Student guide to the West Midlands

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The West Midlands is an educational powerhouse with the second largest population of any region in the UK and a large network of universities including some of the most prestigious in the country.

Nearly six million people live here, with its post-industrial landscape a reminder of the West Midlands’ historical significance, and its 11 universities are an essential part of its future. If you’re interested in studying at one of these superb institutions, our student guide to the West Midlands will break down key elements of what you can expect from uni life in the region and help you find your best experience.

CONTENTS

Student activities in the West Midlands
Nightlife in the West Midlands
Student accommodation in the West Midlands
Student costs in the West Midlands
What the West Midlands is known for
Universities in the West Midlands

Student activities in the West Midlands

The West Midlands is full of things to do on a modest student budget. In addition to the student bars, pubs and clubs that you’d expect, there is a unique selection of attractions and activities that can only be found in the region.

Gaze upon the landscape which inspired J.R.R Tolkien to write The Lord of the Rings. Explore the museums documenting the birth of the industrial revolution. Wander the red brick streets of Birmingham or Wolverhampton and retrace the steps of enterprise and progress.

The sport of rugby was invented in a town of the same name, and the region is known for producing many top-flight football teams such as Aston Villa, Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Bromwich Albion. There are plenty of opportunities to go and see a local fixture, with student concession tickets available.

Or you can simply grab a bite to eat from one of the many international cuisines represented in this contemporary and cosmopolitan region. There are plenty of street markets and high-end shopping districts which can be readily browsed on a student budget.

Check out our guide to the top ten things to do in the West Midlands

Nightlife in the West Midlands

The West Midlands has several large population centres, including Birmingham, Coventry, Stoke-on-Trent, and Wolverhampton, which each offer a fantastic night out and fab entertainment options.

Eating out is inexpensive, with a basic meal costing between £10 to £12.50 on average and the price of a pint of beer averaging less than £4.25 across the whole region, and as little as £2.75 in Wolverhampton! There are many student-friendly pubs, clubs and bars, and you will often find weekday student nights with discounted entry fees. Big cities like Birmingham and Coventry have a really good selection of events, including jazz sessions, disco parties and more.

There are a huge range of pubs and sports bars running special events like pub quizzes and themed parties, and a lot of information about the local nightlife can be found through your university’s students’ union, so be sure to swing by at the start of the night and see what’s on.

Whatever your preference, you’ll be able to find it here, and an added bonus is that taxi prices are cheaper than in most other UK regions, so you’ll be able to get home safely at the end of the night.

Student accommodation in the West Midlands

Across the West Midlands, most institutions offer student accommodation in university-owned halls of residence buildings, which are typically very close to campus and have loads of additional advantages such as inclusive insurance, internet, utilities bills and building security. Another factor is the undeniable social aspect of living among hundreds of your peers, making it very easy to meet people.

Rooms are typically organised within a shared self-catered apartment of 3-8 students, mainly with communal bathroom facilities or an ensuite, and sometimes with entire studio apartments available. Average prices are between £120 and £190 a week for a contract which lasts the duration of your first-year studies. Some universities such as the University of Birmingham and Coventry University offer catered accommodation options, which are a little more expensive but have the significant advantage of saving you time by not needing to buy ingredients, cook and clean up after your meals.

Private rental prices in the West Midlands are fairly consistent between locations, and a city centre studio apartment in either Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Coventry, Warwick, Stoke-on-Trent or Worcester costs between £670 to £820 per month. Sharing an apartment with friends is a good way to lower this cost, and a three-bedroom flat in the city centre ranges between £1,000 to £1,800 per month.

Student costs in the West Midlands

Additional student expenses include transport, groceries, extra-curricular supplies, and entertainment.

Travel is a consideration, especially if you end up living a little further out from campus. Public transport is quite reasonably priced across the region, with a one-way bus journey usually costing between £2.20 to £2.50 per ticket. Similarly, wherever you choose to study, a monthly bus or rail pass starts at around £50 which is comfortably less than £2 per day for unlimited use.

West Midlands grocery rates are generally more affordable than in the south of England, especially in London. The most inexpensive average prices are found in Stoke-on-Trent, although most cities have easily accessible low-cost outlets such as Costcutter, Aldi or Lidl where you can reliably spend less on good quality food. Many towns run weekly markets where you can pick up fresh produce at bargain prices – especially towards the end of the day.

It’s a good idea to keep a small cash reserve in case of emergency printing or photocopying situations. It doesn’t need to be very much money, but it might save you a lot of fuss down the line.

What the West Midlands is known for

The West Midlands is the home of legendary playwright and poet William Shakespeare, who was born and lived in Stratford-upon-Avon, where you can still visit his house today.

Universities in the West Midlands

The West Midlands boasts 11 major universities...

The region’s 11 universities offer a huge variety of courses and student experiences. Find out which one is the right choice for you by booking some open day campus visits, where you can view the facilities as well as meet current students.