Moving into student housing Birmingham marks the start of an exciting chapter in one of the UK’s most dynamic cities. Birmingham—affectionately called “Brum” by locals—is a treasure trove of culture, nightlife, green spaces, and budget-friendly gems perfect for students. Whether you’re new to the city or a seasoned local looking to rediscover it, here’s your ultimate guide to a weekend packed with adventure, food, and even a little study-life balance.
Friday Evening: Kickstart Your Weekend
6:00 PM – Fuel Up at Digbeth Dining Club
Start your weekend with a feast at Digbeth Dining Club (Unit 2, Lower Trinity Street, B9 4AG), Birmingham’s iconic street food market. Held every Friday, this lively spot offers everything from loaded fries to vegan bao buns, all at student-friendly prices. Grab a £6 cocktail from the pop-up bars and soak up the industrial-chic vibe with live DJ sets. Pro tip: Arrive early—this place gets packed!
8:30 PM – Catch a Show at The Mill
Walk off your food coma with a 10-minute stroll to The Mill (29-31 Bromsgrove Street, B5 6AB), a grassroots music venue and creative hub. From indie bands to comedy nights, tickets often cost under £10. Check their Instagram for last-minute student discounts.
11:00 PM – Nightlife at Snobs
No Birmingham student weekend is complete without a trip to Snobs (52 Smallbrook Queensway, B5 4HX). This legendary club—a rite of passage for students and beyond—serves up cheesy anthems, £2.50 drinks, and sticky dance floors. Open until 3 AM, it’s the perfect spot to meet coursemates or blow off steam after deadlines. Snobs is close to BCU accommodation, so you can safely go back home with your peers.
Saturday Morning: Culture and Coffee
9:30 AM – Breakfast at Yorks Café
Revive with brunch at Yorks Café (29-31 Stephenson Street, B2 4BH), a stone’s throw from New Street Station. Their £7.50 “Brekky Bap” (bacon, egg, and hash brown) is a local legend, and the industrial-chic space is ideal for Instagramming.
11:00 AM – Explore the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
Dive into Brum’s history for free at the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery (Chamberlain Square, B3 3DH). Don’t miss the Pre-Raphaelite paintings or the “Birmingham: Its People, Its History” exhibit. Student tip: The museum often hosts free workshops—check their website for weekend events.
1:00 PM – Lunch at Cherry Reds
Head to Cherry Reds (88-92 John Bright Street, B1 1BN), a cozy café-bar loved by students for its hearty portions and £6 lunch deals. Try the “Hangover Burge” or a vegan Buddha bowl, then recharge with their famous £3.50 iced coffee.
Saturday Afternoon: Shop, Stroll, and Study
2:30 PM – Retail Therapy at the Bullring
Hit the Bullring (B5 4BU) for budget-friendly shopping. Primark, H&M, and TK Maxx offer student discounts, while the Oasis Market upstairs sells vintage clothes and vinyl records. Don’t forget to snap a selfie with the iconic Bull statue!
4:00 PM – Study Session at The Library of Birmingham
Need to squeeze in some work? The Library of Birmingham (Centenary Square, B1 2EA) is a student sanctuary with free Wi-Fi, silent floors, and panoramic views from the Secret Garden terrace. Open until 8 PM on Saturdays, it’s a short walk from most student housing Birmingham spots.
6:00 PM – Canal-side Walks at Gas Street Basin
Unwind with a stroll along Birmingham’s historic canals (Gas Street Basin, B1 2JT). Rent a bike for £5 via Beryl Bikes or grab a gelato from Ghetto Gelato (10 Minerva Works, B5 5RS) and watch narrowboats glide by.
Saturday Evening: Dinner and Drinks with a Twist
7:30 PM – Dinner at The Meat Shack
Meat lovers, rejoice! The Meat Shack (6 Gibb Street, B9 4AA) in Digbeth serves up insane burgers (try the “Dead Hippie”) for under £10. Veggie? Their vegan “Shroom Shack” burger rivals the real deal.
9:00 PM – Cocktails at The Sun on the Hill
Head to The Sun on the Hill (25 Bennetts Hill, B2 5RE), a quirky pub with £5 cocktails during happy hour (until 10 PM). The retro decor and board games make it a great spot to chill with friends.
11:00 PM – Late-Night Vibes at The Night Owl
Dance the night away at The Night Owl (17-18 Lower Trinity Street, B9 4AG), a retro soul and Motown club housed in a converted warehouse. Entry is usually £5-£8, and the crowd is a mix of students and locals.
Sunday Morning: Brunch and Green Spaces
10:00 AM – Pancakes at Medicine Bakery
Treat yourself to brunch at Medicine Bakery (8a Fleet Street, B3 1JL), a cathedral-like café in a converted bank. Their fluffy pancakes with maple syrup (£8.50) are worth the splurge.
11:30 AM – Wander Cannon Hill Park
Hop on the No. 1 bus from the city centre to Cannon Hill Park (B13 8TL), Birmingham’s answer to Central Park. Rent a paddleboat (£10/hour), explore the MAC Birmingham arts centre, or just laze by the lake.
Sunday Afternoon: Markets and Relaxation
1:30 PM – Street Food at the Bullring Markets
Back in the city centre, browse the Bullring Markets (Edgbaston Street, B5 4RQ) for fresh produce, spices, and street food. Grab a £5 jerk chicken box or a vegan samosa—perfect for a picnic.
3:00 PM – Study (or Nap) at 200 Degrees Coffee
Need to prep for Monday? 200 Degrees Coffee (43 Temple Street, B2 5DP) offers strong flat whites and comfy seating. Their student discount (10% off) makes it a favorite among those in BCU accommodation.
5:00 PM – Wind Down at The Electric Cinema
End your weekend with a film at The Electric Cinema (47-49 Station Street, B5 4DY), the UK’s oldest working cinema. Student tickets are £8.50, and you can sip craft beer while watching indie flicks.
Getting Around: Student Transport Hacks
Buses: A Swift Card (student version) gives unlimited travel for £15/week.
Trains: Use a Railcard for 1/3 off fares to nearby spots like Stratford-upon-Avon.
Cycling: Beryl Bikes cost just £3.50 for 30 minutes—ideal for canal-side rides.
Why Birmingham Rocks for Students
From its thriving arts scene to wallet-friendly eats, Birmingham is a student paradise. Whether you’re based in UoB, BCU, Aston university halls or private student housing Birmingham, every corner of this city offers something to discover. So grab your mates, lace up your walking shoes, and dive into Brum’s unbeatable mix of study, play, and exploration. Your weekend starts now!
