Main universities
University of Birmingham is a leading Russell Group university with a leafy, self-contained campus in Edgbaston, while Birmingham City University and Aston University add to the city's student population.
University of Birmingham is a leading Russell Group university with a leafy, self-contained campus in Edgbaston, while Birmingham City University and Aston University add to the city's student population.
Selly Oak is the classic student hub for University of Birmingham, packed with shared houses and easy links to campus. Edgbaston and Harborne offer a slightly quieter feel, while the city centre, Digbeth, and the Jewellery Quarter suit students at BCU and Aston.
Birmingham has a huge range of student nights, from big clubs and bars along Broad Street to indie venues and warehouse spaces in Digbeth. You’ll find everything from cheesy pop and drum & bass to live gigs and comedy nights, plus plenty of student deals.
Many first years live in university-managed halls such as Vale Village and other on-campus or near-campus accommodation for UoB, or purpose-built city-centre halls for BCU and Aston. After that, most students move into shared houses in student areas.
Birmingham is well connected, with frequent buses across the city, the West Midlands Metro tram, and several major train stations including New Street, Moor Street, and Snow Hill. There’s even a dedicated University station by the UoB campus too.
Cannon Hill Park and the nearby MAC are go-to spots for walks, picnics, and runs between lectures. Edgbaston Reservoir is popular for sunset strolls, while bigger escapes like Sutton Park and the Lickey Hills offer miles of trails when you need a proper break from city life.
Birmingham is generally cheaper than London but costs can still add up, especially for city-centre living and nights out. Many students save by house-sharing, batch-cooking at home, and making the most of student discounts on travel, food, and entertainment across the city.
Wander along the canals around Brindleyplace, shop at the Bullring and Grand Central, and explore Digbeth’s street art and independent venues. Try a curry in the famous Balti Triangle, visit Cadbury World, and catch a gig at the O2 Academy or Utilita Arena.
Three major universities in a busy, student-heavy city
Big-city vibes with strong campus identities
Right in the middle of a huge Midlands student network
Are the universities in Birmingham good?
Yes – Birmingham has some of the strongest universities in the UK, offering a wide mix of courses and study styles. The University of Birmingham is a Russell Group institution with an excellent reputation for teaching quality, research, and graduate outcomes. Birmingham City University and Aston University are also well regarded, particularly for career-focused, vocational, and professional degrees with strong links to local and national employers. Together, they create a diverse and supportive higher education hub in the heart of the Midlands.
What is the University of Birmingham known for?
The University of Birmingham is best known for its research strength and reputation across subjects like medicine, law, business, engineering, and the social sciences. Its leafy Edgbaston campus has modern teaching spaces, labs, libraries, and impressive sports facilities, alongside a traditional redbrick feel. Aston University is particularly known for business, engineering, and life sciences, with a strong emphasis on placements and employability. Birmingham City University is recognised for creative subjects, media, health, and design, taught in modern city-centre and specialist facilities.
Is Birmingham a good city for students?
Birmingham is a great city for students if you want a lively, urban environment with lots going on. It has a huge student population spread across several universities, meaning busy nightlife, diverse food options, and plenty of part-time work. The city centre is packed with shops, bars, music venues, and cultural attractions, while areas like Selly Oak, Edgbaston, and the Jewellery Quarter have more of a student or neighbourhood feel. Costs are generally lower than in London, although city-centre living and nights out can still add up, so budgeting is important.
How hard is it to get into the University of Birmingham?
The University of Birmingham is relatively competitive, with many courses asking for higher A-level grades, especially in subjects like medicine, law, engineering, and some sciences. Typical offers often sit in the ABB to A*AA range depending on the course. Aston University and Birmingham City University may have more flexible or varied entry requirements, particularly for vocational or creative programmes, and may consider contextual offers, portfolios, auditions, or experience. In all cases, admissions teams look at your personal statement, enthusiasm for the subject, and overall potential as well as your predicted grades.
Typical weekly and monthly student costs in Birmingham for 2026 entry. Switch between accommodation types to see how much you might spend.
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Click on the icons on the map below to explore each of Birmingham’s top student areas to live in.
Explore different housing options and providers to find the right student accommodation in Birmingham for you.
Modern en suite rooms and studios across Birmingham, with buildings close to Aston University, Birmingham City University and the University of Birmingham. Great for students who want contemporary spaces, social areas and bills included.
View iQ in Birmingham
Unite Students runs a range of city-centre and Selly Oak properties, offering en suite rooms and studios with all bills included. Ideal if you want to be close to campus, New Street station and Birmingham’s main nightlife spots.
Explore Unite Students
Bills-inclusive en suite rooms and studios in Birmingham city centre, putting you within easy reach of all major universities. A good option if you want a sociable halls-style experience with on-site support and shared social spaces.
View Host in Birmingham
Specialist student letting agency with a big presence around Selly Oak and the University of Birmingham. They list everything from classic terraced houses to larger shared homes, often with bills-included options.
See Purple Frog listings
Well-known Birmingham agent with a large portfolio of student houses and flats in Selly Oak, Harborne and surrounding areas. Good if you want a group house close to the University of Birmingham campus.
Browse Oakmans properties
Independent letting agent based in Selly Oak, offering student houses and flats within walking distance of campus and the local high street. A solid option for UoB students who want to stay close to Bristol Road.
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Discover different student hotspots in the city by using the toggles and cards in our interactive explorer.
The classic Uni of Birmingham student area, packed with terraces, takeaways and corner shops along Bristol Road, plus quick trains and buses into the city centre.
Leafy streets close to the UoB campus, Edgbaston Stadium and Cannon Hill Park. A good pick if you want a quieter vibe but still be close to uni.
A bit more “villagey” with indie cafés, pubs and decent student houses. Popular with medics and postgrads who want a calmer base.
High-rise flats near the Bullring, New Street and Grand Central. Ideal for Aston and BCU students who want everything on their doorstep.
Stylish apartments, studios and cool bars in a historic part of the city. A favourite for final-years and grads who want a slightly more grown-up feel.
Legendary Birmingham student club with indie, pop and throwback anthems across multiple floors. Expect cheap drinks and busy weeknights.
Huge multi-room club on Broad Street with chart, R&B and dance. A staple for freshers’ nights and themed student events.
Warehouse-style venue in Digbeth hosting house, techno and DnB nights. Perfect if you prefer underground raves over cheesy pop.
A go-to for sports, cocktails and big nights out. Student deals, live sport on huge screens and a dancefloor once the game’s over.
Big-name gigs, touring bands and club nights close to the city centre. Great for mixing live music with student-friendly events.
Cult burger spot tucked under the arches in Digbeth. Messy, tasty and very popular with students on cheat day.
It provides the best breakfast in Birmingham, offering a great hangout spot for students
Student favourite for big portions, curries, grills and desserts. Great for post-exam celebrations or flat dinners.
Middle Eastern café chain around the city with great coffee, mezze and cakes. Cosy booths make it a nice casual study or catch-up spot.
Big park near Edgbaston and UoB, with lakes, paths and the MAC arts centre. Ideal for walks, runs and summer picnics.
Loop path around the water, perfect for a quick run, walk or sunset stroll between lectures.
One of Europe’s largest urban parks with lakes, heathland and walking trails. Great for a proper reset away from the city.
Hilly woodland just outside the city, popular for weekend hikes and big views over Birmingham and the surrounding countryside.
Modern library in the heart of the Edgbaston campus with silent floors, group rooms and long opening hours in exam season.
Right on Aston’s city-centre campus, with study pods, IT suites and views over the fountains and green spaces.
Light, modern building at Eastside with plenty of social learning spaces, group tables and plug sockets everywhere.
Popular city-centre café with strong coffee, decent Wi-Fi and lots of tables for laptop study sessions between lectures.
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