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It’s no secret that the city of Birmingham and its universities are one of the top choices for prospective students searching for their perfect uni. The city is bursting with venues catering specifically to students, as well as plenty of quality eateries, a diverse and welcoming Midlands culture, and iconic historical landmarks. With so many attributes drawing growing numbers of students to the city, there are plenty of accommodation options available, but it is vital to know what factors you’ll need to consider to select the best one for you and your needs.
We’ll break down the reasons you may choose a student house over a flat, the average cost of renting in the city, and everything you’ll need to consider to find the best Birmingham student house for you.
Click on a link to jump to that section:Read the benefits of renting a student house rather than a flat.
Find out how much you are likely to pay to rent a Birmingham student house.
Find out what factors you need to consider when choosing a Birmingham student house.
Read the popular student areas in Birmingham for renting accommodation.
When looking for private student accommodation, you’ll first need to consider whether you want a flat or a student house. Many students choose houses over flats since they offer a multitude of additional benefits.
Firstly, unlike flats, most houses have a garden. This additional outdoor space can be really handy and can often be the deciding factor in choosing a house over a flat. Gardens give renters their own outdoor space that doesn’t have to be shared or co-managed, offering the perfect private area to entertain friends, share an outdoor meal, or soak up the sun in the summer months.
Another perk of renting a house over a flat is of course the additional room. Many of Birmingham’s student properties are old Victorian and Edwardian townhouses, meaning there are plenty of stories. You’ll have more storage and ample room for your belongings, as well as more recreational space to relax or have fun in.
Choosing a house over a flat also brings the ability to live with more people. Naturally, a larger house has more bedrooms than a flat, and so houses are perfect for those wanting a more bustling living atmosphere without feeling like you’re running out of space. Since many people’s University experience is reliant on sociability, this added benefit is essential.
The cost of renting in Birmingham isn’t one set figure, but on average, it can range between £95 and £150 per week. The exact price is subject to a number of variables.
The area that you look to rent in can vastly affect average rent prices, with more affluent and desirable areas like Harborne driving up the prices. Conversely, areas with higher crime rates, such as Selly Oak, offer lower rent prices. Are you considering renting in Selly Oak? Read our full guide to renting in Selly Oak here.
House size will also affect renting costs; larger properties with bigger gardens, more bedrooms, and multiple bathrooms will cost more to rent than smaller properties that offer less space. As well as this, it is worth factoring in the number of people you plan on living with. Meeting the maximum occupancy for a student property often ends up being more cost-effective than having fewer housemates, as the rent is divided between more people. A shared house with more tenants reduces the amount that each housemate will have to pay to cover the total rent amount.
Are you looking at a student house that doesn’t cover bills in the rent price? Don’t worry! Find out how Split the Bills can help you here.
Many factors can affect the desirability of a property, and each is worth considering. Rent price is a big one for many people; student budgets are notoriously tight, and so many prospective renters are keen to find a house that doesn’t damage their bank account too greatly.
Another factor is local amenities; proximity to things like pubs, supermarkets, retail parks, and hairdressers can be really useful and can sway a decision between two prospective properties.
One crucial factor that many students value is whether a house is within walking distance to the university. Since there are four universities in Birmingham, there are plenty of areas that fit the bill, but houses next to the campuses can be competitive.
It’s also worth considering whether you want a house that offers inclusive bills. This means that your rent is combined with other bills and outgoings such as broadband, water, and electricity, and your landlord takes care of the service providers. This can be time-effective but often more costly since you can’t shop around yourself for the best deal.
If your house doesn’t offer inclusive bills, you can get quotes for these services individually, but this can be time-consuming, confusing, and can often lead to arguments about one housemate footing the bills. An alternative to this is a bill splitting service, such as Split the Bills. This handy service bundles all your bills into one set monthly payment, taking the stress out of splitting bills with housemates and arguing over bills. You can get a quote for your total bill package here.
Don’t worry – Split The Bills can find the best and cheapest providers for you and bundle all your bills into one easy payment. This means you don’t have to have awkward conversations with your housemates about who’s sorting the electricity bill or how much the gas bill is. That way, you can enjoy the benefits of just having one easy-to-manage payment to make each month and spend more time enjoying student life!
Another option is whether you want a house share or to live by yourself. This mostly depends on what kind of person you are. Many students enjoy the sociable aspect of a house share, but plenty of people enjoy the space and privacy of living alone.
Since there are four different Birmingham university options, areas for student housing depend on which university you are attending. However, there are some choices that prove popular with most Birmingham students.
Selly Oak is an exceedingly popular choice. It has its own train station, meaning it is easy to get to any campus, and the rent prices are very reasonable. It is also within walking distance of Sainsbury’s, Aldi, and plenty of other shops, as well as multiple eateries on the high street.
Harborne is another popular choice, especially for those with a higher budget. Although rent prices are generally more expensive than Selly Oak, you’re paying for lower crime rates and a generally more affluent area. This is perhaps worth considering if you take a longer course, and will be living in your chosen area for an extended period of time.
Digbeth is a popular location for Birmingham City and Aston students and combines easy access with excellent attractions. Digbeth is a short walk from both the Coach station and Moor Street Station and is famous for its music, food, and culture.
The city centre is another popular among students who want to live in a busy, lively area. Home to landmarks such as the famous Bullring shopping centre, Grand Central and Victoria Square, Birmingham city centre packs itself with exciting things to do. Read our guide to choosing student accommodation in Birmingham city centre here.
All of these factors should be considered together when making a final decision about a student house. Once you have chosen, be sure to check out Split the Bills to quickly and easily handle your bills.
Electricity. Gas. Broadband. Water. TV Licence.
All in one equally split monthly bill. Nice.