A students-eye view (Birmingham in General)

Member Name: Shocking Pink

Product:	Birmingham in General
Date:	10/08/01 (66 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Nice surroundings, plenty of facilities

Disadvantages: It's not London, if that's what you're after

I arrived at Birmingham university (Edgbaston) as a student in 1997, and left after 3 years when finished my course, so this is entirely a snapshot of what its like to come to the city in that way.
Generally a lot of people complain about Birmingham, and its shops and entertainments, saying it is just a scaled up version of a small town (totally unlike, say, London) However, I never really felt this disappointment with it. Certainly in comparison to my home town, which is a very small and crappy place, Birmingham has everything. Both a great range of shops, pubs and clubs, including some very unusual and wacky ones, but also all the plays, exhibitions and bands that I wanted to see came to Birmingham.
In fact, in comparison to London, where I have also lived to study, Birmingham is much more accessible to the student-type inhabitant. The layout of the town centre is relatively logical, without you having to find insider secrets to get to the cool or efficient places to shop.
The public transport is very easy to follow, with key roads radiating out from the centre, and busses passing every few minutes.
The main student area associated with Birmingham university is Selly Oak. There is actually a lot of friction between locals and students, and crime here is very high. I personally gave it a wide berth for this reason, and there are perfectly nice 'normal' areas to live in within easy walking distance.
The university is situated right in this area, so you can theoretically live without even getting on a bus, the area has 2 big supermarkets, and tons of restaurants.
Generally I found Birmingham a lovely place to live. Plenty of facilities, and exciting novelty places you get in a big city, good public transport, and the university itself on an attractive campus. It is easy to get to know and get a lot out of in only three years.
And all the talk of curry is not wrong! Baltis in Birmingham really
are miles better than anywhere else I have been. And in many areas the streets are lined with them. This can be a disadvantage as well - now that I am away, I am addicted to the stuff and can't get it!

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