Experience in Birmingham, United Kingdom by Mireille

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

Birmingham is a vibrant, lively and fun city to live in. It's full of restaurants, cafés, cinemas, stores, clubs, bars, parks and much more (from museums to the largest library in Europe). If you want to visit the city, the centre is perfect. You can eat almost every type of cuisine, head to a bar or club of your choice, or go straight to the Bullring for a shopping spree. If you're more into exploring Birmingham, you'll find the fantastic Library (with an even better view), gardens and parks (from Winterbourne Gardens to Cannon Hill Park), an animal reserve, museums, galleries and concert venues. Be sure to visit Digbeth, near the town centre, the cool creative quarter.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Birmingham?

Student life is great in Birmingham. The nightlife is impressive, with clubs ranging from everything (live music and jam nights to hip hop or rock-themed clubs) and there are plenty of bars, restaurants, cafés and other places to go for food and drink (at a decent price). There are many places for students to do exercise, whether that's jogging, gyms, swimming pools or even dance schools. There are lots of places to study and do work, and the area itself is modern and thriving.

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How much does it cost to live in Birmingham?

Birmingham is great for students in terms of living costs. I myself managed to financially support myself whilst studying, and will continue to the following year upon my return to University after my Erasmus year. Food and drinks aren't too pricey, and there are lots of 2-for-1 offers at bars, restaurants, and clubs. Club entry isn't expensive, taxis are very cheap (Uber is even cheaper), grocery shopping can be managed on under £20 a week (Aldi, Sainsburys, Tesco etc. ) and bills and accommodation are very well-priced in comparison to other large cities.

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

There is an abundance of accommodation in Birmingham. Make sure to try University halls or University-run accommodation services (to save you from having to deal with landlords/pay for bills). Double rooms can start from £50 a week, and the most popular student area is Selly Oak, where there are thousands of student homes. Selly Park, Edgbaston and Harborne are other areas to live in, which although somewhat nicer, cost a bit more. However, most accommodation will set you back £400 a month (maximum, with bills included).

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

You can eat whatever you want in Birmingham, from Chinese and Indian, to Italian and English. There are all the popular chain restaurants such as ASK Italian, Zizzi, Jamie's, Gourmet Burger Kitchen, Handmade Burger Co., Nando's, Pizza Express and Ed's Easy Diner, amongst others. Birmingham is also home to the Balti Triangle, the centre of Asian cuisine where you can eat some of the best Indian food that the country has to offer. Birmingham also has some higher-end restaurants, such as Bank, if you prefer fine dining.

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What places would you recommend visiting in Birmingham?

I would recommend visiting the town centre. The Library is one of best sights in Birmingham, from its spiral staircase to its outdoor, roof-top garden and terrace, on which you can look out at the whole of Birmingham. I would also recommend visiting the Bullring, the New Street Station, gazing out at St. Martins Church (from between both Bullring sides), and also checking out the Jewellery Quarter, Digbeth, and Birmingham Cathedral. It's a good idea to visit the parks and gardens around Birmingham, too, on sunny days.

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

I love to eat out in Birmingham. I would recommend Bank for meals with families or birthdays/other celebrations. If you fancy a trip to a restaurant just for fun, Jamies Italian, Nandos, Eds Easy Diner, ASK Italian or Zizzi's. For sushi lovers, head to Yo Sushi in the Bullring. If you're into buffets, head to Ming Moon. There's everything in Birmingham - Indian, Chinese, American Diner Food, English, French, Spanish, Mexican and much more!

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

Nightlife is great in Birmingham, and very varied. Along Broad Street, you'll find a strip of popular nightclubs (student nights and weekends are most popular). If you're not so into student clubs (such as Players, Popworld and Snobs), head to The Arcadian, where there's a range of bars and clubs (more for the over 21s). Other good clubs include Jam House (more of a live music venue), Propaganda (at the 02), Rainbow (a warehouse that's home to house music nights). Nightingales is a LGBT club, which often hosts nights where artists come to perform (such as Charli XCX).

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What advice would you give future students heading to Birmingham?

Do as much as you can whilst you're there. Have takeaways, go to the student pubs and clubs and bars, try out different restaurants, head to the Birmingham Market over Christmas (it's amazing), visit the Library and make sure you see the view of Birmingham, go ice-skating outside the library over the Christmas period, shop in the Bullring, visit Digbeth and go the vintage market there. See as many museums, galleries, parks, gardens and such as you can. Try and visit nearby places too (Stratford-Upon-Avon, London etc.)