Birmingham on Budget: A Breakdown of Student Living Costs

Navigating the Cost of Living in Birmingham: A Student's Guide to Budgeting in the UK's Second-Largest City

Are you moving to the second-largest city in the United Kingdom? If yes, have you figured out your expenses yet? If not, we should tell you, it is an expensive affair. When you move to a new city, especially Birmingham, you should know what you are getting into.

As per numerous reports, the cost of living here is higher compared to other cities in the UK. From student accommodation in Birmingham to entertainment, there's a cost for everything. Well said, and we know what you are thinking.

Figuring out expenses is an overwhelming task but if done right, it is exciting. Particularly, Birmingham is the second largest city, offering a blend of rich history, diverse culture and a lively student community. As a popular choice among both international and domestic students, this city has over five major universities. Beyond its academic allure, the city also offers a life like nowhere else.

Luckily, we have penned down this blog to ease down that overwhelming feeling of navigating financial aspects. Simply put, this blog will help you break down the cost of living and some money-saving tips in Birmingham. Let’s dive in!

 

Typical Cost of Living in Birmingham

Whether you are planning to move to Birmingham or just curious to explore, you are in the right place. Speaking of facts, the average cost of living amounts to £750 to £1,500 per month. This average cost includes rent for student housing in Birmingham, groceries, entertainment, travelling and more. Besides this, the cost also depends on the person. You can either fix a budget and spend or just spend without any budget. But, let’s get into the specifics.

Student Accommodation in Birmingham- A Big Chunk in Your Budget

When arriving in Birmingham for university, the most critical decision to make is the choice of student accommodation. As the number of students increases, the town has numerous accommodation facilities such as rented houses and shared accommodation. Nonetheless, operating within this diversity can be challenging sometimes.

But that is where The Student Tenant comes in! We always seek to offer quality accommodation at cheap rates and positions which are safe for students. Regardless of whether you are searching for a small alcove or a flat to share with other students, Student Tenant has competitive rents and accommodation near the educational establishments. From traditional terraced houses to long university halls, you can find anything you wish for. At present, the most used student accommodation in Birmingham includes:

● Private Student Residence: For students who wish to have privacy and enjoy living alone, this is an ideal option. The market is full of modern and fully-furnished student apartments in Birmingham. Plus, you can expect to find additional perks like social spaces, all-inclusive bills, gyms and more. However, the typical cost for private housing varies from £140 to £220 per week.

● Shared Student Rooms in Birmingham: If you are someone who likes to share space with other people, shared student accommodation is a great choice. Relatively cheaper than private residences, you can expect to find rooms between £400- £800 per month.

● Student Dorms: Almost all universities offer student housing to first-year students. These student dorms typically cost around £120 to £180 per week including other facilities.

 

Food and Groceries- Eat on a Student Budget

The cost of food totally depends on your lifestyle. From budget grocery stores to affordable eateries, there are plenty of options available in the market.

● Groceries: Birmingham is a city which has many budget-friendly supermarkets. You can simply enjoy home-cooked meals by visiting supermarkets like Aldi, Lidl, ASDA, etc. The typical cost is between £20 and £35 per week. In addition, Birmingham also has Bullring Indoor Market where you can find fresh produce, spices and more.

● Eating Out: This city also has many affordable eateries and restaurants. Be it Indian, Chinese or Mediterranean, you can find any cuisine. A meal cost between £5 to £10 with student discounts.

 

Entertainment Expenses- Balance Between Fun and Frugality

Along with food and student housing in Birmingham, having fun is also necessary. This city offers lively art scenes, theatres and more. Hence, being mindful of your entertainment budget is key.

● Nightlife: When you are moving to Birmingham, make sure not to miss out on Birmingham’s nightlife. Plus, there is never a dull moment. You can easily explore pubs, bars and high-end clubs at affordable prices. With student discounts, the expected cost comes between £3 to £7.

● Cultural Activities: This city is full of cultural and art scenes. There are many museums, public parks and more that you can explore at no cost.

 

Public Transportation- Travel on Budget

With multiple transport links, this city has plenty of options to travel in and out of the town. You can simply travel on a budget. From buses to trains, you can explore student discounts and deals. The average cost for different options are:

● Busses and Trains: The bus pass or train pass typically costs around £33 per month.

● Cycling: You can either buy a cycle or rent one. The cost of a cycle ranges from £100 to £200.

● Taxis: This is a costly affair. Students mostly use taxis to travel in and out of the city.

 

Tips to Save Money

The cost of living when studying in Birmingham can vary from lifestyle to lifestyle. On average, a student can expect to spend between £700 and £1,200 per month including basic costs. Some key tips to save money include:

● Start planning your budget.

● Explore all the student discounts and deals, especially deals available for international students.

● Buy monthly passes for buses and trains as this reduces major costs.

● Try to explore both long-term and short-term student accommodation in Birmingham.