How To Find Student Accommodation In Birmingham?

Welcome to your ultimate guide to student accommodation in Birmingham! As a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage and thriving academic scene, Birmingham attracts students worldwide. Finding the perfect accommodation can rather be difficult for students when they are house hunting for the first time. 

We will explore the various student apartments and room types and provide tips on what to consider before renting.

Types Of Student Accommodation In Birmingham

Looking for the perfect accommodation comes with the decision to meet needs with budgets. The first and foremost step would be setting a budget and looking for the home type. While the budget can vary, home type remains the same. Check some of the home types in the list below: 

Homestay

Homestays involve living with a local family, which can be arranged through university applications or independently. This option allows for a quicker integration into local culture and an immersive language learning experience. However, it comes with less freedom and the potential challenge of adjusting to different cultural norms, making it less suitable for less adaptable students.

Student Dormitory

On-campus dormitories are a popular option for their affordability and convenience, being located close to university facilities. Despite their popularity, these dorms often have limited availability and must be booked in advance. They are also typically older buildings with a more outdated living environment.

Off-Campus Student Accommodation

Known as Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA), these are modern apartments explicitly designed for students, often located near universities. These accommodations offer various room types, 24-hour security, and all-inclusive billing, making them popular. Only T4 student visa holders are eligible to rent these apartments. Some websites, like UniAcco, list the perfect rooms that have passed all the regulations. 

Social Property

Social property offers the most flexibility in terms of location and variety. These are regular rental properties found both downtown and near universities. Students living in social properties must pay utility bills separately and apply for a county tax exemption. The condition and amenities of these properties can vary widely.

Room Types In Birmingham

Students must also select the perfect room type to meet their needs. The following list can help one understand the difference between the available accommodations available to rent. Check it out here.

Non-En-Suite

The Non-En-Suite, or Standard Room, is the most common and budget-friendly option. It does not include a private bathroom, requiring students to share common areas like the bathroom and kitchen. This fosters a sense of community among roommates.

En-Suite

En-suite rooms are trendy because they balance privacy and social interaction. They include a private bathroom in the bedroom while sharing a living room and kitchen with other students.

Cluster Flat

Cluster flats combine En-suite and Non-En-Suite features. Students share a kitchen and living room but enjoy more spacious accommodations.

Studio

Studios offer complete privacy and feature an independent living space with a kitchen, study area, and bedroom. This option is ideal for students seeking uninterrupted space.

Apartment

Apartments are the most luxurious option, typically offering a separate bedroom, kitchen, and living room. In social properties, larger apartments with multiple bedrooms are also available, providing a home-like experience.

Steps To Renting Student Accommodation

1. Check Nearby Accommodation Types and Prices
   • Evaluate options based on your budget and preferences. Compare prices for different room types.
2. Make an Appointment to View the Room
   • Schedule visits to potential apartments to assess location, transportation, facilities, and room types.
3. Understand the Apartment Rules
   • Familiarise yourself with the rules, such as no pets or smoking, to avoid issues later.
4. Review Services Offered
   • Consider additional services like security and cleaning, and choose an apartment that meets your needs.
5. Sign the Rental Contract
   • Ensure the rental contract is clear and reasonable before signing. Pay attention to terms and conditions.

Birmingham Student Accommodation Recommendations

Property Name	Rating	Address	Price From (£/week)	Bills Included	Free Shuttle	No University No Pay
Canalside	4.7	Lower Loveday Street, Birmingham, B19 3SJ	149	Yes	Yes	Yes
The Emporium	4.7	6 Fox Street, Birmingham B5 5AD	198	Yes	No	Yes
Canvas The Old Fire Station	4.4	The Old Fire Station, Aston St, Birmingham, B4 7DA	149	Yes	No	Yes
iQ Penworks House	4.0	5 Moland Street, Birmingham B4 7AS	176	Yes	No	Yes
Vita Student Pebble Mill	N/A	Pebble Mill, Pershore Rd, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B29 7ES	355	Yes	No	Yes
iQ Broderick House	4.0	140 Bath Row, Birmingham B15 1NQ	179	Yes	No	Yes
iQ Studios 51	4.0	30 Bagot Street, Birmingham B4 7AG	207	Yes	No	Yes
Canvas The Heights	4.6	30 Staniforth St, Birmingham, B4 7DR	164	Yes	No	Yes
Onyx	4.8	60 Lancaster Street, Birmingham, B4 7BZ	175	Yes	No	Yes
Chamberlain Place	N/A	Corporation Street, Birmingham, B4 6RG	197	Yes	No	Yes

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does student accommodation cost in Birmingham? 

Prices vary depending on the type and location of the accommodation, ranging from £90 to over £200 per week.

How to find student accommodation in Birmingham? 

Start by researching online, visiting university websites, and booking tours of potential accommodations. Students can get help from marketplaces like UniAcco to find the best housing solution. 

Where do students from the University of Birmingham live? 

Students commonly live in on-campus dorms, nearby off-campus student accommodations, or social properties around the city.