Cost Of Living In Birmingham For Students [Updated 2024] – UniAcco

Moving to Birmingham for further studies? Great! Birmingham is home to 5 amazing universities – Aston University, University of Birmingham, Birmingham City University, University College Birmingham and Newman University. But that’s not all that makes this city so popular among students. Being the second-largest city in the UK, the city is considered to be the cultural, financial, social and commercial centre of both the East and West Midlands. We bet you’re now excited about the prospects of living in Birmingham. But what is the cost of living in Birmingham for students?

The cost of living in Birmingham for students can vary, but it typically ranges between £18,000 to £20,400 yearly. Students can save money by cooking their own meals, shopping at budget supermarkets, taking advantage of student discounts, and planning their meals.

There are several factors that impact the overall living expenditures in Birmingham and these by and large depend on your spending patterns as well as your budget. On average, it is advisable to have a monthly budget of around £1,500 to £1,700 (without tuition) to live comfortably in Birmingham. Indian students in Birmingham can anticipate a monthly cost of living ranging from ₹1,58,133 to £1,79,235. This budget covers a wide range of expenses, including student accommodation, rent, food, groceries, utilities, transportation, and entertainment, among others. Careful financial planning is essential for a successful and enjoyable experience while studying in Birmingham. Read on to get an elaborate detail on the different expenses that students come across and what factors impact their overall living costs.

Overview Of Living Expenses In Birmingham

Birmingham has shrugged off its image of being a lowly industrial city to become one of the UK’s leading centres of trade, commerce and business. Birmingham welcomes business from both the UK and internationally. Thanks to this, there’s been a rich infusion of cultures and traditions because people from all over the world, coming here in search of opportunities.

Are you wondering what the living expenses in Birmingham for international students are? Is Birmingham expensive for students? Well,  the cost of living in Birmingham differs by the area you choose to live in apart from several other factors. For instance, areas like Solihull and Sutton Coldfield tend to be the most expensive, whereas Edgbaston and Mosely are reasonably priced. In fact, in 2015, Mosely was voted the best place to live in the UK for city living. Here’s a quick monthly breakdown of the cost of living when moving to Birmingham –

Cost of Living in Birmingham For Indian Students

The living costs in Birmingham are inclusive of various expenses including food, accommodation, travel and many others that are beyond the tuition fees. As an Indian student pursuing your education in Birmingham, your average monthly expenses can range between INR 1,40,000 – 1,45,000 which covers a wide assortment of costs. Here is a representation of the average total expense that Indian students will have to incur while pursuing their studies in Birmingham:

Note: The costs mentioned above may fluctuate and are subject to change. 

Cost Of Tuition Fees

The University of Birmingham is one of the leading institutions in the city. The average tuition fee for undergraduate programmes ranges between £9,250 and £32,000 per year, depending on the course of study. Aston University is renowned for its business and engineering programmes with tuition fees ranging from £9,250 to £24,000 per year.

Birmingham City University is an esteemed institution that offers a diverse range of courses with average tuition fees ranging between £9,250 and £13,200 per year for undergraduate programmes. It is essential to note that these figures are subject to change and may vary based on the specific programme, residency status, and several other factors.

Cost Of Student Accommodation In Birmingham

The prices of student accommodation in Birmingham can vary depending on factors such as location, amenities, and the type of housing. Purpose-built student accommodations can range from approximately £140 to £300 per week depending on the property type. 

Birmingham Accommodation

Note – Student housing is budget-friendly as it covers utilities, which is priced at £244 to £280 per month. That is around 10-15% of total living costs.

Cost of Transport

Birmingham offers easy connectivity to the major university campuses along with convenient transportation alternatives to travel within and around the city including:

Bus: Birmingham has an extensive bus network operated by National Express West Midlands. Single fares are around £2.50 for most routes within the city centre. Day passes will cost you around £5.

Train: Birmingham has three main railway stations namely, Birmingham New Street, Birmingham Moor Street, and Birmingham Snow Hill. Single fares within the city can range from £2 to £5 depending on the distance travelled. 

Metro: The West Midlands Metro tram system connects Birmingham to nearby towns like Wolverhampton and Wednesbury. A single fare costs around £2.50 with day passes costing approximately £6.

Cycling: Birmingham has a bike-share scheme called Birmingham Cycle Revolution with docking stations across the city. Daily subscriptions cost around £5, while the first 30 minutes are free.

Cost of Food and Groceries

Living in Birmingham can be quite affordable when it comes to food and groceries. A basic grocery haul including bread, milk, eggs, and fruits is expected to cost around £40 – £50 per week for a single person. Dining out at affordable restaurants or getting a takeaway meal will likely cost around £10 – £15.

However, if you prefer to indulge in fine-dine or mid-range restaurants, you can factor in £25 – £40 per person. For those who enjoy cooking at home, larger supermarket chains like Tesco, Asda, and Sainsbury’s offer a wide range of products at reasonable prices.

Miscellaneous Expenses

While Birmingham offers plenty of opportunities for an enriching lifestyle, it’s important to factor in miscellaneous expenses. An evening at the movies or a casual restaurant could cost around £20 – £30 per person. Those seeking entertainment options such as concerts or theatre performances, should budget £40 – £80 or more. Personal care services like haircuts and grooming may range from £15 to £50, depending on the salon and the location.

Healthcare is a significant expense, with private medical insurance premiums expected to be £50 – £100 per month for an individual plan. However, students can take advantage of the National Health Service (NHS) for subsidized or free healthcare services. Additionally, gym memberships and fitness classes will cost around £30 – £60 per month to ensure that you can maintain an active lifestyle in the city.

Is Birmingham Expensive To Live For Students?

While Birmingham offers a bustling student life and top-notch educational institutions, the cost of living can be a significant consideration for those on a tight budget. Fortunately, the city provides various affordable options for students. Additionally, many scholarships offer financial assistance for students to cover their educational expenses which contribute to a major chunk of the costs. Thus, with the right planning, the living costs as a student in Birmingham can be managed well. 

Factors Influencing Cost of Living in Birmingham

For students living in Birmingham, the cost of living can be influenced by various factors that are specific to their needs and lifestyle. Here are some key pointers highlighting factors that can affect the cost of living for students in Birmingham:

Tuition Fees

The cost of education, including tuition and other academic fees, can be a significant factor.

Accommodation

Rental prices for student housing or shared accommodations near the university or college.

Utilities

Costs associated with electricity, heating, cooling, water, and internet services in student accommodation. However, these expenses can be saved if you go for purpose-built student accommodations through UniAcco as the property pricing is inclusive of the utility bills.

Textbooks and Supplies

Expenses for required textbooks, study materials, and other academic supplies.

Food and Groceries

The cost of meals, groceries, and dining out include the food expenses.

Transportation

Public transportation costs or expenses related to owning and maintaining a vehicle.

Healthcare

Health insurance premiums and out-of-pocket expenses for medical services and prescriptions.

Personal Care and Wellness

Expenses for personal grooming, wellness, and fitness-related activities.

Part-time Job Opportunities 

Birmingham offers various part-time job opportunities for students looking for a side hustle along with their studies for an income or to gain valuable work experience. Some common part-time job opportunities for students in Birmingham include:

Retail Positions

Working in local shops, malls, or supermarkets as a cashier, sales associate, or stock clerk.

Hospitality and Catering

Jobs in restaurants, cafes, bars, and catering services, ranging from waiting tables to kitchen assistance.

Customer Service

Working in customer service roles, such as call centres, front desk positions, or customer support for local businesses.

Tutoring and Academic Assistance

Offering tutoring services or academic assistance to fellow students or local high school students.

Administrative and Office Support

Part-time roles in offices, assisting with administrative tasks, data entry, or reception duties.

Event Staffing

Opportunities to work at events, conferences, or concerts in roles like ticketing or event coordination.

FAQs on Cost of Living in Birmingham

Q1. Is Birmingham cheap for students?

Ans: Living in Birmingham as a student is regarded as less expensive than living in London, making it more reasonable for students on a budget. According to Numbeo, Birmingham has a Cost of Living Index score of 68, whereas London has a score of 84.

Q2. How much does it cost to live as a student in Birmingham?

Ans: You will need to financially sustain yourself while studying in addition to paying your tuition expenses. According to the UKVI, the cost of living in Birmingham would be around £9,135 per year. Birmingham is the UK’s second-largest city, however, transportation and accommodation are approximately 40% less expensive than in London!

Q3. Is Birmingham University Expensive?

Ans: The amount of your tuition fee is determined by the programme you choose to study and the level at which you study. Tuition costs at Birmingham University for overseas students might range from £19,980 to £44,100 per year.

Q4. How much does it cost to rent a house in Birmingham?

Ans: The rent for student housing in Birmingham is heavily influenced by the room type, location, and a variety of other factors. Students may pay a weekly rent amount ranging from GBP 104 to GBP 309.

We hope you enjoyed this blog on the ‘Cost Of Living In Birmingham For Students.’ To know more about related fields do check out our other blogs –

1. Cost Of Living In Bradford Explained
2. Cost Of Living In Swansea
3. Cost Of Living In Wolverhampton For International Students
4. Cost of Living In Wolverhampton
5. Best Birmingham City University Accommodations