Choosing the Right Accommodation

The majority of students today will spend their first year in a community based student accommodation known as ‘student halls’. This type of shared living does not suit every student however and come the second-year, students will have the opportunity to branch out as a group or independently. The vital decisions that are made in this moment can shape the rest of your university experience, therefore, we are here to shed some light on the variety of student accommodation that is available in Birmingham and its surrounding area.

Independent Living

If you’ve spent your first year in student halls and have decided that they are not for you, maybe it’s time to consider an independent living environment. This is ideal for students who enjoy time to themselves. Student studios and apartments offer a perfect get away from the busy life as a student. Both studios and apartment have their pros and cons so it’s important to know what you’re looking for.

Price

Studios – the cost of a studio can vary greatly depending on the supplier, but the average for a studio in the Selly Oak area next to the University of Birmingham can be between £100 - £150 a week. This price is affordable to students, but by doing your research, there’s always a chance you can find a good quality studio for a lower price.

Apartments – the cost of a student apartment is very similar to the cost of a studio, so in this instance, there is not a great difference. Both are affordable for students in Birmingham.

Layout

Studios – a studio often consists of one large room that contains your bed, a kitchen and a lounge/study area. It is said that a studio is suited to a person who lives a busy life, as everything you need is in one space allowing you to easily move between tasks. While you may have enough space to have your friends around, some of your friends may have to perch on the end of your bed, which could be invasive to your privacy.

Apartments – the layout of an apartment can provide a great environment to relax and relieve stress after a long day at university. However, apartments differ from studios here due to their layout, an apartment has 2 or 3 rooms, one large main living room for relaxing and study, a second kitchen room and finally a bedroom. This can offer a more relaxed style of living, and means that you can have friends visit without impacting your privacy.

Size

The size of both a studio and an apartment are solely dependent on the size of the property and can vary. As should be expected, the price of a studio or apartment will increase with it’s size.

Storage

Studios – storage in all property types will not vary much, however you could argue due to a studio being one large room that it will not contain as much storage as you may need.

Apartments – an apartment can offer a more ideal storage solution. Having a number of rooms offers the opportunity to add multiple storage options of your own, without your accommodation looking like a storage facility.

Shared Accommodation

For those who have enjoyed their time in student halls, shared accommodation would be a great way to live during your time at university. Shared accommodation such as housing has its own advantages and disadvantages for student life, but with communication between everyone, most of the disadvantages can be worked through.  

Price

The price for a shared house in Birmingham averages around £60 – £90 a week per person. This price gets you your own room, with shared bathrooms, a lounge and kitchen. This is often a lot more affordable for students than an independent living solution, however you are sharing the space with other people.

Floor Plan

In shared accommodation, the layout tends to vary a lot more. A student house can hold anywhere from 2 bedrooms to 12 and above. Alongside this, there will be a number of bathrooms, usually 1 to every two/three rooms. On the bottom floor you will have a large kitchen complete with appliances such as a washing machine, cooker and fridge/freezer. You will often find that the layout of the student house will differ street to street. The best way to find a property that suits you is to book several viewings.

Size

Houses tend to have a lot of variety in the size of its rooms. You are likely to get a larger kitchen and lounging area than those found in independent accommodation, but this is to be shared between everyone at the property. Most properties have bedrooms with a double bed and storage, alongside a small desk or study area. The bedroom in shared accommodation is your private space away from your housemates, so make sure you find a house with a bedroom that suits you.

Storage

The amount of storage you have available in a property will often depend on the size of the property that you are looking at. However, almost all properties will give you a wardrobe for your clothes and a desk with drawers in your room, with some properties giving you additional drawers or shelving space. There will likely be room to add a further small storage unit if you require it. The true test of storage in shared accommodation comes in the kitchen, as everyone will be trying to find room for their pots and pans. It may be worthwhile for everyone to agree on sharing utensils, or to buy a shared pack of cooking utensils for the entire house to use. 

What’s Right for You?

This isn’t something that we can tell you. Where you decide to live in your second and third year at university is up to you and your preferences. Each form of student accommodation has advantages and disadvantages that need to be considered. It is important that you pick your accommodation based on what suits you and your requirements. Living in a space that doesn’t agree with you can lead to you not enjoying your university experience, or causing issues with your studying.

Unihousing offers all types of student accommodation in Selly Oak and other surrounding areas of Birmingham. Both student studios and shared housing are on the market for the new academic year in 2018. We could have your ideal student accommodation, head to our site and book a viewing so you can find your ideal student accommodation.

Getting the most from University

So, you're all settled into your student accommodation and you're looking forward to the rest of your time at University. You will cross many hurdles as a student, some of which will be easier to overcome than others. So, to make your journey as smooth and as simple as possible here is a guide to the student lifestyle that can save you time and money.

A Productive Work Space

One important aspect of student life is your study time. As all students will be fully aware by now, getting your head down and completing work can be difficult at the best of times. A world of distractions surround you and make it harder than ever to concentrate. So here are some great ways to ensure more effective and worthwhile study periods in your workspace.

Firstly, avoiding distractions is key. Set yourself up in a corner away from the T.V. so that you have your full attention on your work. Listening to music can also help you focus on the task at hand. Finally, there are now many apps that will lock you out of your social media accounts in an effort to help you stay on track and avoid the temptation of checking up on the world.

Another method for ensuring a productive study period is your working environment. By this I mean the area in which you choose to work, it is important to have a comfortable and clean working area. The most effective work area will be spacious with plenty of resting space, that is well lit during daylight hours. Finally, it is always helpful to have some storage and a bin which should both be used to keep your desk free of rubbish and clutter.

A final way to create a productive workspace for yourself is by reducing the noise of other housemates or surrounding sounds. You can counteract noises like this using simple measures such as closing a window, putting a towel at the bottom of your door and using headphones to help drown out unpleasant noises.

Maintain a Social Life

Although this may seem obvious, you should remember that while you are at university, it is still important to maintain a healthy relationship with both your existing friends back home and the new friends you will make while at university. Why are your friends so important? 

Well having the option to move away from the stress of work and having a group of friends to relax with can and will make your university experience much more enjoyable. Having a happy attitude to your university lifestyle can only have a positive effect on your overall performance at university in 2017/2018.

Ways to Save Money

There are many ways that a student can save themselves a fair amount of money over their time at university. This money can then be spent on the things that you consider to be important to you.

Do your own cooking – Get yourself down to the supermarket and look for the best bargains to take home, cooking will not only save you money but helps you to learn a skill that you will use later in life. 

Use your student discount – These days students can receive student discounts in a number of locations around the country. This could be a price discount, or in some restaurants, free food can be claimed when you buy a meal. One of the standard student cards is an NUS card, this enables you to get a discount at specific stores local to you.

Public transport in Birmingham – Public transport is cheap, especially now students can get a discount on railcards and bus passes. Take full advantage of the services around you and save yourself money.

Loyalty cards - Who doesn’t love free money? Loyalty cards are a fantastic way to earn yourself free money. It may take time to build up the points you need but for the sake of carrying around a thin plastic card, it's well and truly worth it.

Work as a Team

If you live in shared accommodation and not in a studio of your own, listen up. Work as a team to keep the place tidy and clean. Living in a clean and tidy environment offers a much healthier lifestyle. Sharing jobs such as cooking, cleaning and tidying up ensure that everything gets done and each member pulls their weight.

Pick the Accommodation That's Right for You

If you’re thinking about your accommodation next year it may be worth taking this into account. All student accommodation provides a different lifestyle, which many students do not realise until they are already settled in.

Houses – A house offers you the opportunity to live with friends that you may have met in your first and second years at university. They are fantastic for those people who like to be surrounded by their peers and live within a community.

Studios – A studio apartment is great for a streamlined lifestyle, a studio offers a quiet and relaxed environment away from the busy life of University. If you like to deal with your own mess and are tired of dealing with everyone else this may be the right option for you.

Flats/apartments – This is the middle ground, flats offer a secluded and reserved area when it is needed, enabling you to relax after a long day of work, however, due to their layout and design they offer a convent space to host small events giving you the option, if you please, to have friends round on occasion.

Unihousing aims to offer the best university living experience to the students of Birmingham. By advising students on what can make and break their student year, we are able to ensure an enjoyable experience to the hundreds of students that rent with us every year.

To find out more and see what Unihousing has to offer, head to our website to view all our available student accommodation ready for the academic year in 2018.

Student Accommodation in Selly Oak for 2018

There are always many things to consider when looking forward to the coming year, and it is never a bad idea to start thinking ahead about your accommodation options in 2018. Whether you are just beginning your studies or whether you are continuing your studies in the Birmingham area, it is wise to consider all your accommodation choices. Unihousing are one of the most trusted student landlords in the student village of Selly Oak in Birmingham, and they are currently listing new, must-see properties, for the academic year beginning summer 2018.

Is Unihousing Accommodation Right for Me?

Now is an excellent time to plan ahead for next year with Unihousing. By getting in early, you can be sure to find the property you want, in the location that you want, at the price that you want. A splendid and diverse line-up of student accommodation is available on the Unihousing website, and so we are sure to have something which will meet your requirements.

As a registered lettings agent based in Selly Oak, Unihousing have an admirable background in providing accommodation to satisfy the needs of students in the Birmingham area. To choose an accommodation with Unihousing, whether that be a studio for one, or a shared house for two or more, is to benefit from their excellent service. This includes personal service and a property maintenance team who deal promptly with any problems that may arise in your home.

The best way to see why Unihousing are so ideal for students in 2018, is to browse the range of accommodation that they will be offering in the coming year.

Studios

If it’s a studio that you are looking for, take a look at this studio on Bristol Road. 

This is a fine example of student housing, boasting high standards of comfort and convenience. A great choice for anyone looking for a place to settle as they progress through their academic studies. 

This property is impressively spacious, with a roomy bedroom/ living area, an attractive kitchenette, complete with appliances, and an elegant shower room. Additionally, its location is superb, placing you near to Selly Oak and its bustling nightlife.

Flats

Alternatively, consider this Bristol Road flat. This accommodation is especially appealing because of the separate bedroom area upstairs. In the downstairs section of this flat you will find a commodious living area as well as a kitchenette with appliances. This lovely flat is hard to resist when it comes double glazed, laminated throughout, central heated and fully furnished, including washing machine, oven and microwave.

Houses

It may be that you would much prefer to be based in a house, sharing the fun of the student living with friends. In that case, you may like to review Unihousing’s houses. 

Consider this property at 4 North Road. It is an undeniably well-presented student home for 3, available for £416 pppcm. In addition to its 3 comfy bedroom, this student home comprises a fully fitted kitchen, with appliances, a fitted bathroom with shower, and a spacious lounge, ideal for late nights gathered round the TV. 

If you are looking for a slightly bigger place, you may wish to consider 27 Eastern Road. This house radiates charm and visual splendour, and you will find it difficult to find a student home more pleasing to the eye than this one. Its delightfully presented interior comprises: 5 tasteful bedrooms; two bathrooms with showers; and an expansive kitchen. In addition, you will also find a dining area and a large rear garden. 

Why Selly Oak?

Whether you are intending to begin your studies at Birmingham University in 2018, or whether you will be continuing your studies, Selly Oak is an ideal place to be. Not only is it right next to the University, but it has excellent facilities and great transport links.

There are multiple shops and supermarkets for all those necessary day-to-day items, as well as an extraordinary diversity of cafes, pubs and restaurants for hanging out with your friends. On those days when you don’t have the energy to prepare your own meal, Selly Oak has a wide variety of take-aways to cater to your needs.

Located as it is, close to the University, Selly Oak is also convenient for the student guild, the library and the University gym, swimming pool and playing fields as well as, of course for all your lectures, study groups or lab work.

Selly Oak has its own train station and is served efficiently by regular buses and trains. These run not only into Birmingham city centre, but also around the city to other areas of interest including Moseley, Kings Heath and Harborne. Also nearby are Cannon Hill Park, the Midlands Arts Centre, the Edgbaston Cricket Ground and the Botanical Gardens.

In the city centre, you will find a plethora of high street stores in the recently redesigned Bull Ring shopping centre. If you head towards Five Ways you will discover the busy night life of Broad Street and Brindley place including night clubs, theatres, cinemas and more.

Taking Things Further

Ultimately it is up to you to investigate and choose what accommodation you want for 2018. Unihousing provide an excellent array of different properties of outstanding standard and at a good price. Don’t delay, take a look at what we have to offer on our website, and start your journey to securing some stand-out student housing for 2018.