UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM
The University of Birmingham is a leading research university in one of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities in Europe – there are many reasons why you might choose to study here.
With over 9,000 new students every year, one of the widest ranges of courses of any UK institution, nearly 500 undergraduate programmes, more than 320 postgraduate taught programmes, and a beautiful campus, we're committed to investing in the student experience.
We're extremely proud of the diversity of our academic community which includes over 4,000 international students from 150 countries.
When you study at Birmingham, you'll gain more than just a qualification. You'll also acquire skills which you'll keep for life.
Facts and figures about Birmingham
- In the past twenty years, £9 billion has been spent on regenerating the city.
- It is home to the largest financial and creative districts outside London.
- Birmingham generates more wealth than Glasgow, Manchester and Leeds and manufacturing in the city accounts for 25% of British exports. Half of all jewellery sold in the UK is made in Birmingham.
- Nearly 30% of the people in the city are from different cultures and races.
- The city’s annual St Patrick’s Day parade is the third largest in the world after Dublin and New York. Birmingham also hosts the largest Vaisakhi celebrations outside Asia.
- The building of the first four-wheeled petrol driven car took place in Birmingham – hence the nickname ‘Brum’.
- George Cadbury began making chocolate in Birmingham in 1824, and today Cadbury still produces many of the world’s favourite chocolates.
- Symphony Hall is considered one of the most acoustically perfect venues in the world, using 2,000 rubber "shock absorbers" to shield the hall from external vibrations.
- Over 40% of our students choose to stay in Birmingham after they finish their studies
Accommodation in Birmingham
Birmingham is one of the largest cities in the UK and its university is one of the most popular. The university has many different campuses and student accommodation caters for this.
The most popular areas for student living are Edgbaston, Erdington and Selly Oak.
Edgbaston: Home to the universities main campus. It’s a very green area and the campus is packed with all amenities. Student accommodation on campus has all the benefits of campus life, shops, sports centre, swimming pool, pubs and restaurants, banks and doctors all within shorts walks. The City centre is also a few minutes walk away.
Selly Oak: Most student accommodation is situated close to Selly Oak, halls of residence and student flats alike. A campus is also situated here, so will be no more than a short walk. The city centre also has student developments, these are mainly privately owned. Bus services in Birmingham are good. Getting to and from the city is easy with frequent buses running to the suburbs and university campuses. It is also possible to buy a student term travel pass that allows you to travel on the buses as frequently as needed.
The city is host to the Bullring, Europe’s largest retail park, and has indoor and outdoor market areas for picking up a bargain. The nightlife is a big thing in Birmingham and comedy clubs and live music venues are rife. The academy is a very popular attraction for students; many live bands appear here, as well as specialist student nights Ramshackle and Subculture, with drink promotions a plenty.
Types of Accommodation
Birmingham offers a range of high quality residential accommodation. We want to make sure you select the type of accommodation which suits you, and there is plenty to choose from.
Accommodation choices
The Vale Village
The Vale Village is located just 20 minutes' walk from the campus in landscaped parkland overlooking a lake. You can choose from single study bedrooms with shared facilities, or have your own en suite bathroom. If you prefer to cook for yourself, opt for a self-catered flat with a communal living room and kitchen. Alternatively, choose a catered room where your food is provided from Monday to Friday (term time only) and the cost is included within the residence fees.
The Vale's lively community life centres on the food court and social activities at the Hub, where students with a catered package eat. Other facilities include a launderette, shop and bars, and 24-hour reception. There is also a Vale Residents' Association which organises regular events.
Pritchatts Park Village
This student village is a short walk from the main campus. Here you can enjoy self-catered accommodation in single study bedrooms in either shared houses or flats. At the heart of Pritchatts Park Village is a social centre with a bar, pool table and television lounge.
Jarratt Hall
Just south of the main campus, Jarratt Hall is close to the University and the large student community of Selly Oak, with its many bars, shops and restaurants. This development of three- to six-bedroom apartments with en suite facilities is built around a pleasant central courtyard and accommodates both postgraduate and undergraduate students.
Douper Hall
Douper Hall is in the centre of Selly Oak and it comprises 28 self-catering flats with en suite facilities. This development is owned and managed by a private developer and the University nominates the students who live there.
Manor House
About two and a half miles and a 10-minute bus ride from the main campus, Manor House stands in attractive grounds. It provides catered accommodation for 320 students in single study bedrooms, some with en suite shower facilities. There is also a library, licensed bar and two common rooms, one with a large screen television and the other with a grand piano.
Hunter Court, Queen's Hospital Close, The Beeches
These sites each offer self-catering accommodation in flats with single study bedrooms and a shared kitchen/lounge area. Hunter Court and Queen's Hospital Close have en suite facilities and all three developments are within easy reach of the main campus and city centre. They are all owned and managed by a private developer and the University nominates the students who live there.
Second and third years Although there are a few places in University accommodation for second-and third-year undergraduates, most students prefer the independence of renting a flat or house. There is plenty of choice within easy reach of the University, and our Housing Services team can help you find the right place for you.
What will it cost? University accommodation fees for 2007-08 range from £3,100 to £5,650 (both costs indicative) depending on the type of accommodation and the length of the contract. Visit www.housing.bham.ac.uk/undergraduate for the most up-to-date information.
How do we measure up?
When you are choosing a university, one of the most important things to consider is its academic standing.
You are looking for a university that offers top quality teaching and excellent employment prospects. You want to study somewhere with a strong research culture, an institution which is at the forefront of discovery and innovation.
You want a university that measures up to your expectations.
At Birmingham, we work hard to provide our students with a first-class academic experience. Our priority is to deliver the finest teaching and learning resources to allow you to achieve your full potential.
Making Music!
Music is a distinctive part of life at Birmingham, where Edward Elgar was the first Professor of Music. We continue to encourage promising musicians through degree courses in Music, though a number of music scholarships are also available to students in other departments.
There are plenty of opportunities for making music: the University has two symphony orchestras, a number of choirs, a jazz orchestra, a symphonic wind band, and a brass band. A regular programme of public performances is staged both at the University and in the city (including choir and orchestra concerts in Symphony Hall), and there is a professional concert series at the Barber Institute.
The Department of Music has developed a video for prospective students to showcase all the facilities it has to offer. The video can be downloaded from www.music.bham.ac.uk
Latest headlines & Upcoming Events
» University Farmers' Market 24/09/2008 (9am) - Award-winning farmers selling top quality produce will once again set up shop at the University of Birmingham. Ostrich burgers, seasonal vegetables, cheese and wine are just a few examples of what will be on offer. This is a hugely popular event so get there early! »
Birmingham Law School 80th Anniversary Dinner 24/10/2008 (7pm) - Celebrating 80 years of Birmingham's Law School.