A Break from the Norm: Places to Visit in Birmingham

While you may be in Birmingham to study at university, it makes sense to make the most of the opportunity and visit all the interesting places Birmingham has to offer. Here, are some ideas of places to visit when you want to take a break from your university work; ideas that may be useful when things get a little more stressful. These Birmingham activities are a great way to enjoy yourself with friends and relax, and are well-suited to the student budget, too.

 

It’s also worth noting that if you or your friends are looking for student accommodation, Unihousing’s Selly Oak student studios and houses to share are ideal for contemporary student living. With their excellent locations giving you quick and easy access to the local train station and public buses as well as shops, supermarkets, pubs, clubs and restaurants, Unihousing’s Birmingham student accommodation offers convenience with ease of living at an affordable price.

Fat Penguin Comedy Club, Kings Heath

Sometimes all you need is a laugh to let off a little steam. But, with this being a blog about student activities, the cost is an important factor. Fortunately, Kings Heath Comedy Club at the Fat Penguin is both funny and easy on your wallet. It’s actually free with a recommended donation of £5. Bringing together an array of different acts on a regular basis, the Fat Penguin is pretty easy to get to and with it being so economical, it is just right for you and your friends to enjoy yourselves on a night that suits you.

The Oasis

For some people, hitting the shops is a great way to enjoy yourself in whatever free time you have. And, obviously, making some purchases is pretty essential if you find that the wardrobe is looking a little past its best. What you may not be so aware of is Oasis.

This market on Corporation Street in Birmingham’s City Centre is layered over various different floors, each with its own distinctive character. It is there that you can pick up clothes, jewellery, memorabilia and other items for reasonable prices. Oasis has a distinctly alternative feel, encompassing a range of styles and products that you wouldn’t normally find on the High Street. It’s worth looking into as you might find something that really takes your fancy. Even if you don’t decide to buy anything there, it’s an interesting place to just go in and have a look around.

The Custard Factory

If you’re not new to Birmingham you may have heard of this place before. The Custard Factory is a brightly coloured, fascinating mix of unique shops, cafes, a cinema and more. It is always a good idea to check what is taking place at the Custard Factory, as it offers so much and always seems to be such a quirky contrast to so much of what else is in the City Centre. If you’re looking for unique and interesting events, make sure you check out what’s going on here.

The Electric Cinema

The oldest working cinema in the country, the Electric Cinema is still a draw for those wanting something a little different from going to the movies. So, if you’re a little bored of heading to the big, shiny multiplexes on week after week, the Electric Cinema might make a nice change for and whoever you go with. Presenting a more cultured choice of films as well as the selections that would ordinarily make it to the mainstream cinemas, Electric Cinema also features special themed nights and events. Keep an eye on their schedules and you might discover something that you simply must see or take part in.

Better Student Accommodation for You

If you are in need of student accommodation in Birmingham that meets your high standards then Unihousing may be the best route to take. Registered lettings agents based in Selly Oak, Unihousing’s well-presented, spacious studios and houses are furnished with all that’s needed for daily living and are ideal for the student who wants the right combination of comfort and convenience on a daily basis.

Contact Unihousing today to find out more and register your interest!

Five Tips to Help You Revise

Revision isn't something that should be restricted to the exam period. By getting into good revision habits now, you can save yourself a great deal of stress in the future. Here are 5 simple tips that can help you to keep your head above water when it comes to revising for your exams.

Planning/Scheduling

Planning your weeks/months is one of the best ways to ease your brain from stress and anxiety. Having to hold all the info of your exams, projects, lectures, along with all your other interests in your brains can be extremely overwhelming. By planning and writing down important dates, study material, and anything else regarding your studies, it can help you free up some headspace.

Though university is extremely important, it’s also just as important to have a life that you are excited about living outside of your studies. Try making weekly and monthly schedules where you write down all your lectures, meetings, revising times and even hobbies/other activities to stay organised and keep your brain feeling refreshed. This is the best way to ensure you are staying sane and not forgetting important information regarding your course but also your everyday life.

It is also crucial to include some much-needed relaxation time in the planning to ensure you stay as stress-free and relaxed as possible. Being tired, stressed and overworked will only have a negative effect on your results and your mental health.

Know Your Learning Style

Everyone revises and learns differently and it’s important to find out what works best for you. There are many learning style tests on the internet aimed at helping you discover which learning style best suits you and how your brain retains information. Working out your unique style can help you to feel confident in what you are learning and can give you the best possible chance to succeed. Whether you write countless pages of notes or make bright and colourful diagrams, make sure the information is sticking in your brain. Here are four different learning styles that are quite common:

·         Visual: people who prefer to learn by looking at pictures, images and watching videos.

·         Verbal: somebody that learns best using speech and writing.

·         Aural: these people learn best using sounds and music.

·         Physical: people who learn by actively doing something.

By finding out which style works best for you, you can maximise your performance and be confident in your own work. You could even be a mixture of two or more learning styles, so try experimenting and see what works best for you. There are many varied types of resources online that you can find for free or for a small amount of money which can help you revise and can make learning more interesting for yourself. The goal is for you to do the best you can, so make sure you give yourself the time and space to figure your style out, in order to maximise your performance and come out with the best results you possibly can.

Prioritise Each Subject

Any subject that you find particularly difficult should be at the top of your list. Subjects that you feel less confident in should get the most revision time. Your time is precious and needs to be used well, so there’s no point dedicating time to subjects that you already know well. Instead, try to find new and exciting learning material that will make the difficult subjects more interesting to revise and allocate more time to the ones that need it. Try focusing on the tough subjects first, that means you can look forward to your more favourable subjects down the line.

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

It’s easy to forget, but our brains function the best when we are drinking, eating and sleeping well. Drinking energy drinks or coffee all day to keep yourself going is not a good idea and can set you back in the long run.

Additionally, try to maintain a healthy and balanced diet. Although it may be much easier to grab quick takeaways, they can leave you feeling sluggish, making it harder for your brain to concentrate and retain information. Our diet is directly linked to the well-being of our body and brain, so try to give yourself fresh, nutritious food. Great brain foods include nuts, blueberries, eggs and broccoli.

You can also try doing some regular exercise to keep your brain active and alert, and don’t forget to take time to relax and unwind. It is just as important to rest your brain as it is to revise and keep your brain active. Minimising your screen usage or simply taking short breaks from all screens will also help your brain truly relax and get some rest. Our day-to-day lives are constantly taken over by our phones, computers and TV, but by giving ourselves a little rest from screens we are more likely to feel rested and able to concentrate better.

Avoid Distractions

Distractions are everywhere and can be super difficult to escape. Try tuning yourself out of your digital life by silencing your phone and moving yourself to an area with no TV or anything that may cause distraction. Find a quiet area in which you are able to focus. If you struggle to do this at home, try heading to your local library or park where you will be unable to distract yourself.

Additionally, try to figure out what things help you concentrate. For some, that may be listening to music in the background; and for others, it could be needing complete silence. Do you study better alone or with people, meaning you can keep each other accountable? And don’t forget that many devices offer applications that will block your ability to use social media, video sites or gaming, this can be one of the best ways to reduce distraction.

Unihousing Student Lets

If you're looking for student accommodation in Birmingham, Unihousing offers quality, studio lets in Selly Oak, ideal for students at the University of Birmingham. These studio apartments come fully furnished and have high-speed fibre optic internet and utilities included in the rent.

Don't miss out, contact us today to speak to our team or register interest.