It is no surprise that Birmingham is one of the best cities in the UK for students. As the country’s second-largest city, it offers many fun things to do for students! However, with so many exciting places to explore, it can be hard to know where to start. So, to help you find the best activity for you, we’ve found 14 of the best things to do in Birmingham for students.
1. Botanical Gardens
📍 Westbourne Road, Birmingham B15 3TR
The Botanical Gardens are a beautiful and historic place to check out when you’re looking for something to do on the weekend. Full of exotic plants, beautiful glasshouses, and several unique gardens, they are a great spot for a sunny afternoon. Plus, the gardens have their own Medicine Bakery café, and host a variety of fun events, from exhibitions to theatre.
Adult tickets are £9.00, and with your student ID, tickets are £8.00. Not only is it the perfect spot for an Instagram post, but it is also affordable. When you’re on a student budget, this makes all the difference.
2. Redbrick Market
📍 Floodgate St, Birmingham B5 5SU
Redbrick Market is just down the road from New Street Station, so whether you’re local or not, you don’t have to travel far! The market is a treasure trove of unique items and a popular haunt for students. I found out about the market in my first year, and I love to visit when I’m looking for something fun to do.
The market is filled with stalls, selling unique and interesting products from (mostly local) small businesses. No matter how many times you go, you’re bound to find something new each time. There’s food, stickers, games, vintage clothing, jewellery, and so much more! There is even a cafe up front, if your bargain hunting makes you peckish. After finding some things you like, you take them up to the front register and then purchase them all in one go – it’s very convenient. Overall, it’s the perfect place to spend a long afternoon browsing.
3. Cadbury World
📍 Linden Rd, Birmingham B30 1JR
Cadbury World isn’t just for kids! There is a museum and experience that will teach you about the history and future of Cadbury’s chocolate, and some delicious samples along the way.
A trip to Cadbury World is the perfect way to spend a rainy day in Birmingham, especially if you’re a chocolate lover, as you get free chocolate when you enter and usually during the tour as well. Learn about Bournville village and even have a go at piping your own chocolate bar! Plus, you will get a sample pot of melted chocolate with a selection of treats towards the end of the tour, which is absolutely worth the trip, and my favourite part.
I recommend booking in advance, as tickets are usually much cheaper online. You can even book a ticket bundle with Warwick Castle or the Sea Life centre, and save up to 25%! To access the self-guided tour, cafe, and shop, students get a discounted ticket for £12 (standard adult tickets are £18).
4. Pottery café
Who doesn’t love a good craft session? This option is one of the more low-key activities on this list, and is inspired by the Selly Oak café Bisque & Bean. However, I have found a few spots around the city for students elsewhere: Café Craft Pottery Painting in Smethwick, Café Ceramica in Sutton Coldfield, and Glaze Room Pottery Painting in Birmingham. Not only is it affordable, but you can hang out with friends or treat yourself to a solo date! Plus, with the cafes, you can enjoy delicious coffee and snacks whilst you’re painting.
Pottery cafes/shops usually have pre-made items in sets that you can purchase, and then sit in the store whilst you get creative. It’s perfect for a rainy day, a slow Saturday, or something fun to do between study sessions! The café options are great because you don’t have to paint to enjoy their tasty menu. If you’re looking for more hangout spots, take a look at our other list, where we’ve found more great cafes in Birmingham.
5. MeetSpace VR Birmingham
📍 Unit 1, Park Regis, 158 Broad St, Birmingham B15 1DT
Similar to Bisque & Bean, Birmingham is home to several great VR experiences. You can find them across the city, to take part in fun events, unique experiences and games.
MeetSpace VR is one of the highest-rated venues. It is also really accessible to students across the city, you can find it near the Broad Street Cineworld! The venue also has a bar for drinks and a gaming lounge to enjoy after your experience.
A popular experience is Zero Latency, a free-roam virtual reality with immersive gameplay and space for up to 8 people. You can enjoy combat-style games, fantasy worlds and fun challenges. At MeetSpace VR, there is plenty to do, so you’re guaranteed to get rid of any boredom or burnout from studying. They offer so many games and experiences, including escape rooms that are perfect for those in smaller groups and those who prefer a slower pace. There’s also their VR Quest Arena, with a range of immersive experiences to get your adrenaline pumping!
All of their experiences range in difficulty, so beginners are welcome. Prices depend on the activity you choose, and range from £20 to £35. Additionally, StudentBeans currently offers students 30% off their experience!
6. Ikon Gallery
📍 1 Oozells Square, Brindleyplace, Birmingham B1 2HS
If you like modern art, then this is the place for you! Not only is it tucked away in a beautiful site just off Broad Street, but The Ikon Gallery also hosts exhibits by artists on the cutting edge of contemporary art. An internationally acclaimed venue, it’s not only free to enter, but filled with amazing exhibits and events all the time!
The gallery always has something interesting going on. Their current exhibitions explore themes such as the human body, experimentation and the arts’ relationship with wider societal structures. It’s a great place to visit for art students looking to push the boundaries with their practice, or those who like to explore the unknown. The gallery has a variety of media on display, including (but not limited to): film, photography, paintings and sculpture.
The Ikon Gallery is also home to a branch of Medicine Bakery, another iconic name on the Birmingham scene. It is comfy and well-lit, and even close to a range of other cool places in the city if you wanted to make a day of it.
Also, the gallery has a free digital guide if you’d like to know a bit more about the installations you’re seeing. There is even the Ikon Shop, Birmingham’s ‘only specialist art bookshop,‘ with a range of unique gifts that support the gallery’s amazing work.
7. Moseley Arts Market
📍 179 Alcester Rd, Moseley Village, B13 8JR
Moseley is a great area to find something fun to do, and it would be impossible to list all of them here! However, the Moseley Art Market is one of my top picks. It is a great opportunity to explore local art and artists and show them support, whilst finding cool and sustainable new pieces for yourself. They host the market on every 4th Saturday of the month alongside their Farmers’ Market. So, you can get to know the local Brum scene and find something truly unique for a gift or keepsake. They showcase everything from artwork to handmade jewellery.
The Farmers’ Market is a great spot to explore your local community and find something fun to do. Not only is it award-winning, but they’ll soon be celebrating their 25th anniversary! At the market you can find tons of delicious things, such as fresh fruit, samosas and cheeses. Like the Arts Market, everything sold is locally made, grown or processed
It is also worth mentioning that the University of Birmingham has its own monthly artisan market, with everything from handmade crafts to candles to perfume! Markets are amazing because they’re not only local, but you can explore a range of exciting things all in one spot. Be sure to check local pages to find some more near you!
8. Escape Hunt Birmingham
📍 Resorts World, Pendigo Way, Birmingham B40 1PU
The Escape Hunt is a centre full of escape rooms for you and your friends to enjoy whilst solving problems and bonding with your mates. Escape Hunt has a great selection of escape rooms for you to try, including Doctor Who Worlds Collide, The Fourth Samurai, Our Finest Hour and Blackbeard’s Treasure. In addition to this, they have virtual reality experiences to immerse yourself in, as well as their new City Hunt – an exciting outdoor escape room for a ‘real-world adventure.’ Escape Hunt also has an in-house bar, where you can get drinks to enjoy in their premium lounge, and even take them into the games!
Prices can vary from £30 for 2 players to £21 for 6, so the more of you there are, the cheaper your tickets will be. The city hunt costs £15 per person, and the VR adventures are £27 per person. If you have a valid student ID, you can also get a 15% discount on tickets, which makes it a very affordable activity for a hangout with friends or relaxing after assignments.
9. National Sea Life Centre
📍 Eleven Brindley Place, The Water’s Edge, Birmingham B1 2HL
The National Sea Life Centre is your chance to explore the underwater world and learn more about the animals that live there. There is so much to see at the centre, from different types of jellyfish, sharks and turtles, to the UK’s only 360° ocean tunnel! You could explore the dazzling variety of tropical fish in their Reef Edge, or watch penguins play in the Antarctic landscape, as well as visit a mammal rescue facility. Plus, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service granted the centre a special permit to house the first pair of rescued sea otters in the UK.
A standard adult ticket costs £21, and student tickets cost £18. Make sure to book online to get the best price and then bring a valid student ID card on the day. The centre also has frequent events to enjoy. Recently, visitors could explore their Animal Crossing: New Horizons tour!
10. The National Exhibition Centre
📍 North Ave, Marston Green, Birmingham B40 1NT
The NEC is the crown jewel of Birmingham, as it is the largest event space in the UK! Each year, the NEC hosts hundreds and hundreds of events and exhibitions, so there is always something for everyone, no matter what their passions or interests may be. They host everything from sports festivals to concerts to anime conventions.
Prices depend on the exhibition or event you go to and what type of ticket you get. The NEC also has food & drink spots, with a variety of restaurants to choose from. What’s more, the NEC is just 5 minutes away from Birmingham International Railway Station, and they have lots of parking spaces. This means that the venue is really accessible for everyone!
11. Golf Fang Birmingham
📍 The Custard Factory, Gibb St, Deritend, Birmingham B9 4BF
Digbeth is a hotspot for student activities, and Ghetto Golf is one of the very best. Golf Fang is a crazy golf course that feels more like a nightclub than a typical golf course. The venue itself is filled with neon lights, music and an array of fun decorations that make the whole experience feel unique and exciting. Some parts of the course glow in the dark, and there is even a party bus in the course!
What’s more, they have arcades, cocktails and delicious street food. The venue is open late into the evening, so it is perfect for a fun night out alone, with your mates or for a unique date night!
A round of Golf is £12.50. However, they have a variety of packages available to make your experience even better. Golf & Drink or Golf & Eat range from £18 to £31 per person. Students can get discounts on tickets and food with a valid student ID, and Golf Fang also hosts an amazing freshers’ experience with exclusive (and insanely affordable!) prices for students.
12. A trip on the canals
📍 Sherborne St, Birmingham B16 8FN
As a student in Birmingham, you’re bound to be familiar with our lovely canals. Not only do we have more canals than Venice, but they’re also great for a day out! At Sherborne Wharf, you can explore our waterways, float past scenic nature views, and take a trip across the city.
With over 300 miles of historic canals in and around Birmingham, taking a tour on a narrowboat or renting a boat yourself is a great way to explore the city and part of the West Midlands. Sherborne Wharf runs regular tours for you to join, with prices from £8. However, prices will depend on whether you rent a boat, join a tour, and which company you buy from.
Furthermore, Sherborne Wharf is not just for taking a tour on the water; it offers a wide variety of events year-round! This includes their Fish and Chip Cruises, where you can enjoy the iconic British dish atop a boat, and their autumnal Ghost Tours, perfect for a spooky yet educational evening. Alongside this, they also have a bar with hot and cold drinks, toilets and seating. The wharf is also within walking distance of several train stations. Therefore, A trip to Sherborne Wharf is not only enjoyable, but it is one of the best affordable experiences in the city!
13. Cow Vintage
📍 82 Digbeth Hill St, Birmingham, B5 6DY
If thrift shopping is your thing, then Cow Vintage is certainly the place for you. Located in a large warehouse in Digbeth, you can shop for absolutely anything in there, including clothes, shoes, books and records. Their collection of clothes is huge, and so, whatever your style or budget, you’ll probably find something there for you. Cow also has large kilo sales and student discounts. So, if you love affordable prices and sustainability, I wholeheartedly recommend visiting Cow Vintage!
Whilst Cow Vintage is one of the most popular spots in the city, there are so many other great vintage clothing shops to explore. You could make a day of it, and we’ve got a checklist for you right here.
14. Winterbourne Botanic Garden
Winterbourne is one of Birmingham’s most popular student attractions. There is a beautiful and historic house to explore, and then a stunning variety of gardens, plants and pathways outside. The House and Gardens are open 7 days a week, so it is perfect for a day out! Alongside their picturesque scenery, Winterbourne hosts an array of fun events to take part in. This might include markets, exhibitions and workshops. In addition to this, they even have a Tea Room and Gift Shop to enjoy. Browse their second-hand books and artisan gifts, or indulge in their cakes, homemade sandwiches and afternoon tea.
What’s great about Winterbourne is that entry is free for UoB students! For non-UoB students, there is still a discount on tickets. Tickets are usually £10.20, but with a valid student ID, they are £8.85. Winterbourne is also very accessible to students. It is located on the University of Birmingham campus in Edgbaston, and is just a short walk from the University train station.
Whilst we’ve picked out some great activities, this list is just a few of the many things to do across the city! I recommend checking out our city guide next, where you can find more fun activities, hidden gems and affordable trips across Birmingham.
FAQs on cheap things to do in Birmingham for students
Explore free galleries, public art and city parks, or walk the canals for nothing. For under a tenner, look for student cinema nights, museum events and happy-hour activities that don’t hammer your bank account.
Use student ID, TOTUM and venue newsletters for exclusive prices and early-bird offers. Follow local venues on Instagram or TikTok — flash deals and free events often drop on social first.
Pack a picnic for the park, do a free gallery hop, or time drinks with happy hour. Self-guided walking tours and markets are great for low-cost but memorable dates around the city centre.
Yes — midweek often brings student pricing on bowling, karaoke, comedy and cinema. Check venue calendars and bring your student card to unlock the best deals.
Walk where possible and combine bus or tram journeys with day tickets or student passes. Group up and plan stops by area to cut down on back-and-forth travel costs.
Hi! I’m Emmie, and I’m currently studying English Literature and Classical Literature & Civilisations at the University of Birmingham. This means I’m a huge fan of anything historical and literary, so you can usually find me diving into research rabbit holes for a new blog post or engrossed in a good book. Outside of my academic pursuits, I enjoy activities like karaoke, travelling, or spending the day in a museum!
