Moving to Birmingham is exciting, especially when you’re moving for uni, and one of the best parts of living here is the things you can enjoy as an international student in the city. The city has plenty of cultural landmarks and hidden gems to explore, in addition to a mix of affordable eats, hangouts, and green escapes. Birmingham keeps students entertained all year round. If you love history, are a foodie or someone who just wants to figure out things with friends, there are plenty of things to do in Birmingham.

Birmingham’s Culture

A great starting point for anyone new to the city is the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. It’s home to an incredible collection of Pre-Raphaelite paintings, Egyptian antiquities, and historic artefacts. The building itself is beautiful, and many exhibitions are free to enter, which makes it a perfect outing for students on a budget.

Suppose you want something more hands-on, head to the Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum. Here, you’ll find numerous things to enjoy, like a planetarium, steam engines, and even a Spitfire aircraft. It’s a great chance of learning and fun, with discounted entry for students.

Shopping at Bullring & Grand Central

The Bullring & Grand Central is Birmingham’s busiest shopping spot, with over 200 stores to explore. For students, it’s more than just shopping; it’s where you grab a quick bite in the food court, take advantage of student discount deals at fashion outlets, or meet up with friends after lectures. The silver Selfridges building has become a symbol of the city, and for many students it’s also a place to grab food, meet up, or just hang around and people-watch.

Cadbury World

Cadbury World is one of those places you can’t skip in Birmingham. It’s in Bournville and just a quick train ride from the city centre, but it's so worth the trip. If you’re a chocolate lover, this will be your favourite spot. You get to hear the whole Cadbury story, see how the chocolate is actually made, and the best part is that you get free samples along the way. There are fun interactive exhibits, a 4D cinema, and plenty of quirky photo spots that make the day feel light-hearted and fun.

Birmingham’s Canals

Did you know Birmingham actually has more miles of canals than Venice? These waterways are one of the city’s most unique and charming features. They wind through old industrial quarters and the modern city centre alike. A stroll along the towpaths is a favourite pastime for locals and students, with plenty of cosy waterside cafés where you can stop for a coffee or a bite to eat.

Food Spots

Birmingham has plenty of food spots that won’t drain your wallet, which is exactly what students need. One of the best things to do in Birmingham for young adults is exploring Digbeth Dining Club. It’s a must-go-to for something casual and affordable. The place serves up everything: loaded fries and global street food in a fun and social setting. In the city centre, Chinatown is the place for tasty and affordable Asian meals, while the Balti Triangle is legendary for its curries and generous portions. There are also plenty of cafés with student discounts around the campus for a quick coffee or lunch between lectures.

Weekend Adventures

One of the best and most fun things to do in Birmingham is travelling. It’s very easy to travel here. The city’s central location means you can take day trips to places like London, Manchester, or Oxford. If you’d prefer to stay local, the Lickey Hills and Clent Hills are great for hiking. They offer panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Also, Sutton Park is one of the largest urban parks in Europe, and is another brilliant spot for walking or cycling.

Hidden Gems

Birmingham is full of surprises if you know where to look. If you’re into a huge green space ideal for sports, picnics, or a peaceful break from city life, Cannon Hill Park is where to go. The Midlands Arts Centre (MAC) runs affordable theatre shows, film screenings, and art workshops.

For something unique, think about visiting The Electric Cinema, the UK’s oldest working cinema. You can watch films from a sofa with table service to make it a cosy and memorable experience. Meanwhile, Digbeth is the city’s creative heart, filled with street art, independent shops, and quirky spots like The Mockingbird Cinema and the Custard Factory.

Feel Like Home

Exploring all these attractions is even better when you’re settled into the right place. Finding comfortable student accommodation in Birmingham can make a huge difference, and Casita helps make the search easier. Once you’ve found your base, the city becomes much more welcoming.

Student Reviews of Casita in Birmingham

Casita has earned excellent feedback on Trustpilot from students who booked their accommodation in Birmingham. Here’s what they had to say:

• Yamini Annepu (5★) – “Garima was incredibly helpful, always responsive, and made the entire process smooth and stress-free. Thanks to her support, I secured a great place that suited my needs perfectly.”
  
  

• Pankaj Menon (4★) – “Booking accommodation was a breeze… I had a seamless experience in Birmingham thanks to Casita.”
  
  

• Sahil Kore (5★) – “Kuber answered all my queries and guided me throughout the process. I had a great experience booking my accommodation in Birmingham with Casita.”

• Nitin Puri (5★) – “Mr. Keshav really helped me in getting the best accommodation in Birmingham. He guided me at each step and made the process smooth and simple.”

Birmingham is Worth Exploring

Birmingham is a city full of life, energy, and opportunities. There are plenty of things to do in Birmingham for students, from cultural landmarks like the Birmingham Museum and Cadbury World to hidden gems such as the Custard Factory and Cannon Hill Park. No matter if you’re exploring its canals, enjoying the nightlife, or trying food from around the world, the city always has something new to offer.

Living here means more than just studying. It’s about creating memories, meeting new people, and making the most of the best places to visit in Birmingham. There are so many options to make your student life in this city anything but ordinary.