8 Things To Do In Birmingham As A Student

Birmingham is a vibrant city with eight universities, meaning it’s full to the brim with fellow students and fun things to do! However, navigating its vastness can be difficult if you’ve no idea where to start. That’s why we’ve created this handy guide packed with places you should visit and things to do with and without a budget. 

Small-budget (or free) activities 

If you’re a money-savvy student, you’ll probably want to start with the places that are on the cheaper side. Luckily, Birmingham has a great variety of things you can do that’ll fit within your student budget. 

Ikon Gallery 

Ikon Gallery is an “internationally acclaimed contemporary art venue” located in Birmingham! It showcases regular programmes of exhibitions and events, as well as holding learning workshops and seminars. Located in a stunning Victorian building, it represents some of the world's leading visual artists. The best bit? Entry is entirely free, meaning you can have a great day out without breaking the bank! 

Bullring & Grand Central 

Birmingham’s largest shopping centre, Bullring & Grand Central, is an iconic and must-visit location. It’s, of course, free to enter and look around, and even houses the well-renowned Selfridges. You can spend hours wandering around, chatting with friends and window shopping, or treat yourself and splurge a little while you’re there - just try not to get too carried away! 

The Library of Birmingham 

Don’t be fooled by its name! The Library of Birmingham is way more than just a library. It’s spread across 10 floors with a spacious foyer and stunning outdoor spaces, such as the outdoor amphitheatre, surrounded by greenery and flowers. Not to forget the panoramic viewing gallery of the summit, where you’ll be treated to stunning views of the city from one of its highest points. It’s the perfect location for a chill summer day with your pals, where you can simultaneously study and relax with ease. 

Chance & Counters 

If you’re a fan of chill vibes, tasty food and drinks, and not to forget boardgames, this one’s the one for you. Chance & Counters is situated in the heart of Birmingham’s iconic Custard Factory. It’s a huge, bright and airy industrial site with cosy indoor booths, and it even has large tables overlooking the river for those warmer days. Plus, it’s just £2 per person per hour to use the 500+ board games, but if you’re just looking to pop in for a bite to eat and drink with your mates, you can do that too. 

Larger budget activities 

Of course, while you’re at uni there are always times when you might want to spoil yourself for a day and do bigger activities or visit famous iconic venues. 

Espace Live Birmingham: Peaky Blinders 

Of course, this has to be at the top of our list! Escape Live Birmingham is currently ranked (as of June 2024) number two on Trip Advisor for Fun & Games in Birmingham, and they’ve recently opened two Peaky Blinders-themed escape rooms. You have just 60 minutes to work with your team to solve the puzzle and escape! It’s an immersive experience that is brilliant for any fan of Peaky Blinders. But don’t worry, if you’re not into the TV show, they have plenty of other games to choose from. It's time to put your besties to the test and see if you can get out in time! 

Treetop Adventure Golf 

If you’re a fan of mini-golf and stunning indoor scenery, Treetop Adventure Golf should be on your list of places to visit. You’ll navigate wondrous terrain while playing one of the two 18-hole courses they offer. Its neon lights and immersive decor make the experience more than just mini-golf. You’ll feel as though you’re dodging the ancient spirits or running away from crumbling temples. Plus, once you’re done (and you’ve, of course, proven your mini-golf skills by reigning supreme), if you’ve worked up an appetite, you can chow down on some tasty food and drinks in an Amazon-themed bar. 

F1 Arcade Birmingham 

The number one place for any F1 enthusiast, F1 Arcade Birmingham has 53 bespoke, full-motion racing simulators built by a leading simulator design company alongside F1. It’s a great location for a social gathering and for friendly competition. You don’t need to be an F1 expert either, as the simulations have different skill levels from rookie to elite.  

You can even visit the Octane bar for delicious drinks and cocktails, as well as events such as weekend DJs and watch parties. This location truly has it all for the adventure-seeking student. 

The Jam House 

First started in 1999, The Jam House is still going strong and is a venue any student in Birmingham should visit at least once! It’s located in the heart of the jewellery quarter and is one of the most iconic venues in Birmingham. The upper floor offers a unique fine-dining experience, while the bottom floor is filled with events and live music daily. It favours the “unplugged” feel, making you feel truly immersed in the music and the artist. The Jam House is one of the best places for music enthusiasts and fun-loving students alike. 

Life in Birmingham 

As a student, there are plenty of places you can visit - free and paid - and numerous fun activities to take part in. Student life in Birmingham city centre is fun, fast-paced, and adventurous. You’ll be truly spoilt for choice no matter where you live. Whether you attend the University of Birmingham, Birmingham City University, or one of the other 6 unis, you’ll feel at home wherever you are.  

How UniHomes can help 

UniHomes was built to make house-hunting as simple as possible for students. We know how hard it can be to find the ideal location, especially when you’re on a budget. That’s why we only showcase properties that come with all the bills included, so you won’t have to add searching for suppliers to your list of things to do.  

If you’re looking for your next student home, take a look at the Birmingham student accommodation we have available on our site. We’re proud to partner with reputable landlords and letting agents, and all are bills inclusive. Choosing your next home has never been easier! 

Contact us today if you have any questions, and we’ll be happy to help.