Tips for finding second and third-year accommodation at UoB including when to start, where to live, and how to make house-hunting stress-free.
Finding accommodation beyond first year can feel daunting, but with the right approach and realistic expectations, it’s much easier. For most students at the University of Birmingham, this stage begins during first year and knowing what to anticipate makes the whole process smoother.
Although every student moves at their own pace, it is generally recommended that first years begin exploring second-year accommodation before the Christmas break. This timeline can feel surprisingly soon, but securing a house early provides a huge sense of relief and removes a major source of stress for the rest of the academic year.
Most students move into Selly Oak for their second and following years. The area is dominated by student houses and offers a blend of private accommodation and shared houses, with options ranging from smaller two-bedroom homes to large group houses.
Selly Oak is also well-connected, close to key campus entrances, and filled with amenities, which is one of the many reasons it becomes the default location for returning students.
Private accommodation is also an option for students wanting something more modern or self-contained. Buildings like The Recording Rooms provide purpose-built student living with secure entry and contemporary facilities. You’ll also find private student houses along key roads, such as on Dawlish Road, offering a range of alternatives to the typical shared-flats setup in Selly Oak.
Student houses are usually priced per week, so before you begin browsing, discuss what everyone in your group feels comfortable paying for rent. Also, look into whether the house rent includes bills as a package or whether you will need to pay for them separately through an external company.
Visit the real estate websites, filter by price and location, and create a shortlist of houses that meet your criteria. Aim to shortlist around 6 or 7 properties.
Share your shortlisted properties with your prospective housemates. Once everyone agrees on a few options, you can contact the real estate agents to arrange viewings.
Viewings are your opportunity to understand the property properly. Agents fully expect you to be new to renting and will guide you through details such as contracts, deposits, and tenancy terms. While this might feel overwhelming at first, you will become familiar with all the terminology very quickly, as I found out early in the process.
Once your group chooses a property, the agency will clearly outline the steps to reserve and secure it. They are used to working with students and will support you throughout the process, explaining anything that feels unfamiliar.
Most agencies have offices in the centre of Selly Oak, so if you prefer to speak to someone in person, this is easy to arrange.
For third-year students, the accommodation process is often simpler. If you are happy with your housemates and the property you live in during your second year, you can usually renew your contract by informing your landlord or estate agent. Because renewals can go quickly, it’s best to confirm your plans as early as possible.
If you would prefer to move, the process is essentially the same as finding a second-year house. The difference is that you now know what to look for — from location and facilities to contract details — which allows you to start your search earlier and approach it with more confidence.
Finding second and third-year accommodation is a learning experience, but once you understand the process, it becomes far less daunting. With clear communication, a realistic budget, and a supportive agent, you’ll settle into the right house for your next stage of university life.
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