FAQs
Student accommodation
Finding the right place to live is especially important when you’re an Exchange or Study abroad student. Not only are you travelling to somewhere new, but you also want to make the most of the time you have at university. Luckily, our student accommodation will help you do just that.
Study Abroad (fee-paying) and Exchange students
From contemporary townhouses and studio apartments to private en-suites and shared spaces, we have something to suit every lifestyle and budget. As an international student coming to study at the University of Birmingham for a full year, you're guaranteed the opportunity to book a room in University accommodation or with one of our trusted partner accommodations if you apply by 31 July 2026.
We also have a dedicated number of rooms available for international students staying with us for just one semester. Still, we cannot guarantee a room in campus accommodation if you are an Autumn semester exchange student. Check out our guarantee scheme webpage for more information.
Your home away from home
With almost 7,000 rooms available, we’re confident you’ll find the student home for you. Choose from:
- Single accommodation with shared bathroom and kitchen facilities
- Single ensuite bedrooms with shared kitchen facilities
- Studio and studio apartments with exclusive use of bathroom and kitchen facilities
Most of our accommodation can be found at one of our three villages: Pritchatts Park, The Vale, and Selly Oak. We also work with trusted accommodation partners to provide contemporary student homes across Birmingham.
For one-semester
If you’re studying with us for just one semester, you’ll have the chance to enjoy lakeside living at The Vale Village. Choose from an ensuite bedroom at Jarratt Hall or shared bathroom accommodation at Tennis Court – both within walking distance of campus.
You can make the most of our one-semester student package, included in your accommodation fee. This includes a bedding, kitchen and dining pack, because nobody wants to carry bulky bedding or kitchen items with them when travelling overseas. Enjoy having everything you need to settle in, ready and waiting for you when you arrive.
Benefits of living with us
When you live in University accommodation, you will be a part of a vibrant and diverse community, made up of almost 7,000 students from across the world.
You can also benefit from:
- Student Living Plus, our answer to catered accommodation, which makes it easy to eat well at uni while managing your money
- All bills included, including Wi-Fi and utilities, plus free contents insurance
- Support from a dedicated Customer Service Manager
- 24/7 staff to help you feel secure in your new home
- Free sport and fitness activities and social events
- Support from our Student Mentors to help you settle in
How to apply
Once you have received your offer letter and your University of Birmingham student ID (a 7-digit number found on your offer letter), you can apply for accommodation through our Accommodation Portal. The application deadline is 31 July 2026. Please note that you will need to register for an account using the same email address used during the University application process.
All students who have applied by this date will be contacted by the Student Living mid-August 2026 with more information on how to pay the Advance Rent Payment to secure their room.
Full-year SAE students
If you are joining us in September for a full year (starting September 2026), you have up until 31 July 2026 to apply for accommodation to be guaranteed the opportunity to book a room in one of our accommodation villages, or with one of our trusted accommodation partners.
One-semester SAE students
We have a dedicated number of rooms available for exchange students at the University for one semester. If you're joining us for the 2026 Autumn semester only (September to December 2026), you have up until 31 July 2026 to apply for accommodation. You'll be invited to secure your room with us from mid-August 2026.
If you are joining us in the Spring Semester 2027, as soon as you receive your offer letter, you can apply for accommodation. Your Guarantee Scheme deadline will be released nearer to the time, but it's usually before Christmas.
Contact the Student Living team
If you have any questions about the application process or general accommodation queries, please contact Student Living through their online helpdesk. You can also give the team a call on +44 (0)121 512 2158.
If you have any questions, please refer to our frequently asked questions page or contact us.
Private housing
If you’d prefer to live in private rented accommodation, the Student Living team can support you. Get in touch with their team to get started.