Student.com lists accommodation options from trusted landlords, making it as easy as possible for you to find your ideal student home. Many of the properties we list are within walking distance of Birmingham’s most popular universities, so you can have your pick of what properties are the most suitable for you. Use our helpful map function to see where your university is and what student homes we have available close by. You can further narrow down your search with the filters on this page, to find just the right place for you.
Explore Birmingham
Friendly, fashionable and culturally diverse, Birmingham is famous for curry and canals. It’s also the place where the UK’s favourite chocolate manufacturer Cadbury was founded.
The area of present-day Birmingham was settled already around the year 600 but there is evidence of human activity in the area going as far back as 8,000 BC. Birmingham experienced massive growth during the Industrial Revolution and it’s currently the second-largest city in the United Kingdom.
Today Birmingham is an exciting city that is leaving behind the image of a dire, industrial town. The Bullring shopping area in the city centre is a great place to hang out and do some shopping. The Selfridges store is one of the most unique buildings in the whole country. The Birmingham Library is the largest public library in Europe.
Student life in Birmingham
Ask the locals what they love about Birmingham, and they’ll say the funny, friendly people. Once you’ve adjusted to the distinctive accent, you’ll feel right at home in this energetic urban hotspot, right at the heart of England. You won’t be starved for company either, as Birmingham is the youngest city in Europe, with nearly 49% of the population being under 25 years old.
Birmingham today is big, bold and beautiful. The city has more parks than any other city in Europe, so you’ll have plenty of green spaces to spend your free time in or go to if you want to study somewhere other than a library. Birmingham is also famous for its many canals, earning comparisons with Venice in Italy.
If you want to explore Birmingham’s industrial past, head to the Jewellery Quarter, today Europe’s largest concentration of jewellery trade businesses and also, interestingly enough, the birthplace of man-made plastic.
If you need a new outfit for your studies, or just want to do some general shopping, you’ll want to hit the shops in the space-age Bullring Shopping Centre, located in the city centre right next to the train station.
For a great night out, head out to one of the bars in the city centre and don’t forget to grab a curry at the Balti Triangle. If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll also love the Cadbury World, a must-see for any chocolate lover. Study in Birmingham and you’ll never get bored.
Universities in Birmingham
As the second-largest city in the UK, Birmingham is a great place to study. You can do your degree in English and enjoy the lively atmosphere in this vibrant, multicultural city. Birmingham has several universities to choose from. Among the largest and most popular ones are the University of Birmingham, Birmingham City University and Aston University.
University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham can trace its origins to the Birmingham School of Medicine and Surgery, founded in 1825. It gained university status by royal charter in 1900. Today it is one of the leading universities in the world, being ranked 91st in the QS World University Rankings 2023.
Aston University
Aston University’s origins are in The Birmingham Municipal Technical School that was founded in 1895. It gained university status in 1966 and today has more than 15,000 students. The campus is located in Gosta Green, in the city centre of Birmingham.
Birmingham City University
Birmingham City University’s earliest origins can be traced to 1843 and the founding of the Birmingham College of Art. It gained university status in 1992. Today more than 25,000 students study in its five campuses spread across the city of Birmingham.
Frequently asked questions about student housing in Birmingham
If you have some questions in mind about studying in Birmingham, below you can find some of the most common ones.
How do I apply for student accommodation in Birmingham?
Student.com makes finding and booking your accommodation very easy. First, choose the right property for you from the many options we have on offer. Then, go to the property page of that property by clicking on ‘View rooms’.
On the property page you’ll need to choose your room type and make a request to book it for the dates you need it. One of our expert booking consultants will then call you to take you through the next steps, all the way up to you signing your contract. This service is totally free for you as well, you’re only paying for the accommodation.
Is it safe to rent student accommodation in the private sector?
We vet every housing provider we feature to ensure that you can find your perfect home. Many of the properties listed on our website were built and are managed specifically for students and are managed by experienced landlords to make sure that you will have a great experience. Many of our listed properties have features like controlled-access gates and 24/7 onsite security to make sure you’ll be living in a safe environment.
My friend will be studying in Birmingham as well. Can we live together?
Sure you can! Once you’ve submitted your application, log into our system and go to “manage your preferences”. There you can state that you’d like to live together with your friend. Make sure your friend also does the same and states that they want to live with you.
I’ll be in Birmingham before starting my studies. Can I get a viewing of the property?
Yes, we can arrange a viewing for you if you want it. However, many of the properties we list have lots of photos and videos on the property pages. These will let you get a good idea of what your new home will look like, even if you don’t manage to see it before moving in.
What do the different room types on offer mean?
At our Birmingham properties, we offer three different types of rooms.
A Shared Room will have two or more people sleeping in the same room. Any additional living space is shared with other rooms.
In a Private Room you’ll have your own private bedroom. Other facilities are shared with people staying in the other rooms of the house.
If you rent the Entire Place, you will get a fully self-contained studio property. This means that all your living space as well as cooking and bathing facilities are only for you. No need to share with anybody!
Do I need to have a guarantor?
Most of the time, yes. A guarantor is someone who will agree to pay your rent to the landlord in case you are unable to. Many of our properties require a student to have a guarantor unless the student can show that they have enough available funds or income to support their rental payments.
Do I have to pay a deposit?
Yes, to secure your booking with your chosen property, you will be asked to pay a deposit. Your booking consultant will give you more information about it once you’re ready to sign your contract.
Can I book accommodation with you if I’m a postgraduate student?
Yes, no problem at all! You can book any accommodation listed on Student.com as long as you are a full-time student.
My question was not answered here. Where can I find more information?
If you have any other questions, you can check our FAQ page or contact one of our booking consultants. They are always happy to help you out with any questions!