Top attractions at Birmingham: how to make the most out of uni years

Birmingham is regarded as the world’s first manufacturing city and it was hailed as the ‘City of a Thousand Trades. Several companies chose to base themselves in the area, mainly because of the extensive water network. Birmingham is home to the UK’s most prestigious universities. In addition to it, you can find student-friendly accommodations over here.

Top attractions of Birmingham

St. Philip’s Cathedral

Constructed in the Baroque style in the year 1715. It’s England’s third smallest cathedral. But it is one of the most elegant ones with its beautiful stained glass windows and oak-paneled galleries.

The Library of Birmingham

It was initiated in the year 2013 and now it is the largest public library in the UK. This library was designed by the Dutch architect Francine Houben and resembles a gift box. This building features two outdoor terraces, the Discovery on the third floor is laid out with beds of fruits, vegetables, and herbs to help promote healthy eating. The Secret Garden terrace has redesigned flowerbeds with wooden patio seating to relish the far-reaching views over the city. You can ditch your student accommodation Birmingham and move to the library.

Shakespeare Memorial Room

This room is located on the top floor and it was designed for the first central library in the year 1882. This amazing room was restored to its former glory and also contains Britain’s most essential Shakespeare collection.

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery

The building was designed as a museum with basement Water and Gas Halls as it was set aside for local people to come along and pay their utility bills. These halls retain their original names and are now used to host different kinds of exhibitions. The museum has free admittance and features different galleries on the history of Birmingham taking the visitors back in time.

Black Country Living Museum

Till now you must have understood that this place is perfect for those who are interested in history. Black Country Living Museum is located in Dudley which is ten miles west of Birmingham. Although the museum’s postal address is Dudley, you will be amazed to know that the nearest railway station is Tipton. It’s easily accessible as there are frequent trains which take just 20 minutes to reach. The museum first opened in the year 1978 and since then more than 50 shops, cottages, and other structures from the adjacent Black Country have been moved there brick by brick.

University of Birmingham

Local trains which are operated by London Midland run from Birmingham New Street at frequent intervals and it takes a few minutes to reach the campus. This beautiful campus is attractively landscaped and is worth a visit for every student located in this place. You can simply explore the extensive grounds and view the historic buildings. At its center stands the Joseph Chamberlain Memorial Clock Tower, known as ‘Old Joe’. Overlooking Chancellor’s Court, it is one of the tallest free-standing clock towers in the world standing 110 meters tall. The University of Birmingham was built in 1900 and was named after the university’s first chancellor. If you stay at student accommodation near the University of Law in Birmingham, then you should visit this iconic place.

Lapworth Museum of Geology

Situated on the campus, Lapworth Museum of Geology holds an amazing collection of fossils, minerals, and rocks that dates back to the year 1880 and it is one of the ancient geological museums in the UK. This place reopened in the year 2016 and it attracts a wide number of students.

Birmingham Back to Backs

If you love to explore new things, then you must visit four terraced houses operated as a museum by the National Trust. These pre-booked tours last approximately 90 minutes and are limited to around 8 people as the rooms are quite small.

The Great Western Arcade

If you love shopping then you must visit an elegant Victorian shopping arcade which was built in the year 1876 over the Great Western Railway Line. The two entrances of the Arcade include one on Temple Row and the other on Colmore Row. It is home to a selection of boutiques and small independent retailers. This place also features a beautiful clock that strikes a set of five exposed bells on the quarter of each hour.

Wrapping Up

If you have enrolled in one of the best universities in Birmingham, then you have made the right choice. However, before you move to the new place, it is important to book accommodation. iQ Penworks House, The Old Fire Station, and Queens Hospital Close in Birmingham are some of the best student accommodation options which you can go with. These accommodations are lined up best features to ensure you have an amazing time in the city. So, what are you waiting for? Start your research today.

My name is Tracy Downey, I live in the United Kingdom and work as a student counselor.