Living in Stratford-upon-Avon

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).

Accommodation in Stratford-upon-Avon

The Shakespeare Institute, unlike the Edgbaston campus at the University of Birmingham, does not have its own university 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?

We recommend that all our students live in Stratford, or as close as possible, as it facilitates participation in all the activities of the Institute and offers a more immersive, community experience. 

Students will also be sent details about postgraduate accommodation on the University of Birmingham Edgbaston campus when they accept a place. However, we don’t recommend this option because of difficulties with transport and distance from the Institute (an hour and a half travel each way).

Cost and types of accommodation available

Stratford can be 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.
• More information about properties in the area can be found in the local paper, The Stratford Herald.
  
  
• University advice of finding accommodation in Stratford upon Avon

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.