5 Things to Do When You Move to Birmingham
Just moved to Birmingham as a student? Good news: you’ve landed in one of the best parts of the city. Digbeth is a great base, and there’s plenty to explore from here. Here’s a quick guide to getting started.
Get to Know Your Neighbourhood
Digbeth is one of Birmingham’s most interesting areas, and you’re right in the middle of it. It’s known for its street art, independent food and drink spots, and a thriving nightlife and music scene. Spend your first few days just wandering and you’ll find street food markets, quirky bars, and creative spaces tucked into converted warehouses and railway arches. It’s the kind of area that rewards exploration.
Go Shopping in the City Centre
The city centre is easy to reach from Digbeth and well worth a visit. The Bullring is the main shopping hub, with a wide range of high-street and specialist stores alongside the iconic Selfridges building. If you need to kit out your student room on a budget, Primark is nearby on the High Street. It’s one of the biggest in the country, so you’ll find pretty much everything you need in one go.
Catch a Live Gig
Birmingham has one of the best live music scenes outside London and you’re well placed to make the most of it. For smaller and mid-sized shows, the O2 Institute and O2 Academy are both great options. They regularly host a mix of well-known acts and emerging artists, and tickets are usually student-friendly on price. For bigger names, the Utilita Arena and Resorts World Arena are Birmingham’s two main large-scale venues. Together they cover pretty much every major touring act that comes through the city.
Check Out the Nightlife
You’re already in the right place for a good night out. Digbeth has a thriving club and bar scene, with venues ranging from relaxed indie bars to bigger club nights. It’s walkable too, which is always a bonus. If you fancy a change of scenery, the Jewellery Quarter has a good selection of pubs and bars, and Broad Street is the more traditional night-out strip.
Find a Good Café to Study In
Every student needs a reliable café, and Birmingham delivers. Lovelife is a popular choice with good coffee, a relaxed vibe, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes it easy to settle in for a few hours with your laptop. As you get to know the city you’ll find plenty of other spots too, including a growing number of independents right on your doorstep in Digbeth.
To discover more about Performers College, including auditions and how to apply, contact us at [email protected] or you can Apply Now, or book an Open Day on our Events page.
