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Located in the heart of England, Birmingham is home to some of the most prestigious universities in the world. It also houses one of the top Russell Group universities, the University of Birmingham. Every year, thousands of students come to Birmingham to pursue their higher education and to land their dream job!
Birmingham is a historical city that was also the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. It is also home to some of the major business groups in the UK, which leads to an endless supply of opportunities for everyone. However, every coin has two sides, therefore in this blog, we shall discuss some of the advantages and disadvantages of studying in Birmingham for students.
Why is Birmingham a Great Place to Study?
Birmingham is indeed a great place to study due to a variety of reasons. The aura and environment of the city are so lively that students always feel energetic and overjoyed while studying. There are a lot of events and festivals that are conducted regularly to keep the residents at ease and to provide them with a mode of recreation.
Also, not to forget, Birmingham’s strategic location makes every major city in England easily accessible. Let’s now discuss some of the advantages and disadvantages of studying in Birmingham as an international student.
Advantages of Studying in Birmingham
There are various advantages of studying in Birmingham. Some of them are listed below:
Vibrant Student Life
Also referred to as the youngest city in England, Birmingham has a very youthful population with over 40% of people living under the age of 25. All of this is because Birmingham is strategically located in the centre of England. No matter which university you study in, every major city in England is at most 2 hours away from Birmingham. And owing to the affordability of the student accommodation Birmingham, it is the first choice of students who come to study in England.
Birmingham is a very happening city that never sleeps. 24/7 convenience stores, coffee shops, restaurants and clubs are a common sight in the city. The public transit systems in Birmingham are very easy to access and are very well designed to make every part of the city accessible. The student population of the city also makes it culturally even more beautiful. Thus, creating a vibrant student life for international students.
Affordable Living
The best part of studying in Birmingham is the affordability. The average property prices in Birmingham are lower than those of other major British cities like London, Manchester and Leeds. You can book your student rooms Birmingham with University Living to get the maximum discounts and offers. Also, owing to the excellent public transit systems that further reduce transport costs for students.
There are also various sorts of food outlets and restaurants in Birmingham that offer student discounts and fixed price meal sets for students that further bring down the cost of living for students. Therefore, in terms of affordability, too, Birmingham does stand out!
Great Job Opportunities
Since Birmingham was the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, the entire vibe of the city is commercial. Business is in the air, and Birmingham also houses automotive (JLR, Honda), aerospace, metalworking, food production (Mondelez), and specialised manufacturing industries. Thus, creating immense job opportunities for everyone in the city.
Cultural Diversity and Rich History
As mentioned earlier, Birmingham is home to some of the largest ethnic groups in the UK. Indians, Pakistanis, Arabs, Africans, Americans, all form up to make Birmingham a culturally diverse and tolerant city. The history of Birmingham is also very unique. It is one of the oldest British cities with modern historical records dating back to the 6th century AD.
Therefore, old castles, museums, and colonial infrastructure are found in abundance in Birmingham. Although it might not have serene and majestic natural views, Birmingham has a lot of medieval architecture that will leave you awestruck. Thus, studying in Birmingham is definitely worth the effort.
Challenges of Studying in Birmingham
Everything is not as merry as it sounds. There are numerous advantages to studying in Birmingham; however, there are some disadvantages as well. Although they do not overpower the good part, it is important to have a note of them. Let’s dive into it:
High Competition for Accommodation
Although the cost of student accommodation in UK is competitively cheaper than in other British cities, it is important to know that the number of accommodations available is quite less. Therefore, if you are looking for residential private properties, you must explore options with us. Accommodation in Birmingham is mostly on a first-come first-serve basis, and therefore, it is recommended to begin your accommodation search at least 4-5 months from your date of joining.
Expensive City Centre Living
One of the most important challenges of studying in Birmingham is the expensive city centre. The cost of student rooms in Birmingham increases further towards the city centre because it is the hub for government offices and chambers. All major government and municipal buildings are located in the centre of the city. Therefore, start your room hunting early with University Living, and make sure that the area that you choose is well connected with the other parts of the city.
Weather and Seasonal Changes
The weather in Birmingham is completely different from what it is like in London. It is quite pleasant over here with cool breezes blowing almost throughout the year. However, the weather changes quite quickly. The day might start as a sunny bright day but might end up with a snowstorm. Therefore, it is recommended to be ready for any unexpected weather change.
Conclusion: Is Studying in Birmingham Right for You?
Well, studying in the UK is still a dream for international students, and Birmingham brings them one step closer to achieving success. From world-class universities to top-notch student life, Birmingham has it all. Therefore, it can be concluded that despite the disadvantages, the advantages of studying in Birmingham overpower everything else.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best student rooms in Birmingham?
The best student rooms are found approximately 30-45 minutes away from the city centre. You can find a room in double occupancy in around £700-800.
What challenges do international students face in Birmingham?
There aren’t many challenges at first, but students might find small challenges like getting used to the construction and weather of the city.
How much does it cost to live as a student in Birmingham?
As a student in Birmingham, you can easily expect to spend around £200- £300 per week.
