Where Should You Live in Birmingham? Choosing Accommodation Based on Your University
Choosing where to live is one of the biggest decisions you'll make when coming to university. Birmingham has a huge range of student accommodation, but the best option for you will often depend on where your university is located.
Here’s a simple guide to some of the popular areas and student accommodation options to consider.
University of Birmingham
If you're studying at the University of Birmingham, you'll find a large number of student accommodation options around Edgbaston, Selly Oak and the surrounding areas. Many are within a short walk or commute of campus, and Selly Oak in particular has a strong student community and great vibe to live as a student. If you want to be surrounded by students, restaurants, supermarkets and a lively student atmosphere, Selly Oak and Bournbrook are popular choices.
If you'd prefer to be closer to the main University of Birmingham campus, accommodation around Edgbaston and Pritchatts Park may be more convenient.
Our tip: Don't choose accommodation based on distance alone. Think about your budget, room type, contract length, who you'll be living with, and what's important to you outside university — especially food, supermarkets, transport and social life.
Pritchatts Park Village
One of the main student accommodation areas, with options including:
- Ashcroft - Newly refurbished and set in lovely, landscaped grounds, Ashcroft is a short walk from Metchley Park Sports Pitches and Birmingham Medical School. https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/study/accommodation/room-search/ashcroft-shared
- Oakley Court - Home to 213 students, Oakley Court is the largest residence at Pritchatts Park, making it the perfect place to socialise and meet new people.
https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/study/accommodation/room-search/oakley-court-shared
- Pritchatts House - Home to 163 students, Pritchatts Park’s social hub, and more, Pritchatts House is the place to be if you want to live at the centre of village life.
https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/study/accommodation/room-search/pritchatts-house-ensuite
- Pritchatts Road Townhouses - Make the most of postgraduate life at Birmingham while enjoying your own private space.
https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/study/accommodation/room-search/pritchatts-road-studio
Selly Oak Village
Selly Oak Village is another popular accommodation area for University of Birmingham students. Located in the heart of the student community, it offers easy access to the university as well as shops, restaurants, supermarkets and other student essentials.
- Selly Oak Village - At Selly Oak Village, you can soak up everything vibrant Selly Oak has to offer – we’re talking shops, pubs, cafés, and bars. And it’s all just a short stroll away from the University’s lecture theatres. When it’s time to explore further afield, the rest of the city is just a short bus ride away.
https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/study/accommodation/our-villages/selly-oak-village
- The Metalworks - Partner accommodation located in Selly Oak, offering modern student living within a popular student area. It's a good option for students who want easy access to the university while being close to the restaurants, shops and social life of Selly Oak.
- Battery Park - Looking for student living with the perfect mix of social vibes and your own space? Battery Park has you covered. Set right by the canal in the heart of Selly Oak, you're only a 15-minute walk from the University of Birmingham and surrounded by everything you need for student life.
- Oak Brook Park - Home to 656 students and perfectly located next to University of Birmingham. We have a common room with comfy seats, foosball, pool and dedicated study areas too.
Other University Accommodation
Alongside Pritchatts Park and Selly Oak Village, the University of Birmingham has several other accommodation options across the campus and surrounding areas.
- Mason — Located on the University of Birmingham campus, Mason offers modern student accommodation and is well placed for students who want to be close to lectures and university facilities. Mason is home to over 800 students and offers modern, ensuite living with parkland views.
https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/study/accommodation/room-search/mason-ensuite
- Shackleton — Another campus-based residence, offering students the convenience of living close to the university's main facilities and student life. Housing 350 students at the heart of the Vale Village community, Shackleton offers catered accommodation.
https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/study/accommodation/room-search/shackleton-ensuite
- Elgar Court — A university accommodation option located on campus, providing convenient access to university facilities and the wider Edgbaston area. If you want to socialise easily while having your own space, Elgar Court is for you.
https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/study/accommodation/room-search/elgar-court-ensuite
- Tennis Court Shared Bathroom/Kitchen
Located within the university accommodation area, offering another option for students looking to live close to campus. Home to almost 700 students, Tennis Court is loved by students for its lively and social atmosphere.
https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/study/accommodation/room-search/tennis-court-shared
Birmingham City University, Aston University and University College Birmingham
If you're studying at Birmingham City University or Aston University, you have the advantage of being close to Birmingham city centre. This means there are plenty of student accommodation options within walking distance of both universities, as well as easy access to restaurants, shopping, nightlife, public transport and other student essentials.
Popular student accommodation options
ONYX -
https://onyxbirmingham.com/
Staniforth House —
https://www.unitestudents.com/student-accommodation/birmingham/staniforth-house?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=gmb&utm_source=chatgpt.com
The Old Fire Station -
https://www.canvas-world.com/en/locations/united-kingdom/birmingham/the-old-fire-station
The Heights —
https://www.canvas-world.com/en/locations/united-kingdom/birmingham/the-heights
University Locks -
https://www.bcu.ac.uk/student-info/accommodation/university-locks?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Bentley House -
Chamberlain — Positioned directly opposite Aston University and within easy reach of Birmingham City University, the University of Birmingham, University College Birmingham and the University of Law, Chamberlain Place places you at the centre of student life. With stylish living spaces, exceptional amenities, all-inclusive bills and a welcoming community atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to study, socialise and feel at home in Birmingham.