Birmingham Student Guide
Birmingham is a large city in the Midlands with over 65,000 students. Such a large student population means that the place is buzzing. There’s no need to worry about a shortage of clubs, pubs, bars of activities, as Birmingham has all of this to offer, and even more!
One of the highlights of Birmingham includes the infamous Bull Ring Centre, which is a shopping paradise. Upscale department store Selfridges is also located in the Bull Ring, and the chic Harvey Nichols department store is located at the Mailbox centre. If you feel like splashing out, these two places are a must. Other highlights of Birmingham include an IMAX cinema, the NEC arena and The Wheel of Birmingham. Students from all over the country (and the world) come to study at Birmingham.
Although the city does have a reputation for being ‘concrete’, one cannot deny that transport links in Birmingham are excellent, with connections by bus and rail being frequent and efficient and an International Airport to serve the community.
In terms of food, Birmingham is well-known for its ‘Balti Triangle’, an area full of Indian restaurants serving up some of the best Indian cuisine in the whole of the UK. There’s absolutely no shortage of nightlife due to Birmingham’s youthful population. And the choice is immense too- whether you are after some Hip Hop, House, Salsa or Swing, Birmingham is bound to have it all!
Where Can I Study?
There are three universities in Birmingham: the University of Birmingham, Aston University and Birmingham City University.
The University of Birmingham is the biggest of the 3 universities with over 26,000 students. It is a Redbrick university as well as a member of the prestigious Russell Group and one of the founders of Universitas 21.
Aston University is a campus university and is home to just under 10,000 students. FHM and Virgin Student rated Aston University 1st for student life and one of the friendliest universities in the UK.
Birmingham City University has just fewer than 25,000 students and is the newest of the three universities. The university has eight campuses and is a member of the million+ group of New Universities.
Should I Study in Birmingham
A student’s honest opinion
“There are 3 unis here, so a lot of students are spread out. For the UoB most people live in Selly Oak which is right next to the uni. It’s full of take-aways (Rooster house is amazing), pubs (loads of deals and quiz nights) and an Aldi and Sainsburys. They have a German Christmas market and a food festival every year. They’re pretty good.
Birmingham lit up at Christmas time.
China town is pretty central and has some nice places which are pretty cheap. Lots of student pubs with deals and entertainment in Selly Oak. In town it’s the same as any city with nice bars, especially down by the canals in Brindley Place. There is something for everyone. Digbeth has a very big drum and bass and that sort of scene going on. There is the HMV Institute, O2 academy as well as the NIA and NEC for gigs. There are loads of other venues as well for live music. The Hare and Hounds out in Kings Heath has a lot of smaller bands playing before they get famous.
There are a load of standard clubs running up Broad Street (Gatecrasher, Sports Café which always changes name, Lloyds). There is also an Oceana and a Reflex nearer to the centre. The gay area is near to the city centre as well and has a load of bars and one main club called Nightingales, and it has a big night on a Thursday. Eddie’s is a rock club in town, it’s a bit grotty but is quite popular with guys who have long hair and like to wear a lot of black. There are a few theatres in Birmingham, there is the Old Rep Theatre and the Hippodrome. There is also symphony hall for other gigs, with more classical and relaxed music there.” Faye, 22