easily accessible as the Dawlish Rd or Hubert Rd bus stop is only a 4-7 minute walk away. One can also hop onto a train from Selly Oak train station which is also a 10-minutes walk from the accommodation.
Explore the property through a virtual walkthrough and discover a variety of in house amenities all at highly affordable rents.
1. You need to pay a holding deposit of GBP 50 to secure your room.
2. Once the agreement has been signed and your request has been accommodated, this deposit will be set off against your first or only instalment of rent.
1. Once the property has confirmed that they can accommodate a specific request, the student will need to pay a refundable deposit within 7 days of receiving the contract.
2. The deposit will depend on the room type you select and might change due to availability, please get in touch with your amber agent to know more.
The property offers 2 payment options:
1. Payment in full.
2. Payment in instalments (if you have a valid UK based guarantor or housing hand acts as your guarantor).
Credit card, debit card, direct debit and bank transfer.
1. The property accepts only UK based guarantors.
2. If you don't have a UK based guarantor you can use the services of housing hand.
3. International guarantors are not accepted by the property.
1. The property does not offer any cooling-off period, all contracts are legal and binding.
2. If a student has paid the GBP 50 holding deposit but not signed the contract they can cancel the booking but will lose the holding deposit.
1. If you don’t want to live in the property any more you will still have to pay rent until you find someone to take over your liabilities.
2. You will be charged £125 per tenant changing + £10 per tenant on the tenancy agreement over one.
3. If you would like the property to advertise your room, there will be an additional charge of 50% of one month's rent, at minimum £250.
An EPC shows how energy efficient a house is and can help you work out how much your utilities will cost. They put them on their website for you to look at but if you can’t find one let them know.
If they manage your property you will need to let them know about any maintenance issues, they have a team of trusted tradesmen and contractors who will resolve any issues you may have.
For properties which they manage, they’ll be asking you to set up direct debits to pay your rent which will either be monthly in advance or quarterly. They'll email you a link to a website where you'll need to enter your bank details to set up the direct debit. You can forward this link to your parents if they will be paying your rent for you. You'll need to make sure that you've got enough money in your account each month for the direct debit to work, if there's not you may be charged a late payment fee by them and your bank.
Their properties are available with bills not included in the rent. This means that you have to pay extra for utilities.
At the end of your tenancy they ask you to leave the property clean and tidy. They'll also ask you to provide them with proof that you've paid all of your utilities (gas, electricity, water) and that you've dealt with the council tax at the property. (So make sure you hold on to all your bills!) Your tenancy agreement explains in detail why you may have charges deducted from your deposits. However, the main reasons tenants are charged are: -Not paying rent on time - you will accrue interest charges on any outstanding amounts. -Using Blu-Tack or similar on walls - if they have to re-paint a wall, the charge is normally £40 per wall. -Not cleaning the property well enough at the end of the tenancy.
They cannot do dual occupancy in their properties.
Once you have signed your tenancy agreement you are bound to it for the full term. If you don’t want to live in the property any more you will still have to pay rent until you find someone to take over your liabilities. This is called a Novation. There is a charge for them to organise your Novation. If you signed your tenancy agreement before Monday 20th May 2019, the charge is £150. If you signed your tenancy agreement on or after Monday 20th May 2019, the charge is £125 per tenant changing + £10 per tenant on the tenancy agreement over one. If you would like them to advertise your room, there will be an additional charge of 50% of one month's rent, at a minimum of £250.
For a lot of their properties you'll be asked to collect your keys from their office after midday on the 1st day of your tenancy. You can pick your keys up at any point after that date during their office hours. Remember, everyone in your house will need to have completed all of their paperwork first, paid their rent and you'll need to bring your ID with you so they know they are giving the right keys to the right people!
For some properties your landlord will provide keys directly to you. They will email you a month before your move in date to confirm where you should collect your keys.
There aren't exactly 4 weeks in a month so they calculate monthly rent in the following way: divide your weekly rent by seven (number of days in the week), then multiply by 365 (number of days in the year); finally multiple this by twelve (the number of months in the year).
The equation is: (weekly rent / 7) x 365 / 12 = monthly rent.
Please note that for leap years you need to adjust the equation to 366 to take the extra day into account.
While their standard process is to ask tenants to provide a UK-based guarantor, who passes a credit check, they know that sometimes this may not be possible. For instance, if you are an International student.
There are two options available if you don't have a UK guarantor: you can pay your rent upfront, or apply to the company Housing Hand to act as your guarantor.
Housing Hand charges a one-off fee of £299 for this service, which will mean that they act as your UK guarantor for 12 months - the usual length of your tenancy. The fee is exclusive to pmg, so make sure you mention them to pay this fee.
Birmingham is the second large city in UK and it has a large student population of around 80,000 students. Finding ideal student accommodation in Birmingham, UK, such as studios, non-ensuites, private halls and en-suites can be a little difficult. Amber makes this difficult task easy by providing affordable options. One of the factors to consider while finding student accommodation Birmingham is its closeness to the renowned universities like the University of Birmingham, Aston University, and ACM Birmingham.
Amber provides budget-friendly Birmingham City student accommodation that is loaded with all the necessary facilities that one would require for a comfortable stay. If you are looking to book student accommodation in Birmingham, then don’t forget to check out these off-campus university accommodation options near the city centre campus, such as Calthorpe Court, Yugo Globe Works, and many more.
Birmingham was famous for its iron & steel industry, which made it a major player in the Industrial Revolution. Over the years, Birmingham has established itself as an educational hub. There are five universities in Birmingham, including the University of Birmingham and Aston University. Hence, it attracts a large number of students from all over the world. Another thing that makes Birmingham stand out amongst the rest is that the city proves to be a great place for cultural amalgamation. Studying in Birmingham provides many opportunities for part-time jobs for students. One can easily find people from different ethnicities and backgrounds coming together and living peacefully. Birmingham is close to major cities, such as Belmont, Coventry, Leicester, and Nottingham.
Birmingham is considered the second largest city in the United Kingdom. Students will get a good exposure and an amalgamation of different cultures & backgrounds in Birmingham. However, it’s important to find the perfect student accommodation in Birmingham on time. That’s when amber comes into the picture by helping students find their perfect stay in the city. These options near the city centre are all packed up with a great range of amenities & facilities that make the stay comfortable for students, just like student halls.
Amber has a list of purpose-built flats, studios, and budget-friendly apartments with modern facilities. Premium options such as studios and flats can range from £250 to £350 per week and often include additional services. If you want to stay in student apartments in Birmingham then amber's sorting features make it easy to choose neighbourhoods which are close to your university and will help you in saving your commuting time. Have a look at some of the best student apartments in Birmingham:
| Best student apartments in Birmingham | Nearby University | Top Amenities | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vita Student Pebble Mill, Birmingham | University of Birmingham | Gym, Cinema Room, Private Study Rooms, Free Grab & Go Breakfast, Superfast WiFi, Free Housekeeping | £343 / week |
| Beechenhurst House, Birmingham | University of Birmingham | Smart TV, Communal Lounge, Secure Key Fob Entry, Housekeeping, Laundry Facility | £320 / week |
| 800 Bristol Road, Birmingham | University of Birmingham | Gym, Study Space, Cinema Room, Communal Kitchen, Bike Storage, High-Speed Internet | £275 / week |
| Riverside House, Birmingham | University of Birmingham | Parking, Laundry, 24/7 Security, Bills Included, Transport Links | £258 / week |
| Vita Student Gough Street, Birmingham | University City Birmingham | Gym, Private Study Rooms, Free Weekday Breakfast, Basketball Court, Superfast WiFi | £257 / week |
There are different choices available for the cheap student accommodation in Birmingham include ensuite rooms, non-ensuite rooms, and studio apartments. This variety helps students find what best fits their lifestyles. Below are some of the cheap student housing options in Birmingham that you should consider:
| Affordable Student Accommodation In Birmingham | Nearby University | Top Amenities | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canvas The Old Fire Station, Birmingham | Aston University | Gym, Study Space, Social Space, Free Wi-Fi (100 MB/s), On-site Laundry, 24/7 Team | £119 / week |
| Collegiate Bagot Street, Birmingham | Aston University | On-site Gym, Cinema Room, Study Areas, Common Room, Bike Storage, Laundry Room | £119 / week |
| Canvas The Heights, Birmingham | Aston University | Gym, Cinema Room, Study Spaces, Social Spaces, Free Wi-Fi, Bike Storage | £119 / week |
| Lyttleton House, Birmingham | Birmingham City University | Smart TV, High-Speed Internet, Communal Kitchen, Living Area, Secure Entry Fob, CCTV | £125 / week |
| Calthorpe Court, Birmingham | University of Birmingham | Games Area, Study Room, Common Room, Bike Storage, CCTV, Laundry Room | £135 / week |
The total monthly living expenses for students, including rent and other costs, amounts to between £1400 and £1600. Here are some costs associated with living here, apart from the rent for your Birmingham student accommodation:
1. Food: £280 to £320 /monthly
2. Gas and electricity: £15 - £25 /week
3. Internet & mobile phone: £15 - £20 /week
4. Dinner at a restaurant: £10 - £15 /week
5. Laundry: £5 - £10 /week
6. Stationery and Textbooks: £10 - £15 /week
Birmingham has many student-friendly neighbourhoods. Each student area suits different lifestyles, and students can choose a neighbourhood according to what matters to them. You might want to be near universities, find affordable choices, or enjoy a lively social scene. Here are some of the best neighbourhoods to consider:
| Area | Best For | Highlights | Nearby Institutions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Selly Oak | Social & Community | The classic "Student Village"; high density of student bars, supermarkets, and affordable housing. | University of Birmingham (Walking distance) |
| Edgbaston | Peace & Greenery | Premium feel; quieter leafy streets, popular cafes, and larger Victorian-style houses. | UoB and BCU (City South) |
| City Centre | Urban Lifestyle | High-rise living; everything at your doorstep, including the Bullring and New Street Station. | Aston University, BCU (Main) |
| Digbeth | Creative & Alternative | The "Coolest Neighborhood"; famous for street art, indie markets, and nightlife. | UCB, BIMM, and BCU |
Birmingham has a wide range of student accommodation options which are designed to meet different needs and budgets. Whether you prefer privacy or a social life setup, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a breakdown of the room types:
1. Ensuite Rooms - Ensuite apartments in Birmingham have a private bedroom and attached bathroom, while other areas are shared.
Privacy: A private bathroom.
Shared Living Areas: Kitchen and lounge are shared.
Ideal For: Students wanting privacy with the option to socialize.
2. Non-Ensuite Rooms - Non-ensuite rooms have a private bedroom with a shared bathroom, making them budget-friendly options.
Privacy: Bedroom remains personal, bathroom is shared with others.
Shared Living Areas: Kitchens and common areas are communal.
Ideal For: Students looking for affordable housing with community living.
3. Shared Apartments - These student flats in Birmingham have individual bedrooms while residents share bathrooms, kitchens, and lounges. A shared house in Birmingham typically costs about £93 per week.
Privacy: Bedrooms are private
Shared Living Areas: Strong focus on social living.
Ideal For: Students who enjoy community living and making friends.
4. Private Rooms - Private apartments have a full flat with a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen solely for one person.
Privacy: Full privacy with no shared areas.
Shared Living Areas: None
Ideal For: Students who want full independence can opt for private rooms.
5. Studios - Studio apartments in Birmingham are independent spaces with a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchenette in one unit.
Privacy: Complete independence with private facilities.
Shared Living Areas: No shared spaces inside the unit.
Ideal For: Students who prefer independence.
6. 1-Bed Apartments - 1-bedroom student flats in Birmingham provide a separate bedroom along with a private kitchen, bathroom, and living space.
Privacy: Full privacy with a separate bedroom and facilities.
Shared Living Areas: The entire space is private to the resident.
Ideal For: Students who want a home-like setting with more space.
Common modes of travel in Birmingham include buses, trains, trams, and cycling routes, which offer flexibility and convenience to residents. Students can reduce their travel costs by using the Swift card for discounted fares on buses and trams. Below is the breakdown of the options:
| Transport Mode | Key Details | Cost (Approx.) | Student Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus | Mostly National Express West Midlands. Routes 61/63 serve Selly Oak; X1/X2 for Airport/east. | £2.00 single (Swift Go); £15-£18/week (Direct Debit) | 20% Student Discount on 4-week or monthly direct debit passes via University portals. |
| Train | West Midlands Railway connects New Street, University, and Moor Street stations. | £12-£25/week (Termly pass) | Termly Season Ticket offers up to 50% off; 16-25 Railcard gives 1/3 off individual tickets. |
| Tram | West Midlands Metro connects City Centre to Wolverhampton & Edgbaston. | £2.40-£4.50 (Single); £54.30/month (Student Direct Debit) | 38% Monthly Discount for students via Swift photocard; unlimited travel across all 4 zones. |
| Cycling | Extensive routes like the A38 blue lane. New operator (Lime) from April 2026. | £1 unlock + £0.15-£0.20/min | Long-term hire (£70/term). |
Birmingham is an excellent place for studying abroad; it has a great student culture, which is very lively. In Birmingham, you will always find lots of things to do, from the energetic nightlife to the great variety of restaurants. You can explore the powerful music and arts scene in Birmingham. Almost every other day, you can see first year students enjoying street food from the Digbeth Dining Club. For sports lovers, you can watch local teams at live sporting events at The Birmingham Stadium. If you are someone who is very much drawn to shopping, then shopping lovers can visit Grand Central Birmingham.
The Balti Triangle, which is found just south of the city centre, has the highest concentration of Balti Houses in the city, & delivers the finest (in terms of quality) curries in the UK. Birmingham is the birthplace of the Balti Curry, so as such, many of these restaurants are also amongst the best in the UK. Authentic Indian food at its best! If you want to eat Chinese food, you can find many places to eat, such as Dragon’s Wok or you can browse a smorgasbord in the Chinese Quarter.
Birmingham life is full of excitement, and you can visit Cadbury World for a fun-packed day from their student apartments in Birmingham. Birmingham offers a great range of tourist attractions and green spaces that students can easily visit from their student apartments in Birmingham. Some of the other best places to visit include the Art Gallery, University Station, Library of Birmingham, Birmingham Museum, Battery Retail Park, and Thinktank Science Museum.
Birmingham offers one of the best universities in the city, which attracts a lot of students from across the world to study every year. Some of the best universities that are easily accessible from your student accommodation in Birmingham are:
| University Name | Core Courses | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Aston University | Business, Engineering, Pharmacy | Triple Gold TEF rating; New "Power Skills" (AI) in all degrees. |
| Birmingham City UNiversity (BCU) | Media, Law, Creative Arts | Top 10% for Sustainability; £500m city-center campus. |
| BIMM University | Music, Production, Songwriting | Industry-active tutors; 2026 relaunch focused on Music AI. |
| Ulster University (Birmingham) | Business, Computing, Health | THE University of the Year; 94% graduate employment rate. |