Student Accommodation in Birmingham

Student Accommodation in Birmingham

Birmingham is in the West Midlands and is the second-largest city in the UK. According to Birmingham City University, it is the youngest city in Europe, with almost 40 per cent of the population under 25. This city hosts over 50 festivals every year that celebrate music, food, culture, and dance, including Birmingham Pride and the Frankfurt Christmas Market. Because of the city's rich culture, students choose Birmingham as their study destination. This city is home to 3 major universities: the University of Birmingham, Birmingham City University, and Aston University. The city has a large number of international students. According to 2024-25 HESA data, there are 104,140 students, of which 79,080 are domestic, and 25,060 are international. 

Birmingham offers the excitement of a major student city, with world-class universities, a thriving food and music scene, and a lower cost of living than London. However, student accommodation in Birmingham is in high demand because there are not enough beds to meet the growing number of students choosing to study here. Hence, it's important for students not to wait until the last minute. According to UniAcco's 2025-26 booking data, the average weekly rent is £169. To avoid missing out on good student accommodation, it's best to book at least 3-4 months before the start of term. With UniAcco, students can compare verified properties by room type, location, and budget, book securely online, and get their questions answered by a 24/7 support team. 

 

Birmingham in 60 Seconds

 

Why Choose Student Accommodation in Birmingham?

Students choose student accommodation in Birmingham for its affordability, excellent university locations, large student community, and strong career opportunities. Unlike in London, shared apartments, en-suite rooms, and private studios in Birmingham are much more affordable for students. Home to more than 104,140  students, Birmingham has one of the UK's largest student communities, creating a lively and welcoming environment for both domestic and international students. As one of the UK's leading business hubs, the city also offers excellent opportunities for part-time work, internships, and graduate careers across industries such as finance, healthcare, engineering, technology, and retail. 

 

UniAcco Insights 

• Average weekly rent: £169 

• 71% of students choose ensuite rooms, averaging £155/week 
• 21% choose studios, averaging £214/week for extra space and privacy. 
• Ensuites are the clear default choice for the large majority of students here 

 

Accommodation Types Available in Birmingham

 

Top 10 Affordable Student Accommodation in Birmingham

Birmingham is one of the most famous student cities in the UK because of the University of Birmingham, which ranks among the top 100 universities in the world, according to the QS World University Rankings 2027. The city has plenty of budget-friendly PBSA options within reach of all three universities. Popular affordable picks include:

• Canvas The Old Fire Station, Birmingham
• Lyttleton House
• Harriet Martineau
• Canvas The Heights, Birmingham
• Belgrave View, Birmingham
• Lakeside
• Mary Sturge
• Bagot Street, Birmingham
• Beech Gardens, Birmingham
• Calthorpe Court, Birmingham

 

Best Student Housing in Birmingham

The best student housing in Birmingham isn’t just about proximity to the universities. These best student accommodations in Birmingham at UniAcco offer a premium experience, like on-site gyms, cinema rooms, and social spaces. These are some of the best-reviewed properties in the city:

• Canalside, Birmingham
• Compass, Birmingham
• Vita Student Gough Street
• Globe Works, Birmingham
• Selly Oak Court, Birmingham
• Staniforth House
• Crown Place Birmingham
• Altura, Birmingham
• Onyx, Birmingham
• Kensington House

 

Best Areas for Student Accommodation in Birmingham

• Birmingham City Centre

Birmingham City Centre is one of the busiest student areas in the city. Students have easy access to restaurants, cafes, shopping centres, supermarkets and Birmingham New Street Station. Many modern student apartments and studios are available here. Aston University is an 8-minute walk away, and Birmingham City University’s main campus is an 11-minute walk away from this area. Living here means students can easily reach the university, shops, and entertainment venues. The downside is that rents are usually higher than in other student areas. 

• Selly Oak

Selly Oak is Birmingham's most popular student neighbourhood. It has hundreds of student houses, supermarkets, cafes and takeaway restaurants. Many students choose this area because they can easily walk to campus. The University of Birmingham’s Selly Oak campus is the nearest university, just a 13-minute walk away. The area has a strong student community and everything needed for daily life. However, it can become busy and noisy during the academic year. 

• Edgbaston

Edgbaston is one of Birmingham's best-known residential areas. The University of Birmingham’s main campus is located near this area, just a 19-minute walk away.  It also includes Birmingham Botanical Gardens and several sports venues. Students can find modern student accommodation and shared houses here. Students like Edgbaston because it is quiet, green and close to campus. However, student apartments in Birmingham sell out sooner because they're more affordable than those in Selly Oak.

• Jewellery Quarter

The Jewellery Quarter is a historic part of Birmingham with independent cafés, restaurants and converted apartments. It has become a popular place for postgraduate and international students looking for modern accommodation. This area is close to two main universities—Birmingham City University and Aston University. Birmingham City University is a 19-minute bus ride away, and Aston University is a 17-minute bus ride away. The area has excellent transport links and plenty of places to eat and relax. However, this accommodation area can be more expensive than in traditional student neighbourhoods.

• Harborne

Harborne is a quiet residential area close to the University of Birmingham. The university is a 13-minute bus ride away. It has independent cafés, local shops, supermarkets and green spaces. Many postgraduate and final-year students choose Harborne for its quieter lifestyle. Living in Harborne gives students a peaceful environment and an easy commute to the university. 

 

Student Accommodation Near Top Universities.

 

Around Birmingham — Student Travel Guide

Birmingham has one of the UK's largest public transport networks. Students can travel by bus, tram, train or bike. Many university campuses are also within walking distance of popular student areas.

Transport options and costs:

 

Student Life in Birmingham

• Cafés and Study Spaces

Students have plenty of places to study outside campus. University libraries stay open for long hours during term time. Cafés like Boston Tea Party, Yorks Café and Costa Coffee are popular places to study with free Wi-Fi.

• Student Societies

The universities in Birmingham have hundreds of clubs and societies. Students can join sports teams, cultural groups, volunteering projects and academic societies. It is a good way to meet new people and build new skills.

• Shopping

Students can shop at the Bullring & Grand Central, one of the UK's biggest shopping centres. The city also has local markets, supermarkets and discount stores where students can save money on everyday shopping.

• Sports and Fitness

Students can use university gyms, swimming pools and sports centres throughout the year. Cannon Hill Park and Edgbaston Reservoir are also popular places for walking, running and outdoor activities.

• Nightlife and Entertainment

Birmingham has a lively nightlife with pubs, music venues, cinemas and comedy clubs. Broad Street, Digbeth and Brindleyplace are some of the most popular areas for students to spend time with friends after classes.

 

When Should You Book Student Accommodation in Birmingham

The best student accommodation in Birmingham comes to those who book before the rush. The best-located, most affordable properties in areas like the Brimingham City Centre and Selly Oak tend to sell out early, especially for the September intake. Check out the recommended booking period below: 

 

How to Book Your Student Accommodation in Birmingham with UniAcco?

Follow the steps below and get your favourite student accommodation abroad.

Step 1: Compare prices and properties

First, choose the destination where you want to book the accommodation. Then, from 88 verified listings, shortlist the accommodation that suits your needs and lifestyle by comparing prices and properties.

Step 2: Fill in your details 

Once you have shortlisted your accommodation, fill in your basic details, such as your name, mobile number, and email address. Make sure the information you put in is correct.

Step 3: Talk to our expert and get the confirmation

Once you fill in the information, our student expert team will reach out to you within hours. They will guide you through contracts, deposits and rental agreements. Basically, they will be there for you 24/7 till you move into your accommodation.