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Posted March 13, 2015

Student City Guide: Birmingham

FreshBirmingham is a big place, and moving to England's Second City to study will present you with a lot of new places to go and things to experience – but the sheer size of the city can make it feel a little overwhelming, especially if you're moving away from home to a place where you don't know anyone else.

The student union is a good place to start, but it'll take more than that to really settle in – which is where this handy guide comes in.

If you're looking for student accommodation outside of the university, take a look at Fresh.

Getting Around Birmingham city centre is fairly compact and easy to cross on foot, especially as most university buildings and residences are close by, but when you want to travel a little further afield, you'll need to use the city's excellent public transport system. The easiest way to get around is by using the dense network of local train services; you'll pay a little more than you would on the buses, but you'll avoid getting stuck in traffic jams. Make sure you pick up one of the wide range of transport passes, which offer big discounts across Birmingham's transport systems.

Going by bike can be a bit of a struggle at times, as the city is fairly hilly and drivers don't always give bikes much space, but if you're a reasonably experienced and determined cyclist, you shouldn't have too many problems. Some of the towpaths alongside Birmingham's many canals allow cycling, and these can be a great way to get around fast while steering clear of the worst congestion and pollution.

Places to Go Postgraduate life in Birmingham isn't all about work (honest!), so it's good to know that the city is bursting with places to enjoy yourself. Among the highlights are: Custard Factory The beating heart of creative Birmingham lies in the Digbeth district, just a few minutes away from the city centre. Sprawling across around 15 acres, this former industrial site now plays host to both innovative digital industries and a wide range of music, festivals and all-round fun events. Add a sprinkling of quirky shops and cafés and you have a place with an atmosphere all its own.

The Yardbird Now that Ronnie Scott's is no more, this club, slap bang in the city centre, is the place to go for the very best live jazz – and quite often, there's no charge! No matter when you drop in, you'll be sure to find something to get you up and dancing. If that sounds too much like hard work, you can relax with a drink in the spacious outdoor area.

Time to Relax However fantastic the city's nightlife may be, there'll be times when you just want to dial things down a little. Birmingham has what it takes here, too: Ikon Gallery The main city Museum and Art Gallery in the city centre is the place to see the world-famous Staffordshire Hoard, but head to Oozells Street for an altogether more contemporary experience. The Ikon is renowned for its challenging, ever-changing installations, but try also to catch one of the film or photographic shows it regularly puts on.

Electric Cinema A Birmingham institution for more than a century, this is a very different animal from the usual soulless multiplex, with an eclectic programme of films that puts strong emphasis on independent cinema. There's no better place in the city to sit back and take in some Japanese animation or classic Hollywood glamour – especially as you can enjoy the experience with a glass in your hand!

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