Why living in Pritchatts Park was the best part of my first year

Looking back on my time in Pritchatts Park, I’m amazed at how perfectly it balanced academic convenience with a great social atmosphere. I lived in one of the Pritchatts Townhouses, and it quickly became clear that this accommodation village is far more impressive and far more convenient than people often realise. It offers an excellent balance of location, community, and comfort, making it one of the most underrated choices at the University of Birmingham.

Unbeatable location and daily convenience

The greatest advantage of Pritchatts Park is its location. It is, without exaggeration, one of the most accessible accommodation villages on campus. Just a 5–7 minute walk to key buildings such as the Teaching & Learning building, the Library, Medicine facilities, the ERI building, the Gisbert Kapp Building, and North Gate, moving around campus becomes effortless and stress-free. The University train station is also a 5-minute walk, making travel into Grand Central or heading home for the weekend exceptionally straightforward.

This proximity genuinely shaped my first-year routine. There was no rushing for lectures, 9 am sessions didn’t seem intimidating, no long walks across campus were necessary, and there was plenty of freedom to return home between classes. Everything simply felt connected and time-effective.

Calm, secure community

Despite its central location, Pritchatts Park feels like its own peaceful village. The atmosphere is calm, tidy, and neatly organised, offering a welcome contrast to some of the busier student areas. With 24/7 security on site, there’s a strong sense of safety and structure, which helped make the transition to university life feel much more comfortable as a first-year student moving away to a large city for the first time in my life. It’s the sort of environment that allows you to feel independent while still supported.

Student-friendly facilities and spaces

The Pritchatts Hub quickly became a key part of my routine. Whether I needed a change of scenery for studying or wanted somewhere to relax with friends, the Hub provided that flexibility. With study spaces, seating areas, a pool table, and vending machines, it offered a blend of productivity and downtime that suited every type of day and student.

The shared laundry facility is centrally located, making everyday life simple and efficient, as there was no trekking across the entire accommodation zone with huge washing bags in hand.

Easy access to Harborne and green spaces

Another aspect I loved about living in Pritchatts Park was how well-connected it is to the surrounding areas. A 15-minute walk takes you straight into Harborne, where you’ll find essentials and favourites alike: the Post Office, the delicious pizza restaurant, Rudy’s, as well as M&S, and an expanding selection of cafés. It’s the perfect area for running errands, grabbing dinner with friends, or exploring new study spots off campus.

That same short walk in the opposite direction also gives you access to beautiful green spaces, including the Winterbourne House and Gardens. Having somewhere so peaceful and scenic so close by was a real advantage as the area is so ideal for study breaks, walks with friends, or simply stepping away from the busier parts of the city.

Living in Pritchatts Park gave me a well-rounded, convenient, and enjoyable student experience - combining location, comfort, and community, making it one of the most rewarding accommodation choices I could have made.