One of the most important things to look into when you are going to university is where you will be living. If you have decided you will be living in student accommodation, it is important to know the differences between what is on offer and which ones are located best for you.
There are lots of accommodation options across the city, each near different BCU buildings. You may want to choose your accommodation based on the fact it is near your university building or it may be more about the facilities on offer. You can use our interactive map to see which accommodation is closest to your campus.
All of the accommodations in this article include a three-quarter bed, on-site laundry room and social and study spaces. The kitchens are all equipped with a cooker and fridge/freezer.
When looking at where to stay, ask yourself questions about your day-to-day life and needs:
- Will you be spending most of your time in university? Perhaps look at living near your campus.
- Do you want to meet people outside of your course? Take a look at the social spaces in all the accommodations to see if you can imagine yourself hanging out there.
- Will you be exploring the city in your down time? Living in the city centre might be best for you.
- Have you thought about transport links? If you’re planning to travel around the city or travelling home by train, being close to a train station might be handy for you.
- Do you want car parking? Very few student accommodations have on-site car parking, make sure this is something you look into if it is a priority for you.
- Do you want a gym on-site? Some accommodations have gyms that can be used free of charge.
- Are you looking to save a bit of money? As you will be aware, some places are more expensive than others. If saving money is a priority for you, take a look around all the options.
- Do you want different length let options? Some accommodations are for term-time only and others include Summer break. Depending on your circumstances, you may need to investigate these options.
So, what are the different accommodations that are on offer?
City centre accommodation options:
University Locks
University Locks is one of BCU’s partner accommodation buildings, located on our City Centre Campus, next to Curzon Building. The location of University Locks is convenient for students and offers ideal city living and close to transport links. You have the option of choosing between living in a flat of six rooms or two rooms which share a bathroom. The rooms in the larger flats all have a private bathroom with a shower. Within the living area, each flat has a TV, which is something few accommodations offer.
Bentley House
Bentley House is only a 10-minute walk from the city centre which offers ideal city living, convenient for students based at Millennium Point, Parkside, the Conservatoire or Curzon Building. Bentley House is one of BCU’s partner accommodation buildings. There are various social spaces within the building, including a communal TV room, a common room fitted out with pool tables, a gym and study spaces. There is also a Co-op located below the building for easy access to essentials and late-night uni snacks. Bentley House is a great option for those not wanting to spend too much on items when moving in.
Jennens Court
Located on our City Centre Campus next door to Millennium Point, you will find Jennens Court. Jennens Court is an accommodation partner with BCU and is in a fantastic location for those who want to be on the doorstep of uni but also want to live close to everything in the city. All bedrooms have a Wi-Fi connected study area with a desk, chair and a notice board as well as an en-suite bathroom.
The Heights
The Heights is managed by Student Roost, one of our university partner providers. Located just a 10-minute walk away from the city centre, which is convenient for students based at the City Centre Campus. The rooms are grouped into four six-bedroom flats, which means you share a well-equipped kitchen, dining area and lounge with fellow residents. You will also be able to take advantage of the common room on the ground floor, which has a wide screen TV with Sky, comfortable sofas, a pool table and a well kitted out gym which is free for all residents. When you’re not in the gym, you can make use of the study area if you need a break from your room but still want to wear your slippers.
Lakeside
Lakeside has a great student community and all the modern comforts you need offering the perfect student living experience. Lakeside is one of our city centre partners so is easily accessible for those studying at Parkside, Millennium Point, Curzon Building or the Conservatoire. There is a great student community at Lakeside and all the modern comforts you need to study and have fun. Lakeside is just a few minutes’ walk from our City Centre Campus and is located near the centre of Birmingham's shopping district. When you’re not doing retail therapy, Lakeside has social and study areas that you can go to with flat mates or meet others there who live at Lakeside.
Staniforth House
Staniforth House is only a short walk from the city centre, convenient for students based at the City Centre Campus. Situated next to The Heights, you will feel the student atmosphere in the area. Staniforth House is another of BCU’s partner accommodations. There is a large social and study area along with a garden courtyard area with benches to enjoy on warmer days.
The Old Fire Station
The Old Fire Station offers a more unusual setting, as it once was a fire station, you will spot those features around the accommodation as well as in some of the flats. It is conveniently located just five minutes away from the city centre and a few minutes' walk from our City Centre Campus. The Old Fire Station is a partner of BCU. There are a range of different flats up for grabs at The Old Fire Station, some rooms have en-suite bathrooms and others have shared bathrooms within your flat. There are studio rooms located at The Old Fire Station which is great for people who want to live alone whilst at university. There are convenient shops and cafes over the road from the building too.
City South accommodation options:
Queens Hospital Close
Queens Hospital Close is located on Bath Row, just a 20-minute walk to City South Campus and less than a mile from the city centre shopping, restaurants and bars. The accommodation is one of BCU’s partners. Bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms and a three-quarter bed. Queens Hospital Close is a stone’s throw away from Five Ways train station which has good connections to all other Birmingham stations. Sunset Park and the Peace Gardens are both nearby which are ideal for working in on warmer days.
Beech Gardens
Beech Gardens halls of residence is a partner of BCU. Just a 15-minute walk away from our City South Campus, Beech Gardens offers ideal student living with expansive garden space. The rooms have a three-quarter bed and shared bathrooms within the flats. There is also an option to stay in a studio flat at this accommodation for those who wish to live alone. Not only is there a big garden space, but there are also social and study areas that can be used by residents, offering a student campus environment.
If you want to research more into each of the accommodations on offer, take a look at the individual accommodation pages on our website.
