Birmingham is an incredible city to study in, with a big student population, great infrastructure and a vibrant cultural scene.
1. Thriving professional communities
Brindleyplace is a fantastic destination right in the city centre, including bars, retail, offices and leisure facilities – with its very own film festival. It is the perfect place for professionals to get together, relax and network.
2. Affordable
Compared to nearby rival London, good old ‘Brum’ (the name given by locals to the city) is a whole lot cheaper. Rent in Birmingham is 63% cheaper than London, not to mention food, clothing and transport.
3. Student city
There are 65,000 students in Birmingham, ensuring great student deals at restaurants, bars, cafes and cinemas. It also means there are hundreds of societies and clubs to get involved in, sports clubs from cricket to ultimate Frisbee are particularly strong in the city.
4. Football fans of the world unite
If you love footy, Birmingham is the place for you. With Birmingham City, Aston Villa, West Brom and Wolves all nearby and playing in England’s top divisions.
5. The Custard Factory
Right at the centre of Digbeth is the Custard Factory, the creative industries hub of the city, full of design studios, digital agencies and exciting popups. This is a fantastic resource and source of opportunity for those studying business, marketing and professional service degrees in the city.
6. Great local music scene
Sure, Birmingham has a great musical heritage with huge bands like ELO and Dexys Midnight Runners, but who have they produced lately? Well, loads actually! Ever heard of Peace? Swim Deep? Superfood? All from Birmingham.
7. Digbeth chic
Known as the Shoreditch of Birmingham, Digbeth is the trendy side of Birmingham that students love. The spacious, ripped out industrial units and redbrick facades are home to cool galleries, studios and record shops.
8. Chocolate heaven
If you love chocolate – and come on, who doesn’t? – Birmingham might tempt you by being home to Cadbury World, the official Cadbury’s chocolate experience. They even do student discount tickets! Life doesn’t get sweeter than this.
9. More canals than Venice
Where better to relax, hang out with friends and enjoy a drink than by a canal? Birmingham has 35 miles of them, meaning you won’t have to walk far for a picturesque picnic spot.
Now you know why Birmingham is such a great place to study, it’s time to find the perfect course!