Birmingham is a great city for students, making it no surprise that the city is home to five universities and numerous colleges and sixth forms. To help you find something fun to do, here are the 10 best things for students to do in Birmingham.
10. Botanical Gardens
Westbourne Rd, Birmingham B15 3TR
What is it? Birmingham’s historical botanical gardens are full of exotic plants, beautiful glasshouses and a tropical house.
Why go? The botanical gardens are a great place to visit on a sunny afternoon, as you can explore the gardens, smell the exotic flowers, whilst learning about the benefits of plants. Plus, the gardens have their own tea room, garden centre and regularly host live music events for the community.
How much? Adult tickets cost £6.75 but if you have a valid student ID, concession tickets are just £4.72.
If you’re searching for more things to do outside, we’ve got a great list of outdoor activities in Birmingham.
9. Bear Grylls Adventure Centre
National Exhibition Center, Halls, Marston Green, Birmingham B40 1NT
What is it? The adventure centre is located in the heart of Birmingham and is full of fun and exciting things to do with your friends.
Why go? There are so many different activities to try at the centre, including climbing, high ropes, assault courses, shark dives and even the iFly centre where you can try indoor sky diving!
How much? Prices depend on the activity you choose. However, if you book online in advance you can usually get a discount of up to 20% ticket price. You can also book the centre through Virgin Experience days, where students also get a discount through UNIDAYS.
8. Ghetto Golf Birmingham
The Custard Factory, Gibb St, Deritend, Birmingham B9 4AA
What is it? A crazy golf course that feels more like a night club than a typical golf course.
Why go? Playing crazy golf is fun, but add some neon lights, music, cocktails and arcade games and it becomes an experience like no other. Some parts of the course glow in the dark, and there is even a party bus in the course!
How much? From £20, you can choose one of the great packages available. However, if you have valid student ID, you can play for £6.50pp Sunday – Thursday and after 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays. This makes it an incredible cheap and easily one of the best things to do for students in Birmingham. There’s also great drink offers for students, such as £3 mocktails, £6 cocktails, and £4.50 slushes.
7. Cadbury World
Linden Rd, Birmingham B30 1JR
What is it? A museum and experience that will teach you about the history and future of Cadburys chocolate.
Why go? A trip to Cadbury World is the perfect way to spend a rainy day in Birmingham, especially if you forgot to do the food shop, as you get free chocolate when you enter and usually during the tour as well. Plus, you will get a sample pot of melted chocolate with a selection of treats towards the end of the tour.
How much? A standard adult ticket costs £19, but with valid student ID, you can get a student ticket for £16. However, make sure to book on the website to get the best deal as at the moment they are offering £10 student tickets.
6. Virtual Reality Arena
UTILITA ARENA, North Car Park, ST Vincent Street, Birmingham, B1 2AA
What is it? The Birmingham Virtual Reality Arena will transport you to a virtual reality full of games, challenges and experiences, making it no surprise it’s one of the best things to do in Birmingham for students.
Why go? At the VR arena, there are plenty of games and experiences for you and your friends to choose from. Including the zero-latency VR experience, the VR arcades, and they even have escape rooms! All of which range in age requirement and difficulty.
How much? Prices range depending on the games and experiences you choose, but generally they are anything from £14.95. However, they also have some great deals on Virgin Experience Days, where students can get an additional discount with UNIDAYS.
5. A trip on the canals
Sherborne St, Birmingham B16 8FN
What is it? A canal tour around the city of Birmingham and the neighbouring areas.
Why go? There are over 300 miles of historic canals in and around Birmingham, so 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. A trip on the canal boat is also one of the 10 best cheap date ideas you can do in Birmingham!
How much? Prices will depend if you rent a boat, join a tour, and which company you buy from. However, Sherborne Wharf offer daily public boat trips multiple times a day, where adult tickets cost £8.
4. Escape Hunt Birmingham
120-122 Corporation St, Birmingham B4 6SX
What is it? The Escape Hunt is a centre full of escape rooms for you and your friends to enjoy whilst solving problems and improving teamwork.
Why go? Escape Hunt has a selection of escape rooms for you to try, including Doctor Who Worlds Collide, The Fourth Samurai, Our Finest Hour and Blackbeard’s Treasure.
How much? Student ticket prices can be anything from £17 to £25 per person, but the more players there are, then the cheaper your tickets will be. Don’t forget to bring a valid student ID!
3. National Sea Life Centre
Eleven Brindley Place, The Water’s Edge, Birmingham B1 2HL
What is it? The National Sea Life Centre is your chance to explore the underwater world and learn more about the animals that live there.
Why go? 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! There is also an Antarctic landscape where you can watch penguins play as well as a mammal rescue facility. Plus, the United States Fishing and Wildlife Service granted the centre a special permit to home the first pair of sea otters in the UK.
How much? A standard adult ticket costs £20.65, but a student ticket is £18, but make sure to book online to get the best price and then bring a valid student ID card on the day.
2. Moonlight Cinema
Luna Springs, Digbeth Arena, Lower Trinity Street, Birmingham B9 4AG
What is it? The Moonlight Cinema is an modern outdoor cinema right in the heart of Birmingham.
Why go? Every night there is a film playing at the outdoor cinema, making it a great spot for you and your friends. Plus, it’s cheaper than going to most cinemas even with student discount.
How much? A standard ticket costs £5, but for an extra £25 you can enjoy an hour of unlimited prosecco or beer, and popcorn with sweets.
1. The National Exhibition Centre
North Ave, Marston Green, Birmingham B40 1NT
What is it? The NEC is the crown jewel of Birmingham, as it is the largest event space in the UK!
Why go? 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. Some of the best things to look forward to is the UK Games Expo in late July and early August 2021.
How much? Prices depend on the exhibition or event you go to and what type of ticket you get.
