University of Birmingham

OVERVIEW

Birmingham has been challenging and developing great minds for more than a century. Characterised by a tradition of innovation, research at the University has broken new ground, pushed forward the boundaries of knowledge and made an impact on people’s lives. They continue this tradition today and have ambitions for a future that will embed their work and recognition of the Birmingham name on the international stage.

Universities are never complete. They develop as new challenges and opportunities occur. At Birmingham they innovate, they push the frontiers of understanding; they ask new research questions, they turn theory through experiment into practice – because that’s what great universities do.

• Birmingham is a leading, global top 100 university. 
  
• The University is recognised in the top 1% of universities across the world. 
  
• We are a member of the elite Russell Group of UK universities. 
  
• Birmingham is the first Russell Group, and global top 100 university to establish a campus in Dubai. 
  
• Birmingham has one of the largest international student communities in the UK, with 5000 students from 150 countries.
  

ACCOMMODATION

More than a century after the University of Birmingham was established to unlock the global potential of a progressive city, they remain committed to ensuring our national and global influence while remaining at the heart of the city’s renaissance. The campus is home to a wealth of historical, scientific, cultural and sporting assets open to our community. Birmingham welcomes you to visit, be inspired, entertained and expand your knowledge.

In the glorious heart of England, Birmingham is a diverse, modern and exciting city with a long cultural and intellectual heritage.

Less than two hours from London, Birmingham is situated in a prime, central location in the country, and offers everything you could desire from a capital city, within easy reach of the picturesque English countryside.

• Catch the train from University Station to Birmingham New Street in eight minutes. 
  
• With Birmingham International Airport on your doorstep, travelling to mainland Europe couldn't be easier. 
  
• Birmingham is the youngest city in Europe, with under-25s accounting for nearly 40% of its population. 
  
• With over 8,000 acres of parks and open space, Birmingham is one of the greenest cities in the UK. 
  
• All faiths are well represented in Birmingham, with more than 650 churches, mosques, synagogues and temples across the city.
  

Student life at the University of Birmingham is so much more than your bedroom. For most of you, student accommodation will be your first time living independently and University of Birmingham strives to offer you a welcoming environment so that your new room instantly feels like home.

At Birmingham they offer a fantastic choice of living, all which provides a safe, secure and sociable start to your university experience. They offer dedicated postgraduate accommodation in both the Pritchatts Park and Selly Oak villages, as well as a range of studios and apartments across a number of locations. 

• Pritchatts Park Village 
  

Just a 5-10 minute walk from the University's own train station and campus, Prithcatts Park Village offers you the perfect gateway to university and city life.

• Selly Oak Village 

• The Vale Village

Set in the beautiful surroundings of lakeside parkland, The Vale Village is our largest accommodation site. It is home to more than 3,500 undergraduate and postgraduate students.

The Vale offers studios and apartments for postgraduates. For further information see the The Vale Village web page. 

• Host - Student Apartments

Offering a number of Deluxe En-Suite rooms as well as a handful of Premium Studios, Host - Studio Apartments is certainly a place where you can make the most of your time at University.

LIVING EXPENSES

Accommodation forms a large proportion of your budget, therefore, you should choose a residence carefully which suits your financial circumstances.

One-off initial costs 

• University-owned halls pre-payment: £550 
  
• Private shared house deposit: Usually a month's rent in advance 
  
• Bedding pack (single/double)*: £30-40 
  
• Insurance**: £80 
• TV Licence: £145.50 
  

* Bedding packs are available to purchase from your Accommodation site office

**Basic possessions insurance is included in all University-owned accommodation

Essential costs

The following are a number of essential weekly costs to be factored into your budget to cover basic living needs (based over a 42 week academic session):

Catered Halls - Self Catered Halls - Private House 

• Rent:  £175 - £140 - £100 
  
• Gas & Electric:  Included - Included - £9 
  
• Water:  Included - Included - £3 
  
• Food:  Included - £50 - £50 
  
• Toiletries:  £3 - £3 - £3 
  
• Laundry:  £5 - £5 - £5 

• Weekly Total:  £183 - £198 - £170 
  
• Annual Total:  £7,686 - £8,316 - £7,140 
  

Variable costs

The following costs are variable and the weekly amount may depend on your available budget and individual circumstances:

• Course costs: £18 
  
• Travel: £21 
  
• Social/Memberships: £50 
  
• Clothing: £10 
  
• Internet*:  £5 
  
• Mobile Phone: £2  

• Weekly Total: £106 
  
• Annual Total: £4,452 
  

*Wi-fi connection is included in the cost of University-owned accommodation