Are you getting ready to embrace student life in the UK’s second-largest city? Birmingham has so much to offer, and student accommodation is more affordable than in London.
With a thriving student community and a sprawling university campus, Birmingham is one of the best places to study.
The biggest challenge you’ll have is finding student accommodation that aligns with your needs and budget. Have no fear, though, because we’re here to make it easy.
Whether you want to be in the heart of the action or would prefer a quieter location, this post will tell you exactly where to look for Birmingham’s best student housing.
Popular areas in Birmingham for student accommodation
Before considering the type of accommodation that suits your needs, it’s best to decide on a location. Birmingham has something for everyone, and its diverse areas mean you won’t struggle to find somewhere that aligns with your budget.
With five universities on offer, choosing an area with excellent transportation links is essential.
Let’s take a look at the best areas for student housing.
Birmingham city centre
If you love having everything within reach, finding accommodation in Birmingham’s city centre could be ideal. With a range of shops, restaurants, bars and other excellent activities for students, it’s one of the most popular places to live.
Of course, this also means your rent will be higher. On the plus side, you’ll be within walking distance of the city’s most popular university campuses, including the University of Birmingham, Aston University and Birmingham City University.
Edgbaston
Edgbaston is one of the most popular places for students to live in Birmingham due to its vibrant community, bars, clubs and restaurants. It also puts you right on the doorstep of the University of Birmingham, making Edgbaston a convenient place to call home.
Life in a city can be hectic, but Edgbaston has plenty of green spaces and culture, including The Barber Institute of Fine Arts.
Harborne
Harborne is a beautiful area with plenty of Victorian houses and green spaces. It has a village-like feel and is popular with students who prefer pubs and restaurants to nightclubs. Yes, you’ll spend more money to live in Harborne, but it’s also close to Newman University and other campuses.
The area boasts gastropubs, local shops and excellent transportation links, making it a great option. The only downside is rental prices, which can be higher than elsewhere.
Selly Oak
Students love Selly Oak for its affordable accommodation and proximity to the five universities. With a large student population of 10,000, living in Selly Oak means you’re near Birmingham University but can enjoy peace and quiet.
The area has plenty of bars and restaurants, but it’s popular with families who prefer quiet. Overall, Selly Oak is ideal if you want to embrace student living, and housing is usually more affordable than in Edgbaston and Harborne.
The best types of student accommodation in Birmingham
So, now you know the best areas to live in the UK’s second-largest city, it’s time to explore which accommodation aligns with your needs. Whether you’re a social butterfly and can’t wait to meet new people or prefer your own space, you’ll find a range of accommodation options to suit your budget.
University Halls
University-owned accommodation is popular with first-year students, as it doesn’t require much of a transition and significantly reduces your travel time. University accommodation is also beneficial for international students, but it’s in high demand.
Pros:
- Your residence will be close to your university campus, reducing travel costs.
- Most student halls offer all-inclusive bills (including utilities, internet, etc.).
- Get to know other students and enjoy a busy social life.
Cons:
- Student halls are more expensive than private housing options.
- Admissions work on a first-come, first-served basis, and you might not be given priority.
You can find university halls of residence by contacting the university.
Private halls
Private halls are similar to university halls, but they’re owned and managed by private companies. Many offer different living options, including standard student rooms with shared amenities and studio apartments.
If you’re struggling to find university housing, opting for private student accommodation means you can still enjoy the social elements and be within reach of your campus.
Pros:
- Private halls focus on offering students all the necessary amenities, but they also provide some luxury. For example, some might have a gym, swimming pool and cinema room.
- Flexible contracts and a range of room types (from en-suites to studios).
Cons:
- Private halls are much more expensive than university halls.
- It may not have the same sense of community as university-run options.
You can find private halls through the accommodation office or by searching online.
Shared housing
Shared houses are popular for students due to their flexibility. When you rent a room in a house, you can choose who you live with and pay more for luxury accommodation. For example, en suite rooms might cost more but offer more privacy.
Many second-year students choose shared housing as they can live with friends and enjoy more independence. There are plenty of Birmingham letting agencies that can help you find cheap student accommodation, too.
Pros:
- Shared housing is usually less expensive than university halls.
- Enjoy more flexibility and independence.
Cons:
- Choosing the wrong housemates can result in a challenging living situation.
- You might need to deal with bills and other expenses.
Things to consider when choosing Birmingham student accommodation
When searching for student accommodation in Birmingham, it’s vital to consider your preferences and ensure you’ll be happy. Here’s what you should consider before signing an agreement:
- Location: Whether you’re attending Birmingham City University, Aston University, University College Birmingham or the other campuses, make sure you can get to class each day and check how long each commute will take.
- Price: Birmingham is student-friendly, and most accommodation options are reasonably priced. If you won’t be driving, you’ll need to factor in other costs, including bills, food, leisure and whether you’ll need a West Midlands Network Card.
- Property Type: Student apartments and private halls might offer more luxury but are also expensive. Shared houses have a range of price points, so it really depends on your preferences. Remember to factor in amenities like laundry facilities and free WiFi.
Ready to find the perfect student accommodation in Birmingham?
Birmingham has so much to offer, making it a fantastic place for students to study and live. With plenty of shops, bars and restaurants that accept student discounts, you can find student accommodation that aligns with your preferences AND saves money.
Whether you want to live in a quiet area or be close to Birmingham tourist attractions, comparing student letting agents before you sign an agreement ensures you find reputable accommodation. Try out WhichPad today and find a letting agency.
