Choosing where you'll live while studying at BCU is an important decision that affects your university experience. If proximity to campus is your priority, we've compiled a list of the nearest accommodation options to our City Centre Campus. All prices shown are for the 2025-2026 academic year.
1. BCU University Locks
Distance: 5-minute walk
Annual cost: £6,833.60 - £8,457.84
Located directly on our City Centre campus, University Locks offers the shortest commute to lectures. The prime location and accessible rooms make it an excellent choice for students with disabilities who need convenient campus access.
2. Lakeside Unite Students
Distance: 10-minute walk
Annual cost: £7,436
Just off James Watt Queensway, Lakeside is the second closest accommodation to our City Centre campus. These modern flats feature private en-suite bathrooms, with shared kitchen and living spaces for a social university experience.
3. Canvas The Old Fire Station
Distance: 12-minute walk
Annual cost: £8,976 - £10,659
The Old Fire Station, managed by Canvas, offers both studio and en-suite options in a beautifully renovated historic building. Residents have access to modern social areas, study spaces and an on-site gym.
4. Canvas The Heights
Distance: 17-minute walk
Annual cost: £7,128 - £8,007
Located across Smallbrook Queensway in B16, The Heights provides a well-equipped gym, saving you on membership fees. You'll have a private en-suite bathroom while sharing kitchen and social spaces with flatmates.
5. Unite Students Staniforth House
Distance: 18-minute walk
Annual cost: £7,700
Opposite The Heights, Staniforth House offers en-suite rooms with shared kitchen and living areas. Enjoy the roof terrace during warmer months or gather with friends in the amphitheatre for film nights.
6. Yugo Bentley House
Distance: 20-minute walk
Annual cost: £7,697 - £8,299
Near The Heights and Staniforth House, Bentley House provides four different room types from classic to deluxe. All rooms feature en-suite bathrooms, with shared kitchen and living spaces. The building also offers extensive social spaces and a fitness centre.
7. Host Queen's Hospital Close
Distance: 35-minute walk / 11-minute cycle / 20-minute bus
Annual cost: £6,450
Situated in green, leafy Edgbaston, Queen's Hospital Close is closer to our City South campus but still within reach of City Centre. This accommodation is ideal for students seeking a quieter environment just outside the bustling city centre.
Discover Queen's Hospital Close
8. Almero Student Beech Gardens
Distance: 40-minute walk / 11-minute cycle / 25-minute bus
Annual cost: £6,751 - £7,905
Located in Edgbaston near Five Ways station, Beech Gardens offers flats shared between five students with modern kitchens and two bathrooms. The large garden provides an ideal green space for relaxation and outdoor study.
9. Hamstead Campus (Hamcam)
Distance: 40-minute bus journey
Annual cost: £5,060 - £9,129
Our most budget-friendly option, Hamstead Campus is set in beautiful grounds away from the city centre. Perfect for students seeking a quiet environment, Hamcam includes a free bus pass covering the entire nBus zone.
How to Choose Your Accommodation
If proximity to BCU's City Centre campus is your top priority, University Locks is the clear choice. However, many factors should influence your decision.
Consider these important questions:
- Does the accommodation fit within your budget from maintenance loans, savings or family contributions? (Use our rent calculator to check affordability)
- Do you prefer city centre living or a more relaxed environment?
- How much will weekly travel cost from your accommodation?
- Do you need specific facilities like a gym or parking?
Take time to evaluate what matters most to you before making this important decision.
