Student Accommodation in Birmingham

Birmingham is a dynamic and rapidly growing city that is also home to some of the top universities in the UK. Hence, finding a suitable and affordable student accommodation in Birmingham is one of the first things that comes to a new student’s mind when planning to move into the city. 

Birmingham is the second-largest city in the UK that attracts thousands of students every year, thanks to its famous universities like the University of Birmingham, Birmingham City University, Aston University, Newman University, and the University College Birmingham. And to cater to such a large student population in the city, it offers various types of student housing options ranging from the university halls and purpose-built student accommodations (PBSA) to affordable private houses. The cost of renting these properties varies on the basis of location, contract length and the facilities provided. This article covers details on the different types of accommodations available in Birmingham for students, the best areas to live in the city, average accommodation costs, and useful tips to note for booking, so that you can find the perfect student accommodation in Birmingham for yourself. Check out the guide to studying in the UK for international students. 

Why is Living in Birmingham Good for Students?

Birmingham is one of the most accessible, diverse and student-friendly cities in the UK. The city offers excellent transport links, access to 5 UK universities in one place and a good student life and community. In terms of housing options, there is something for every student in the city, from the university halls, private studio apartments, or traditional houses on a shared basis that fit with students’ lifestyles and budgets.

Types of Student Accommodations in Birmingham

There are three main types of student accommodations in Birmingham, given below.

1. University Halls of Residence

This is the most favoured student housing in Birmingham among first-year students. Universities like the University of Birmingham run villages such as the Vale, Selly Oak Village, and Pritchatts Park as their university halls for students. While living in these types of accommodations, students can interact with each other, enjoy all basic amenities and facilities, visit the university library and more while staying close to their university. 

The university halls of residence have shared rooms, en-suites and even studio apartments, perfect for students who need a little privacy. The rent of these student halls usually covers Wi-Fi, utilities, and contents insurance. However, these student halls often come with fixed, non-negotiable contract lengths. You must apply early to get a student hall.

2. Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA)

PBSAs are modern, fully furnished student flats that are often located in the city centre or near popular university campuses. These are usually managed by private organisations, and provide a luxurious experience to students, all while providing them with all the basic amenities to students within the cost of their rent. PBSAs come in several options, such as en-suite cluster flats and private studios, with facilities like gyms, common areas, dedicated study zones, security systems and cinema rooms. However, these student accommodations in Birmingham, often the high-end ones, can sometimes be more expensive than the traditional student halls and private housing and feel a little less homely to international students. You can book an ideal PBSA for you via platforms like Amber, Hello Student, Unilodgers, and Student.com. Check out how to find the best student accommodations for studying abroad.

3. Private Rented Accommodation (Shared Houses/Flats)

It is a generally observed trend that students from the second year usually move to the private rented houses and flats, commonly called the Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). Students can find a majority of options in the Selly Oak and Bournbrook, where rows of terraced houses have been converted into student lets. These shared houses/flats are generally cheaper than the other student housing options in Birmingham; however, they come with their own cons. Students need to manage these properties on their own, and any bills apart from the house rent are not included in the bills, so students will have to make room for WiFi and other utilities separately in their budget. Check out the list of universities in Birmingham, UK.

Best Areas to Live in Birmingham for Students

Here is the list of popular and most convenient places for students to live in Birmingham, UK:

1. City Centre: The city centre is ideal for students who are going to attend either Aston University, Birmingham City University (BCU), or University College Birmingham (UCB). The city centre is also packed with PBSAs and modern apartments, and provides better connectivity around the city than anywhere else. Living here provides the most fulfilling experience to the students as they get easy access to nightlife, shopping, and transport.
2. Selly Oak: Selly Oak is a traditional place for students attending the University of Birmingham. It is a lively area with student-focused shops, pubs, and eateries. The Selly Oak student accommodation area is dominated by several private rented houses; however, small PBSAs are also emerging in the area.
3. Edgbaston: Edgbaston feels more residential and greener than Selly Oak to students and is close to both the University of Birmingham and Birmingham City University. 
4. Harborne: Even though this location is a bit further from the University of Birmingham, it's still favoured by older students, desiring a quieter and more upmarket environment, benefiting from good transport links.

Check out the Cost of Living in the UK for Indian students 2025-26.

Cost of Student Accommodations in Birmingham

The average costs of the different student accommodations in Birmingham are:

1. University Halls: The rents of the university halls or dormitories in Birmingham usually range from £120 to £180 per week, depending on room type and location and basic facilities like Wi-Fi, security and insurance are also included.
2. PBSA: PBSAs in Birmingham are usually expensive, ranging from £170 to £250 per week. This includes the cost range for both en-suites and studio apartments, and facilities like Wi-Fi, gymming, and sometimes, parking for two wheelers are also covered.
3. Private Houses and Flats: These can cost around £100 to £140 per week per person. However, other basic expenses are not covered in the rent. 

This was all about the student accommodation in Birmingham, UK. For more assistance on studying abroad, get in touch with the Shiksha's Counselling Services for free.