Top Free Things to Do in Birmingham for Students

About the author: Hi! My name is Tamara Greatrix, but I usually go by Tam, and I’m a 3rd year BA English Literature student at the University of Birmingham. I am currently the Print & Features and Culture Editor for Redbrick Newspaper and writer for The Tab. In my spare time, I ride horses and love visiting the theatre.

Birmingham can be an expensive city to live in, and making ends meet can be a challenge, especially for students. Luckily, there are plenty of fun things you can do that won’t break the bank. Here are a few of my favourites to try next time you’re anxiously awaiting the next student loan drop.

Winterbourne Garden

If I could recommend just one place, above all else on this list, it would be Winterbourne Garden. I remember stumbling upon the gardens in first year and wishing I’d discovered it much sooner; it is such a hidden gem. Just a short walk from The Vale Village, it is the perfect place to destress after a busy day. Entry to the Edwardian house and extensive botanical garden is free for University of Birmingham students with a university ID card, so you can save your money for a coffee and cake in the Terrace Tea Room instead!

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Saturday nights at The Nightingale Club

After a long week studying, you need to let your hair down. What better way to do it than at a free club night (with drink deals of course!)? The Nightingale Club is based in Digbeth – which I’d argue is the Camden of Birmingham. Think artsy, eclectic bars with an inclusive environment. It’s located just outside of the city centre, so you can easily catch the train and save a few pennies on a Saturday when the club offers free entry (apart from during special events). With drag queens, go-go dancers and three rooms of music, there is something for everyone! I personally love starting the night at The Missing for free karaoke before heading over to The Nightingale.

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B:Music free jazz nights

One of the best-kept secrets in Birmingham – which I only discovered in my final semester – is the range of free events held by B:Music. Once a fortnight, on a Friday at 5pm, free jazz nights are held on the Jennifer Blackwell stage at Symphony Hall. The next Jazz Friday is on the 13th of March for the Women in Jazz Takeover featuring Alina Bzhezhinska, one of the best harpists in the world! While seats cannot be guaranteed for each event, there are wheelchair spaces and accessibility services available under the Access Scheme – which you can learn more about by calling the Symphony Hall Box Office.

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The Barber Institute of Fine Arts

Conveniently located on the University of Birmingham campus, near The Guild, is The Barber Institute of Fine Arts. Their art collection includes 150 major paintings, over 800 drawings, and prints, sculptures, decorative art and portrait miniatures. The gallery is free to enter with your university ID, and there is also a student discount for any themed events. Besides all the artwork, there are also regular concerts held in the evening and at lunch time, many of which are free – it’s an easy way to add a bit of culture into your week.

The Barber Institute is temporarily closed at the moment, but keep checking their Instagram for updates on when they’re reopening.

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Library of Birmingham

Just a short walk from New Street Station, the Library of Birmingham is a must-visit while living in the second biggest city. It is the largest regional library in Europe, with plenty of study spaces, computer access, and a café. If you need a break from your studies, make the most of the rooftop garden, with panoramic views of the city.

Literature lovers must visit the Shakespeare Memorial Room, which is free to enter. It was designed in 1882 by John Henry Chamberlain for the original library. When the new library was constructed, the room was specially preserved and relocated to the new complex, and inside you can find a copy of the First Folio from 1623, over 43,000 books, and Britain’s most important Shakespeare collection!

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The University of Birmingham Exchange

The Exchange, located opposite the Library of Birmingham, offers a mix of free and paid events open to the public. From craft workshops like jewellery-making to exhibitions and community events, there is plenty to keep you busy! While you are there, take advantage of being a UoB student and access the vaults filled with history about the institution before it was owned by the university.

The space is committed to being accessible, with step-free access, accessible toilets, and hearing loops available throughout. To further break down financial barriers, The Exchange has introduced a new scheme called ‘Solidarity Tickets.’ Solidarity Tickets provide free access to events and are available for anyone who may otherwise struggle to afford live events. There are no questions asked and no proof is required – and students are eligible to apply.

There is a café to study in at The Exchange, and using the Food Fellows app you can enjoy a free coffee. In the past, my lecturers have held exhibitions here, inviting students to learn outside the lecture theatre. The Exchange is a great and educational way to escape Selly Oak for a few hours.

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To sum up

Birmingham has so much to offer, and you don’t need to spend a fortune to make the most of it. With brighter days and spring finally on the horizon, there is no better time to try something new!

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