Why Choose Student Accommodation in Selly Oak?

Do you think you could be getting more for your money in regard to your student accommodation? Unihousing's accommodation that includes houses and Selly Oak student studios could be something for you to aim for. Whether you are more drawn to renting Selly Oak studios than houses to share, it is just as much the location of these properties that can make the difference to you as it is the quality of the properties themselves. Becoming a tenant in Selly Oak Birmingham opens new doors for you, making it the foundation to another promising chapter in your academic journey.

Why Selly Oak?

One huge advantage of renting student accommodation in Selly Oak is that it is pretty much ideal for the student lifestyle. Largely seen as a student area, the Birmingham town of Selly Oak is a key Birmingham place for those studying at university in the city. By featuring a busy, bustling centre that is spread out around the main road that passes through the heart of Selly Oak, this area is not short on the kind of things you need. And when the lights go down, it throbs with a fizz of energy. All this helps to create opportunities for a fun and varied student life.

The Student Life

Everyone is different, and everyone has slightly different tastes and interests. But one thing that is generally good for us all is having some choice. And when it comes to doing things in the evening, weekend or at any other point you have some free-time, Selly Oak isn't a bad place to be. By simply taking a short walk from your Selly Oak studio, you will come across Selly Oak's choice of pubs. Perfect for meeting up with friends and having a drink and chat, you could also grab a tasty bite to eat here. 

And if you're not quite tempted by what's on the menu, head back outside and make your way to one of the other restaurants that are situated in Selly Oak. There's a newly opened Nando's, a Frankie and Benny's as well as less mainstream places such as Paprika Grill UK. Paprika specialises in Middle Eastern-themed cuisine: succulent chicken skewers with rice and salad, Persian sausage Bandaris and Dolma- some stuff you're familiar with, and maybe some you're not, but all of it is sure to leave you wanting more

Nights Out

Going out to eat as far as the student budget allows is obviously a great way to get out and socialise with others, building friendships and memories to help make the whole time at uni' worthwhile. A good way to add to those experiences whilst living in Selly Oak is by making the most of the opportunity to sample the local nightlife. Gather-up your mates and go to the Selly Oak clubs Circo or The Indie Lounge. Both of these are superb routes to take to enable you to let-off steam, have fun and de-stress after all of the hard-work of focussing on assignments and attending university lectures.

Situation

What really stands out about these suggestions for nightlife and socialising- apart from their potential for being enjoyable- is that they're so close to where you will be living if you opt to rent a Selly Oak student studio or a house with others. It's very convenient and easy to fit around your lifestyle.

On the subject of convenience, it is something that makes renting student accommodation there so appealing. Pretty much all the amenities you'd need- shops, supermarkets, chemist's, barbers/hairdressers, public transport etc.- are situated in Selly Oak.

Exploring

The public transport links mentioned above are a reliable and very easy way to travel, which only increases your options for seeing and doing more, further making Selly Oak an appealing choice. If you opt to get about on the train, for example, by hopping-on at Selly Oak station and journeying to Birmingham City Centre, you could discover a whole load of interesting and stimulating ways to stay entertained. 

Brum's City Centre is also right next to Digbeth, another place that's worth having a look at. By taking the bus, car or even taxi from Selly Oak to other parts of Birmingham though, you will be given the chance to investigate such towns as Moseley, Kings Heath and Harborne, all boasting their own specific qualities.

So being a tenant in Selly Oak, housed in the kind of Unihousing student accommodation where you can really settle, is a nice first step to creating a rich and memorable student experience for yourself. The variety and breadth of options there and nearby will not only help keep you smiling, but they will additionally boost your opportunities to make friends and will be cheap too so that you can take care of that delicate student budget.

Selly Oak Student Accommodation

Students in Selly Oak may be surprised by the range of choice that being in this part of Birmingham offers, but with Unihousing's selection of accommodation, living standards are high, too. Offering houses and Selly Oak student studios that are affordable, double glazed and furnished with the kind of essentials that are needed for contemporary student living, Unihousing is registered lettings agents whose impressive properties are not to be missed out on.

Get in touch with Unihousing today to find out what we can do for you!!

More Hobbies for Birmingham Students

Martial Arts

Martial arts is something that is said to benefit those who take part in a variety of ways. It has an obvious physical dimension involved, but alongside this, confidence, discipline and self-defence are all said to be the potential rewards of participating in martial arts.

There are a number of different forms of martial arts, and there are a number of places in Birmingham where you can get a taste of what they are like. Places such as the Birmingham Martial Arts Centre and British Military Martial Arts Birmingham are just two examples of where to go in this city to explore this potential new hobby for you.

Comics/ Sci-Fi/ Memorabilia Etc.

In the City Centre of Birmingham, the opportunity to indulge your enthusiasm for anything comic book, sci-fi related etc can be yours. Whether you choose to drive in, get a lift, take the train or the bus, or make use of the West Midlands Metro, once you're in the City Centre, the fun can begin. And you can make a day of it by book-ending the experience with trips to the best places for eating and drinking.

As for the comics and memorabilia themselves, the places you want to head-to are Forbidden Planet on Bull Street and Nostalgia Comics on Smallbrook Queensway. Another place you might want to mark down as worth a visit is Game HQ. Game HQ is situated inside the unmistakeably distinctive Oasis on Corporation street, Birmingham City Centre, and is a place that allows you to purchase various action figures as well as play the latest card games. In addition, they offer their own Yu-Gi-Oh tournaments.

Acting and Theatre

Maybe your passion in life is performance. If so, being situated in Birmingham for your academic experience is pretty fortunate, as this city gives you ample opportunity to pursue this passion further. Regarding acting for the stage, there is The Old Rep Theatre and the Crescent Theatre. Both of these provide opportunities to get up on stage and act, with the former offering a choice of courses for all levels of ability, and the Crescent Theatre opening-up their auditions for forthcoming productions to all-comers. You will also find a plethora of amateur dramatics groups in the city, and, for something a little different and a little more cinematic perhaps, there are also screen acting courses to be found here.

Dancing

Another strand on the performance theme, Birmingham hosts a collection of dancing-related opportunities, whether you are a dancer yourself or want to begin learning. There really is a great deal of diversity here; Ballet, Bhangra, Contemporary dance are all a key part of the cultural fabric that makes-up this engaging city. If you're concerned about how much taking part in some kind of dance class might be, this wouldn't be so surprising as the student life is not one that is often associated with great sums of cash. To give you an example of a class that will ease your mind a little, a session at the Birmingham Hippodrome's DanceXchange (dx) is priced at as little as £3!

Arts and Crafts

For some people, there aren't many better ways to invigorate and reduce stress than to get creative and produce something artistic. Obviously, you can do this kind of thing on your own and without anyone's help. You can, however, also join a group related to this particular form of artistic expression. The MAC- Midlands Arts Centre- for example, run various courses that may be of interest to you. Based in the beautiful green surroundings of Cannon Hill, park, the MAC is an inviting place with a strong reputation for quality courses and providing an all-round rewarding experience for those who take the time visit.

Unihousing Student Accommodation and Summer Lets

Unihousing are registered lettings agents with a strong reputation for providing Birmingham student accommodation of a high standard with an affordable price tag that suits most modern-day student budgets. At this point in the year, they re making available their properties- both houses and studios- as summer lets. Comfortable and spacious, these summer lets are a great idea for anyone staying in the Birmingham area over the summer season!

And for those students out there who are looking ahead now to the forthcoming academic year, Unihousing are simply ideal for you. Their student housing is double glazed, central heated and boasts all the furnishings needed for the contemporary student lifestyle. With their superb Selly Oak locations that are well-served by nearby public transport links and place you within a short distance from both the University of Birmingham Edgbaston campus as well as the amenities and nightlife of Selly Oak, Unihousing's student accommodation is definitely worth looking into.

Get in touch with Unihousing today to find out what we can do for you!

10 Comedians to Watch Out For

Watching a comedy show can help you destress at the end of the day, whether it’s live or televised. But how do you know whether the comedian you’re going to see delivers the right comedy for you? This is where we come in, by letting you know 10 comedians to watch out for. Let us know who your favourite is in the comments below. 

1) Richard Pryor

A massively influential force in stand-up comedy who could quite easily be described as the greatest of all time, Richard Pryor is simply essential viewing. An artist who hilariously captured the pain and difficulties of life as it is lived, Pryor's work is also hugely memorable for its incredible anecdotes and insights into a unique man with an extraordinary life.

2) George Carlin

From “Seven Words You Can Never Say On Television” to “A Place for My Stuff”, George Carlin is another monumental figure in the history of modern stand-up that has shaped the way stand-up has grown over the decades. Massively intelligent, with a tone that can shift from being fierce and fiery to silly and whimsical, there's always something with George Carlin to catch your attention, make you think and make you laugh.

3) Dane Baptiste

Dane Baptiste is a hilarious UK comedian who has appeared on BBC's Live At The Apollo and Mock The Week, and was nominated in 2014 for a Comedy Award at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Since that time, Dane has continued to please audiences all around with his personal insights and incisive commentary. Join him as he expands his fan-base during his G.O.D (Gold, Oil, Drugs) tour that continues through the rest of this year.

4) Stewart Lee

Not exactly cheerful but not like anyone else, either, Stewart Lee's work goes against the grain but does so in a subtle yet stark way. Content and opinion is only part of the puzzle with Lee though, as his approach to stand-up is one that places a particular emphasis on rhythm and style, taking you places you weren't sure stand-up could. Bold, surreal and quiveringly funny.

5) Rhod Gilbert

One of the bigger acts to come out of the UK in the last decade or so, Rhod Gilbert is now working to a steady schedule of well-suited television shows and documentaries. Before all that though he was a shouty comedian, loudly complaining about things he noticed in society and discussing his anger issues. Not incapable of sophistication either, The Man With The Battenburg Tattoo DVD performance shows his ability to create multi-layered, story-driven comedy. Sit down, perhaps with the volume lowered slightly, and get a dose of UK comedy at its best with Rhod.

6) Joan Rivers

The career of the late Joan Rivers was a lengthy one that stretched over several decades. In that time, she became unmistakeably recognisable for her consistently punchy lines about all manner of irritations, all delivered in her distinctive voice. Rude, abrasive and funny, a night-in with the comedy of Joan Rivers is sure-fire entertainment.

7) Dave Chappelle

Arguably one of the most popular funny-men the US has to offer, Dave Chappelle is a man who seems to have got right into the middle of things in present-day America. His more recent Netflix stand-up has given us an impressive illustration of a top comedian going head-on into the melting pot of the current US social and political picture.

8) Chris Rock

Another star of the stand-up world, Chris Rock is a highly-respected master of the mic who commands any stage he walks onto. If you're someone who hasn't yet put aside the time to watch one of Rock's shows, do so soon. Chris Rock has a remarkable ability to mix wonderfully succinct observations about politics and culture alongside brilliantly perceptive jokes about relationships.

9) Robin Williams

Seeing a Robin Williams stand-up performance is something of an experience. His pace, his energy and his sublime ability to craft gags that work on both a cerebral and gut-bustingly funny level is really stunning. Filled with unforgettable bits and wrapped-up in Williams' heroically wild persona, this is guaranteed to give you the giggles.

10) Bill Hicks

A man to make your mind open, Hicks was a legend. A defiant voice in the age of Regan, Bush Sr, and Clinton, before his death in 1994 Bill Hicks seemed to wander through his own issues whilst confronting those in real life, such as war and the economy, before reassuringly telling us that “It's just a ride”. A true individual, Hicks made comedy that was both of its time and timeless.

Unihousing and Accommodation

Unihousing currently have on offer a selection of high-standard professional properties. And for all of the Birmingham students out there that are reading, it should be noted that it's never too early to begin looking into student accommodation, including student studios, houses and apartments.

Those in need of professional properties can find the right kind of living standards with Unihousing's range of spacious and well-presented properties that are situated within desirable Birmingham locations. By being based in such affable Birmingham towns as Kings Heath and Harborne, Unihousing's professional properties satisfy your requirements for housing that is both comfortable and convenient while also allowing you to explore nearby options for a cultured and invigorating social life. The superb locations of their professional properties also afford you the opportunity to access other parts of the city including the City Centre, opening-up a whole range of possibilities for discovering the artistic, historical and sports-related merits of Birmingham.

Student Housing

Student accommodation is also ideally situated when it's provided through Selly Oak-based lettings agents Unihousing. The Selly Oak locations of their student studios are filled with plenty of shops and supermarkets as well as the kind of amenities that you would need to get you through an average week of student living. Not only this, but Selly Oak is great for take-aways- which is ideal for a quick solution to not having anything in for dinner.

There's also a good number of places to go out to at night in Selly Oak. Boasting pubs, clubs and restaurants that will only be a short walk from the front door of a Unihousing student property, being a tenant in Selly Oak definitely has its advantages. Due to its excellent restaurants and vibrant clubs, it's good for socialising as well. The University of Birmingham Edgbaston campus is a short walk away, too. Plus, with the nearby train and bus services, getting out and about to keep active and find things to do is never a problem.

For those out there who are seeking either professional properties or student accommodation for a reasonable price in Birmingham, there is no denying that Unihousing are well-worth getting in touch with.

Contact Unihousing Today to Discover What We Can Do For You!!

Afternoons with a Documentary and Student Accommodation

The student life can sometimes mean having extra time on your hands. You're not always going to be in lectures and you're not always going to be studying. And you can't always be going-out and spending time with friends.

With that in mind, here are 10 documentaries that you will surely appreciate learning about. While there are great films out there, on Netflix, DVDs etc., these viewing choices are ones that can get you thinking, get you informed and open your mind.

1) The Fog of War (2003)

A phenomenal piece that is not to be missed, The Fog of War is a compelling journey through some of the most provocative periods in 20th Century political history with the man who was involved in many of them: Robert S McNamara. US Secretary of Defense under presidents Kennedy, Johnson and Nixon, McNamara goes into great detail about events before and during his career working for the above US Presidents. Highly informative, often chilling and totally unforgettable.

2) Grizzly Man (2005)

A potent portrait of the reality of the natural world, Grizzly Man is also a poetic attempt to understand the late Timothy Treadwell. A grizzly bear activist, Treadwell died as a result of an attack from one of these animals whilst observing them in their natural habitat. This doc' knits together clips from Treadwell's lengthy visual documentations of these creatures, creating a unique film-within-a film viewing experience. Directed by the legendary Werner Herzog, this is a profound documentary that works on many different levels.

3) Blackfish (2013)

Another insight into man's relationship with wild creatures, Blackfish is a tense and consistently startling 83 minute documentary. The shocking and disconcerting elements that are contained within killer whale Tilikum's story of capture and captivity at SeaWorld leave a huge impression, underlining the need for effective measures to protect our wildlife. What also stands-out though is the magnificent beauty and intelligence of killer whales, producing an affecting film to move you and deepen your understanding and appreciation of these incredible mammals.

4) When We Were Kings (1996)

Nothing can get you pumped-up quite like The Greatest, Muhammad Ali. And in this famous movie, we get it all: the speeches, the shuffles, the behind-the-scenes look, “The Rumble In The Jungle”. A definitive doc', When We Were Kings captures the feeling of surrounding events in the US at the time, shedding light on the significance and resonance of Ali's career at this stage in his life and the impact he has had on society as a whole.

5) Koyaanisqatsi (1982)

A seamless filmic canvas that threads together a wave of glorious images, Koyaanisqatsi takes from the most exotic reaches of the natural world to the concrete and steel contours of the city-scape. No interviews or voice-overs in this one. No actual narrative either. It's simply a rejuvenating visual ride across the globe accompanied by a sterling Philip Glass score that only makes the trip even more exhilarating. It has a point to make though. So be prepared to question, contemplate and comprehend.

6) Room 237 (2012)

This is where things get a little crazy. Largely based around a gathering of interviews with unseen subjects about horror classic The Shining, Room 237 is a strange and dizzying web of thoughts, theories and appraisals offered by fans of the 1980 Kubrick master-work. Loaded with striking subject matter that ranges from Moon landing conspiracies to World War 2, and illustrated by excerpts from The Shining itself, this may not always be to everyone's taste, but it's sure to get a reaction. Make sure you're sitting down, strapped-in and plugged-in, because this one takes you to places inside a film you never thought you knew.

7) The Last Gladiators (2011)

A documentary that hits as hard as the fists of its subject Chris “Knuckles” Nilan, The Last Gladiators is an unflinching look at the life and experiences of a professional ice-hockey enforcer- players noted for their violent contribution on the ice to their respective team. A man whose opponent in his battles included himself as much as any rival player, Nilan's story is well-told and soberingly presented, and actually leaves us with a strong message about the true cost of violence.

8) The Propaganda Game (2015)

Certainly, one to get you thinking, The Propaganda Game is compulsively fascinating. It concerns the trip made by a filmmaker into North Korea and gives us an insight into this country that we hear a lot about but we do not see as much of. The Propaganda Game really makes you question what you see and what you have been told, and the possibility that there could be falsehoods told on all sides is hard to ignore. This intriguing film takes something surrounded by controversies and mysteries and only prompts us to ask more questions.

9) The Corporation (2003)

There was Super Size Me. There was Fahrenheit 9/11. There was The Corporation. The early-mid 2000s saw some seriously fiery doc's all sounding the alarm during a highly-charged political era. The Corporation stands as an almost cast-iron, all-encompassing case against the seemingly ubiquitous power wielded by big business and corporations. Often unsettling, The Corporation presents you with so many facts and convincing arguments that it will undeniably shape your perception on what is such a huge and intrinsic part of our modern way of life.

10) Anvil (2008)

Delving into the kind of struggle for success and contentment that we all face from time to time, Anvil is one of those films that helps you regain a little focus. It's also pretty touching, too. Join director Sacha Gervasi as he follows metal band Anvil in their attempts to re-ignite their career. Cash shortages, poor attendance at gigs and missing their trains en-route to concerts are just some of the cringe-inducing stumbling blocks the band encounter in a struggle that you can't help but cheer them on in fighting.

Student Accommodation in Birmingham

Looking ahead to choosing ideal student housing, your search for the right Birmingham student accommodation is helped by Selly Oak-based letting agents Unihousing. Affordably priced, Unihousing's range of student accommodation is unmistakeably practical and convenient, whilst also allowing you to enjoy the kind of relaxed and comfortable lifestyle that you would like to have as a student tenant.

Able to offer both high-standard student studios and houses to share with a group of friends, Unihousing's properties are equipped with central, heating, showers as well as all of the furnishings that are necessary for modern-day student living. A quick walk from the University of Birmingham Edgbaston campus and various public transport links, the Selly Oak locations of Unihousing's student accommodations also give you easy access to the shops, supermarkets and amenities that you need access to, plus the pubs, clubs and restaurants that you want access to.

Get in touch with Unihousing today and find out what we can do for you!!

10 Tips For Enjoying Student Living

Maybe you're just starting to settle into uni' life, or maybe you're already pretty accustomed to the student lifestyle. Either way, it doesn't hurt to give a thought to possible ways to improve your student experience. Some points on this list may seem a little obvious or even silly, but sometimes it’s easy to forget the basics. Read on to find out our 10 student tips.

1) Accommodation

Being happy and comfortable with where you are living is pretty crucial. The less satisfied you are with your student accommodation, the less positive you will feel, which will only hinder how well you perform on your course. Birmingham students, for example, will be in the advantageous position of being able to rent student accommodation with Unihousing. Specialising in high-standard student studios and houses, Unihousing offers impressive properties in excellent Selly Oak locations for affordable prices.

2) Staying Active

Obviously, having a lack of time can be an issue, due to all the lectures and assignments and other pieces of work that are required of you on your university course. However, if you are able to put a little effort into it, you might be surprised at how staying active can improve your health in a matter of weeks.

And of course, by ensuring that you stay in shape, the benefits will be enormous; for example, a little jogging here and there- 20 minutes on four days of the week- is a good start. Check the NHS website for what you need to know.

It doesn't have to be running either. There are loads of sports to play or other fun activities to try that can help you keep active, and all of them are a key boost to your health.

3) Healthy Eating

This is one that can perhaps get overlooked quite easily. Perhaps because of not being so accustomed to preparing one's own meals. Perhaps because of time. Perhaps because of the restrictions of student budgets meaning that many students are often guided mainly by the cheapest mealtime options. Whatever the reason, eating healthily can sometimes be absent in student life. It's massively important though. The five-a-day rule is a decent start, but for a more comprehensive insight, go to the NHS website. With a little planning and a dash of effort, your eating habits can be changed for the better.

4) Socialising

Maybe you think it's strange to be told that trying to socialise with others is a tip, especially when parties and nights-out are probably a regular part of your student schedule. However, making sure that you keep-up with seeing your friends is not just something that is a fun part of life at uni', it's very important as well. Regular contact with other people, friends and family doesn't just make life more enjoyable, it also stops us from becoming isolated and is good for our all-round mental health, too.

5) Contacting lettings agents promptly about problems with accommodation

One thing that can lower your mood in your student home is when there are problems with your accommodation that have not been rectified. As with other issues, it is not difficult sometimes to forget to have these problems looked into, or simply get used to the problem, distracted by the continuous flow of university work and other things happening around you. As a result, having the matter resolved quickly is helpful. This is an area in which Unihousing are an attractive prospect for those wanting quality student accommodation, as Unihousing have a team of qualified tradesmen who are able to deal with problems relating to accommodation quickly and effectively.

6) Additional Learning and Experience

Something to enrich your learning and enhance your CV, building your knowledge and experience in areas related to or even unrelated to your course can also be enjoyable. As important as gaining a degree can be to your chosen career, additional experience can further improve your prospects. Plus, you may discover something outside of your course that really interests you, that you can use to your advantage and which could even heighten your chances of being successful following your graduation.

7) Regular cleaning

A boring point to bring-up, maybe, but cleaning is an inevitable part of being a student in a student property. The tip here though is to make sure that you clean your place regularly. The reason for this is that it not only keeps where you live more pleasant and comfortable to be in, but a regular clean of your accommodation stops dirt building-up, meaning an easier clean each time. Trust us when we say; regularly cleaning will make cleaning before moving out much less stressful!

8) Being proactive with work and assignments

It's likely that most of us are prone to getting distracted occasionally, even when we've got deadlines to meet. And some people just can't seem to get themselves organised. Everyone has their weaknesses in this area, and everyone has their own approach. What should help however is to remember that simply getting started on work as early as possible is beneficial, as is planning. (Planning could mean necessary research as well as the assignment itself.) Also, giving yourself little prompts in advance of the deadline coming-up is another way of ensuring that you get things done on time.

9) Good amounts of sleep

Of all the points here, this one could be the most cringey. It can't be denied though how crucial a good night's sleep can be to general health and well-being. It's even more crucial when you have to reach a list of clearly defined targets, such as those that are part of your uni' course. So, keeping well rested will surely help you to be at your best and get more out of your lectures, studying and anything else that may choose to do.

10) Saving Money

Given the cash-strapped nature of being a student, it's probably no surprise that a mention of money saving would be on this list. Everyone will have a different view on this, but a good budget and general avoidance of overly lavish spending are sensible ways to get your finances on track and keep them there.

In addition to this, take a trawl through the internet and find other discounts and student deals to make your life a little easier. Also keep your eyes open for shops or stalls in the average town centre, nearby shopping areas or marketplaces that sell items for appealingly low-prices. Following us on social media or subscribing to our newsletter is a good way for us to let you know of any decent student deals.

Remember to get in touch with Unihousing today to find-out what they can do for you!!