The second largest city in England, Birmingham, is also a historic manufacturing powerhouse, and is also known as the city of a thousand trades. Birmingham is also a global educational hub, and more than 40% of the population of the city is under the age of 25.
There are several world-famous educational institutions like the University of Birmingham, Aston University, and Birmingham City University here. This ultimately creates a demand for student accommodation Birmingham. However, what sort of accommodation should a student choose, private student accommodation or university accommodation? Let’s find the answer to this question in this guide!
Student Accommodation Options in Birmingham: Quick Overview
Students have a diverse range of options for accommodation in Birmingham to choose from, including university accommodations and PBSAs (Purpose-Built Student Accommodations). University accommodations are fewer and more comfortable but provide the opportunity to stay close to the university, while PBSAs have several types to suit every budget.
Let’s try to understand these accommodations in detail.
University Accommodation in Birmingham: Pros & Cons
There are several universities in Birmingham that provide university halls and dormitories for students. These accommodations are preferred mostly by first-year students who are not aware of the whereabouts of important city landmarks and still want to explore. Here are some pros and cons of university accommodation in Birmingham.
Pros
- These accommodations are closer to the university and offer many student facilities.
- Utility bills like electricity, water, and gas bills are included in the rent and therefore, no extra costs.
- Students get to enjoy and interact with other students in the university, and the student communities in Birmingham are quite diverse. Hence, every day is full of excitement.
Cons
- These accommodations are provided on a first come first serve basis. Hence, if you are late, you might miss out on getting them
- University accommodations are less flexible in terms of contracts and renewing them can be a hassle.
- The room types are very basic with no fancy equipment or furnishings. Generally, these accommodations are shared with other students.
Private Student Accommodation: Pros & Cons
There are several PBSAs in Birmingham that act as private student accommodations. Such properties are made specifically for students and provide various room types. Students can choose between Shared apartments, En-Suite accommodations, and Studio apartments. Let’s learn a few positives and drawbacks of PBSAs in Birmingham:
Positives
- PBSAs offer modern amenities to students with modern equipment and good-quality furnishings. This makes them look more aesthetically pleasing.
- These properties provide more privacy than university accommodations, and students absolutely love that.
- Students can choose to live anywhere in the city wherever they get a better deal. You don’t necessarily need to stay on the university campus.
Drawbacks
- PBSAs may be slightly more expensive than university accommodations as the price range is wide. Prices for PBSAs depend on the property type and location of the property.
- These accommodations might require early booking during peak season due to their high demand.
Cost Comparison: Private vs University Housing
The prices of private student housing depend on the location of the property and the accommodation type. The closer the property is to the city centre, the higher the rent is! Shared accommodations and En-Suite accommodations might be a little cheaper than University accommodations, while studio apartments might cost a few hundred pounds extra.
University accommodations generally include utilities and maintenance and same is the case with PBSAs apart from studio apartments where utilities are generally not included in the rent.
Which Option is Better for You?
The choice of accommodation is something that depends upon your lifestyle, choices, and preferences. However, it is recommended that first-year students should use university accommodations, and probably after the first contract ends, they can shift to PBSAs, which are more comfortable and private. There are several organisations like University Living that help students find a home away from home.
The budget should also be kept in mind, as university accommodations do not provide any sort of discount or run special offers. They have a fixed price which has to be paid at once or in two installments. This is not the case with PBSAs. The payment terms are more flexible, and they often offer discounts and offers for students.
Tips to Choose the Right Student Accommodation in Birmingham
Students make several mistakes while looking for the right student accommodation in Birmingham. If these mistakes are avoided, finding the perfect spot is not a big deal. Keep the following tips in mind while searching for a student property:
- Start search early (3–6 months ahead)
- Compare room types and facilities
- Look for all-inclusive rent options
- Check verified listings and reviews
Conclusion
Birmingham is one of the best cities in England and boasts a vast young population. It is a major educational hub and is absolutely loved by students. Both private student housing and university accommodations have their own pros and cons and therefore, the final call is yours.
Keep in mind all the factors listed above and make a sound choice based on your choices and preferences. Planning early ensures that students get more options and better deals because the student housing market in Birmingham is highly competitive.