Should MSc students at the University of Birmingham live on campus or in private accommodation, and what do costs look like?

Campus accommodation is the recommended choice, even though private accommodation is generally cheaper. University accommodation at Birmingham ranges from approximately £5,000 per year at the lowest end to around £13,500 per year at the higher end. Private accommodation outside campus typically starts around £6,500 and reaches £10,500 for pricier options, making it cheaper on average. The reason campus is still recommended is the quality of community and the frequency of events happening around you. Students who choose to live off campus consistently report wishing they had chosen university housing, the informal social and professional networking that happens when you are embedded in a campus community does not happen when you are commuting from outside.

• The university has three accommodation villages, with the Vale village and Bridget's being the main ones for postgraduate students.
• Apply to accommodation on time and pay fees on time, there is a guaranteed accommodation scheme for students who complete both steps promptly.
• Losing access to guaranteed accommodation because of a late application or payment is a common avoidable mistake.