Student Tips for Managing Change as a University Student in Birmingham
Starting university is an exciting chapter, but with that excitement comes change. Whether coming from
another city or another country, adapting to a new environment like Birmingham
can be overwhelming.
And for many, this is the most challenging part. From moving house every year
to meeting new housemates and adjusting to different routines, change is a constant part of
student life. We’ve made a
list of practical tips to help manage that change and settle into
student life in Birmingham.
1. Try to
Keep the Flavours and Feelings of Home Alive
Bringing a sense of home to your new space can make a huge difference.
Personal items like familiar bedding, keepsakes, photos, or even a favourite
mug can create a sense of continuity and comfort.
Food plays an important role, too. Birmingham’s rich cultural diversity
means access to
international supermarkets and grocery stores. Plenty of shops offer
everything from spices and snacks to speciality ingredients that help recreate the taste of home, no
matter where you’re from.
2. Discover
Your Comfort Spots
Finding regular spots to study, relax, or socialise outside of your
accommodation can help create routine and familiarity. On campus, the
University of Birmingham's Main Library and the Green Heart provide flexible
study and leisure spaces. There are also many social areas in the Guild of
Students building and various cafes dotted around campus.
Off-campus options include cosy spots like Damascena in Moseley, ideal for studying with
a coffee, or the Caffè Nero in Harborne for a quieter environment. For a
mental reset, green spaces like Cannon Hill Park or a walk through Winterbourne
Gardens offer an escape from busy student life.
3. Get
Involved in a Society
Joining a student society is one of the most effective ways to feel part
of the university community. With hundreds of options through the Guild of
Students, ranging from academic and cultural societies to sports and
hobby-based groups, there’s something for everyone.
Societies are a great way to meet people, explore interests, and discover new ones.
Many offer trips around the Midlands or the chance to participate in events,
volunteering, or competitions, helping to make university life more engaging
and enjoyable.
4. Reach Out
for Support
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed during big transitions. The University of
Birmingham offers various
wellbeing services to support students through difficult periods. Booking
wellbeing check-ins is simple through the university’s online portal, with
access to various wellness
resources.
Additional academic and general advice is also available through the
Guild of Students, ensuring
students can access trusted support when needed.
Always know that managing change as a student in Birmingham is about finding
stability where possible, whether through familiar foods, friendly faces,
regular routines, or reliable housing. With the right support and a bit of
local know-how, settling into life in Birmingham becomes not only manageable
but enjoyable.
Choose the
Right Accommodation with Unihousing
Reliable, stress-free accommodation plays a big role in easing the
challenges of university life. Unihousing,
Birmingham’s number one student letting agent, offers high-quality, fully
furnished student properties in Selly
Oak, just minutes from the University
of Birmingham.
All of our accommodation is owned by us. This means we can deal directly
with our tenants. Our property office is located on Bristol Road, only a short
walk away from all of our accommodations.
Most of our properties come with rent to include bills, superfast Wi-Fi,
and fast maintenance support. From private studios to shared student houses, we
offer flexible, affordable options that meet a variety of needs. With a
reputation for outstanding service as the Number 1 Student Letting Agent in
Birmingham by the UK's biggest fresher community, Unifresher, with experience
since 1984 and student-focused letting, we are a trusted name in student
accommodation.
