Researching your options for the best city to study in? Birmingham offers the perfect blend of big city opportunities with a convenient and affordable lifestyle. As one of the UK's most diverse and vibrant cities, Birmingham could be the ideal place to call your home while studying for your degree.
1. A young, forward-looking city
With five universities, it's no wonder that Birmingham has one of the youngest populations in Europe, with 36.6% of the population under 25. This means the city is well equipped for student life, with many retailers and venues offering student discounts and events tailored to younger audiences.
The city's motto, "Forward" encapsulates its identity; you can see this in the constantly evolving skyline, entrepreneurial mindset, and commitment to innovation and change. Birmingham is always looking towards the future, making it an exciting place for students to develop and grow.
2. Excellent transport connections
With its central location at the heart of the UK, Birmingham has great travel connections with the rest of the country and the world. Birmingham International Airport flies to over 50 destinations worldwide, perfect for international students needing to visit home or for travelling during holidays.
The city sits at the centre of the UK's extensive rail network, making it easy to visit family and friends or explore iconic British destinations. For local travel, Transport for West Midlands offers student tickets, free minutes on West Midlands Cycles and sometimes even gives out free bus passes to help you travel affordably.
3. A diverse and vibrant city
As the UK's second-largest city, Birmingham offers exciting urban living that keeps its sense of community. It's also become one of the UK's first super-diverse cities, with just over 50% of the population from a minority ethnic background.
This rich diversity is one of Birmingham's greatest strengths, bringing together people from broad backgrounds and cultures in a cultural melting pot that produces outstanding food, music, art and innovative ideas. The cultural scene reflects this diversity, offering everything from Asian fusion cuisine to Eid and Christmas celebrations.
4. A growing economy with a wealth of opportunities
Birmingham stands at the heart of a £105 billion regional economy. The city serves as a hub for key sectors driving economic growth as part of the government's industrial strategy.
Birmingham has high levels of graduates employed in industries that will play an important role in driving this economic growth. Particularly in Professional and Business Services like banking, Fintech and insurance, and the Creative and Digital industries like film, gaming and VR. These stats highlight some of the career opportunities awaiting graduates who choose to study in the city.
5. Cheaper cost of living than London
The cost of living at university is a big consideration for many students. If you're planning to live away from home, accommodation costs are likely to be your biggest outgoing. According to the National Student Accommodation Survey, the average cost per month for rent in London is £812, compared to just £466 in the West Midlands, making Birmingham one of the most affordable major cities for students in the UK.
Student accommodation at Birmingham City University ranges from around £460 to £772 per month with bills included, offering options for various budgets. Learn about budgeting and the costs of living as a student here.
6. Cultural and creative hub
Birmingham is a city with a rich history and has emerged as a hub of creativity, innovation and artistic expression. From its thriving music scene with quirky venues to unique and diverse annual festivals, Birmingham offers an array of experiences that redefine what it means to be a creative hub.
The creative industries are set to make waves in the city, with BBC Birmingham developing a new home at the Tea Factory in Digbeth, and Digbeth Loc Studios set to bring major Film and TV productions to Birmingham. Create Central is driving these developments, working to develop the city into a leading creative hub.
7. City living with a connection to nature
With 15.58% of its total land classed as 'green space', Birmingham has more green spaces than any other major regional UK city. Sutton Park spans more than 2,200 acres, so you can spend hours wandering its many trails. As an added bonus you might spot one of the wild ponies that call it home.
The city features multiple parks, including Cannon Hill Park, Handsworth Park, and Perry Hall Park. Additionally, Birmingham's extensive canal network provides a direct route to nature and the perfect place for a scenic walk to clear your mind during assessments.
8. A place to curate your perfect fit
A trip to Birmingham isn't complete without a visit to the Bullring shopping centre. You'll find everything from the iconic Selfridges to your favourite high-street shops like Zara and Bershka. While you might need to do more window-shopping on a student budget, these stores also offer many opportunities to get a part-time job.
If you prefer thrifting and second-hand fashion, Digbeth is home to Red Brick Markets, COW and Birmingham Rag Market, where you can hunt for a bargain. For guilt-free shopping trips, Harborne is our top pick for charity shops, just a short bus ride from the city.
9. A home for sport
Sports enthusiasts will feel right at home in Birmingham with its two professional football teams, Aston Villa and Birmingham City, creating a lively football culture with friendly local rivalry.
Summer brings international cricket matches to Edgbaston, while basketball fans can catch Birmingham Rockets games or watch Birmingham Panthers play high-speed netball. The legacy of the 2022 Commonwealth Games includes world-class athletics facility at Alexander Stadium. Every year sees thousands take part in the Great Birmingham Run, plus there are social and competitive running clubs happening every week.
10. A city that's serious about sustainability
Birmingham City Council has set ambitious targets for carbon reduction, aiming for a 60% decrease in C02 emissions by 2027 and committing to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.
The city and wider region are making significant progress in sustainability initiatives, with growing demand for green jobs, and innovative hubs developing battery technology and green energy solutions.
Where will you choose to study?
Choosing the city you'll go to university in is a big decision and an exciting opportunity. There are many factors to weigh up, and you'll know what's most important to you. If you're looking for big city life, a sense of community, celebrate diversity and want to study in a forward-thinking environment, Birmingham is definitely worth adding to your list.
