The Best Student Nights Out in Birmingham for 2026

About the author: Hi! My name is Ash Sutton, and I am a Digital Media and Communications student at the University of Birmingham. I am an aspiring lifestyle, arts and culture journalist and all-around geek. In the times I’m not spending an absurd amount of money in restaurants, you can usually find me tucked in the corner of my bedroom with a coffee and my latest cross-stitch kit, rewatching a Marvel movie or listening to Broadway soundtracks until I am sick of them.

As Britain’s second city, it cannot be denied that Birmingham knows how to drink. You’ll know it from the hordes of people on the Wolverhampton to Birmingham trains preening themselves ready for a night on the town.

Birmingham city centre itself has three designated areas for drinking and dancing. You’ll find the dance floor classic clubs on Broad Street, the best bars just off into Brindleyplace, and the quirkier activity venues over on Temple Street. While these are the main areas that residents of Birmingham and students will flock to, there are gems all over the city. Here are a few to keep in mind when you’re deciding your final destination at pres.

Circo

This one is for the University of Birmingham students. Located right in the middle of Bristol Road in Selly Oak (which is barely a 5-minute walk from campus), Circo is the go-to for a student night out. Circo is exactly what you’d expect for a student bar, playing the club classics and providing the cheap drinks. It makes for a great place for those who are looking to see the early hours of the morning, and every Monday there’s karaoke from 7-9pm as well as beer pong and pool tables.

Circo also has a cute little beer garden to give you temporary sanctuary from the noise, as well as it being the perfect place to check-in with friends.

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Snobs

There’s a Snobs in almost every city but it’s still a go-to for many. Located on Broad Street, Snobs is the best place for the all-round night-out experience. With three floors of music ranging from rock and indie in the basement to pop to hip-hop and R&B upstairs, there’s absolutely something for everyone and enough that you could jump floors all night and not get bored.

It's a pricier option with a lack of student deals (unless there’s a Freshers’ event in September), but the vibe wins out if you don’t mind spending a couple more pennies.

UPRAWR/Subside

Birmingham’s best alternative nights come in two forms. The first part takes you into Digbeth for a night in Subside, where you can enjoy the best of indie and alt music in Birmingham’s coolest dive bar. Subside also doubles as a cocktail bar which is definitely a draw for me, as sometimes a lemonade and vodka can taste funny after a while. People who know of Subside rave about it, but Digbeth isn’t the safest late at night so make sure you have a good support group with you if you’re venturing into this side of town.

If you’re not into that, similar vibes can be found at UPRAWR solely on a Saturday night at The Asylum. UPRAWR specialises in themed nights, and particular highlights have been their K-Pop Demon Hunters night and their upcoming Twenty One Pilots vs Pierce The Veil night on the 6th December 2025. Expect glow sticks and balloons – the recipe for the ultimate party.

Barbara’s Bier Haus

My personal fave Barbara’s Bier Haus gives the club night vibe in a less intense environment. It’s a particular favourite for my friend group due to it having seating around the dance floor meaning those who aren’t interested in head banging in a crowd can just sit and observe from the sidelines. Barbara’s is one of the cheaper nights on Broad Street and has more students than any other Birmingham city centre club. The music consists of mostly pop anthems so it’s the perfect spot for a girl’s night out.

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Albert Schloss

I have actually never been in Albert Schloss at night, but every time I walk past it, I regret not joining the queue. Located opposite the F1 Arcade in Chamberlain Square (another one I haven’t been to but feel like I should), Albert Schloss looks like the party to be at. From the well-dressed in the queue to those up on the table inside it looks like somewhere not to be missed. Even during the daytime, there’s always some form of DJ or live performance going on to accompany your traditional German beer. I’d definitely make time to check this one out – and let me know if it’s as good as it looks.

Flight Club/Clays

If you need more than just drinking and dancing, Birmingham also has its fair share of activity bars. The Flight Club is the most popular darts bar in the area, and the carousel theming makes for a particularly interesting night out. It’s a go-to for a work-do and my dad absolutely swears by it so prepare for it to be rammed full of middle-aged men.

Similarly, but not nearly as known, Clays sits in Piccadilly Arcade and offers the chance to try your hand at virtual clay pigeon shooting. It’s the only one of its kind outside of London, so it’s considered a novelty for us Birmingham folk.

There are no student discounts but entry to the arcade only costs £10 per person so it’s not too expensive of a night out. I wouldn’t personally recommend their cocktails, but I’ve been told their ciders are nice so there are absolutely options to satisfy your taste.

Not a big drinker? Read my post on the top sober activities for Birmingham students for some alcohol-free inspiration.

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Whilst you’re out having fun in your new uni city, remember that UniHomes promotes responsible drinking, and any alcohol products featured within this article are for ages 18+.

The views and opinions expressed in these blogs are those of the UniHomes Content Ambassadors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of UniHomes. UniHomes accepts no liability for the content of these Student Blogs.