Student Accommodation in Birmingham
If you’re interested in finding student accommodation in Birmingham specifically, Casita can help you. Student accommodation in the UK and in Birmingham is plentiful, and you’ll be able to search through and compare a wide variety of accommodation options in Birmingham, which are near the best universities it has, such as the University of Birmingham and Aston University. Our expert team is available 24/7 to assist you with finding the right accommodation for you, and our flexible booking options will guarantee that you find your ideal student home in this beloved student city.
About Birmingham
With 26.6% of its student population being international, Birmingham is one of the top cities in the UK when it comes to education. Here is a breakdown of the proportion of international students by level of study in Birmingham:
Birmingham offers high-quality education through its renowned universities, the University of Birmingham, Aston University, Birmingham City University, University College Birmingham, and Newman University. It’s also one of the most affordable cities for students to live in, compared to other major cities in the UK, like London.
Popular Student Accommodation Areas in Birmingham
Popular Birmingham areas among modern university students are Selly Oak, Moseley, and Harborne. There are a few things to keep in mind while searching for the best areas to live in Birmingham and accommodation to stay in, including its location, transportation, cost, and amenities.
Selly Oak:
Selly Oak is a well-known student area in Birmingham. Purpose-built student accommodation at Selly Oak generally costs between £150 and £220 per week.
Selly Oak is ideal for students attending the University of Birmingham, Birmingham City University, and City South Campus.
Distance from Uni: Walkable to the University of Birmingham.
Accommodation Options in Selly Oak: Selly Oak Court and 24 Dale Road.
Moseley:
Moseley is a popular student destination in Birmingham. Purpose-built student accommodation in Moseley generally costs between £160 and £250 per week.
Moseley is an ideal destination for students attending the University of Birmingham and Birmingham City University.
Distance from Uni: A short drive to the University of Birmingham.
Accommodation Options in Moseley: Belgrave View and Calthorpe Court.
Harborne:
Harborne is one of the most popular student areas in Birmingham. Purpose-built student accommodation in Harborne generally costs between £160 and £260 per week.
Harborne is a popular destination for students attending the University of Birmingham and Birmingham City University.
Distance from Uni: A short drive to the University of Birmingham.
Accommodation Options in Harborne: Riverside House and Candam Hall.
These areas are some of the areas in Birmingham that offer a wide variety of transport options and are in close proximity to major universities and amenities, making them an ideal spot for all students.
Less Popular Yet Student-Recommended Areas Near Universities in Birmingham
Selly Park:
Selly Park is a luxurious residential suburb in south-west Birmingham, and a popular area for residents. Suitable for students of the University of Birmingham, as it’s quite close.
Student Rooms in Birmingham near Selly Park:
Cannon Hill:
The most popular park in Birmingham and a popular destination for all visitors. Suitable for students of Birmingham City University, City South Campus.
Student Halls in Birmingham near Cannon Hill:
Aston Street:
Aston Street is a vibrant and lively area in the West Midlands region. Suitable for students attending Aston University, as the area is very close to the university.
Student Apartments in Birmingham near Aston Street:
Staniforth St:
Staniforth St is a lovely and vibrant area in Birmingham with many interesting qualities. The area is suitable for those attending Aston University.
Student Flats in Birmingham near Staniforth St:
Westside:
Westside is a wealthy district with luxury warehouse apartments and posh restaurants. Westside is suitable for students attending University College Birmingham.
Student Rooms in Birmingham near Westside:
Bristol Rd:
Bristol Rd is a bustling and lively part of Birmingham. Bristol Rd is a popular destination for students attending the University of Birmingham, due to its close proximity.
Student Apartments in Birmingham near Bristol Rd:
Best Recommended Student Accommodation in Birmingham
Birmingham is a city filled with various student room options, and students looking to live there can explore different areas in Birmingham near their preferred universities and budgets.
1) Top-Rated Student Housing in Birmingham Among Students:
2) Cheap and Best Student Accommodation Options with Student-Friendly Budgets in Birmingham:
Birmingham Student Housing near City Centre:
Harriet Martineau Unite - 1 min walk to Central Birmingham
Unite students Mary Sturge - 2 mins walk to Central Birmingham
Unite Students James Watt - 4 mins walk to Central Birmingham
Onyx - 4 mins walk to Central Birmingham
iQ Penworks House - 6 mins walk to Central Birmingham
iQ Studios 51 - 6 mins walk to Central Birmingham
Jennens Court - 9 mins walk to Central Birmingham
homes for students Canalside - 9 mins walk to Central Birmingham
Note that Casita offers accommodation options for as low as £109 per week, including all of your monthly bills, Wi-Fi, and other essentials that you use throughout your stay.
Student Life in Birmingham
Birmingham is a vibrant student city with a wide variety of activities for students to enjoy in their free time when they’re not at college. The city is widely known for having a welcoming and bustling multicultural atmosphere, a brilliant music scene, and many events throughout the year for students to enjoy.
There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes where students can hang out or meet new people, as well as various shopping centres like the Bullring & Grand Central. Due to this unique blend of culture, entertainment, and student-friendly atmosphere, Birmingham is a great place for students to have their academic journey.
Why Parents Trust Casita for Student Housing in Birmingham
Finding a student house that suits you is about more than just price or convenience. A major part of it is ensuring that students feel comfortable, secure, and supported throughout their stay. Casita allows this type of environment to flourish for students by providing a variety of benefits. Among the several reasons and Things Parents Should Know About Casita, here are a few more reasons why parents trust Casita:
Safe & Secure Housing: Our student homes in Birmingham are secured by security teams and CCTV to ensure safety and peace of mind throughout their stay.
Verified & Trusted Properties: We only offer student housing that is trusted and highly rated by others for a better living, to ensure the highest quality possible.
Proximity to Universities & Facilities: We ensure that our student homes in Birmingham are within close proximity to the nearest universities, attractions, amenities and city centre and that each property offers all the required support and amenities you may need .
Study Spaces: Many accommodation options feature a dedicated studying space to ensure you have a calm and relaxed environment to study in.
Communal Areas: Many student accommodations in Birmingham feature communal areas for students to make new friends and socialise.
On-Site Assistance: Our student homes in Birmingham feature on-site staff teams that are ready to assist students with anything they may need.
At Casita, we do more than provide housing; we help students feel safe, comfortable, and at home. Check Casita.com: Expectations vs. Reality.
Cost of Living in Birmingham
The cost of living in Birmingham will vary depending on each student’s needs, spending habits, choice of accommodation, etc. It’s important to plan your budget accordingly and to have a general idea of what the cost of everything will be. The following will be a breakdown of the average cost, note that these are all approximate prices.
Birmingham is generally a cheaper city than many other UK cities, with prices ranging around:
Accommodation Costs: £350 - £1000/month
Groceries: £100 - £250/month
Transport: £40 - £70/month
Leisure & Entertainment: £30 - £150/month
Universities in Birmingham
The presence of these universities in Birmingham plays a big part in its popularity as a student destination. Some of the best universities in Birmingham are:
The University of Birmingham:
The University of Birmingham is a public research university that is ranked in the top 20 of the UK and top 100 worldwide.
It’s widely known for its strong courses in Engineering, Medicine, and Economics.
Accommodation Options near the University of Birmingham:
Aston University:
Aston University is a public university that is ranked 16th in the UK.
The university’s top courses include Business Administration & Management, Business/Commerce, Psychology, Computer Science, and Mathematics.
Accommodation Options near Aston University:
Birmingham City University:
Birmingham City University is a public university with a focus on practice-based learning.
The university’s top courses include art and design, business, environment, computing, education, engineering, law, technology and the performing arts.
Accommodation Options near Birmingham City University:
Part-Time Jobs & Work Opportunities in Birmingham for Students
Birmingham offers numerous part-time job opportunities for students both on and off campus. Students should be mindful of visa restrictions (for international students) and prioritize their studies; typically, they’re recommended to work no more than 15 hours weekly during term time. Awareness of the National Minimum Wage is also important. These part-time roles offer students a steady income to assist their budgets and valuable work experience that they can carry over to their careers in the future.
On-Campus Jobs: Some of the on-campus jobs you can find include student ambassador, content creator, photographer, mentor, admin assistant, and Students' Union staff.
Off-Campus Jobs: Some of the off-campus jobs you can find include Retail, hospitality (waiting staff, bar staff), customer service, delivery services, care sector, tutoring, event and entertainment staff.
Finding Jobs: You can find part-time jobs through university careers services, online job boards, networking, direct applications, and recruitment agencies.
Key Considerations: It’s important to keep these things in mind while applying for part-time work. Visa restrictions (international students), balancing work with studies (recommended <15 hours/week), and National Minimum Wage awareness.
You can also check StudentJob UK and Indeed for more info.
Transportation in Birmingham
Trains in Birmingham:
Fast & Efficient: Trains are ideal for reaching universities, shopping centres, and other cities.
Main Stations: New Street Station (main hub), University Station (near UoB).
Cost: Tickets start at £3; a student 16-25 Railcard gives 1/3 off fares.
National Links: Direct trains to London, Manchester, and other major cities.
Bus in Birmingham:
Extensive Network: Buses connect key areas, including universities, shopping centres, and residential neighbourhoods.
Key Providers: National Express West Midlands operates most routes.
Cost: Buses are mostly affordable. Single fares start at £2, and student bus passes allow unlimited travel.
Tram in Birmingham:
Reliable & Modern: The West Midlands Metro tram is a smooth, traffic-free way to travel. It also features contactless pay for quick rides.
Key Stops: Grand Central, Bull Street, and Library (city centre); Edgbaston Village (near UoB).
Cost: Tram fare details start from £1.50, with discounts for students.
Cycling in Birmingham:
Bike-Friendly: Birmingham cycling routes are very friendly as the city has growing cycle lanes and bike-friendly routes.
Ideal For: Cycling in Birmingham is a budget-friendly and eco-friendly commuting option.
Key Routes: The A38 Cycleway connects Selly Oak, UoB, and the city centre.
Bike Hire: West Midlands Cycle Hire offers pay-as-you-go bikes.
Cost: Rentals start from 50p per 10 minutes.
You can find more information about transportation in Birmingham at Birmingham City Council - Transport Information.
Attractions in Birmingham for Students
Students in Birmingham can enjoy various attractions throughout the city, including museums, art galleries, historical sites, and more.
Museums:
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery (BMAG): A central museum with a diverse collection spanning fine art, archaeology, ethnography, local history, and the Pre-Raphaelite collection.
Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum: An interactive science museum with exhibits covering various scientific principles, technology, and the natural world. Student discounts may be available.
Black Country Living Museum: An open-air museum showcasing the history of the Black Country, an industrial area adjacent to Birmingham.
Lapworth Museum of Geology: This museum displays a significant collection of fossils, minerals, and rocks illustrating the Earth's history. It is located on the University of Birmingham campus and is usually free.
Pen Museum: Dedicated to the history of writing and pens, located in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter. Offers insights into the city's manufacturing heritage.
Landmarks & Historical Sites:
Victoria Square: A grand public square in the heart of the city, featuring impressive Victorian architecture, including the Council House and Town Hall.
Birmingham Town Hall: A historic concert hall with neoclassical architecture, hosting various events and performances.
Council House: The seat of Birmingham City Council, an impressive Victorian building with notable architectural details.
St. Philip's Cathedral: A beautiful Baroque cathedral in the city center, offering a peaceful space and architectural interest.
Gas Street Basin & Canals: Birmingham has more canals than Venice! Explore the vibrant Gas Street Basin with its bars and restaurants, and enjoy walks along the canal towpaths.
Soho House: The elegant Georgian home of Matthew Boulton, a key figure in the Industrial Revolution. Offers a glimpse into 18th-century life and industry.
Art Galleries:
Ikon Gallery: A contemporary art gallery housed in a neo-Gothic schoolhouse, featuring a diverse program of exhibitions by international artists. Often has free entry.
RBSA Gallery (Royal Birmingham Society of Artists): Showcases and sells work by local and regional artists, hosting regular exhibitions and events.
Grand Union: An artist-run gallery and project space supporting contemporary art and artists.
Parks & Green Spaces:
Cannon Hill Park: A large park offering various attractions, including a boating lake, mini-golf, a nature center, and the MAC Birmingham arts center.
Botanical Gardens: These beautiful Victorian gardens have glasshouses showcasing diverse plant collections. They often have a small entry fee but offer a tranquil escape.
Sutton Park: One of the largest urban parks in Europe, offering vast open spaces, woodland, and several lakes for walking, cycling, and picnicking.
Lickey Hills Country Park: Located just south of Birmingham, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and opportunities for hiking and exploring.
Entertainment & Culture:
MAC Birmingham (Midlands Arts Centre): It’s a vibrant arts center in Cannon Hill Park, offering cinema screenings, theatre performances, exhibitions, workshops, and a cafe. Often has student discounts.
O2 Academy Birmingham: This is a popular live music venue hosting a wide range of bands and artists.
The Alexandra & Birmingham Hippodrome Theatres: They’re major theaters hosting West End shows, musicals, ballet, and opera. Student deals may be available for certain performances.
Electric Cinema: This is the UK's oldest working cinema, offering a unique and independent film-watching experience.
Digbeth: A creative and independent district with street art, vintage shops, independent bars, and event spaces like the Custard Factory.
Balti Triangle: Famous for its concentration of authentic Balti restaurants, offering a unique culinary experience at affordable prices.
Cadbury World (Bournville, near Birmingham): Learn about the history of chocolate and the Cadbury family through interactive exhibits and demonstrations. Popular for its chocolate tasting. Student discounts may be available.
- National Motorcycle Museum (Solihull, near Birmingham): Home to a vast collection of British motorcycles.
If you want to explore the nightlife in the city, then you need to check the Best Clubs in Birmingham.
