Birmingham Living | Onyx - Birmingham : Onyx

Life in Birmingham

Birmingham is a vibrant, warm and welcoming city with a thriving student community, popular with people from all over who come here every year in their thousands to work, study and have fun.

Home to The University of Birmingham, Aston University and Birmingham City University, the city boasts a varied selection of word-class institutions, and they’re all within easy travelling distance of Onyx. The city is also renowned for its sporting success. From Netball to Rugby League, there are loads of teams and venues for you to support and explore across Birmingham.

Rough Guides has named Birmingham one of the top 10 cities in the world and it’s clear to see why. There’s a huge selection of exciting things to see and do in the city that will really enrich your student experience and make sure you get the most out of your time here.

So, whether you’re looking to hit the town, shop till you drop, or soak up some culture, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for and more in Birmingham, and you’ll be perfectly placed to explore it here at Onyx – the ultimate student accommodation option in the city.

Culture

With world-class galleries, inspiring museums, beautiful gardens and outstanding heritage attractions, Birmingham is a city rich in culture and history. The Birmingham Rep, Britain’s longest producing theatre, offers a variety of dramatic performances throughout the year, whilst the Birmingham Hippodrome (the UK’s most visited theatre) showcases opera, ballet and musicals. The city is also home to the infamous Birmingham Symphony Orchestra – one of the world’s best and most highly acclaimed ensembles. For a proper tourist experience, head to Cadbury World, the home of the world-famous chocolate brand. Learn how the products are made, take a ride on the theme park and fill your pockets with your favourite chocolate.

Eating & drinking

You’ll find yourself spoilt for choice when it comes to food and drink in Birmingham. Whether you’re in the mood for a Michelin star meal or breakfast at a greasy spoon, a Pina Colada or a pint of lager, you’ll find something that takes your fancy on the menu in one of the city’s many restaurants, pubs, cafes and bars. A vibrant mixing pot of cuisines from all over the world, Birmingham is where the infamous Balti curry dish was created – head to one of the authentic, family-run restaurants in the Balti triangle to sample one.

Nightlife

Birmingham’s nightlife scene is bustling and vibrant, with something for everyone. Whatever day or time you choose to head out, there’ll be an awesome bar, club or venue for you to explore. Head to hot-spot Broad Street and explore its many clubs and bars including Risa, Revolution and Walkabout, which play host to special student nights, or visit Digbeth – home to renowned venues including The Institute, Custard Factory and Rainbow Warehouse – perfect for students looking for an unforgettable night.

Shopping

From high street shops to independent retailers and markets, Birmingham’s got something for every taste and budget. In the city centre, there’s Grand Central, the Bullring, the Mailbox and Great Western Arcade which offer excellent high-street shopping options. If you prefer exploring local shops and stalls, head to the Bullring Markets, specifically the world-famous Birmingham Rag Market which has 350 stalls and is a great place to bag a bargain. The nearby Jewellery Quarter (which was part of the inspiration behind Onyx’s look and name) boasts over 100 specialist jewellery retailers, designers and craftspeople. Spend an afternoon admiring the bespoke items and art.

Sport

Birmingham is serious about sport. The first UK city to be awarded the title of National City of Sport, it’s hosted international cricket competitions, the Aegon Classic tennis tournament, and the Ryder cup. Birmingham is also home to football team Aston Villa and their famous ground, Villa Park, one of the UK’s largest football stadiums. Sport is also a focal point across the main universities, with varsity matches offering frequent, fun and competitive entertainment that everyone is sure to enjoy.

Universities

Birmingham is the UK’s largest centre of higher education outside of London. The three main universities in the city are The University of Birmingham, Aston University and Birmingham City University. All are popular destinations for national and international students alike, offering world-class educations, excellent career opportunities and unique experiences, and they’re all within easy reach of Onyx.