Why Choose Our Student Accommodation Near the University of Birmingham?

 Quality, reliable accommodation tailored for University of Birmingham students.

Choosing one of our student accommodations near the University of Birmingham is ideal whether you’re looking to share a home in a quieter off-campus area or prefer your own private space without noisy housemates. Whatever your lifestyle or study preference, we offer a wide range of options to suit every student.

Spacious Rooms Designed for Students
All of our student accommodations near UOB are spacious and offer plenty of breathing room for the number of people advertised. This gives you more than enough space when you want to study, while still keeping you close to friends and housemates so your social life can continue naturally. 

 

Clean, Safe & Maintained to a High Standard
All of our UOB accommodations are maintained to a high standard by our on-site maintenance team. We ensure every property is kept clean, safe, and fully fit for student living. This gives you a comfortable environment to learn, rest, and live in throughout your years at university.

 

Perfect Balance of Privacy and Community

Do you prefer a quiet, private place to focus on your studies? Or do you enjoy a community atmosphere, late nights with friends, and building friendships within your accommodation?
At our UOB accommodation sites, we offer both options tailored to community-driven students and those who want a peaceful, private study space.

 

Bills Are Included in The Price of Rent

In the surrounding areas of our UOB student housing, you’ll find plenty of nightlife, entertainment, and activities to help you unwind. There are great opportunities to make new friends, experience diverse food options, explore local culture, and enjoy quick connections to Birmingham City Centre. With so much to do nearby, you’ll never be bored between lectures and studying.

 

Local Activities, Culture & Nightlife
In the surrounding areas of our UOB student housing, you’ll find plenty of nightlife, entertainment, and activities to help you unwind. There are great opportunities to make new friends, experience diverse food options, explore local culture, and enjoy quick connections to Birmingham City Centre. With so much to do nearby, you’ll never be bored between lectures and studying.

 

Looking for Student Accommodation? Unihousing Can Help!

Unihousing is a trusted provider of student accommodation in Selly Oak, serving University of Birmingham students since 1984. All of our properties are owned by us, which means we can respond quickly to any maintenance requests using our qualified team of tradesmen.

Our property office is located on Bristol Road, just a short walk from all of our accommodations. This allows us to deal directly with tenants and offer fast, friendly, and reliable support.

Unihousing was selected as the Number 1 Student Letting Agent in Birmingham by the UK’s largest fresher community, Unifresher.

Find out more about our UoB accommodations and secure your ideal student home. Contact Unihousing Today

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 How to Make Your Uni Room Feel Like Home (Without Spending a Fortune)

Most student rooms start off rather bland. Maybe you lucked out with a nice cozy Unihousing property, or maybe you’re stuck with some campus student halls that leave a lot to be desired! Either way, just because your room came furnished with a single bed and a desk that’s seen better days, it doesn’t mean it has to feel like a prison cell!

Whether you’re in halls or a shared house, here’s how to turn your space into somewhere you actually want to hang out (and not just cry during exam season).

First Things First: What Makes a Room Feel Like Yours?

Your uni room will most likely make up a large part of your time at uni! It’s where you’ll sleep, study, revise and more! As such, you want it to feel comfy, relaxed, functional and a little bit you. You’re not aiming for a perfect Pinterest photoshoot, just something to elevate it beyond those dull, lifeless white walls. Think comfort, personality and practicality.

Here’s some ideas to get started:

• Soft stuff: Blankets, cushions, rugs – things that can help your room feel a little cozier in the winter months, and ward off that ugly hospital waiting room vibe.
• Colour: Add pops of colour with bedding, posters, or mood lighting (You don’t need to splash out on fancy smart lights – led strips and  fairy lights will do!).
• Personal touches: Photos, postcards, or that weird little trinket from your hometown. Lots of happy memories can do wonders for stress, and make you feel less homesick!

You don’t need to spend loads, try to stay on a budget! After all, you’ll have to take this home in 3 years and you don’t want anything precious that could be victim of a party gone out of control!

Budget-Friendly Decor That Doesn’t Suck

You’re not trying to win an interior design award, or create something for a pretentious lifestyle blog. You just want a space that doesn’t scream “temporary accommodation.” Here’s some ideas to add a little life without blowing your student loan:

• Command strips: Stick up posters, hooks, or fairy lights without damaging walls. Absolutely avoid any kind of permanent modifications when you’re renting!
• Battery-powered lamps: Soft warm lighting > harsh blue ceiling lights. Try to avoid the *really* cheap led strips for this reason too!
• Foldable storage: Under-bed boxes, hanging organisers, or collapsible crates. Somewhere to hide all that clutter, store your coursework – and double as boxes to help you move!
• Plants: Real or fake, they add life. Maybe lean towards the latter if you’re prone to forgetting to water them!

And if you’re feeling crafty? DIY wall art, photo collages, or upcycled furniture can add serious personality.

Storage Hacks for Small Spaces

Unless you’re lucky enough to be blessed with a rather spacious area, student rooms are basically a game of Tetris. You’ve got too much stuff and not enough space. But with a few clever tricks, you can make it work:

• Use vertical space: Over-door hooks for coats, hanging shelves, or stackable crates.
• If you’re really struggling for wardrobe space, rolling clothes can give you a little extra!
• Drawer dividers: Keep your socks from staging a rebellion.
• Multi-use furniture: A laundry basket that doubles as a side table? Kinda cool.

Need somewhere to put all those boxes and crates from when you moved in? Under bed storage can be great for long term stuff you just want out of the way and don’t plan on accessing a lot.

Quick Wins and Common Mistakes

Here’s how to make your room feel cosy and functional - and what to avoid:

1. Don’t overpack: You don’t need 12 mugs. 6 pairs of hoodies. Or your entire childhood game collection. The less clothes, the less likely you are to let laundry pile up too!
2. Avoid candles: Almost all accommodation bans open flames. Go for LED alternatives instead.
3. Invest in earplugs or noise cancelling headphones: Sleep is sacred. Especially after a night out.
4. Don’t forget a laundry bag, the floor is NOT the answer!
5. Keep it clean: A tidy room = less stress. Plus, you’ll actually be able to find your charger.

Your Room, Your Rules (Mostly)

Uni accommodation might feel like a downgrade coming from your parents house, but that doesn’t mean it has to stay boring and lifeless!

So get creative, get comfy, and don’t be afraid to hang up that cringy band poster. Your room should reflect you—even if it’s just for the year.

Clean Space, Clear Mind: Keeping Your Room (and Sanity) in Check!

 

Clean Space, Clear Mind: Keeping Your Room (and Sanity) in Check

Let’s be honest, student rooms aren’t exactly known for their pristine vibes. Between late-night coursework chaos, yesterdays dishes and the inevitable laundry pile; things can spiral fast. Keeping your room clean isn’t just about appeasing your landlord. It’s about maintaining a better environment to study in, improving your mental wellbeing, and of course, not panicking when your landlord texts “I’ll be popping by in 10”!

Here’s a quick guide how to keep your space clean without burning through all your free time. No judgment, just smart habits and easy wins.

What’s Actually Messing Up Your Space?

Before you put on the rubber gloves, figure out what’s causing the mess. Most student clutter falls into a few categories:

• Laundry laziness: Clean clothes never make it to drawers. Dirty ones live on the floor.
• Cooking clutter: Cups, bowls and pans live in the sink semi permanently.
• Paper trail: Flyers, receipts, and lecture notes you’ll “sort later.”

Do a 5-minute “room audit.” Walk around and see what’s out of place and what bad habits you have. You’ll spot patterns, and that’s where your routine starts! You don’t need to tackle it all at once, work on it step by step – laundry today, doing your dishes tomorrow. Once you’ve identified bad habits, work on them! Keeping them under control will mean less of a challenge to tackle next time you clean up!

Stores such as Supermarkets, IKEA, or Amazon Basics can also offer budget-friendly storage options. A laundry bin or some cheap boxes to sort your papers can make a big difference!

Day-to-Day Habits That Keep Chaos at Bay

You don’t need to dedicate hours of your day to cleaning. Just build micro-habits that stop mess before it starts!

• 10-minute morning routine: Make your bed, clear your desk, take out the trash.
• Set up a Weekly schedule:
• Monday: Do your laundry. (and put it away after!)
• Wednesday: Vacuum and wipe surfaces.
• Sunday: Bathroom Scrub down – Clean the toilet, shower, sink etc. Tackle the limescale before it builds up!
• If you’re living in a Group Property:

• Use a chore chart (Print one out or look for an app).
• Rotate tasks fairly. – Nobody Likes being on Bathroom or Kitchen duty!
• Don’t be passive-aggressive – try talking things over first.

Emergency Clean-Ups: When Guests or Inspections Are Coming

Parents visiting? Surprise inspection? Date coming over? Here’s your panic-proof checklist:

1. Hide clutter: Toss loose items into a laundry basket and stash it in the wardrobe.
2. Wipe surfaces: Desk, kitchen counter, bathroom sink — the holy trinity.
3. Freshen the air: Open windows, turn on an extractor fan, or as a last resort - spray Febreze like it’s cologne!
4. Bathroom blitz: Toilet seat, mirror, and taps — they absolutely notice.
5. Final touch: Make your bed. It makes the whole room look intentional.

Final Thoughts: Clean Space == Clear Mind

You don’t need to be a neat freak. Just someone who respects their space enough to keep it functional. A tidy room helps you study better, sleep deeper, and feel more in control, even when uni life gets messy.

So next time you’re tempted to leave that plate “just for tonight,” remember: Future You will thank you. And if you’re sharing, your flatmates probably will too.

Why You Should Treat Yourself to a Unihousing Student Home

Without question, finding the right accommodation is an important decision for students to make. As you're going to be studying at a high level while living in your accommodation, you should make sure you don't compromise on quality. With Unihousing, a letting agency Selly Oak students have been going to for years, you do not need to lower your expectations. Plus, with our properties offering Selly Oak locations, you can find supermarkets, shops and things to see and do that are never far away.

 

Doing Things Your Way

The easiest way to get started with student accommodation is by opting for a student studio. It might be the best place to start your search and the ideal first home for any student. What gives studios this unique characteristic is their straightforward set-up of the bedroom and living area combined with a separate bathroom adjacent. With Unihousing, you can expect university housing that exudes a higher level of quality whilst still incorporating the kind of amenities you would need from day to day. Tastefully decorated and spacious, and with the occasional bonus of utility bills and 100Mb broadband included in the price of rent, this is an affordable choice for quality Selly Oak accommodation.

 

More Space

Looking for more space? Then choose a Unihousing student house to share. Impressively presented and boasting the essentials for the modern student, our student houses are superb for living alongside friends for the total student experience. For example, our six-bed on Eastern Road, Selly Park is a delightful home equipped with an expansive kitchen/diner, washing machine, dishwasher and a large rear garden as well as two bathrooms, study desks and double beds. Brilliantly situated and with a reasonable price tag, this one should be hard to resist.

 

Unhousing is a Landlord and Accommodation Provider near Birmingham University since 1984

Unhousing is a landlord and accommodation provider near The University of Birmingham since 1984. We own all of our accommodation in the student village of Selly Oak, which means we can provide quick response times to repairs using our team of qualified tradesmen. We deal directly with our tenants from our property office on Bristol Road in Selly Oak, just a short distance from all of our student properties.

Unhousing was selected as the Number 1 Student Letting Agent in Birmingham by the UK's biggest fresher community, Unifresher.

 

Contact Unihousing today to find out more!

Things to Know Before Moving into Your Student Accommodation

As the time approaches for students to move into their new student accommodation, we want to make the move-in process as easy as possible. With varied properties to suit both solo and shared living, our team will be able to help you find a good fit.

 

Before moving into your new property, you need to consider certain variables including the location of the property, the contract, furnishings, extra costs and your general budget. Here are some of our tips to help you cover all of the basics and be ready to move in with confidence and excitement.

 

Location

 

One of the really important things to look out for when searching for student accommodation is the location. It’s crucial that you pick a place that has all of the essentials and amenities you will need close by so that shopping and spending time with flatmates and other friends is super convenient. You will also likely want to have a short/easy journey to and from University so that you can have those extra minutes in the morning and evening.

 

With Unihousing, all of our Selly Oak studios and houses are within walking distance to the University of Birmingham, whilst also having easy access to Birmingham City University and Aston University in the City Centre. Selly Oak is also well known for its student lifestyle, filled to the brim with activities, food, pubs, clubs, takeout and more. The area is also well supplied with supermarkets and shops where you will be able to find everything you need during your stay at University.

 

Budget: What Can I Afford?

 

One of the first things for students to do is to decide on a budget. There are a variety of properties you can live in, including a solo studio or a shared house. Start by working out the amount you can afford weekly/monthly, plus the utilities and food expenses and then you will have a good starting point.

 

Shared houses do tend to be cheaper and you can also share the costs of food, bills, cleaning products etc, which will enable you to save money with your housemates. Though solo living is slightly more expensive, you benefit from extra privacy, freedom and space to yourself.

 

Your studio will consist of an open plan living area, ensuite bathroom and a private or shared kitchen (but you will only be sharing with 1 other person). You could also decide to rent a twodio with a friend which would work out cheaper than a 1-bed studio. One of the main bonuses of renting one of our studios is that the utility bills and 100Mb broadband will be included in the rent.

 

Look Over the Contract

 

When getting ready to move into your new accommodation, it’s easy to just skip over a rental contract, sign at the bottom and be done with it. And though this is always the temptation, it’s really important that you read through the whole document. You could also have a parent or relative, guardian or even a teacher look it over, to ensure it is all straightforward without any hidden clauses.

 

A rental agreement or contract should give an outline of the important information regarding your stay in the property. The details will include the rent amount, move in and move out dates, what you aren’t allowed to do in the property, the agency’s rules regarding damage and repairs, etc. By reading over the contract from start to finish, you are less likely to overlook any important information.

 

How Much is the Deposit?

 

Many students tend to forget to factor in the cost of the deposit, they will need to pay for their accommodation before they move in. These deposits are usually taken as a way to pay for any damages and repairs at the end of your tenancy, so by keeping your accommodation clean and well looked after, you are likely to get your whole deposit back at the end of your tenancy.

 

The property you are wanting to rent should have the deposit amount written out in the informational section online. But if not, it’s always a good idea to check with your student estate agent to make sure you aren’t suddenly surprised with a deposit that you weren’t expecting. At Unihousing, we often have various offers regarding deposits, including low or even no deposits for students. It’s worth checking out our website to see what offers we have up right now!

 

Is The Property Furnished?

 

Most student accommodation does come either fully or partly furnished, but it is always essential that you check before signing your rental agreement. Commonly students do not have much if any of their own furniture, so our student properties come fully furnished with all you will need for your time at uni. All of our studios come with a desk, TV, double bed, various kitchen appliances, and white goods.

 

Our houses will also have similar furnishings, with an added bonus of couches and other seating in the communal areas. Additionally, for some of our properties, we do allow you to swap out furniture if you desire something different. For example, you could swap a desk for a bedside table, or a chest of drawers for a wardrobe. Make sure you check whether this is an option for your accommodation!

 

Student Accommodation With Unihousing

 

Unihousing offers a wide variety of student properties at affordable prices. Our team will be able to help you find accommodation that suits your needs, wants and budget in the booming location of Selly Oak. Whether you are interested in solo living or sharing a house, we have countless options for you to choose from, with modern and stylish fittings, perfect for student life. To find out more about the properties we offer or to book a viewing, visit our website today.

8 Reasons Why You Should Go to University This Fall

So much has changed in the world over the last several months, and for many, it can be difficult to picture what university will be like in the fall. As we are still living in a time of uncertainty, things are constantly changing and developing to help keep everyone around us safe, whilst also trying to establish some kind of normality. You may be wondering, ‘Is it still worth it for me to go to university this year?’. Our answer is yes, and here are a few reasons why!

1) A wide network of support

As Covid-19 has had such a massive impact on many of us, it can be strange imagining yourself having a ‘normal’ university experience. For some, it has been a continuous mental and physical health struggle, resulting in needing a great amount of support from the people around them. The reality is, the normal we once knew is going to be very different for quite a long time still.

Though family and friends can be very helpful through this time, it is important to note that universities also have some wonderful resources designed for you, with people to look after you and provide extra support. Now more than ever, the university staff will be more aware of the mental health needs of the students, ensuring that people can easily get and find help when needed. 

In response to the pandemic, Universities will have a helpful team whose focus is to provide help and support as you navigate through your university experience and studies. Here at Unihousing, we have a dedicated team who will be focusing on our students, making the accommodation process as easy and straightforward as possible. We strive to help you find your ideal living situation that creates the least amount of stress and can positively boost your mental health in the upcoming year.

2) New city, new experiences

Though life is not back to normal yet, there is still a lot to experience in a new city. Your university experience will most likely be different than you expected, but you will still be granted the freedom to grow and shape your days and weeks as you like. Moving from home into a new place is an exciting new chapter, and the fact that you still get the chance to be independent is brilliant. You will still get the benefits of being out on your own, with the freedom to explore and fall in love with a new place and city.

Don’t be afraid to wander the streets, explore the culture and find the exciting and unique things that make your new city stand out. Another thing to remember is that you have an entire three years to explore and get to know your surroundings. Even though some places and hotspots might still be closed, you will have plenty of time in the future to experience and enjoy them.

3) Safety is a priority

In these current times, Universities, student accommodation providers and local authorities are working hard to ensure you are kept safe and have adequate places to live and study in. Safety and following the government guidelines is a main priority and focus, which will ensure that you can have the best experience at university, knowing you will be well taken care of. Though it may be difficult to picture how this next year will look like, you can be sure that people are putting in a huge amount of work and effort behind the scenes.

Many universities have also put various systems in place to keep their tenants and students safe. This includes numerous cleaning measures, as well as social distancing rules that are emphasised throughout the campuses. Universities and accommodation providers in the UK will also be bringing in these systems, ensuring that students feel safe and have as little stress as possible.

4) There could be an influx of students next year

As difficult as it already is to get into University, it is likely that next year the number of students applying will greatly increase. Therefore, this influx of students could mean that it will be even more difficult to get that acceptance letter, and the spots for each degree will be filled a lot quicker than normal. It is hard to predict what next year will look like, so it is not a bad idea to start your degree now when the numbers of applicants are a bit more evenly balanced.

The possible influx of students in the 2021 academic year could be furthermore complicated as it is likely that most international students may also postpone their studies until next year. This could be due to finances and limited travel depending on the country.

5) Taking advantage of the world-class university facilities

As there could be fewer students around in the 2020 year, you are more likely to have free use of the University facilities. This could mean that you have even more freedom to explore all the University has to offer, without being blocked by other students who got there first. Library’s, computer labs, and even equipment could become more easily accessible to you regularly. Imagine, not having to worry about being unable to book out a laptop, finding a free computer or printer to use, or even scoring the best study nook in the library!

6) More opportunities may open up

As our economy is going through a massive rough patch, jobs are harder to keep and companies are harder to keep open. As difficult as this is, it could create a lot of possibilities for many students this year. More companies will likely begin advertising for volunteers or low paid work, which could be the perfect opportunity for you to gather experience to add to your CV.

Many companies have also begun focusing on remote work, online courses and skill-sharing and collaborative projects. This could also result in many courses reducing their prices, enabling students, freelancers and other workers to find online resources and qualification courses that are more affordable. 

7) A gap year might not work out

Though some people may be thinking of trying a gap year instead of university this year, it could prove more difficult to find opportunities than it has been in the past. Since many businesses have been struggling financially, finding internships, apprentices or side work could prove more difficult than ever before. Travel is also a difficult thing to predict right now. You might end up spending your gap year sitting on the couch!

With countless travel bans, quarantines and general health monitoring, it could be extremely difficult to even leave the country. And travelling from country to country and in some cases, even city to city could prove to be near impossible. As all countries are independently experiencing the virus and government-induced lockdowns, you could quite easily get stuck in a country with no place to stay and unable to leave for long periods. It’s important to remember that this pandemic is still evolving, and each country is dealing with it differently.

8) You’ll still make friends and experience new things

As strange as this year has been so far, it’s important to keep your head above water. Having something to focus on and work towards throughout all of this craziness could be a very good thing. Many universities have already begun planning ways to bring students together online, creating social events where students can meet other students, and continue to follow their interests. There are likely to also be some supported by face-to-face events, which are done safely and with limited numbers. This means you’ll still be able to follow your passions and sign up to clubs and societies, to meet friends and explore your interests further.

You will still have countless opportunities to make friends on your course and in your accommodation, and you will be able to go through the future changes together. Lockdown for many, was a very lonely time, so having people by your side who are experiencing similar things, could be extremely helpful. And as frustrating as this pandemic has been, it could bring you closer to the people around you, your tutors, housemates and course mates. You are all in this together! 

How can Unihousing Help out?

At Unihousing, we are putting your health and peace of mind first. We have put certain systems in place to help protect our students and our staff, including first-class cleaning, more in-depth hygiene standards, carrying out social distancing measures and avoiding face to face contact where possible.

Visit our website at www.unihousing.co to have a look at our available accommodation this term.

Student Life in Birmingham

You will have realised by now that Birmingham is a place where you will be able to do more than just study. In Birmingham you will have a great all-round experience of life. Read on to explore just a few ways to make your time in this city really special.

Brindley Place

Brindley Place is a beautiful location for friends to enjoy a delicious dish in their free-time. It is an  immaculately designed collection of tantalising restaurants and bars, including both familiar and not-so-familiar eaterys. It is situated in a picturesque canal side spot, just across the bridge from the Birmingham ICC. On those occasions when you just want to go out for something to eat and make sure you indulge yourself, Brindley Place may be the right place for you to go to. As an added bonus, it is neighboured by the lively Birmingham Broad Street, where a number of clubs and other bars are to be found, which could be just what you're looking for in order to complete your night out.

Birmingham Baltis

Birmingham is the home of the balti, and no matter where you are in the city, the unrivalled taste of a Birmingham balti is never too far away. Get some mates together and get the rich and exquisite taste of a very popular cuisine for a very affordable price.

Day Trips

If you want to venture a little further out, you're in luck. Being a student in Birmingham means you can travel quite easily to other locations that have plenty to offer. One of these places is Stratford. The home of Shakespeare, Stratford is an invigorating experience for lovers of history, drama and for anyone who appreciates a day-out filled with relaxing scenery, interesting shops and a selection of cafes providing a fine array of drinks and snacks.

Maybe not your first thought when it comes to planning what to do an Saturday afternoon, Stratford is undoubtedly worth your time. Take in the rich past of this historic town or simply unwind in its lovely surroundings, Stratford is just a short train ride away from Birmingham City Centre.

Big Nights Out

Going out isn't always about drinking; a big part of it is the clubs and the music. This is where Birmingham can be a rewarding place to call 'home' as your student years unfold. A club that has a long-standing reputation for getting people moving is Snobs. Situated on 51 Smallbrook Queensway, Snobs comprises various floors that are geared-up to pump out a diversity of sounds from R&B and Hip-Hop to Alt Pop and Indie Rock'n'Roll. Choose from one of their themed nights - such as "Bad Habits" with hits from six different decades, or "Live Forever" bringing a blast of Britpop and Old School Indie - and bounce away the hours not spent at uni'.

Another option for University of Birmingham students looking for good times is Fab N Fresh. This is the Saturday club night at the Student Union, offering a great night out. This is a very affordable option, which is obviously good news for anyone struggling with their finances. Fab N Fresh is fun and trendy, definitely one to make a regular part of what you get up to on a weekly basis.

Accommodation and Unihousing

If it's the less exciting aspects of student life that require your immediate attention, such as accommodation, then Unihousing may be worth your time. Based in Selly Oak, Unihousing are registered lettings agents that offer houses and studios to Birmingham students, and do so at very reasonable prices. Their range of student accommodation is equipped for a good standard of living. Plus, the location of these student homes is just superb. Located in Selly Oak, these student properties offer easy access to: the University of Birmingham; all the highly useful amenities in Selly Oak village; and transport to the city centre of Birmingham and surrounding towns.

What's Next?

Of course, this is not an exhaustive list of everything that Birmingham offers for students. There are a whole heap of other fun things to be found in this city, and, with new events being planned in Birmingham on a regular basis, there will surely be more to come as well.