Birmingham is a great destination for students. Steeped in history and culture, with well-known colleges, it captures their interest. However, maintaining funds while ensuring high academic success is hard. This guide is designed to offer essential advice on navigating your finances and excelling academically while in Birmingham. It provides strategies for optimising your experience in the city, including securing affordable student accommodation in Birmingham and leveraging university resources.
Finding Cheap Places to Live
Research and Compare
Students in Birmingham could start saving right away by finding cheap housing. Available alternatives that a student can consider include dorms at the university, private rentals, or shared houses.
University Residences
Opting for university residence halls can be a cost-effective option for freshmen. These halls are typically situated near academic institutions, ensuring both safety and convenience. Furthermore, living in these halls often means that internet and utility bills are incorporated into your rental payment, simplifying financial planning.
Private rentals for individuals
People who want to have more freedom may like private renting. Sharing a room or house with other students can save you a lot of money. Check the distance from the university and compare prices to save money on travel costs.
Budgeting: The Basics
Create a spending plan.
Creating a budget is an important part of handling your money well. Compare your income sources to your costs. Some examples of income sources are student loans, part-time jobs, and money from parents. Prioritise costs that are necessary, like rent, food, and transportation.
Create a budget.
Keeping track of your spending can be easier with the help of many planning tools and apps. Spending tracking apps like Mint, YNAB, and PocketGuard can help you stick to your spending.
Organise your food.
Regularly eating out can quickly drain your money. Always think about what you’re going to eat and try to cook most of the time at home. In addition to being better for you, this saves a lot of money. Save money on groceries by using student deals and shopping at discount supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl.
Dealing with Student Discounts Smartly
Permits for students
To get savings in Birmingham, you should always carry your student ID card. You can save money everywhere by showing your student ID. This includes movie theatres, restaurants, clothing shops, and even travel.
New Student Card
Thinking about getting an NUS Extra card (now called a TOTUM card), which gives you extra savings and deals at many stores. By saving money, the small fee for the card will be quickly paid for itself.
Discounts online
The websites UNiDAYS and Student Beans provide many online deals for college students.
Cost-Controlling Transportation
Local Transportation
Birmingham has a large public transport system with trains, buses and trams. Get cheaper tickets by buying a student travel card. Student discount cards like the Network West Midlands card are very popular and can save you a lot of money on travel.
Biking
Biking is a relatively cheap and environmentally friendly way to get around. For students, biking in Birmingham is a safe choice because there are many bike lanes and routes. Regular cycling can also help you save money on gym fees.
Walking
For the best and cheapest transportation, walk if you live close to school. Additionally, it’s a fun and healthy way to see the city.
Using University Resources to Their Fullest
Colleges and libraries with places to study
Utilise the university’s resources and study areas to the fullest. In addition to being free, these resources make it easy to learn. Free printing and access to research books and journals are available at many libraries.
Academic Help Services
University of Birmingham’s academic support programmes include writing centres, tutoring, workshops, and more. Improve your grades without spending extra money on private teachers by using these services.
Student organisations
Lots of students find that joining clubs and groups helps them make friends and do fun things without spending a lot of money. You can make the most of your time at university by joining one of the many groups that offer free or low-cost courses, workshops, and trips.
Lessening your bills and utilities
Using energy efficiently
Watch how much energy you use to keep your electricity bills low. Regularly turning off lights when not in use, unplugging electronics, and using products that use less energy can make a big difference.
Packages for phone and internet
Research different internet and phone plans to find the best deals. Student deals or special packages from many companies can save you money. Save money by sharing an internet link with your roommates.
Using Water
Use water wisely. Using water-saving fixtures, taking shorter showers, and fixing leaks are all easy things you can do to lower your water bill.
Working part-time and making money
Finding part-time work
Consider getting a part-time job to help your budget. On-campus jobs are available at many universities in Birmingham, which can make your study schedule easier to manage. Part-time jobs for students also include working in stores, helping customers, and teaching.
Starting a freelance business
Consider working as a freelancer if you are good at writing, graphic design, or coding. Offering your skills on websites like Upwork and Fiverr lets you make money while setting your own hours.
Financial aid and scholarships
Find and apply for scholarships and funds that the university and outside groups are offering. Don’t worry about repaying these funds; they can help you out a lot with your money problems.
Discounted fun and socialising
Events That Are Free or Donate
Many events in Birmingham are free or only cost a small amount of money throughout the year. These include festivals, music, and art shows. Find out about future events by checking local event listings and the websites of student unions.
Student Nights
Many bars and clubs in Birmingham have nights when entry and drinks are cheaper for students. Take advantage of these chances to meet new people without spending a lot of money.
Outdoor Activities
You can relax, work out, and meet new people in Birmingham’s many parks and other outdoor areas for free. Numerous students like to hang out in Cannon Hill Park and the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
Good Birmingham Neighbourhoods to Live in
Selly Oak
Because it’s close to the University of Birmingham, Selly Oak is a popular community for students. A variety of affordable student housing choices are available, such as private rentals and shared houses. There is easy access to public transport and lots of stores, cafes, and restaurants in the area.
Edgbaston
As another great option for students, Edgbaston has both student living and regular homes. For people who want to relax, it’s perfect because it has lots of green areas and is generally smaller and quieter. Admittedly, Edgbaston has a slightly higher average rent, but it has a great mix of ease and quality of life.
City Centre
As a city centre resident, you can easily get to services, culture, and transportation. Although it may cost more, living with other students can lower your costs. City centres are lively and busy, making living there exciting.
Conclusion
As a student in Birmingham, you don’t have to give up your academic success or social life just because you’re on a tight budget. You can have a great time in Birmingham without worrying about money if you make smart spending choices, use university tools, and look for cheap student housing.
Consider talking to study abroad consultants for personalised advice and help finding the best places for students to live. By giving you personalised advice and useful information, they can help you get the most out of your time at university.
You should remember that handling your money well isn’t just about saving money; it’s also about making smart decisions that will make your college experience better overall. With the right tools and tactics, you can do well in Birmingham, both academically and socially. Happy saving and learning!
