If you’re one of Birmingham’s students-to-be this autumn, we’re here to help make your move as smooth as possible. We’ve partnered with Dunelm to bring you a guide to the best places to socialise, study and make the most of your new city. Plus, we’ll show you where to pick up everything you need to turn your student accommodation into a space that feels truly your own, for just £60 and even get 10% off* so you can hit the ground running from day one.
From surprisingly affordable, stylish bedroom decor and bathroom must-haves, to kitchen staples and study essentials, Dunelm has your move-in check-list totally covered. What’s more, the Click and Collect service is a great way to make moving even more stress-free. Simply shop online ahead of time, then pick up your bits from your nearest Birmingham store when you arrive. Alternatively, you can order online and enjoy 10% off your order and free delivery when you spend £60 or over*. But if you do fancy some IRL shopping, the Birmingham Erdington location has a Pausa cafe where you can get lunch, a coffee, or a sweet treat to keep you going.
Coffee shops and study spots
The Library of Birmingham
The Library of Birmingham in Centenary Square is the largest public library in the UK, making it fit to house a vast, internationally recognised collection of archives, photography and rare books. What’s more, there are two lovely above-ground outdoor spaces, so be sure to head to the secret garden on level 7, or the Discovery Terrace on level 3 for a well-deserved study break.
Grounded
Grounded is a community-focused well-being cafe just a stone’s throw from the university campus, making it a go-to spot for students. The peaceful atmosphere, garden seating and irresistible coffee and cake selection make it the perfect place to catch up on some reading in your break, or unwind at the end of the day.
Saint Kitchen
Saint Kitchen is a great option if you’re looking to take some study time whilst out and about in the city centre. Grab a table, order one of their delicious brunch dishes or baked goods, and let the work take care of itself! And be sure to bring all of your Dunelm study essentials for the full set up, from notebooks to laptop cases(both available online & in-store).
Pubs, clubs, and bars
The Bristol Pear
The Bristol Pear by the university campus is where it’s at for post-lecture pints, sports screenings, pool games, and all round top vibes. There’s also live entertainment on weekends, tasty pub grub, and a great beer garden for when the weather holds out.
Mama Roux’s
Mama Roux’s on Lower Trinity Street is a must for a memorable Saturday night, bringing live bands and house DJs together for Digbeth’s wildest party. The best part is, entry is free – and if you fancy an early kick off, you can enjoy 50% off all food and drinks from 2pm-9pm.
Cherry Reds Cafe & Bar
Cherry Reds Cafe & Bar is a cosy, cafe-by-day, bar-by-night in the city centre, serving craft beer and great cocktails. They also host a free fortnightly jazz night, among a plethora of other events, including comedy, whisky tasting, and live music.
Budget-friendly bites
Tiger Bites Pig
Tiger Bites Pig is a Taiwanese-inspired restaurant in the city centre serving the fluffiest bao buns and vibrant rice bowls made with house pickled kimchi and slow-braised meats. From pork belly and beef shin to salt and pepper tofu, expect nothing but big flavours and pure satisfaction.
Society Birmingham
Society Birmingham is the perfect option for foodies who can’t make their mind up. This market in the centre of the city is home to six independent traders, serving everything from Japanese sandos and Indian street food, to Neapolitan pizzas and dry aged burgers. Skip the food envy and head there with a group of mates for a feast of global cuisine.
Hey Brew Espresso
Hey Brew Espresso is a coffee and bagel spot close to the university campus where you can grab a hot, freshly baked bagel for as little as £4. Satisfy a sweet craving with nutella and sliced banana, or peanut butter and jam – or go for a mouthwatering savoury option such as chicken bacon and avo, or prosciutto salami and ham.
Picnic spots and outdoor spaces
Martineau Gardens
Martineau Gardens is a peaceful wildlife oasis approximately 30 mins walk from the uni campus. Here you’ll find ponds and a beautiful flower meadow – an idyllic picnic spot if ever there was one! Pack your Dunelm throw (available online & in-store) and water bottle (available online & in-store) for a comfy set up and chilled drinks throughout the day.
Winterbourne House & Garden
Winterbourne House & Garden is right on the doorstep of the University of Birmingham, making it an ideal spot to escape campus without having to venture far. Set across seven acres of beautifully kept botanical gardens, it’s perfect for a picnic between lectures, catching up with friends, or simply soaking up some sunshine when the weather’s on your side.
Cannon Hill Park
Cannon Hill Park is one of Birmingham’s most popular green spaces, and it’s only around a 10-minute cycle from campus. Whether you fancy wandering around the boating lake, challenging your friends to a game on the tennis courts, exploring the Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park, or popping into the Midlands Arts Centre (MAC), there’s plenty to keep you occupied.
Where to get your essentials
Before you start exploring all Birmingham has to offer, making your new accommodation feel as homely as possible should be first on the agenda. But you’ll be glad to know you can find everything you need at Dunelm – from bedroom and bathroom bits to kitchen equipment. For your room, a supersoft mattress topper and bedding is a must for ensuring you get the best sleep possible, while a table lamp is a simple way to transform the ambience with lovely warm lighting.
Cooking with housemates is a great way to bond (not to mention a great source of home comfort!), so you’ll want to make sure you’re well prepared to make your favourite food and drinks. From sieves and peelers to pod coffee machines, rice cookers and mini air fryers, you’ll find everything you need to make cooking at uni as fun and as seamless as possible. And for the bathroom you can find overdoor hooks to hang your towels, collapsible laundry baskets, shower corner caddies all of which are available online, in app and in-store!
*With a code from Student Beans or UNiDAYS. Ends 12th Oct. Minimum spend £60. Full T&Cs here: https://www.dunelm.com/info/help/terms-and-conditions
