Erasmus Experience in Birmingham, the UK

Birmingham is an English city situated in the heart of Great Britain; in the West Midlands region to be specific. Birmingham's inhabitants are known as Brummies (the denonym coming from the city's nickname: Brum).

Source

Birmingham is a city with an industrial past so it's not one of the typical pretty English cities with old buildings. However, it has its charm. Speaking of architecture, you could emphasize the whole of the central area: where we find Victoria Square (the city's most central point), where the City Hall is located and large fountain. Close to there, this is also a sort of cathedral. Then down to New Street, which is the main street. It's a pedestrianised street where you can find all kinds of restaurants, shops and ATMs, as well as New Street's famous Tesco. The Bullring is situated at the end of the road which isn't a bull ring but otherwise an enormous shopping centre with three floors and loads of shops. It's also connected to the Pallasades which is a mall too, with businesses such as Starbucks, 99p stores, Poundland, Greggs, McDonalds...

the Bullring

Source

Then, behind the Bullring is the Gothic cathedral and the market right next to it. Digbeth is another place that can be interesting, where you can see strange wall decorations.

The cathedral

Source

Digbeth

Source

On the other hand, what are the most remarkable are the canals - a network of water canals which connect several cities in the United Kingdom. These famous canals are ideal for going on walks; as much so in the middle of January when they're frozen and the geese don't have any other option but to walk across the ice, as in summer with the sun lighting everything up. It's also possible to go on a cruise through the canals. I did it at Christmas when my family came to visit me and it was spectacular - with a visit from Santa Claus included. Ho ho ho!

Source

Birmingham's weather is typical of Central England. It's mostly cloudy with grey skies but the sun comes out a lot. It's just that it doesn't get warm in the middle of winter. Regarding the rain, it doesn't rain a lot and when it rains, it's a very light rain - nothing like the Malaga or Cadiz style downpours. There's no need for an umbrella. During December, January and even at the beginning of February, it's normal for it to snow and it often snows during Christmas, leaving everything white and snowy for days. It makes the city prettier but it's very cold and uncomfortable to walk on ice and snow the whole time. In terms of the temperature in autumn and spring, it varies between 8º and 11º C (for me, this is already ambient temperature already. You get used to the cold in the end) and in Winter, between around -3º and 4ºC which is an approximation because it can vary.

Birmingham's culture is British culture, splattered with other cultures who are sheltered in the city, such as people coming from China, India, Pakistan, Jamaica and other cultures of the world who co-exist in the city. In terms of the native English residents, they are known all over England for their peculiar Brummie accent, as they have a slightly strange pronunciation of English.

The matter of Birmingham's parties is a world apart. It could be said that Birmingham is the party city. Being on Erasmus, basically you can find from parties in a student hall, to the famous house parties, to the city's best clubs and pubs; some of which are known throughout the whole country. The life and soul of the party in Birmingham is on Broad Street, where clubs such as Risa (with several rooms), the famous WalkAbout, Reflex (if you like 80s music), Lloyds nº 1, Rococo and the famous Gatecrasher (which is in the other direction) are found. This club is enormous and also has several rooms. On the other hand, there are the pubs like O'Neills, Cafe&Sports Bar, Taps&Spiles (you go here because it shuts at 4 when the others shut at 3). Then there are even more. There is China Town, otherwise known as the gay area, which is also close to Arcadian (a square with many pubs). There is also Oceana, one of the city's best discos with several rooms and a smoking terrace that I will never forget. There is also DV8, a gay club where there is a free bar on Thursdays. Last of all, there are the old fashioned places like Rainbow, Custard Factory, etc...

There is a lot of entertainment here too. We have cinemas, a couple of museums, the bowling alley, Emma's house, the pubs, the Bar One, etc.

The gastronomy is spectacular. There is everything in England; not just British food which although isn't better than the Spanish, I love - for example, the roast beef or Sunday roast with chicken, beef, fresh vegetables, roast potatoes, yorkshire puddings and gravy (it's the sauce). There are also other dishes such as jacket potatoes, fish and chips, etc. If you don't like English food, you can always eat spaghetti bolognese or carbonara... Indian food, kebabs, curries, sandwiches or Spanish omelettes.

Source

The currency in Great Britain is the pound sterling. Luckily, the exchange rate now stands at €1\'16. However friends, the prices are expensive. This is England and the standard of living is expensive. To give you an idea, a pint in any pub will cost you from £3-5. Rum and cokes are always doubles (singles are shit) and are expensive too. That is to say that tobacco, alcohol, partying, salmon, olive oil, prawns, transport (above all the train)... all of this and more are generally expensive. However, there are also many deals for students and cheap places such as Poundland, 99p stores, Tesco Value, Lidl, Asda...

The transport is very efficient. We have buses, coaches, trains and taxis. Taxis are the most comfortable option and if you're several people, it works out relatively cheap (especially if it's a black cab in which you can fit seven people).

Well, I would need much more to talk about Birmingham. You could write a book because five months gives you a lot. However, to conclude, I would say that Birmingham is a very special city that I will always hold in my heart and I will always have to go back. I hope you enjoy the experience although it isn't even half of it. Greetings.