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Living in Birmingham

The UK's second city has a unique history and plenty to explore while you're studying at the University of Birmingham. Almost half of our students choose to stay in the region after they graduate, because Birmingham is more than just a place to study - it's a place to get future ready.

Make Birmingham yours

Hear from our students about their favourite places, the best things to do, and why they love living and studying in Birmingham.

  • Your city

    Birmingham isn’t just where you’ll study - it’s where you’ll start a new chapter. It’s a city to make your own, a second home full of opportunities, and a place to create lasting memories.

    As the UK’s top regional city for quality of life, and with almost 40% of its population under 25, Birmingham is one of the youngest and most dynamic cities in Europe. It's the perfect setting to shape your future.

    With a buzzing cultural scene, a vibrant community, and a rich history, it’s no wonder so many of our students choose to stay long after graduation.

    Come visit for yourself
  • Canal boats in front of city skyline

    Birmingham's waterways make the ideal escape to unwind in the middle of the busy city. There are plenty of green spaces, vibrant waterfront bars and restaurants, and historic architecture to explore.

  • Centenary Square Library across from square with water in the foreground

    The Library of Birmingham provides a showcase for Birmingham's internationally important collections of archives, photography and rare books.

  • Cannon-Hill-Park-lake-with-swan-boat

    Cannon Hill Park is only a couple of miles from campus and includes 80 acres of formal parks and 120 acres of conservation and woodland. It’s a brilliant place to enjoy a walk, run or cycle, or just to sit and relax in the Midlands Art Centre.

  • Birmingham city, with the Selfridges building, the Bull Ring, St Martin's Church and the Rotunda visible

    Our ever-changing city offers everything you need from independent shops to famous brands in the city centre. You’ll be spoilt for choice. As well as major shopping centres like the Bullring, Selfridges, Mailbox and Grand Central, you can find vintage clothing stores and artisan workshops in the world-famous Jewellery Quarter.

Birmingham is such a great place to live, spend a day getting to know it and you'll fall in love

Kamil, from Redditch

  • Music and nightlife 

    When the sun sets, Birmingham turns up the volume. From underground warehouse raves in Digbeth’s Lab 11 to indie gigs at The Sunflower Lounge, the city pulses with energy.

    You’ll also find jazz at Eastside Jazz Club, classical concerts at Symphony Hall, and open-air festivals at Mostly Jazz, Funk & Soul.

    Whether you're into global acts at the Utilita Arena or intimate, open-air performances at the Botanical Gardens, Birmingham’s music scene is as diverse as its people.

    Read Lucy's blog about nightlife

  • History, culture and arts

    Birmingham is a city built on creativity and craft. Once known as the “city of a thousand trades,” its legacy lives on in the Jewellery Quarter - a designated World Craft City where 40% of the UK’s handmade jewellery is still produced.

    The city’s industrial roots have evolved into a thriving cultural scene. Former factories in Digbeth now host street art and studios. Festivals including Birmingham Pride and Moseley Folk & Arts Festival see the city come alive in colour and passion.

    Art lovers can explore over 40 galleries at the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, discover cutting-edge exhibitions at Ikon, or catch world-class performances at the Birmingham Hippodrome, home to the Birmingham Royal Ballet.

    From independent theatres to open-air concerts, Birmingham’s creative energy is everywhere.

    Read more about culture in Brum

  • Food and drink

    With flavours from every continent and prices to suit every student, Birmingham is a true foodie city.

    From the legendary Balti Triangle to the award-winning street food at Digbeth Dining Club, our food scene reflects the multicultural heart of the city - bold, diverse, and always evolving.

    Explore authentic Korean comfort food at Kimchi, grab bao buns at Tiger Bites Pig, or enjoy a full English breakfast at Grand Central Kitchen.

    From Chinatown’s hidden gems to independent bakeries, cocktail bars, and late-night eats, Birmingham’s food festivals, pop-ups, and community markets offer endless ways to discover your next favourite dish.

    Find top places to eat near campus

  • Shopping

    From high street favourites to hidden gems, Birmingham is a shopper’s paradise.

    Head to the Bullring for over 150 stores, or explore Digbeth’s creative quarter for vintage finds, handmade goods, and pop-up markets.

    Discover unique gifts in the world-famous Jewellery Quarter, or browse boutique shops in the elegant Great Western Arcade.

    Whether you're after fashion, food, tech, or something totally unique and unexpected, Birmingham’s mix of big brands and small businesses means there’s always something new to explore and plenty of student discounts to enjoy.

    Explore Birmingham with Catrin

  • Green spaces

    At the centre of England, Birmingham benefits from being a major cosmopolitan city with the beautiful countryside just a stone’s throw away.

    With more parks than Paris and more miles of canal than Venice, there are lots of cycling and walking routes throughout the city, including a cycle route from the city centre straight through to the University.

    As one of the UK’s greenest cities, Birmingham hosts over 8,000 acres of parks and open spaces to explore.

    Whether you're relaxing by the lake in Cannon Hill Park, walking along the canals, taking a trip to Sutton Park or enjoying a picnic in the Botanical Gardens, there’s always a peaceful spot nearby to unwind and recharge.

    Discover why Tara loves the city

  • Connected to everywhere

    From Birmingham New Street station, you can reach all corners of the UK easily.

    Reach London in 90 minutes, and Stratford-Upon-Avon in under an hour - and most importantly, you can get to the University itself (which has its own train station helpfully called ‘University’) in just 7 minutes. 

    Home to a major international airport and surrounded by the UK’s network of motorways, no weekend trip is far away from Birmingham. 

    Read more about travelling in Brum

Beyond the Bullring

Birmingham is more than just a city centre. We have a wide variety of lively, spirited and friendly suburbs surrounding the campus and across the city for you to explore.
  • Cafes on the high street of Moseley, a suburb of Birmingham

    Two miles from campus, Moseley is home to many independent cafés, vintage stores and green spaces. It brings together creatives and students alike with markets, festivals and events.

  • People sit on benches outside cafe in front of a colourful shopping street

    Digbeth is one of the city’s most up-and-coming areas and combines beautiful street art with independent shops. Searching for live music venues? Swing by The Mill and Mama Roux’s for a mix of music genres.

  • Frontage of The Plough, a pub in Harborne

    Harborne is a popular spot for students due to its proximity to campus, making it the perfect place to take a break from the buzz of student life. With regular farmers markets and a vibrant high street full of cafés and charity shops, Harborne strikes the perfect balance between a lively town and a quaint village.

  • Brick building called 'Saint Pauls House' with tables outsdie.

    The Jewellery Quarter is a national treasure and famous for its bespoke jewellery making legacy which dates back over 200 years. Home to independent boutiques, galleries and studios, immerse yourself in its close-knit community just a short distance from the city centre.

Get to know Birmingham

Here are some other websites you can use to explore what else Birmingham has to offer: