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    Study in Birmingham

    City guide

    The UK's second largest city, cosmopolitan Birmingham offers diversity and one of the youngest populations in Europe.

    Birmingham is a fab place for students because it has everything you need in one place. Travel links are amazing, with New Street station and Moor Street station. You can go literally anywhere! The shopping is so fun with The Bullring and Rag Market, and there's a ton of stuff to do. (Second year student, Birmingham City University)

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    • Abbie

      Leeds Trinity University
      Primary Education (Early Years 3-7) with QTS BA (Hons)
      Hi I’m Abbie 🫶🏻. I am a primary education student here at Leeds trinity completing my first year currently. I live at home and commute in for my lectures. I am a course representative so look very closely into student feedback. I am also the mental health officer for Leeds trinity and look forward to building campaigns to help those at trinity! I was very nervous joining university but realised very quickly it’s like family where everyone is supportive and tries to help at any opportunity. The campus is beautiful and I love to study in lots of different spaces to change up the scenery every now and again! I have a dog walking business to satisfy my love of animals and am also a student ambassador for university. I work part time in a pub not far from the university and love to go running in my spare time to clear my mind! I came from sixth form to university and knew what course I wanted to do. I’m here to answer all of your questions about life at university hoping to give an insight on the student life and what to expect!

    • Aditi

      University College Birmingham
      Finance and Accounting
      I am Aditi Ghevade, from the city of Mumbai, India. Currently pursuing my postgraduate studies in Finance and Accounting, I find immense joy in delving into the intricacies of financial systems and exploring the world of numbers. Fluent in English, Hindi, Marathi, and even French, my multicultural and multilingual background has equipped me with a versatile skill set.

    • Advika

      University of Glasgow
      Common Law [LLB]
      Hey there ! I am Advika from India🇮🇳 and I am a third year Common Law student. I would be happy to answer all your questions about the university, studies, student life, or anything else. Please feel free to chat 😊

    • Adrianna

      Bangor University
      Marine Biology
      Hi, I'm Adrianna. I'm from North West England. I decided I wanted to do marine biology, when someone did an online talk at my college all about the marine environment and biology. My main hobbies include sewing; gaming; watching films and series; and spending time with friends and family. Some of my favorite games are Animal Crossing; Slime Rancher; and Stardew Valley. Some of my favorite movies/series are: How to Train Your Dragon; Vampire Diaries; Grey's Anatomy; and Disney movies.

    • Abigail

      Bournemouth University
      BA (Hons) Film
      Hi, I'm Abigail and I'm a third-year Film student! I'd be very happy to answer anything about filmmaking and media related questions at Bournemouth University, and what it’s like to move out for the first time and settle into a new city! :))

    • Abdul

      University of Lincoln
      Architecture - BA (Hons)
      “Hi! Feel free to ask me any questions about the courses here in Lincoln and also about the city itself. I am more than happy to help you with any questions you might have.”

    • Adrianna

      University of the Arts London
      Public Relations
      ✨Public Relations student passionate about creative storytelling & making an impact through strategic marketing. 📈Obsessed with digital analytics, media research 🔍, and fostering real connections within the media world! 🤝 👩‍🎓Active as a Peer Mentor, Senior Student Ambassador, and Media School Rep – always here to help and share my journey! 🌟 💡 Let’s chat all things PR, media, and beyond!

    • Abigail

      City St George's, University of London
      Politics BSc (Hons)
      Hi, my name is Abigail and I am a 2nd year Politics undergraduate, who wants to become a lawyer in common law. I am happy to answer questions regarding university, a career in law, etc! ❤️

    • Aayan

      City St George's, University of London
      Actuarial Science BSc (Hons)
      I did my Foundation year from INTO City, University of London. Currently doing BSc Data Analytics and Actuarial Science. I plan to work in Data / AI Field, I have strong interest in Trading and Content Creation 😊.

    • Accalia

      University of Sussex
      Law with International Relations LLB (Hons)
      I would love to be engaged in various sectors specifically Media, Law and International Business, My end goal is to be an international consultant for Caribbean small businesses.

    • Abbey

      Leeds Trinity University
      Criminology with Police Studies BA Combined (Hons)
      I am looking at going into the police after university and doing their graduate detective program. I enjoy watching all sorts of true crime documentaries.

    • Aditya

      University of Glasgow
      Medicine [MBChB]
      Hello everyone, This is Aditya. I am a 2nd Year international medical student at the University of Glasgow. My aspiration is to become a cardiologist with a special interest in interventional cardiology and cardiac physics. I am open to any questions you guys might want to ask about the university, the medical school, or even the city and how it’s been adapting to a new culture as an international student :)

    • Abdul Rashid

      University of Aberdeen
      Biotechnology, Bioinformatics and Bio-business MSc
      My current career plan is to delve deep into the core of bioinformatics and try as much as possible to make it easy for future prospects in that field of study.

    • Abdullah

      Liverpool John Moores University
      Computer Science, BSc (Hons)
      Currently in my second year, I’m focused on making the most of my degree and building a strong foundation in my field. After completing my bachelor’s, my plan is to pursue a master’s in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics. I’m passionate about using AI to tackle real-world challenges, and eventually, I’d love to work in a tech company that’s leading the way in innovation. My vision is to be part of projects that push the boundaries of what technology can achieve—I’m excited about what the future holds!

    • Abigail

      University of Lincoln
      Dance - BA (Hons)
      Hi, I'm Abi and I'm a third-year BA (Hons) Dance Student. I'm from Suffolk. I started dancing from the age of 3 in Ballet, Modern and Tap and then also started training in Contemporary, Irish and Ballroom & Latin dance before completing both GCSE & A-level Dance. I'm now continuing my passion here at UOL and hope to continue this into a professional career!

    • Abigail

      University of Essex
      Criminology
      Hello! My name is Abi, and I'm currently in my third year doing Criminology with Counselling Skills. I aspire to go into the police force to be a detective! I love helping others and cooking. Alongside my degree, I am doing some content creation and photography as a fun hobby as I also have a passion for both of those things.

    • Adeola Priscillia

      Coventry University
      MSc International Business Management
      I am currently studying International Business Management and have a background in education. Although I’ve recently started as a student ambassador, I bring previous customer service experience, which has strengthened my communication and interpersonal skills. I’m passionate about pursuing a career in global business, combining my interests in education and international management.

    • Abby

      Swansea University
      Sport and Exercise Science, BSc (Hons)
      I am a keen swimmer and am part of the University Swim team and have competed in the BUSL swim league as well as Welsh Varsity representing the university. The swim team is comprised of a range of abilities. I love what I study and am passionate about Sport Psychology and hope to pursue it as a Masters when I graduate. I am in my second year of the degree course and am loving it so far, so any questions about my course or the swim team are more than welcome.

    • Adam

      Coventry University
      Sports Coaching BSc
      Hi there👋, My name is Adam and I am currently a first year Sports Coaching student and a lifelong Coventry habitant. Sports has been a massive part of my life which has lead me to studying the Sports Coaching Bachelor Degree here at Coventry. I am looking to pursue a career within Sport Coaching as I look to teach and coach others the amazing thing that is sport🤩. Feel free to ask me questions about the Sports Coaching Course and elements of University life😃 ⚽️🏀🎾🏓🏏

    • Aaliyah

      University of Hertfordshire
      Animation, film, games and creative media
      Hi, I'm Aaliyah! I am a final-year Games Art student and want to work hard to hone my skills and improve as a character artist! I am also a producer so if you want to talk about that specialism within Games and VFX then feel free to ask. You might be feeling a bit worried or uneasy about what there is and what the course entails but I am here to answer all your questions. No matter how big the question or how small :) Whilst I'm not in the other animation pathways (3D/VFX, 2D animation, Comic & Concept Art) I can always give my knowledge in those areas too. Just pop a message over! Very excited to talk about the courses with you :D

    What Birmingham's famous for...

    The Balti Triangle

    Head to the south for Indian food at some of the UK's oldest Balti restaurants.

    Balti dish

    Birmingham nightlife, according to students

    Most first years spend a lot of time on Broad Street, which has a wide range of nightclubs and bars as it is so close to the Vale village of accommodation. Other locations, like Lab11 and Snobs are favourites for the upper years. Of course, we can’t forget Fab ‘n’ Fresh at the Guild on Saturdays, and the infamous Sports Night Wednesday... (University of Birmingham student)

    Heavy metal

    Birmingham has spawned some of rock's hardest bands, including Black Sabbath and Judas Priest.

    Heavy metal band on stage

    Birmingham nightlife, according to students

    Broad Street is like a wildlife documentary on a Friday and Saturday night. Lots of clubs – more traditional pop etc. Digbeth is great for electro/dance/house nights, and has some great warehouse clubs. [There are] lots of activities, like Golf Fang, darts, and escape rooms, in the city. Great pubs by the canal. Moseley has great live music and bars, if you want to escape the city centre. (Third year student, University of Birmingham)

    Chocolate

    Brum is the home to Cadbury World – the closest you'll get to Willy Wonka's chocolate factory.

    Chocolate

    Student life in Birmingham

    Local gems, tips, and things to do, as recommended by students.

    Treat yourself

    The Alchemist and Dirty Martini are my favourite, more high-end bars. There’s so many nice restaurants around Cathedral Square. (University of Birmingham student)

    Low on cash

    There are several free galleries (Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Ikon Gallery) [plus] nice walks along the canals. (Third year student, University of Birmingham)

    Sunday chilling

    The Birmingham Library has an amazing viewpoint, which shows the entirety of the city. (Second year student, Birmingham City University)

    When family visit

    The Jewellery Quarter is peaceful, but still [has] lots of lovely shops and cafes. (Second year student, Birmingham City University)

    Grab a bite

    I recommend Mr Egg in Selly Oak, a great place which offers Chinese street food, fluffy Japanese pancakes, and most importantly, the most amazing selection of bubble teas you could think of. (Third year student, University of Birmingham)

    Catch up with mates

    The Mailbox for slightly nicer shopping and dining. (Birmingham student)

    Friday night out

    If you’re looking for something more chill and 'foodie', there’s Digbeth Dining Club which has pop-ups every Thursday to Sunday. (Second year student, University of Birmingham)

    Feeling cultural

    The MAC (Midlands Arts Centre) in Edgbaston has art expos, workshops, classes, and concerts. The REP (The Birmingham Repertory Theatre) has smaller productions, next to Symphony Hall. (Third year student, University of Birmingham)

    Birmingham in pictures

    The Bullring

    The Bullring at night with friends. [It's] usually very busy, but [I] managed to capture a quiet moment. (Danielle, second year student at University of Birmingham)

    The Bullring, Birmingham

    Living in Birmingham, according to students

    Harborne – I really like living here. It’s quieter than Selly Oak, a bit safer, [has] better parking, but close to uni. It's a ten-minute walk to the big Sainsbury’s. [The] lovely high street has some great restaurants. (Second year student, University of Birmingham)

    Symphony Hall

    This is the Symphony Hall. As a music student, I spend a lot of time here watching various concerts. We get cheaper student tickets, which is incredible, and I am so grateful for this! It’s a great way to spend a free evening. (Ella, University of Birmingham student)

    Symphony Hall, Birmingham

    Old Joe

    This is 'Old Joe', the clocktower in the middle of campus at night. It makes it easier to find your way around campus, and is a big part of the uni.
    (Jess, second year student at University of Birmingham)
    Old Joe clocktower, University of Birmingham

     

    Living in Birmingham, according to students

    I chose to live in Selly Oak because that's where a good 95% of second and third years live. The housing situation is really broad: there are shared houses, studios and one-bedroom apartments, and prices are very low. The area has so many restaurants, fast food, and dessert places to choose from. For groceries, most residents head to Aldi, but there are also three Asian stores, a Tesco which is open 24/7 (great for late night cravings), and a retail park a little further on. (Third year student, University of Birmingham)

    Lickey Hills

    Lickey Hills – great for a long walk. (University of Birmingham student)
    Lickey Hills. Birmingham
     

    Where you'll find students

    • Selly Oak
    • Harborne
    • Hamstead

    Local transport

    • £45 a month
    • West Midlands student bus pass
    • Bus

    Student money tips

    Use the £1.50 bus into town, rather than Uber!!! I would have saved so much money if I had heard about it sooner. (University of Birmingham student)

    The cost of living as a student soon adds up, us our budget calculator to find out roughly how much you'll need each month.

    ​Discover more savings on student life in Birmingham with UCAS student discounts. Find the latest deals, from fashion brands and eating fresh, to big discounts on tech and travel.

    Study options

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