My favourite thing about being a student in Birmingham is the fact that it has the perfect amount of everything. There are many different food spots dotted around everywhere, going from affordable to luxury, British cuisine to Mexican delicacies, small study cafés to fancy dress-up restaurants, and eat in or take out; There is 100% something that will suit you!
Another great example is the nightlife, which also gives you a lot to choose from, as you can pick from bars, clubs, or even have a beverage at a late closing restaurant. There are so many places to visit and spend your time in Birmingham, with a very low chance of you finding yourself with nothing to do!
As a student at Aston University, I’ve found it to be such a vibrant, diverse and supportive place to study, right in the heart of Birmingham and very close to the Bullring. The campus feels like a close-knit community where everyone is encouraged to grow both academically and personally. What I love most is how practical and career-focused the learning is because the lecturers genuinely care about helping you apply your knowledge in real life situations. With so many opportunities for networking, teamwork, and personal development, Aston really pushes you to become confident and ready for the future.
My favourite cafes
In my second year of university, I found a student-friendly flat in Selly Oak and here are some of my favourite cafes. I love spending time in them as they make me feel so warm and cosy; whether I am with my partner, my friends, studying alone or just simply wanting a bite or a drink.
Here are my top recommendations:
Café Face and Heybrew do amazing drinks and bites for any occasion. They are also where many other students go, so it is so easy to fit in, be comfortable or even make new friends!
Student nightlife
I must start off by saying Birmingham is the place to be on a night out. Filled with life, filled with laughter and filled with fun, Birmingham offers the best nightlife dotted all around the city.
In Selly Oak, you have two student clubs called Circo and The Guild, and my two favourite bars called The Goose and the Pear. All students usually end up getting a subway next door at 3am when they want to indulge in some food!
On Broad Street, you have Rosie’s and Barbaras (also known as Heidi’s) and then some nice pubs and drinking (and food) places including Wetherspoons, O’Neill's, Slug and Lettuce, The Alchemist, and BeAtOne.
In the Arcadian, most of the places have now been closed down but a couple of the good remaining ones are Sobar (as an affordable club), and China White (as a more bougie club.)
In Chamberlain Square (also known as Gas Street) you have the one and only Alberts Schloss which is unbeatable!
Best places to eat
Whatever mood you are in or wherever you are, Birmingham has the food that will suit your wants and needs. So… here are some of my personal favourites:
Japanese: Satori or Yo! Sushi
- Satori is a more intimate, elegant Japanese restaurant where every dish is ‘crafted to stimulate the senses’. They have a high attention to detail and have a smart casual dress code.
- Yo! Sushi offers the traditional Japanese food where you can just rock up without a reservation, in a more casual but fun setting!
Mexican/Halal: The Mayan
- You get unreal dishes like sizzling fajitas, tacos, steaks and rice bowls… You just can't miss it. And the setting is even better! A vibrant but fun atmosphere where you can either make it casual or make it fancy! They also mention halal options.
British: Toby Carvery
- This is a classic British pub where you can have a mountain-filled dish of your favourites from a roast dinner and extremely budget-friendly!
Malaysian/Halal: The Malaya Classic
- This is a standout pork-free and halal-only restaurant in Birmingham, specialising in Malaysian-Chinese food, offering vegetarian options. It’s a great place for groups, and my tip for you is to share as many dishes as you can!
Asian: Tiger Bites Pig
- This place brings East Asian street-food energy to Birmingham with my favourites being their Bao buns and rice bowls, which are full of flavour and super affordable if you’re not wanting to spend as much. Casual and quick!
Hidden gems and best walks
If you live in or near Selly Oak, you are never too far from a beautiful walk, whether it’s Selly Oak Park or the nice canal-side walk.
Winterbourne House and garden is located in Edgbaston, just minutes from the city centre, where you will find woodland walks, a hazelnut tunnel, a Japanese bridge and plenty of calm, relaxing spots to chill out or drink some tea.
Lickey Hills Country Park is located southwest of Birmingham, about 10 miles out from town, it offers you the most beautiful views, relaxing walks and expansive woodland.
In the south of Birmingham, Moseley Bog and Sarehole Mill is a charming but very hidden gem spot, and if you just look up some pictures… No words need to be said apart from YES!
A final super spot would be the University of Birmingham. They truly have some beautiful, relaxing nature walks on and near campus, and it truly is a breath of fresh air exploring it!
What is Birmingham famous for?
Birmingham is most famous for the Industrial Revolution, the Jewellery Quarter, its diverse food scene, its music and culture, and for being the filming location of Peaky Blinders! It also has one of the best shopping centres in England!
Birmingham has so many amazing spots that make it such a fun and lively city to explore. You can spend hours at the Bullring & Grand Central, shopping, eating, or playing some fun mini golf and other activities, or you can take a calmer moment at the Library of Birmingham, where the rooftop gives you one of the best views in Birmingham. Cadbury World is a must-visit for chocolate lovers and if you’re into art or history, the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery has a really nice mix of classic and modern pieces. The Jewellery Quarter is full of fun, with independent shops and cosy cafés.
Where is the best place to live in Birmingham as a student and what is the average student rent in the area?
Birmingham has plenty of great areas for students, offering something a little different in each area.
Selly Oak is one of the most popular spots, especially for University of Birmingham students, because it’s lively, affordable, and full of student houses/flats, cafés, and pubs, with rent averaging around £400–£600 per month in shared accommodation. I personally pay 585gbp per month excluding bills, and my bills are 157gbp per month at a set rate.
For those who prefer to be in the heart of the city, the City Centre is ideal, putting you close to Aston University, Birmingham City University, and all the best shops and nightlife, although rent here is higher at around £150–£275 per week.
If you’d rather live somewhere calmer, Edgbaston offers a more residential feel while still being close to campus, with rents starting at around £100 per week for shared housing.
Together, these areas give students a great mix of convenience, community, and comfort depending on their budget and lifestyle. To find the perfect choice for you, take a look here.
