Getting the house
The first step to living off campus in your 2nd year is getting your house. Most students at the University of Birmingham live in an area called Selly Oak, but some also live a bit further in areas like Harborne or the city centre, so don’t overlook other locations. Here are a few of my top tips for the process of getting your house:
- Don’t worry if the group you get a house with isn’t exactly how you imagined. They don't all need to be your first-year flatmates. Also, don’t worry if you don’t immediately find a group of people to live with. Look out for adverts for a housemate on the Fab N Fresh page on Facebook, as lots of people will be in the same situation.
- There are lots of different estate agents to choose from, and it can be overwhelming. However, don’t be scared to change to a different estate agent if you’re uncomfortable. Agents pressuring you too much is a red flag. There are so many houses in Selly Oak to choose from and lots of agents to help. Don’t be too slow if you see a house you like, but don’t let anyone push you into a house you’re not sure about.
- There’s support for housing if you’re worried – the university and the guild both have information at their housing hubs, and offer services like checking over your contract for free
Student housing adjustments
Once you get your house, you have to get used to living in student housing:
- Don’t always expect luxury. Housing conditions shouldn’t be awful, but most student houses in Selly Oak are slightly older, smaller houses that have had a lot of students living there in previous years.
- There are rows and rows of student houses in Selly Oak, which means there’s such a nice feeling of community! You won’t be more than a 10-minute walk away from a friend, even if you live on opposite sides of the area.
- Most students shop at ALDI, which is right on Bristol Road and super accessible and budget-friendly.
Student life changes
Living in student housing means there will be a bit of a change to your lifestyle, but you can easily adjust.
- If you were on Student Living Plus in student accommodation, you’ll probably be cooking more as there are no meal plans off campus. This is super manageable! Make sure you have 5-7 easy student meals that you can cook up whenever (Bolognese, fajitas, chilli, etc.). Extra points if you can batch cook and freeze some for later.
- You’re also responsible for your own cleaning and upkeep of your house. My biggest tip would be to make sure you set a reminder the night before the bins get taken to put them out. A shared cleaning rota with your house could also be helpful.
Cost of living
Rent is often cheaper when living off campus, but there are some other differences in where you’ll be spending your money when you live in student housing:
- You can choose a house that doesn’t come with bills included, meaning you’re responsible for your utilities, like electricity and water. For this option, make sure you set up standing order payments or reminders, so you don’t forget rent or utility payments. It’s your decision whether you want bills included or not.
- Other costs could include groceries and transportation to campus if you live further away. Make sure you track your spending for at least the first month to avoid any surprises.
If you follow these top tips, I’m sure you’ll find living off campus easy and fun. The best part of it is the independence you’ll experience, and the amazing memories you’ll make with your housemates!
