For many students, university is not just a place to study – it’s also a place to live. But where in the second city should you make your second home? A few of our current postgraduate students offer their advice on the different options.
University accommodation
Kanak Mishra, LLM student
I stay at Jarratt Hall and it is ‘the’ place to live if you are looking for affordable, comfortable, and convenient accommodation for university living. Coming from a place of a much warmer climate-India, I wanted to opt for accommodation that is fairly close to the university to travel in the dead of the winter and during the UK’s incessant rains. Jarratt Hall is only a five-minute walk from the university.
It is also quite well-placed for attending to all international student needs such as groceries, household items, food outlets, cafes, and local pubs. Popular grocery stores like Aldi, Tesco, and Sainsbury are only a five to ten minutes’ walk away which makes it super easy for grocery runs right before one decides to host an impromptu social evening. The Goose, Bristol Pear, Circo, The Soak, Café Face, and Subway are some of the most-valued places for an amazing evening out with friends.
Jarratt Hall offers a convenient living experience. It has a well-maintained combination of green and concrete. The rooms are neat and spacious as compared to student accommodations in other cities. The kitchen area is well-equipped with all essential appliances and is spacious enough for all flatmates to enjoy dining together.
The university also supplies generous bedding material and a kitchen pack so one need not carry utensils from back home. There is 24/7 support available at the reception in-person or via call and there is a constant sense of safety and security.
Off-campus accommodation
Ishaan Goyal, MSc Financial Economics student
Navigating postgraduate life is like threading through a complex tapestry, and choosing the right accommodation is a decision that shapes your entire experience. As a proud University of Birmingham student, let me share my journey in the vibrant Belgrave View.
Now, here’s the twist – Belgrave View is a bit off-campus, but let me assure you, it’s a gem with its own set of advantages. Nestled comfortably between the University of Birmingham and the lively city centre, this shared apartment transcends the conventional. Picture this: a shared apartment setup with individual rooms decked out with en-suite bathrooms and a communal kitchen where the magic happens.
Being off-campus has its nuances, yet the location is the trump card. It’s not just a residence; it’s a gateway to both lectures and the pulsating city life. What’s more, a bus stop right outside makes the commute a breeze, taking a mere 15 minutes to reach the university. The proximity to the heart of the city transforms Belgrave View into a strategic haven.
What sets Belgrave View apart? Community. The shared gaming area is the nucleus – featuring pool, PS4, indoor basketball – fostering shared experiences and meaningful friendships that add vibrancy to the academic journey.
Now, let’s delve into amenities. Fully furnished rooms with study nooks and ample storage create a haven for focused academic pursuits. With a 24/7 reception and efficient repairs, Belgrave View ensures a seamless living experience, freeing me to concentrate on academic challenges.
In the vast landscape of postgraduate life in Birmingham, Belgrave View isn’t just a residence; it’s an academic hub that enriches my student experience. For prospective postgrads exploring Birmingham’s diverse scene, consider a place like Belgrave View – not just comfortable but a community builder. Amidst studies and cultural vibes, that’s where the genuine magic of postgraduate life in Birmingham unfolds.
Elspeth McGuigan, MSc Genomic Medicine student
Finding student accommodation is a big consideration in your journey to starting a postgraduate degree. For me, I decided to study for a Masters degree at a new university and knew that I wanted to live near campus in student accommodation. Here are some tips on finding accommodation and my experience living off-campus as a postgraduate student.
Research the Area
While I was searching for accommodation, I researched the area to get an idea of the best place to live as a student. I decided on Selly Oak as it is close to campus and is a lively student community with lots of things to do. Selly Oak is full of student rented houses, so there is no shortage of places to live, even when looking for a house late in the year as I did. In Selly Oak you are close by to the university for easy access to campus as well as a range of shops, cafes and bars.
Viewing the Houses and Meeting Housemates
After deciding on Selly Oak, I used a website called SpareRoom to find a house. I managed to arrange and view two properties helping me to decide my house and choose a room. I would really recommend viewing the house if you are able to visit the area, as it helped me feel more settled when moving in.
At first, the idea of moving into a new city where I had no housemates to move into was a daunting idea. However, looking back I’m glad I took the plunge, and it was not as daunting as it seemed. The house I moved into is close to everything and near to the friends I’ve now made. Although I didn’t know my housemates at first everyone gets along. If you are worried about living in a student house, there are support services offered by the uni such as the Selly Oak Community Wardens that are able to help with any housing issues.
In my experience, I am glad I chose to live nearby to campus as it allows me to get involved in student life as a postgraduate here at the University of Birmingham.