The city of Birmingham has a rich history and culture. Even
though it’s second in population to London, Birmingham is more ethnically and
culturally diverse than the capital. This mix of different people and ways of
living has produced a range of interesting places to visit, foods to eat, and
sights to see.
Below, we look at just a small selection of things available
in Birmingham that all students should experience. After the COVID lockdown,
you could go down this list and choose something to do with your friends to
catch up. Alternatively, something on this list might make a nice date
experience for you and your significant other.
1) Dive into the National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham
The National SEA LIFE Centre makes for a wonderful day out,
with loads to see and experience. With over 2,000 sea creatures, you’re very
likely to find your favourite animal. Some events take place throughout the day
including talks and feedings. You can also enjoy a close-up look at the sea
life by walking through the 360° ocean tunnel. The SEA LIFE Centre is very easy
to visit, being just a short walk away from Birmingham New Street.
2) Indulge Yourself at Cadbury World
Located in Bournville, just up the road from the student
village of Selly Oak, visiting the famous chocolate factory is a unique
experience. On a self-guided exhibition tour or the factory, you can learn
about the history of the brand, how the chocolate is manufactured and shipped
around the world and have a go at making chocolate. Of course, there will also
be plenty of opportunities to eat chocolate along the way!
3) Get Spicy with a Balti
One of Birmingham’s claims to fame is being the birthplace
of the classic Balti curry. While there are copious Indian restaurants in the
UK that can cook up a Balti, to get the full experience you’ll need to visit
one of the original ‘Balti Houses’ that make up the ‘Balti Triangle’ in the
south of Birmingham. Luckily, this is just a short taxi ride away, or you can
catch a couple of busses.
4) Peruse the Custard Factory
The Custard Factory is a great place to spend a day looking
around shops and finding interesting experiences. This beautifully restored
Victorian factory is a creative hub for many different independent shops,
cafes, bars and restaurants. The Mockingbird Cinema & Kitchen is a great
place to visit for your first time at the Custard Factory. You can easily walk
to the Custard Factory from Birmingham New Street.
5) Treat Your Taste Buds at the Digbeth Dining Club
Birmingham’s award-winning street-food market is a popular
event in the Midlands, where food traders around the UK come together to
provide a quality dining experience. Whatever you’re fancying, whether it’s
burgers, hotdogs, waffles, pies, or burritos, there’s likely to be a vendor for
you. Digbeth Dining Club is just a short jaunt away from the Custard Factory,
making it easily accessible for students via Birmingham New Street.
6) Learn Something New at the Library of Birmingham
The Library of Birmingham is the largest public library in
Europe, spread over 10 floors with over 800,000 books and numerous collections.
The architect referred to the building as the ‘people’s palace’, and it’s easy
to see why, with so much knowledge freely available to the public. The library
also includes other facilities, such as an outdoor amphitheatre, garden
terraces and a panoramic viewing gallery at the very top. Located in the city
centre, you can easily visit the library from Grand Central.
7) Partake in Beer and Hotdogs at the Christmas Market
The Frankfurt Christmas Market is yet another result of the
cultural diversity in Birmingham. The market is a great reminder that Christmas
is on the way and is a great way to spend time with friends. You can find all
sorts in the German Market, including carol singing, classic German food and
drink including pretzels, schnitzels, bratwursts, glühwein and Weissbier, and
handcrafted decorations and toys. The Christmas Market runs from mid-November
through to the 23rd of December each year.
Having a bucket list of the things you’d like to see, try
and do while living in Birmingham is a great idea, but first-things-first,
you’ll need somewhere to stay during your studies. Unihousing offer student
accommodation in Selly Oak, just a short walk from the University of Birmingham.
We have a selection of studios, houses and apartments which can fill your
requirements. We can also cater for student couples, with one of our twodio
properties.
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