Living in Stratford-upon-Avon
Stratford-upon-Avon is home to the world’s most famous playwright, William Shakespeare. It blends unique heritage, culture, theatre, arts and gardens, along with a thriving community with a wide variety of leisure and shopping experiences, offering a genuine immersive experience.
Stratford is the home of the Royal Shakespeare Company, which is one of the best-known theatre companies in the world, and one of the best resources for students studying Shakespeare.
Shakespeare Institute students benefit from our exciting five-year collaboration with the RSC which has seen the University become a Founding Partner of The Other Place. Opened in spring 2016 to coincide with the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death, The Other Place is the RSC’s creative hub for rehearsal, training, learning and research. Our students are able to access creative and teaching spaces at The Other Place, as well as the expertise of RSC artists and practitioners.
The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust own and manage all the Shakespeare properties, as well as holding extensive archives including those of the RSC. Students studying with us make good use of the excellent resources offered by the Trust.
One of the advantages of living in Stratford-upon-Avon, is that it is easy to get around the town. Shops, bars, theatres, cinema’s etc are all within walking distance of each other. The Shakespeare Institute itself is only seven minutes from the Railway Station and five minutes from the town centre.
As a tourist town, there are plenty of part time jobs available for students looking to earn some money whilst studying with us. Students in full-time registration with the University are exempt from paying the local Council Tax. Information on finding accommodation in Stratford can be found below.
Stratford-upon-Avon is surrounded by the beautiful countryside of South Warwickshire and it is in proximity to the Cotswolds. There are many English Heritage and National Trust properties in the region including Warwick Castle. The railway station has direct links to Birmingham (50 minutes) and London (1hr 40 mins).
Shakespeare's Birthplace
Accommodation in Stratford-upon-Avon
The Shakespeare Institute, unlike the Edgbaston campus at the University of Birmingham, does not have its own accommodation. There are, however, many sources of accommodation in Stratford-upon-Avon and we give as much assistance as we can to help students find somewhere to live.
Should I live in Stratford or Birmingham?
Most of our students choose to live in Stratford and we would recommend that choice as it facilitates participation in all the activities of the Institute. All these things can help students feel more involved in the Institute community.
Students will also be sent details about postgraduate accommodation on the University of Birmingham campus. We generally don’t recommend this option because of difficulties with transport and distance from the Institute. However, please read the information provided by Housing Services (on the Edgbaston campus) as this provides very useful general advice for you about issues affecting students such as council tax.
Some students decide to live at home and commute in, especially those who are studying part-time. The University of Birmingham will also send you information.
Cost and types of accommodation available
Stratford is quite an expensive place to live in comparison with other areas of the UK. Costs depend on type of accommodation, location and whether utilities are included. There are several types of accommodation available to rent in Stratford:
• Bedsit: A bedsit is usually a room in a house, which will be the private home of an individual, couple or family, and they will also live there.
• Shared houses: Students are often keen to live with other students while they are studying and are keen to find houses to rent together.
• Flats: Flats can be one or two bedrooms and have separate bedrooms, living rooms, kitchen etc. Flatlets / ‘granny flats’ or ‘annexes’ are very compact flats attached to a private house.
• Private houses: If you are bringing your family/partner to the UK with you, you may want to find a house to rent.
Most bedsits, flats, etc. are offered as long term lets (6 months or a year) and you may be required to pay a deposit. More information about properties in the area can be found on Rightmove, SpareRoom or in the local paper, The Stratford Herald.
Letting agents
Local letting agents will often only deal with applicants when they are physically in Stratford. If you are keen to find a flat or house through a letting agency, often the best thing to do is book a guest house for a few days and book appointments with agencies to view available properties when you arrive in Stratford.
Connecting with other students
New students to the Institute will receive information about registering for their modules in the summer before they arrive. At this time they will also get information about how to connect with other incoming students before they arrive.