How To Make The Most Of Your University Experience (Beyond Lectures)

Getting More from University Life Beyond the Classroom

University life is often defined by lectures, deadlines and exams, but the most valuable parts of the experience often happen outside the classroom. While academic success is important, making the most of university means developing skills, building relationships, and creating experiences that shape your confidence, independence and future direction.

Here are some key ways students can get more from university life beyond lectures.

1. Get Involved Outside the Classroom

One of the best ways to enrich your university experience is by getting involved in activities outside your course. Joining societies, sports teams, volunteering, or creative groups helps you meet people, explore interests, and develop transferable skills such as teamwork, leadership and communication.

These experiences not only make university more enjoyable, but also help you build confidence and gain practical experience that complements your academic studies.

2. Build Skills That Support Your Future

University offers a unique opportunity to develop skills that extend beyond your degree. Managing your time, balancing responsibilities, working with different personalities and solving real-life challenges all play a role in personal growth.

Taking part in group projects, part-time work, extracurricular activities or student-led initiatives helps you build experiences that can later be reflected in your CV and career planning.
University group work, in particular, often teaches valuable lessons about collaboration, communication and accountability.
Group Projects: A Survival Guide for the Only One Who Cares

Even if you’re not thinking about careers yet, these experiences can make a real difference when it comes to presenting yourself confidently in future applications.
How to Write a CV That Doesn’t Make Recruiters Cry

3. Create Balance Between Study and Social Life

While studying is central to university, maintaining balance is just as important. Making time to socialise, explore your local area and rest properly can help prevent burnout and keep motivation high.
Living in a well-connected student area and having access to local activities, green spaces and social venues makes it easier to enjoy life outside lectures and maintain a healthy routine.

Things to Do in Selly Oak in Your Spare Time

4. Manage Your Independence Wisely

University is often the first-time students manage their own finances, schedules and living arrangements. Learning how to budget, plan ahead and make informed decisions is a key part of the experience.
Understanding your housing, managing monthly expenses and developing everyday life skills can reduce stress and allow you to focus more on enjoying student life and reaching your goals.

5. Build Meaningful Connections

University is one of the best times to build lasting relationships. Connecting with course mates, housemates, society members and staff creates a support network that can positively impact your wellbeing and confidence.
Strong connections help students feel more settled, motivated and supported, especially during challenging academic periods. Knowing how to live and communicate well with others is also an important part of shared student life.

Unihousing Top Do’s and Don’ts When Sharing Uni Accommodation

6. Reflect and Grow Along the Way

Taking time to reflect on your progress helps you stay grounded and focused. Whether it’s journaling, setting intentions, or simply checking in with yourself, reflection allows you to recognise growth and adjust your goals when needed.
University isn’t just about reaching the end goal; it’s about who you become along the way. Taking moments to pause and reset can be especially important during busy academic periods.

Making University Life Work for You

Making the most of your university experience goes beyond attending lectures and completing assignments. By getting involved, building skills, managing independence and creating balance, students can shape a more fulfilling and meaningful journey.
University is a time of growth, exploration and learning in many forms. Embracing opportunities beyond the classroom helps ensure the experience is not only academically rewarding, but personally enriching too.

Looking for Student Accommodation? Unihousing Can Help!

Unihousing is a trusted provider of student accommodation in Selly Oak, serving University of Birmingham students since 1984. All of our properties are owned by us, which means we can respond quickly to any maintenance requests using our qualified team of tradesmen. Our property office is located on Bristol Road, just a short walk from all of our accommodations. This allows us to deal directly with tenants and offer fast, friendly, and reliable support.

Unihousing was selected as the Number 1 Student Letting Agent in Birmingham by the UK’s largest fresher community, Unifresher.

Find out more about our UoB accommodations and secure your ideal student home. Contact Unihousing Today

How To Settle Into Student Life Quickly

 

Settling Into Student Life: Building Confidence, Routine and Balance

Starting university can feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time. Whether you’re a first-year student or returning after a break, adjusting to student life takes more than just unpacking your belongings. Settling in quickly is about building routine, confidence and balance early on, so university life feels manageable rather than stressful.
This guide focuses on the mental, social and lifestyle adjustments that help students feel comfortable and confident during the first few weeks.

1. Give Yourself Time to Adjust

One of the biggest mistakes students make is expecting to feel settled immediately. University is a major change, and it’s normal for things to feel unfamiliar at first. Give yourself permission to take things slowly and adjust at your own pace.
Establishing small routines, such as set study times or daily walks, can help create a sense of structure and normality during the transition.

2. Build a Routine Early On

Creating a simple routine can make student life feel far less overwhelming. This doesn’t need to be rigid, but having a rough structure for studying, social time and rest help you stay grounded.
Learning how to manage your time and daily responsibilities early can reduce stress and improve focus throughout the term.

8 Apps to Improve Your Life at University

3. Get Comfortable with Shared Living

For many students, living with others is one of the biggest adjustments. Learning how to communicate, respect shared spaces and manage different routines takes time, but it’s an important part of settling in.
Understanding shared living expectations early can help avoid tension and make your accommodation feel more comfortable and supportive.

Unihousing Top Do’s and Don’ts When Sharing Uni Accommodation Part 1 & Part 2

4. Explore Your Local Area

Feeling settled isn’t just about your accommodation, it’s also about feeling connected to where you live. Exploring your local area helps you feel more at home and gives you places to relax outside of studying.
Getting to know nearby cafés, green spaces, social venues and walking routes can make daily life feel more enjoyable and familiar.

5 Must-See Areas in Birmingham (Plus Bonus Gems Near Selly Oak!)

5. Look After Your Wellbeing from the Start

University life can become busy very quickly, which is why prioritising wellbeing early on is so important. Getting enough rest, managing your workload and recognising signs of stress can help prevent burnout later in the year.
Being mindful of your mental health from the beginning allows you to enjoy student life while staying balanced and motivated.

6. Remember That Settling In, Is a Process

Settling into student life doesn’t happen overnight. Confidence builds gradually as you become more familiar with your routine, surroundings and responsibilities. Comparing your experience to others can add unnecessary pressure, so focus on what works for you.
University is a time of growth, learning and self-discovery. Allowing yourself space to adjust makes the experience far more rewarding.

Making Student Life Feel Manageable

Settling into student life quickly isn’t about doing everything at once. It’s about creating small habits, building confidence, and finding balance early on. By giving yourself time, staying organised, and taking care of your wellbeing, university life can begin to feel both manageable and enjoyable.

Looking for Student Accommodation? Unihousing Can Help!

Unihousing is a trusted provider of student accommodation in Selly Oak, serving University of Birmingham students since 1984. All of our properties are owned by us, which means we can respond quickly to any maintenance requests using our qualified team of tradesmen. Our property office is located on Bristol Road, just a short walk from all of our accommodations. This allows us to deal directly with tenants and offer fast, friendly, and reliable support.

Unihousing was selected as the Number 1 Student Letting Agent in Birmingham by the UK’s largest fresher community, Unifresher.

Find out more about our UoB accommodations and secure your ideal student home. Contact Unihousing Today

New Year Mindset

A Fresh Start: Building the Right Mindset for a Strong Year Ahead

A new year brings a quiet sense of possibility. After a well-deserved winter break, this period offers a natural moment to reset, refocus, and step into 2026 with clarity. Whether you’re returning to university or settling back into your student accommodation, this is an ideal time to refresh your mindset, rebuild routines, and shape habits that support the year ahead.
Rather than rushing into pressure-filled resolutions, this guide focuses on creating a strong, balanced mindset that feels realistic for student life.

1. Start with Reflection, Not Pressure

The beginning of a new year often comes with expectations of instant change. But real growth starts with reflection, not pressure. Before setting goals, take time to think about the year you’ve just experienced.
Ask yourself:
What challenged me?
What helped me grow?
What moments made me proud?

Reflection helps you understand what truly matters to you. It creates a foundation for intentional decisions, instead of rushed resolutions or comparisons to others. When you begin with clarity, your goals become more meaningful and sustainable.

2. Choose Intentions Over Strict Resolutions

Instead of setting rigid resolutions, try focusing on intentions. Intentions act as gentle guiding statements that give direction without the stress of perfection. This approach is often more realistic for students managing studies, work, and social life. Examples might include: Wanting to be more present in your daily routine Taking better care of your mental health Approaching your studies with consistency rather than pressure Intentions encourage progress without the feeling of failure if plans change.

3. Refresh Your Space to Support Your Mindset

Your environment plays a big role in your mood, focus, and motivation. Returning to student accommodation after the holidays is the perfect opportunity to reset your space. Simple changes can make a difference, such as reorganising your desk, decluttering shelves, adding soft lighting or a plant, or creating a small corner for reading or quiet breaks. A refreshed space can help you feel more settled, focused, and ready to return to academic life.

4. Build Small Habits That Actually Stick

Large lifestyle changes can feel overwhelming during a busy university term. Instead, focus on small, achievable habits that support your intentions. This could include daily planning or journaling, protecting a short study block, preparing one simple meal, reading regularly, or taking a short walk each morning. Small habits build momentum over time and create confidence without burnout.

5. Strengthen and Rebuild Your Social Circle

A fresh start isn’t only about academics. It’s also a chance to reconnect and build meaningful relationships. After time away, friendships may feel distant, or you may feel ready to meet new people. Inviting someone for coffee, joining a society, reconnecting with course mates, or spending more time with housemates can strengthen your support system. Feeling socially supported has a powerful impact on motivation, wellbeing, and overall student life.

6. Make Wellbeing Your Foundation for 2026

If there’s one thing to prioritise this year, let it be wellbeing. Treat it as the foundation for everything else, not an afterthought.
That might mean getting consistent sleep, allowing yourself to rest before burnout, choosing movement you enjoy, using university support services, or practising self-kindness instead of constant self-criticism. Growth doesn’t need to be loud or immediate. It can be slow, steady, and deeply rewarding.

Final Thoughts

A strong mindset for the year ahead isn’t built overnight. It’s shaped through reflection, small habits, supportive environments, and compassion toward yourself. As you return to student life, give yourself permission to grow at your own pace and start 2026 with intention, balance, and confidence.

Looking for Student Accommodation? Unihousing Can Help!

Unihousing is a trusted provider of student accommodation in Selly Oak, serving University of Birmingham students since 1984. All of our properties are owned by us, which means we can respond quickly to any maintenance requests using our qualified team of tradesmen. Our property office is located on Bristol Road, just a short walk from all of our accommodations. This allows us to deal directly with tenants and offer fast, friendly, and reliable support.

Unihousing was selected as the Number 1 Student Letting Agent in Birmingham by the UK’s largest fresher community, Unifresher.

Find out more about our UoB accommodations and secure your ideal student home. Contact Unihousing Today

View our properties online - Monday 08/12/25

 

View our properties online! https://unihousing.co/browse-accommodation/property/?id=34230406   – Dale Road £790pcm

Why Choose Our UoB Accommodations

 Quality, reliable accommodation tailored for University of Birmingham students.

Choosing one of our University of Birmingham (UOB) accommodations is ideal if you want to share your space in a quiet area off-campus, or if you prefer your own private accommodation without noisy housemates. No matter what you’re looking for, we have options that suit every student lifestyle.

Spacious Rooms Designed for Students
All of our student accommodations near UOB are spacious and offer plenty of breathing room for the number of people advertised. This gives you more than enough space when you want to study, while still keeping you close to friends and housemates so your social life can continue naturally. 

 

Clean, Safe & Maintained to a High Standard
All of our UOB accommodations are maintained to a high standard by our on-site maintenance team. We ensure every property is kept clean, safe, and fully fit for student living. This gives you a comfortable environment to learn, rest, and live in throughout your years at university.

 

Perfect Balance of Privacy and Community

Do you prefer a quiet, private place to focus on your studies? Or do you enjoy a community atmosphere, late nights with friends, and building friendships within your accommodation?
At our UOB accommodation sites, we offer both options tailored to community-driven students and those who want a peaceful, private study space.

 

Bills Are Included in The Price of Rent

In the surrounding areas of our UOB student housing, you’ll find plenty of nightlife, entertainment, and activities to help you unwind. There are great opportunities to make new friends, experience diverse food options, explore local culture, and enjoy quick connections to Birmingham City Centre. With so much to do nearby, you’ll never be bored between lectures and studying.

 

Local Activities, Culture & Nightlife
In the surrounding areas of our UOB student housing, you’ll find plenty of nightlife, entertainment, and activities to help you unwind. There are great opportunities to make new friends, experience diverse food options, explore local culture, and enjoy quick connections to Birmingham City Centre. With so much to do nearby, you’ll never be bored between lectures and studying.

 

Looking for Student Accommodation? Unihousing Can Help!

Unihousing is a trusted provider of student accommodation in Selly Oak, serving University of Birmingham students since 1984. All of our properties are owned by us, which means we can respond quickly to any maintenance requests using our qualified team of tradesmen.

Our property office is located on Bristol Road, just a short walk from all of our accommodations. This allows us to deal directly with tenants and offer fast, friendly, and reliable support.

Unihousing was selected as the Number 1 Student Letting Agent in Birmingham by the UK’s largest fresher community, Unifresher.

Find out more about our UoB accommodations and secure your ideal student home. Contact Unihousing Today

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 The Student Guide to Maximizing Your Money!

1. What are you actually spending on?

It’s easier than ever to spend without noticing, especially on campus! Cafés, Breakfast Bars and quick bites to eat might feel like harmless treats, but that daily £4 coffee adds up fast. By Friday, you’ve spent £20 - and that’s just on caffeine!

Apps like Monzo and Revolut are great for tracking your spending habits. You’ll quickly spot where your money’s going, be it fast food, Uber, or unused subscriptions. If you’re not using that streaming service or gym membership, cancel it for now. You can always rejoin later when it fits your budget! If you can spare it, consider cancelling that subscription and paying it into a Savers Account each month!

2. The Student Toolkit – Offers and Apps.

Being a student unlocks an absolute treasure trove of discount; something you’ll come to really appreciate when living on a student budget. Make sure to always carry your Student ID, and take advantage of reduced pricing at cinemas, museums, and even some restaurants.

Apps like UNiDAYS and Student Beans are also essential. They round up the best student offers across fashion, tech, beauty, and more. Most online deals will also require them to verify your student status.

Even services like Spotify and Apple Music offer discounted subscriptions, so don’t miss out. It might be a good idea to go through any subscriptions you currently pay for, and see if they offer a student plan!

3. Day-to-Day Living: Where money slips through.

Along with the stuff we’ve already looked at, there are lots of small changes in your daily routine that can lead to big savings. Let’s have a look at some of them, starting with food:

• Meal Prep: It’s cheaper, healthier, and a great way to sharpen your cooking skills. Consider looking up recipes online, and cooking something you can store in Tupperware. This means you don’t have to commit to cooking every night of the week, and gives you ready meal convenience without the sugar or high prices!
• Meal Deals: Convenient, yes, but at a price! Often far more expensive then cooking yourself and packed with sugar. Save these for long days when cooking isn’t realistic and you don’t have anything already in the fridge.
• Delivery Apps: Uber Eats and Deliveroo are budget killers. You’re not just paying for food; you’re covering delivery fees, service charges, and tips. Use sparingly, if at all.

For supplies, skip buying textbooks new. Check your university library first, or buy second-hand. Academic books are expensive, and you might never touch them again after the module ends. Unless it’s something you think will be really valuable, it’s probably best to try and save here. Depending on your family income, your University might even offer funding for course specific supplies.

When it comes to shopping, avoiding impulse buys is an obvious one, but there are also other things to note when trying to save some cash. Sites like Depop or Vinted can be a great way to get high street fashion for supermarket prices. Other second-hand sites like eBay or Facebook Marketplace can also be a cheap way to pick up electronics or furniture for your dorm room.

4. Emergency Support: When things get tough…

Life throws curveballs, and sometimes you need a financial lifeline. Here are two key options:

• Student Overdrafts: Most student bank accounts offer interest-free overdrafts. They’re a solid short-term solution, but treat them like emergency funds — not free spending money. You’ll need to repay it, so use wisely. If you need a little bit extra to tide you over till your next maintenance loan, this could be an option.
• University Hardship Funds: If your financial situation changes unexpectedly, speak to your university or even your student-union. Many offer hardship grants or support with course-related equipment. It’s confidential, and designed to help you stay on track. University can be very challenging – don’t feel like you have to face it on your own.

Hopefully some of these points can help you out, and best of luck on your student journey! Maybe even try a weekly challenge where you limit your spending to just £20 and see how long you can last!