Birmingham private student accommodation

Birmingham is a diverse, modern and exciting city, offering everything you could need from a capital city. From a range of music venues and clubs to the quieter, picturesque areas – Birmingham is a hugely popular place among students.

While many first-year students stay in University halls, it is common for second and third-year students to stay in private accommodation. Here, we discuss the different types of private accommodation options to choose from in Birmingham and what to consider when choosing a student house.

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Read the benefits of living in Birmingham as a student.

Find out how much you are likely to pay rent private accommodation in Birmingham.

Read the different types of Birmingham student accommodation.

Why choose student accommodation in Birmingham?

Birmingham offers five excellent Universities, and in the latest Complete University Guide league table for 2024, the University of Birmingham is ranked 14th out of 130 institutions surveyed. However, Birmingham itself also has a lot to offer. Birmingham is well known for its shopping centres – the Bullring and Grand Central are one of the UK’s top shopping and leisure destinations. On top of this, there are also plenty of independent shops, student venues and affordable restaurants scattered all over town. Compared to rival London, Birmingham is much more affordable. Rent in Birmingham is almost 63% cheaper than London.

Let’s find out more about renting private student accommodation in Birmingham:

How much does it cost to rent private student accommodation in Birmingham?

Several factors decide the rent of student apartments, including the type of accommodation you opt for. The various facilities and amenities provided by the accommodation and the room’s configuration all factor into the price for university accommodation in Birmingham. In general, private student accommodation in Birmingham usually costs between £130.00 – £185.00 per week.

Are you looking at a student house in Birmingham that doesn’t include bills in the rent price? Don’t worry – find out how we can help here!

View of birmingham city

Types of private accommodation in Birmingham

Shared housing in Birmingham

There are many shared housing options available in Birmingham that you could rent with friends or join with people who are completely new. Most students will share houses in their second year of study, once they have made some friends who they are happy living with. The advantages of a shared house are that you and your housemates can host parties and other social events without having to worry about surrounding flats. Houses can be a great option if you are comfortable living closely with others – such as this four-bedroom house.

Flats and apartments in Birmingham

The city of Birmingham hosts many flats and apartments that are perfect for students. Flats are often popular with couples who want their own place – or, they can be a great option if you feel more comfortably living alone. When you rent a flat, you get your own bedroom, bathroom and living space. You may even want to rent 3 or 4 bedroom apartment, which could be great for a close group of friends.

Popular student areas in Birmingham

Some popular places to rent as a student in Birmingham include:

Edgbaston/Selly Oak

The most popular student area in the city for University of Birmingham students, Edgbaston/Selly Oak is a perfect area for socialising with students and studying. Lining the streets of Selly Oak are characterful, unique terraced houses, as well as purpose-built student accommodations for you to choose from.

Are you looking for a house in Selly Oak? Have a look at this four-bedroom student home in Birmingham – situated close to public transport links and not far from the city centre!

The city centre

Though it may be more expensive to rent in this area, the city centre is also a thriving destination for university students in Birmingham. The centre is a perfect choice if you want to enjoy the buzzing nightlife Birmingham has to offer. The quality of the student houses in the centre can also be excellent.

Thinking of living in the city? Read our guide to choosing a property in Birmingham city centre here.

Moseley

Mosely is a trendy and unique area, with lots of awesome independent shops and pubs scattered around. Despite being slightly further away from the University as Selly Oak, transport links to/from the area are excellent with a 25 minute bus journey getting you to the University and 30-minute journey for the city centre. Rents are affordable and all-important amenities are nearby!

Eastside/Digbeth

An ideal option for both Birmingham City and Aston University students, the areas of Eastside and Digbeth truly are just a short walk from the Coach station. These areas are perfect for students looking for a unique area on the doorstep of the city centre buzz. Eastside and Digbeth feature a variety of music venues, great pubs and eateries.

Choosing a type of accommodation – what to consider

Cost of renting

The price for renting in Birmingham may vary slightly depending on the accommodation you go for. For instance, if you were to rent a studio flat, you’ll pay out a lot more in rent. However, a shared housing option with friends/flatmates will help lower the overall price. Therefore, you will want to consider what living arrangements you prefer and whether this arrangement is worth the price rise/decrease it offers you. See an example of a four-bedroom student property in Birmingham here!

Local amenities

As a student, you’re bound to need a last-minute shop run or late-night food grab, so it’s important that you know the amenities available in your area. You may not want a property that is a 20-minute walk away from the nearest local shop, so these things are important to consider for your daily living experiences in the long term.

Distance from the University

A key aspect of being a student is the distance from your place of study, and this is definitely something to consider when choosing accommodation. Having to travel over an hour a day just to reach campus will prove tiring after a while. However, being only a short walk or drive away will allow you to have a more relaxed wake-up and reduce the risk of missing your classes. Choosing the right accommodation based on this factor can significantly improve your daily journeys.

Inclusive vs non-inclusive bills

Finally, one of the most important things to consider is whether your accommodation offers inclusive bills. Inclusive bills allow everything to be paid in one go, without the need to arrange multiple contracts. This can often result in disorganisation and potential conflict.

When it comes to non-inclusive bills, Split the Bills is a great tool. You will find an incredible range of bill packages to guarantee a stress-free, simple bill splitting process. These amazing packages provide you with the best, most cost-effective energy services for your accommodation.

However, when it comes to paying, Split the Bills handles all the organisation and payments on your behalf, so there is no confusion, conflict or hassle between flatmates. If you want the ease and bliss of having all your bills arranged and handled for you, then visit Split the Bills to get a price or find out more about the great packages on offer.

 

Are bills not included in your rent price?

Don’t worry – Split The Bills can find the best and cheapest providers for you and bundle all your bills into one easy payment. This means you don’t have to have awkward conversations with your housemates about who’s sorting the electricity bill or how much the gas bill is. That way, you can enjoy the benefits of just having one easy-to-manage payment to make each month and spend more time enjoying student life!

  • Choose from our energy packages, superfast broadband, water and a TV licence.
  • Pay the same fixed amount every month and don’t worry about bills!
  • Avoid arguments by everyone paying the same share.
  • We set up the utilities for your house – so sit back, and relax!
  • Less time worrying about bills = more time to enjoy being a student!

Find out more about how Split the Bills can help here.

Related content

Choosing a student property in Birmingham city centre

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