Surprising Student Hacks for Living in Birmingham 2025

Planning to go to Birmingham? Your choice to study abroad destination is a great choice. It is the first manufacturing city in the world. It is one of the most exciting cities in the UK. This city has world-class universities with a buzzing nightlife and cultural environment. Thousands of students come from around the world to study in Birmingham.  

But if you are not careful, then your student life can be more expensive. Your cost of living can be expensive. Whether it is transportation, utilities, or even your food. But do not worry, we have plenty of hacks to make your life easier, comfier, and cozier.   

Here are some hacks which you can apply to your daily life as well: 

Finding Student Accommodation in Birmingham 

If your concern is budget, then find student accommodation in Birmingham in budget. It can save you a lot of money, and you will be stress-free. 

• PBSA: They are the properties which are near the universities. They offer you modern and safe rooms. They usually include bills, utilities, and other facilities in the rent. 

• Shared Apartments: Sharing a room with another person is the most affordable way to live. You live with a roommate, which is also convenient for other expenses like groceries and food. And it is also an independent way. 

• University Halls: Mostly first-year students prefer this option. And it is easier to make friends or meet new people from other cultures. 

Always check if accommodation rent fits in your budget. And booking early gives you great discounts and deals. 

Use Student Discounts in Daily Life 

Birmingham is a city full of restaurants, cafes, and stores. Students should take advantage of discounts hack the city gives them. You can use these hacks to use these discounts: 

• Shopping: You can use a specific card for shopping such as TOTUM. By using student ID, you can also get discounts from the local shops. 

• Food and Drinks: Local cafes in Birmingham give extra student discounts if you ask them. 

Grocery Shopping 

Birmingham has many options for your grocery shopping at heavy discounts.  

• Aldi and Lidl: Buy your groceries at a cheap price and with good quality. 

• Bullring Indoor Market: You can buy vegetables, fruits, or meats at the price of the locals. 

• Asian Supermarkets: You can buy rice, spices, and world food here with lowest price. 

Tip: You should buy your groceries in the evening. Mostly grocery stores lower their prices. You can also cook your meal with fresh groceries. 

Free Activities 

You should take advantage of free activities such as exploring Birmingham. It is not always about having fun hitting a club or pub. You can also stay entertained by visiting museums, art galleries, and events. And you also learn something from these activities. 

• Musuems and Galleries: There are free entry in The Birmingham Musuem & Art Gallery and Ikon Gallery. 

• Green Spaces: You can inhale fresh air from parks like Sutton Park. You can have a picnic or go jogging there. 

• Events: Without spending any money, you can attend university cultural festivals, workshops, or free ted talks. You only from these events. 

Smart Transport Choices 

You should choose a transportation option which can save you money. It is a very smart move to save money in Birmingham. As a student you have many benefits of transport in Birmingham. 

• Transportation: You can get a 30% discount on train fares if you have a rail card. By using the National Express West Midlands Student Pass, gives unlimited travel for buses and trams at a discount rate. 

• Cycling: It is a cheap and eco-friendly option. You can cycle, if your campus is near your student accommodation in Birmingham. 

• West Midlands Metro: In Birmingham, you can travel on buses and trams with a student pass. It is a cheaper way. 

• Walking: If your campus is near or in the university, you should walk. It is also good for your health and costs you no money. 

Saving Money on Entertainment 

Maybe Birmingham has a bright night life. But it does not mean that you have to spend a lot of money. You can go to cinemas, clubs, or even gigs at a cheaper price. 

• Student Nights: In Birmingham clubs such as PRYZM, Rosies, and Players arrange students' nights with music, food, and drinks at cheap prices. 

• Cinemas: Cinemas like; Vue, Odeon, and Everyman usually have student tickets. Sometimes even lower than £5. 

• Local Gigs: You can go to affordable music events and indie shows in Digbeth. 

Part-Time Work 

Birmingham is a manufacturing city. You can find jobs here while pursuing your studies. Because extra money does not hurt anybody, right.  

• On-Campus Jobs: There are many part-time jobs on the campus that you can join. They are flexible and convenient. 

• Hospitality: You can do part-time jobs in Broad Street and the Bullring. 

• Freelancing: Use your talents and creativity to earn money. 

Useful Tip: You should prep your food by yourself. Cooking is cheaper than eating outside daily. Some hacks for cooking: 

• You can cook the food which you can freeze after such as pasta, or curries. 

• Divide your duties with cooking the mean with your roommates. 

• Use reusable containers. 

Conclusion 

Living in another city can be expensive. But you can save your money and even enjoy freely by doing some useful hacks. You can apply these hacks in your daily life. Whether it is your shopping, transport, entertainment, or renting accommodation in Birmingham. 

You can have richer experiences even using these life hacks. This is how you can enjoy your university life without stressing out for money.