Freshers week: Birmingham

Freshers week is just around the corner, and all the new and existing students will be preparing for a week of fun, and of course drinking, that they may never forget. Getting involved in this fantastic week is a great way to start your university experience, meet new friends and see what Birmingham has to offer.

So, what’s going on for fresher’s week this year in Birmingham? Find out in our day by day guide below:

Monday

Considering Monday is generally considered the worst day of the week, Monday 23^rd of September is set to be a great one.

Olivia’s Townhouse: Birmingham’s exclusive venue is now opening its doors on a Monday night all year round. But what makes this Monday special is that students can expect great prices on drinks, helping you to protect your student bank account. Also selected groups will be picked to receive a free VIP Booth on the night. This could make for a fantastic evening, so don’t miss out.

Tuesday

Work-It: Another massive night to put into your calendar is most defiantly Pryzm’s Work-It night on Tuesday 24^th. Pryzm holds its own, battling the rest of Birmingham’s great nightlife for the title of best club in Birmingham, offering great deals on drinks and a night life you won’t quickly forget. Head down for their freshers Work-It night and you’ll be sure to have a blast. On the night students can expect to hear hip-hop, RnB, disco, garage and maybe even a little grime.

 

Wednesday

Disco Time: It’s Disco time at Lab 11. One of Birmingham’s most notorious ‘rave’ venues, Lab 11 will be hosting a soul, funk and disco night on Wednesday the 25^th of September. You can be sure that this will be a wild event with students from all backgrounds attending. The music is sure to bring the boogie out of you. Find tickets at Skiddle.com and join everyone else for this great event in the heart of Digbeth.

If disco isn’t your thing then maybe a massive student party at Rosie’s bar is. Glowsticks, bouncy castles, Co2 cannons, giant foam cannons, huge ball pits, bucking bulls, a supersized glow in the dark robot and fire breathers all await inside. This night will be exactly what you are looking for if you like cheap drinks and a great place to dance.

Thursday

The Freshers Zoo: While this event may sound a little bizarre, it’s safe to say this won’t be like a normal night out. Heading down to Popworld on Thursday 26^th will definitely be an experience. Dressing up is the name of the game, anything zoo or animal related will do. While at the event, Popworld will be giving out free inflatables, free masks and animal shaped treats. Music on the night will included hip-hop, RnB, house, commercial and grime.

Friday

Players Birmingham: It’s a BIG Friday night at Players in Birmingham. Already one of the city’s most popular venues, Players will be hosting their own ‘JUICY’ event which will start on Friday 27^th and continue throughout the year. Consistent with this week’s trend, students will also find cheap drinks and great music. Room 1 will consist of classic hip-hop, party RnB and funk while Room 2 will be blasting both old and new pop classics.

Saturday

Calling All Ravers: For all the drum and bass ravers among you, Saturday is your night to shine. Hosted at the Mill in Digbeth, you can find Kings Of The Rollers present: Royal Rumble. A massive event which is meant to kick off the student year for everything drum and bass. On the night you can expect to see acts including; Serum, Bladerunner, Voltage and of course King Of The Rollers. The event starts at 9pm and concludes at 5am the following morning.

Sunday

Student Fest Birmingham: What could be one of the weeks biggest evenings is student fest hosted by love island hunk Tommy Fury. This massive event is hosted across 5 different venues and combines 3 different universities all in one massive night out in Birmingham. An expected 4000 students will be dancing and singing between Popworld, Reflex, Walkabout, Players and Rosie’s all with the aim to start their university year off with a high. Tickets are available to purchase now, with each ticket including a T-shirt which will gain you entry to venues on the night. All this and more awaits you on Sunday 29^th of September in the heart of Birmingham.

No matter what you plan to do, Birmingham freshers is sure to be a big event, so enjoy it while you can. Get out there, experience Birmingham, and make some new friends in the process.

Looking for student accommodation? Unihousing have student housing available for the academic year 2019/20. Register your interest with us today.

Diet, Food, and a Good Night Out in Birmingham for Students

Getting a Good Start

It’s easy to overlook the importance of healthy eating, or to be a bit complacent about making mealtimes healthier- especially when it can be so easy to order a pizza sometimes. With just a little bit of effort though, it’s not difficult to increase your intake of the foods you should be having more of and reducing those you should be consuming less of.

What is also easy to do is to not realise how much better you can feel by changing your diet. With the new academic year on the horizon, altering your habits could get you off to a healthy and positive start.

Places to Eat in Selly Oak 

The reality is that it’s unlikely anyone would really avoid take-aways and eating-out altogether. So, with that in mind, it’s worth knowing that if you are a Selly Oak student looking for a quick meal or dinner out with friends, Selly Oak has a lot of options. As well as some of the bigger name restaurants like Frankie & Benny’s and Nando’s, Selly Oak includes other places like the succulent chicken-skewer serving Paprika Grill UK on Raddlebarn Road, and other cafes too.           

Digbeth

It probably goes without saying that the city centre of Birmingham is ideal for students, as its plentiful supply of places to get something to eat and drink pretty much caters for all tastes and makes for a great night-out. What may not be so obvious is the fact that Digbeth is a less-familiar location stuffed with little surprises- including a location for some totally terrific food.

The food is brought to you courtesy of Digbeth Dining Club. Digbeth Dining Club is held every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday and asks for a small entrance fee to get in, but it’s absolutely worth it. This unusual yet buzzing little event brings together a diverse collection of street-food vendors that are spread-out through its busy venue. Sandwiched between the two halves of the DDC layout is a bar, making it easy for you to get yourself a drink when you want it. A vibrant place in distinctive surroundings, Digbeth Dining Club is accompanied by DJ music overflowing from its speakers into the masses, providing a bouncy backdrop to this lively food experience.

    

While You’re There

Just because you’re in Digbeth to get a little something to eat, doesn’t mean the night has to start and end with this eating experience. The reason for this is that Digbeth also offers other interesting places to go to that you may not have heard of before. There’s Ghetto Golf; an imaginatively decked-out, urban twist on standard crazy golf that’s strictly for adults only. There’s also a variety of bars to head to. And, don’t forget The Custard Factory: great for visits day or night, The Custard Factory has its own cinema called The Mockingbird that shows a unique range of films, which could make it the ideal way to round-up your evening.  

   

Student Accommodation with Unihousing

On the previously-mentioned subject of the forthcoming academic year, it would be helpful to be aware of the impressive Birmingham student accommodation that Unihousing can provide you with. Registered lettings agents that offer you student housing for a reasonable price, Unihousing boasts a number of student studios and houses to share within the busy, bustling town of Selly Oak. Spacious, tastefully modern and featuring all of the furnishings that are suitable for everyday student living, Unihousing’s student studios and houses’ superb situation also means that in just a quick walk you can get to the local train station and other public transport points. Positioned with a variety of shops, supermarkets and pubs nearby as well, Unihousing student accommodation makes your day-to-day student living easy, convenient and enjoyable.

Contact Unihousing today to find-out what we can do for you!!

16 Tips to Help Prepare Yourself for University – Part 2

We're back with another blog containing some useful tips and ideas that are worth considering before your university experience begins in September. If you’re well prepared, you’ve probably already thought of the last 8 tips. However, these 8 should be a little more out the box and hopefully inspire you to make some more headway in your preparations towards university.

1. Build a Film Library

During your time at university you will find that you have periods of the day and week where there isn’t much going on; you’ve completed all of your university work, none of your friends are available, or you have some time to spare. After all you can’t be out socialising every minute of the day, and it can sometimes help to spend a little time on your own recharging. Therefore, we it can help to have a film library which you can dive into during your free time. While accumulating a load of DVDs or Blu-Rays is one way of doing this, spending some money on Netflix, Amazon prime or other streaming services can give you a lot of choice. If you’re sharing accommodation, it might be worth sharing a family account with your housemates.

2. Get to Know the Washing Machine

It’s unlikely that the washing machine you use at university is going to be an exact copy of the one you have at home, so getting some tips from mum and dad will come in very handy. Things such as knowing all the different materials and how to wash them, what all the washing symbols mean on your clothes, or how to remove certain stains can all come in handy. The more familiar you are with your washing machine, the more likely you are to adopt regular washing routines, which is especially important for your towels and bedding. If you do find that you don’t know how to wash something or how to use a certain washing machine, don’t be afraid to search online. This is a great tip to help you ease into living independently.

3. Work out the Local Transport Routes

Most students won’t be lucky enough to have a car at university as they are expensive to run. This means that you will be left with walking, cycling and public transport. Getting to know the public transport routes in the area will help you to travel the city with ease. You could also find you save yourself a little money by doing this. In addition to this, buying a rail/bus card can save you loads of money if you use public transport frequently.

4. Find Ways to Save Money

Saving money is much easier then you may first realise; cutting back on simple luxuries will help you save money for the more important things in life. Making use of loyalty cards can help you get some money back, as can getting a student discount card. Not sure if somewhere is offering a student discount? Just ask! Being savvy and making the most of any discounts or deals when they come about can really help you save money in the long run, just be careful about falling into the trap of buying something because it’s on sale, even though you don’t need it. Make sure you get your student discount card over the summer, so you have it when you need it.

5. Look for a Good Gym Membership, or Join a Sports Team

While films are a great way to fill your time, they are not the only way you can use your free time constructively at university. Being active and partaking in sports, or visiting the gym, is great for releasing stress and tension. Exercise can help your mental health and can even help with studying [1]. Start looking for ways to get exercising; the sooner you get into the routine of looking after yourself physically, the easier it’ll be.

6. Look at Your Study Modules

It’s always worth checking your course before you start in September. This will help you to get a bit more knowledge about your subject and get you excited for starting. There can also be work given over the summer, and it’s good to get this done so you’re prepared for the next year. A common one is reading specific books, but it is often course specific.

7. Learn How to Make New Friends

For students about to tackle the first year of university, making new friends is important. Your experience at university will be much more enjoyable if you can enjoy it with the people that you are living and working with. The best method for doing this is to join societies, sport teams and getting to know the people in your student accommodation. Everyone will be in the same boat of looking for new friends so don’t be worried.

8. Don’t Panic

Thinking about University may fill you with fear, and that not a bad thing. Spending time away from your family and friends, having to live and fend for yourself can be a difficult task but don’t forget, you’re not alone. Students from across the country will be experiencing the exact same thing, so relax and trust in your ability to succeed.

That wraps up our 16 tips to help prepare yourself for university. Hopefully these tips have helped to motivate and intrigue you enough to make an impact on what is for most students, the most memorable time of their lives. Good luck to all students starting University in September and thank you for reading. Don’t forget, if you haven’t sorted your student accommodation yet, we still have some available studios. Call today to book a viewing.

[1] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/mental-benefits-of-exercise/

16 Tips to Help Prepare Yourself for University – Part 1

Doing all you can to prepare yourself for university can help make student life much less stressful and busy. There are quite a few things to consider before September rolls around, so it’s best to start early and get everything sorted. In part 1 of this 2-part blog series, we take a look at 8 tips that can help you get prepared for university:

1. Get into a Routine

It’s good to hit the ground running when you get to university, so it can help to adopt regular routines to help you get the most out of your days ahead. You can try more regular sleeping patterns in the week, normal eating hours and even exercise to keep you refreshed and feeling on top of your life. This will also give you lots of energy to study well, be social and enjoy the craziness of weekend fun. Having healthy routines can enable you to get all your most important jobs and responsibilities done and out of the way, leaving you with plenty of time for friends, flatmates, going out and enjoying your independence.

2. Stay Organised and Keep on Top of Your Days

The best way to have the least amount of anxiety and stress about your weekly schedule is to plan and stay organised throughout the week. You can use daily/weekly planners to help you remember your lectures, one-on-one meetings with tutors and staff, crucial deadlines coming up, utilities and rent due dates, and even fun nights out to look forward to! By knowing your schedule, you can also plan the mundane yet necessary jobs like weekly shopping and other errands and chores. Planning and getting these done can free you up to spend more time with your friends.

3. Get Ahead

Even though it’s extremely important to have a well-deserved break throughout the summer, getting started on any work and learning what you can over the summer can really help your first weeks and months of settling back into university. Getting your freedom back and studying what you love can be brilliant, but it can also be very tiring and difficult to get back into the regular swing of things. While everyone else is cramming and stressing last minute about reading lists and assignments, you could be having a relaxed start to the year with plenty of time to adjust into your routines with little stress about outstanding work or study.

4. Keep on a Budget

Living on a budget can really help you to feel that you are on top of your life, instead of drowning in financial stress. Studies have found that half of UK adults in debt are also living with mental ill-health [1]. While sometimes it is fun and good to let loose, doing it too often with money you don’t have can begin to create large amounts of stress and burden in your life. Don’t be scared to check your bank balance frequently and know what you can spend, in order to avoid any extra mental strain that can affect the whole of your student life. You can still have fun weekends without over spending and ending up without money at the end of the month for food and other necessities. Be in control of your money, instead of letting your money control you!

5. Try out Meal Prepping

Weekly meal organisation can do wonders for freeing up your busy schedule. Try planning 3-5 main meals in advance, therefore saving yourself the brain power needed to plan your meals EVERYDAY. By shopping for a few different recipes in your weekly shop, you are free to cook whenever you want in the evening depending on what activities you have planned. There’s no need to keep on popping in and out of the shops after the long, busy days ahead and meal prepping can additionally help you create meals that are healthier, get you excited and give you something to look forward to. Another brilliant way to plan ahead and save money is meal sharing. Dinner with flatmates and friends can be a fun way to hang out while also sharing the cooking responsibilities in the house and saving money all around. You could also go to the shops and plan meals together as a way of keeping the process exciting. There are plenty of exciting meals you can have on a student budget [2].

6. Choosing your Accommodation and Flatmates

In order to have as little stress and worry as possible, it is good to get on top of finding your accommodation sooner rather than later. The earlier you look, the more choice you’ll have, and you’ll have plenty of time to find good and dependable flatmates to rent with you. Nonetheless, sometimes life gets in the way and/or plans fall through, but don’t let this stop you. Unihousing is here with plenty of options and properties for you and your friends. To ensure the best experience, try to team-up with people who will be good and reliable flatmates; who will help you take care of the house, share responsibilities, respect your privacy and will make the year a fun and exciting one without drama and complications.

Check out Unihousing today and see some of our available studios in September 2019 or subscribe to our newsletter to be among the first to see our student accommodation for the academic year in 2020/21.

7. Don’t Forget your Supplies

By this, we don’t just mean university supplies! Make sure you and your flatmates have all the necessities for your shared home including pots, pans, dishes, cutlery, cooking utensils, bedding, towels, cleaning products, and anything else you might need. It’s great to move into a space that already has all the things you need, without the stress of running around last minute and attempting to find needed home supplies. That being said, make sure you don’t forget about your university supplies either. Start your academic year feeling relaxed knowing that you have all your books, pens, notebooks, art supplies and anything else you will need to give you the best head start. Try picking the best supplies for you, things that get you inspired but will be practical for your needs. Having a fun trip to IKEA with your flatmates to pick out needed household items and supplies together is a great way of letting everyone contribute and can create a fun kickstart to the new university year.

8. Learn the Support Channels

University life can sometimes feel a little overwhelming, so it’s important to learn about all of the necessary support channels, just in case. In particular, the University of Birmingham has a wellbeing service [3] in place to help support your physical, emotional and psychological wellbeing. Doing the necessary research now means you know where to go when you need help.

Making use of these 8 tips is a great way to make your university experience a great one. You’ll not only get the most of your education, but also make some great memories along the way. We’re not finished here though, keep an eye out for part two, where you can find even more helpful tips and tricks for getting prepared for university.

[1] https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/a-to-z/d/debt-and-mental-health

[2] https://www.amazon.co.uk/NOSH-Students-Student-Cookbook-Colour/

[3] https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/undergraduate/support/health/index.aspx

10 Ways You Could Have A Better Year at Uni

There’s nothing quite like having your own student studio. With student accommodation providers Unihousing, you can find yourself in a Selly Oak student studio for the new year. It’s your own space, an open plan living environment that has all that you should need, laid out in front of you. Allowing you to enjoy an uncomplicated, streamlined kind of student lifestyle, Unihousing’s newly-built Birmingham studios are also equipped with impressive kitchens and bathrooms as well as a Smart TV and high-speed fibre optic internet.

Do you want to improve your time as a student in the coming forthcoming academic year? We’ve listed our top 10 changes you could make to improve your student experience.

1) Better Budgeting

Easier said than done perhaps but having a bit of money for your use isn’t entirely out of the question if you improve the way you manage your cash. While you’ve probably been doing what you can already to budget effectively, simply cutting back on certain unnecessary things or indulging in them more sparingly, are good tips. Looking for deals and discounts and even getting into different habits such as making and freezing meals for dinners in later weeks are all possibilities for reducing your outgoings as well.

2) Replacing Your Items Affordably

Another issue concerning the issue of money, doing what you can to keep costs down when buying useful items for your place will make a difference, too. Internet searches and articles/blogs on this subject can point you in the right direction when it comes to finding a good deal on anything that needs replacing in your student home. Remember to make use of your student discounts as well!

3) Healthier Eating

It goes without saying that five fruit and veg’ a day is a good aim for healthy eating, but there are a number of other things to do and not do that will give your health a boost. It’s worth thinking about simply avoiding or limiting the eating and drinking of certain things in order to get healthier. For example, getting through a big block of chocolate may be great, but why not break off one half and put it away, and just enjoy the bit that’s left in your hand? While it’s not terrible to want to enjoy yourself, you will probably feel more energetic and positive if you take a conscientious approach to what you consume. These small changes will be hugely helpful to those who struggle with their weight too.

4) More Exercise

Alongside a better approach to better eating and drinking, is making a greater effort to keep active, even though that may not sound like a lot of fun to some people. That said, just twenty-five minutes every other day will make a real difference, both physically and mentally. It’s important you take care of your health and this is one way to do it. And there’s no reason why it can’t be fun, as there are many sporting activities that you could take part in. If you enjoy a team-oriented sport, try finding a local football or rugby club. Enjoy racket-based sports? The university has their own courts for your use. Alternatively, if you fancy more of a personal challenge, sign up for a gym membership, or take part in activities such as bouldering.

5) Social Circles

A complicated subject perhaps, our lifestyles and how we feel are inevitably going to be shaped by who we associated with and who we consider our friends. You may have already discovered that some of the choices you’ve made with your social groups weren’t the best. Being honest and good to yourself as well as others is important. Sometimes though, feeling detached from the social scene altogether can be the challenge you face. Keep talking, try and be understanding to those around you and you should be able to find what you need from your social groups and be a better friend to those who need you around too.

6) Getting-Out

Falling into the pattern of doing the same thing every week in your free time is easily done, yet it can be easily avoided too. If you find that what you do on a night out or at the weekend is becoming too repetitive, and not doing you any good, consider doing something different. You may be surprised at the impact it makes. Meet new people, discover new ways to enjoy yourself, save money and feel better overall- there’s no way to tell what you could find by trying something new.

7) Better Mental Health

In and out of the news with great frequency, mental health is an issue that affects everyone, so being open about it and staying informed on mental health-related issues is a good idea. Make things easier for yourself where possible, consider what it is that is making you feel good or bad and why, remember to talk to your friends and family, and don’t be afraid to look into the professional help services that the university provides.

   

8) Staying on Top of the Housework

Chores aren’t exactly what anyone wants to do, but the more you try to be regular with doing them, the easier getting them done will be. After this year living in student accommodation, this may be something you’ve learned. If you share a house or will be sharing a house, doing your best to keep the place clean and tidy is considerate, and maybe agreeing to a rota system for jobs would be the fairest and most efficient method going forward.

9) Dealing with Accommodation Issues Swiftly

There are pretty much always going to be occasions where something goes wrong in your apartment and some form of repair or maintenance needs to be carried out. Though it’s easy to get used to wear and tear after you first notice it, the sooner you get it dealt with the better. It’s expected of tenants to reports these matters to the lettings agent, too. So, it’d be good to have these things in mind as you progress into the next year of student living.

10) Improving Your Studying

Whilst pointing out that being studious on a University course might sound a bit silly, it’s a part of the academic experience that’s worth reviewing now and then. With the new academic year on the horizon, this could be the time to do it. By managing to find fresh new ways to change how you tackle your studies, you could make the new year a simpler, less stressful and more successful one. Learning from mistakes made, looking into new strategies and being more organised are all ways you could get more out of your studying.

A Studio for You with Unihousing

Unihousing’s Birmingham student accommodation is typically of a stand-out standard and their studios are no different. Incorporating everything needed for the contemporary student lifestyle and available for an affordable price, Unihousing’s studios are also notable for their excellent Selly Oak locations. Placing you within a short distance from supermarkets, amenities as well as restaurants, cafés, and a bustling nightlife, Selly Oak is well-served by public transport links and is an easy option for superior student living.

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

Best Utility Items To Get On A Student Budget

There are some items that make life a little easier. The student life might be seen by some as a first attempt at living as an independent adult. If so, there’s likely to be a period of adjustment to this new phase of your life and a lot to learn during this period. With that being said, anything that enables you to get from day-to-day as smoothly as possible will surely be a welcome addition to your student house or studio.

Here’s a look at some of those items that can be of assistance without being too much of a burden on the typical student budget.

Student Accommodation with Unihousing

If you are a student in Birmingham considering which student accommodation is right for you, Unihousing’s student studios and houses could be the ideal choice. Superbly located, Unihousing’s range of Birmingham student accommodation is spacious and suitably furnished for modern-day student living. Affordably priced, Unihousing are registered lettings agents that work to meet your requirements on a daily basis.

It’s worth noting that the majority of Unihousing’s student accommodation is furnished with all the student essentials. However, it is still a good idea now to give some thought to which items you know you will want in your place, and sometimes owning your own equipment can be nicer, especially if you can afford these items on a student budget. You can also think of it as future-proofing, as you’ll want all of these items when you move into unfurnished properties in the future.

Microwaves

Super-handy to have In any home, and particularly convenient for students wanting their meals to be ready quickly with minimal effort, microwaves are pretty much a must-have.

Supermarkets: You may be surprised to learn that supermarkets sell microwaves. Places such as Asda sell microwaves and ones that are very reasonably priced, too. Not only are they low in price, but, as they can be bought from a supermarket they should be easy to acquire and take back to your accommodation too.

ASDA George Manual Microwave Price: £39.00.

There’s also Argos. A Simple Value by Argos microwave is likely to cost: £34.99.

Amazon feature microwaves amongst their vast collection of goods, too. Their prices appear to range from £15 to £50. As with many things in life, the price is probably reflective of the quality, but with something like a microwave, which performs such a simple task, perhaps you don’t need to be so fussy with your choice. But do research and/or read reviews for the products where you can to make sure that you are not wasting time and money with your purchase.

Toasters

Toasters are of course very useful, but due to the fact that a grill on an oven does the same job, toasters aren’t completely necessary in the kitchen. Therefore, a toaster is something that you may have to provide. Luckily though, toasters tend to be fairly affordable. Some toasters include features or are of a size that you may not expect or need. You can pick up a good, simple toaster extremely easily on the student budget.

Morphy Richards 220023 Dimensions 2 Slice Toaster; Argos Price: £19.99.

-For slightly more cash and with a kettle as an added bonus, you can buy the more stylish Daewoo Stainless Steel Kettle and Toaster Set; Wilko Price: £26.00.

- Or, for a totally low-cost, totally basic buy from Wilko, you could opt for the Wilko White 2 Slice Toaster; Wilko Price: £6.

If you’re under the impression that with shared accommodation having a four-slice toaster is more appropriate yet imagine the price is too high, then it may shock you to learn about this- a JD Williams Breville VTT476 Impressions 4 Slice Black Toaster; JD Williams Price: £29.99.

Irons and Ironing Boards

While some may see this as superfluous in the context of the student lifestyle, there are surely going to be some occasions where your clothes need to be crease-free. Other techniques for doing this are not really going to give you the same results that a reliable iron will. Also worth mentioning here is it’s wise to ensure that the ironing board is reliable and of a good standard; an ironing board that lacks the sufficient padding on top will wear down faster and can lead to permanent marks being created on your clothes as you iron them.

A quick search online for ironing boards reveals that some are available for pretty low prices. On the other hand, for a little extra, you could payout for a board that could be better.

Here’s an example of a good-quality, higher-cost ironing board: Minky Printed Comfortable Black Ergo Patterned 152cmx38cm Ironing Board; Dunelm Price: £40.

At the other end of the scale though there’s this: Argos Home 118cmx34cm Ironing Board- Turquoise, Price £12. Smaller dimensions for this one perhaps, but the price and simple nature of it might be what you’re seeking.

It’s hard to forget Ikea when it comes to kitting-out student homes. Ikea does their own ironing boards and the price seems to fall somewhere between the two examples above, which may suggest that it’s something of a compromise in how well it works and how much it is, too. Dӓnka Ironing Board 120 X 37cm; Ikea Price: £19.

As for irons…

Why not go for AO? With free delivery on their items, it seems like an attractive prospect when getting things for your place. AO supply a selection of top brands so it could be a good idea to browse through what they have on offer.

A quick glance at their products demonstrates that you can get yourself a nice, cheap iron, such as the Russell Hobbs Light & Easy Brights 24840 2400 Watt Iron- Aqua; AO Price: £16.

Residing in student accommodation within a city should put you fairly close to a Currys. It’s there that you could discover a reasonably priced iron for you.

The Essentials C12IR13 Steam Iron Blue & White; Currys Price: £7.99.

The Tefal Ultraglide FV4043 Steam Iron; Currys Price: £34.98 (50% off).

The Braun TexStyle 3 SI3041 GR Steam Iron; Price: £29.99… these are just some picks from the range of irons to be found at this store.

For more options, you could always try Asda again. Asda George feature some further solutions to the problem of having creases in your clothes and do so at some very low prices. You can also come across something else you may need after using your ironing board for some time- an ironing board cover. One from Asda George should cost a minimum of £5.

Kettles

Another part of everyday life, after all, who doesn’t enjoy a good cuppa? Having a kettle is very handy for your hot drinks, and sometimes your meals. As with the other utility items covered in this blog, kettles vary in price and this can be dependent on quality, and they can be purchased from the kind of stores pointed-out above.

To give you an idea of what to expect here’s a couple of examples:

Tower Kettle Black & Rose Gold; B&M Price: £20.00.

Deik Electric Kettle 1.7L 3000W Light Weight with BPA- Free Auto Shut-Off & Boil-Dry Protection; Amazon Deal Price: £16.99.

Breville Impressions VKJ738 Kettle; AO Price: £27.

Birmingham Students and Unihousing

Aside from the high standards of their student accommodation, the Selly Oak locations of Unihousing’s student homes makes them an ideal choice for the Birmingham student. Positioned amongst both local amenities and nearby nightlife, Unihousing’s Selly Oak student accommodation is also conveniently close to public transport links and can make getting to other places of interest very easy. Choose from a Selly Oak studio or a house to share and enjoy the comfort and convenience of a student property with Unihousing.

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Houses, Apartments, Studios and Flats: A Tough Student Decision

As a student studying in Birmingham, having student accommodation which you can feel comfortable in is key to having a positive University experience. But choosing the right student property for you can be much harder than it first seems. Knowing what is right for you is the first step in ensuring that this year is one of the best as a student in Birmingham. 

Continue reading below to find out which student property is right for you, and how Unihousing could help to find you the ideal property for your next academic year at the University of Birmingham. When looking for student accommodation, there are generally 3 forms of property available. These are:

•             Student houses – usually shared between a group of peers.

•             Student flats/apartments – you can find both single and double occupancy student flats.

•             Student studios – ideal for those looking for privacy and independence.

The question is, what’s the difference between the three and which one should you choose? Well, let’s start by explaining the difference between the three.

Student Houses

A typical student house in Birmingham can be shared between a group of anywhere from 3 students. The normal layout will consist of a communal living and dining area, usually with some seated areas and a kitchen that is used by all the occupants of the house. This then is much like your student halls environment, except on a slightly smaller scale. The communal areas of a shared property require students to work together as a unit to keep the house clean and tidy. Consider a rota to help make this easier.

Advantages

More often than not, student houses will come with a small back garden offering students a place to get outside without leaving the house. Some properties are lucky enough to have a driveway for students who are able to drive, which can be very beneficial. Finally, students can group together to help save money on student utilities including washing up liquid and toothpaste. The same can be said for food if students choose to eat together.

Disadvantages

More frequently, shared accommodation students will find that their shared accommodation is not as clean as they would like it, usually because there’s always somebody in the group who doesn’t pull their weight. This can lead to aggravation between housemates. Finally, while all students have their own room, some students may find that the privacy offered isn’t on the same level as that offered by living in other forms of accommodation. Additionally, sharing a bathroom between several people can cause tension.

Student Apartments/Flats

Student flats and apartments are common in the local area and do offer a great place for students to stay during their studies. A flat or apartment will normally consist of a small living area including a cooking station and some form of seated area. Depending on whether you opt to share a flat or go it alone, most flats will come with a shared bathroom and two/three separate bedrooms while solo occupants will have a private washroom and a bedroom separate to the living area of the property.

Advantages

This form of property comes with slightly more privacy, especially when you think about having peers and friends’ visiting. You may often find that students living in a flat have slightly more room around the apartment, due to the fact they aren’t sharing with a bunch of other people. Finally, you’ll also find washing, cleaning and the general tidiness of the property will be easier. 

Disadvantages

Student flats generally forego gardens, which means that in the summer months it becomes harder to enjoy the sun without going out. Other negative points include having to share a bathroom should you be living in a pair or a three.

Student Studios

These are quickly becoming popular in Selly Oak for students at the University of Birmingham. This form of student accommodation is for solo occupants only. If you're living in a studio you can expect one large room containing pretty much everything you could need as a student. This includes a sleeping area, cooking facilities and a small living area, the only thing that will be separate to the normal living area is the washroom. This is ideal for students who live a fast-paced lifestyle, or for those who would like a more independent and private student living experience.

Advantages

The main advantage you receive from living in a studio is privacy. This home enables you to get away from the world and enjoy some time to yourself. This is often not a possibility when you’re living with others. Another benefit to living alone is you control the tidiness of your property, this means you don’t need to clean up other people’s mess, and you don’t need to put up with housemates not doing their chores. Finally, all studios come with their own private washroom, something which is a luxury to most students.

Disadvantages

Living on your own does come with the downside of a lack of social interaction. It’s important that if you do live in a student studio you make the effort to go out and interact with people. Student societies are ideal for this. Other negative also include no garden or outdoor space, and the fact that this can be a slightly more expensive way of living, as you can’t share the cost between several people.

Knowing What is Best for You

Now you know about each type of student accommodation in Selly Oak, but you still might not know what is best for you. Well here’s a brief rundown which should tell you everything.

Student House – This property type is ideal for a group of close friends, who are all comfortable around each other. This sort of living requires a team of friends that can work together to live in comfort. If you’re easily annoyed or like your own space, this may not be the one for you.

Student Apartment or Flat – Ideal for two friends or as a solo occupant who can live and work around well on their own or as a pair on a daily basis. This property is ideal for social people who like to invite friends over but still like to have the opportunity for privacy.

Student Studio – A student studio is designed for a fast-paced living style. This sort of property is built to house a sole person, and while it may not offer as much space as other types of properties, it still offers some space to have friends over for studying or pre-drinks. If your privacy and independence is important, then this is the place for you.

Student Accommodation In Selly Oak

So, by now you should have a reasonable idea about what it is you want for your next academic year. The only thing left to do is begin searching, and where better to start than Selly Oak-based Unihousing. Offering all three types of student property, they are sure to have the ideal location which makes you feel right at home.

Contact Unihousing today and find a student accommodation which is right for you and register your interest.