Experience in Birmingham, United Kingdom by Gabriella

What is it like to live in Birmingham? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Birmingham is lovely, busy and has something for everyone. Beautiful old buildings exist amongst the new, the old law courts are worth a visit.

What is the student lifestyle like in Birmingham?

I have been a student landlady for 14 years and our six properties have hardly ever been empty unless they need a revamp. Our tenants have been great and seem happy and healthy. The triangle is the busy undergraduate area and we offer 3 our properties there but the other 3 are in Warwards lane which is nearly as close to the uni but is quieter and suits third years who have had enough of the noisy parties and alarms going off in the busier areas.

How much does it cost to live in Birmingham?

Our rents are in the £60s and we add on bills for £15. Our houses are licenced HMOs and we have agents who manage them. Newer landlords are offering smaller rooms and charging a lot more. Many of these rooms are £90 now which amazes us but strangely there are many students happy to pay this despite the more crowded houses. We offer a better space to live without all the gimmicks.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Birmingham? Is there any advice you can give?

No its not hard at all. Just make sure you have all the furniture you would expect and that your landlord is licensed if its an HMO with 5 people living in a three story house. Check that fire exits are properly marked and that smoke alarms are wired in. If you see black mould its probably that they dry clothes in the room, not damp walls. Ask for it to be cleaned before you move in as its not healthy. Water pressure is awful in some of the newer developments with lots of bathrooms so check this by turning on a tap or shower.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Any type of food is available and I like a good pint of blackcountry ale with chips. I'm a blackcountry lass and grew up eating hearty food but love the huge variety on offer in Brum.

What places would you recommend visiting in Birmingham?

I am a bit old to give this advice to a student but as an Artist and culture lover I visit the Museum, the Ikon Gallery, the Barber Institute, Sarehole Mill, Moseley Bog (Tolkein), Library, Bournville, Soho House and the Science Park. There are hills to vist too, the Lickeys used to be a Brummies day out.

Is it good to eat out in Birmingham? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

I don't have any favourites but I guess there are enough restaurants to satisfy all tastes and pockets.

Is the nightlife good in Birmingham? Where is good to go?

We used to go to the Shoop, Ronnie Scotts, The Night Out and the Elbow Room. They are all shut now but I'm sure there are lots of new wonderful places.

What advice would you give future students headed to Birmingham?

Have a look at our site www.smithshomes.co.uk. We let to groups for leases starting in July. We sometimes have rooms for Erasmus students too and at the time of writing we have a house in Warwards lane, Selly Oak with 5 rooms available in January 2015 for a group of three or more Erasmus students for a short let.