Moving to the UK’s Second City for your studies? With its mix of culture, nightlife and top-class universities, Birmingham truly is a fantastic place to spend your student years! A critical step in your journey, though, is finding the right accommodation.

Here at Student.com, we list a variety of student housing in Birmingham, ranging from private studios in luxury apartment buildings to traditional flat shares from trusted landlords. And with our filter options, it’s easy to find properties that fit your needs!

Start browsing our selection of accommodation at the top of the page – or continue reading to learn more about student life in Birmingham, including the best areas to live and top tips for navigating the rental market.

Universities in Birmingham

Birmingham is home to five major universities, along with a selection of specialist schools and universities from other parts of the UK with secondary campuses based in the city. In other words, there’s no shortage of options for places to study!

University of Birmingham

Birmingham’s oldest and most prestigious university, the University is Birmingham (UoB) is based a few miles south of the city centre in leafy Edgbaston, with a secondary campus in nearby Selly Oak.

A traditional ‘red-brick’ university and Russell Group member, UoB consistently ranks among the top 100 universities worldwide. It’s a well-rounded institution with solid subject rankings across the board, but particularly excels in sports, communications and humanities.

Heading to Birmingham’s top-ranked university? Check out our range of UoB accommodation!  

Aston University

Housed on a single campus in Gosta Green, just a short walk from Birmingham’s city centre, Aston University is a smaller institution of around 18,000 students with a fantastic reputation for business, engineering and health sciences.

There’s a strong focus on employability with lots of courses involving work placements and the university ranking among the best in the UK for job prospects. The location is ideal for exploring the city and a big draw for many students.

Looking for somewhere to live not far from campus? We have an excellent range of Aston University accommodation! 

Birmingham City University

Another institution based in the city centre, Birmingham City University’s (BCU) main campus is just a short walk from Aston University. It has a secondary campus in Edgbaston, as well as various other facilities spread throughout the city.

BCU is a major university with over 30,000 students, so you can expect a vibrant social life with plenty of events and societies to get involved in. The curriculum is broad but focuses mostly on practical courses, with impressive rankings in art, engineering and architecture.

Secured your place at the university? Browse our selection of BCU accommodation! 

University College Birmingham

Specialising in vocational education, University College Birmingham (UCB) offers a range of career-focused courses across the fields of business, engineering, hospitality, life sciences, education and culinary arts.

UCB has several sites dotted around Birmingham’s city centre and the Jewellery Quarter, catering to about 10,000 students. The facilities are fantastic and include professional kitchens, treatment facilities and other real-world environments for building experience.

Studying here and need somewhere to stay? Our UCB accommodation features lots of options near campus! 

Other universities in Birmingham

Birmingham’s universities don’t stop there – Newman University, best known for its teacher training programmes, is another institution with full university status based on the outskirts of the city in Bartley Green.

In addition, several major UK universities have satellite facilities in Birmingham where you can study full-time. These include Ulster University and BPP University, while the University of Law also has a dedicated Birmingham branch.

Things for students to do in Birmingham

Birmingham offers a host of activities and experiences for students that rivals any major UK city. From arts and entertainment to shopping and nights out, there’s always something going on in the Second City!

Arts & culture

Birmingham’s cultural scene is next level. Based in the heart of the city on Chamberlain Square, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery houses famous artworks and interesting exhibitions with admission completely free. Ikon Gallery, just off Broad Street, is the place to go for contemporary art.

Theatre is a big deal in Birmingham, with Birmingham Repertory Theatre producing its own shows and Birmingham Hippodrome hosting visiting operas and dance companies. Symphony Hall is another world-class venue for live music, while the Library of Birmingham is the biggest of its kind in Europe!

Nightlife

Birmingham has a vibrant, student-centred nightlife. Broad Street is famous for its long stretch of bars and nightclubs – venues like Rosies and Snobs run special student nights during the week offering cheap deals on drinks.

Elsewhere, Digbeth is the home of Birmingham’s rave scene and the place to be if you like to party until the early hours. The Arcadian over in the Chinese Quarter is also popular for its bars and comedy clubs, while the Jewellery Quarter is great for pub crawls.

Outdoors

It’s often said that Birmingham has more parks than any other city in Europe and a canal system that’s more extensive than Venice – so if you appreciate your outdoor space, you’ll feel right at home here!

Cannon Hill Park is a favourite summer spot for students, while Sutton Park and Lickey Hills are two sprawling country parks that are great for day trips. Elsewhere, Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Winterbourne Botanic Garden are two must-visit attractions.

Food & drink

Birmingham has an incredibly diverse food scene that reflects its multicultural makeup. The Chinese Quarter not only serves up great Chinese food, but also offers delicious dishes from Japan, Thailand, South Korea and other Asian countries.

Desi pubs are one of the cornerstones of the city’s food scene are great for grabbing a curry or mixed grill. There are tonnes of other student favourites dotted around the city centre, too, ranging from Dishoom and Rudy’s Pizza to Bonehead and Original Patty Men.

Shopping

Birmingham is a major shopping destination with the iconic Bullring shopping centre one of the busiest in the UK. It’s home to over 200 shops and restaurants – many of which offer student discounts through platforms like UNiDAYS and Student Beans.

If you prefer to shop independently, you’ll love Red Brick Market over in Digbeth. This giant warehouse is home to over 50 independent artists and designers selling everything from vintage clothing and jewellery to antiques. 

Best student areas in Birmingham

Birmingham is a big city with dozens of diverse neighbourhoods, but generally students congregate around a few key areas in the city centre and the south. The best one for you will largely depend on where you choose to study.

Selly Oak

Birmingham’s most famous student area, Selly Oak, is based a few miles south of the city centre and primarily made up of terraced homes converted into flats for students based at nearby UoB.

Along with plenty of cheap accommodation, it’s got all the usual amenities you’d expect of a major student area – budget supermarkets, several pubs, late-night takeaway spots and even a few bars. 

City centre

The city centre is another popular choice for students – particularly those studying at Aston, BCU and UCB. Aston itself has lots of modern apartment buildings packed with amenities, as does the area surrounding the Five Ways roundabout in the Westside district.

Digbeth, to the east of the city centre, is an increasingly popular choice for student accommodation, with lots of new developments popping up. It's also Birmingham’s main creative quarter, which makes it a vibrant place to live. 

Edgbaston

Nestled between Selly Oak and the city centre, Edgbaston offers an upscale living experience in one of Birmingham’s more affluent areas. Student homes tend to be more spacious, though that does translate to higher rental costs.

Edgbaston offers easy access to UoB and BCU’s City South Campus, as well as lots of independent shops and enviable amounts of green space. The quieter, more residential feel makes it a favourite among postgraduate students. 

Student cost of living in Birmingham

As major cities go, Birmingham has a very reasonable cost of living and is cheaper for students than London and Manchester. Accommodation costs vary by location and amenities, but typically range from £700–£1,100 per month.

Living costs are also relatively affordable, with the total monthly cost of food, transport and entertainment coming to around £300–£400 per month for most students. Altogether, then, a typical student’s budget will likely be somewhere between £1,000–£1,500 per month.

Free things to do in Birmingham

If you’ve exhausted your monthly budget but still have a week or two to survive until your next top-up, fear not – Birmingham offers plenty in the way of free entertainment. Art lovers can enjoy Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, the Ikon Gallery and the RBSA Gallery without spending a penny.

The Lapworth Museum of Geology and the Barber Institute of Fine Arts – both housed on the UoB campus – are freely open to the public, and students from the university can also take advantage of free access to Winterbourne House & Garden. 

Student discounts in Birmingham

Thrifty students can save additional cash by making use of special discounts available throughout the city. Top experiences and attractions like Golf Fang, Boom Battle Bar and the National Sea Life Centre all offer exclusive student deals.

Signing up to UNiDAYS and Student Beans is also a no-brainer – these platforms unlock discounts at dozens of retailers across Birmingham, including student favourites like Nando's, Urban Outfitters and Sports Direct. 

Public transport in Birmingham

Birmingham has an excellent public transport system that makes getting around easy – even if you’re based away from the city centre in a suburb like Selly Oak. From trains and buses to trams and taxis, there are plenty of options for travel. 

Train

Birmingham’s rail network is extensive, with three major train stations (New Street, Snow Hill and Moor Street) in the city centre alone. Critically for UoB students, there are stations in Selly Oak and on the university campus which provide direct services to New Street.

One of the best things about living in Birmingham is that it’s incredibly easy to visit other parts of the UK – whether that’s London, Manchester or any other major city. If you see yourself using the train regularly, consider picking up a 16-25 Railcard for big savings.

Bus

Birmingham’s bus system is equally comprehensive and extends to areas not directly served by trains. Key routes include the 61, 62 and 63 services, which connect Selly Oak and UoB to the city centre, while the 50 route provides a circular service around the city centre.

Most buses run every 10–15 minutes during peak hours, with reduced frequency in the evenings and weekends. You can track buses in real time using the Transport for West Midlands app. 

Tram

Another option with more limited usage is the tram (or metro), which runs from Edgbaston through the city centre and all the way to Wolverhampton. There are several stops in the city centre, which makes it handy for hopping on and off when in town.

Frequently asked questions

Is Birmingham a safe place for students to live?

Birmingham is generally a safe city – particularly in popular student areas like Selly Oak and Edgbaston. University campuses in the city centre are also well protected with thorough security services, but like any city, it’s still wise to keep your wits about you and exercise basic safety precautions.

Is there a high demand for student accommodation in Birmingham?

Birmingham’s student rental market can be competitive, particularly in areas like Selly Oak, where there’s only a limited number of homes available. The most desirable properties are often booked as early as January and February for the following academic year, so it’s advisable to start your search as early as possible. 

How much does student accommodation in Birmingham cost?

Student accommodation in Birmingham generally offers good value for money compared to other major UK cities. A cheap flat share may cost as little as £125 per week, while a modern apartment will be closer to £250 per week. The student homes we list in Birmingham typically range from £150–£200 per week.

Where are the best areas for students to live in Birmingham?

The best student areas in Birmingham will vary for each student. The majority of UoB students choose to live in Selly Oak and the surrounding areas for the entirety of their degree, whereas for Aston, BCU and UCB students, areas like Aston, Westside and Digbeth are much more convenient.

Do I need a visa to study abroad in Birmingham?

If you’re planning on studying at a university in Birmingham as a non-UK citizen, you’ll generally need to apply for a student visa before you start your course. Most universities have support services for international students to help guide you through this process. You can also read more about the requirements here. 

What if I didn’t get an answer to my question here?

For information on how the booking process works, click here. We also have answers to a range of other questions on our FAQ page. If you still haven’t found what you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to contact us!