Private Accommodation
When choosing private accommodation it’s important to stay within a reasonable commuting distance from Birmingham Newman University to ensure you can easily attend classes and engage with campus life.
We recommend that students find accommodation in the Birmingham region to avoid long and tiring commutes.
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The Selly Oak area is a popular choice, located approximately 1.5-3 miles from our campus. This area offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets.
Selly Oak is well-connected with the University through the X21 bus route, which operates every 15-25 minutes, taking around 15-30 minutes to reach the campus.
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Rental agreements for private accommodation in the Selly Oak area are typically for 12 months. Prices generally range from £90-£120 per week, plus bills.
Some landlords offer all-inclusive packages with bills, which can range from £125-£200 per week.
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While the University does not have formal agreements with any landlords or agencies, here are some resources that frequently list available properties in the area:
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To ensure you are not overly burdened by travel, we advise that your private accommodation should be within a 1-hour commute from campus. This proximity helps you maintain a good balance between academic commitments and personal time.
You can use tools like Google Maps and NX Bus West Midlands to check the travel time from potential accommodations.
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Examples of private accommodation within Selly oak following the X21 bus route to Birmingham Newman University:
- 14 Ilmington road, Selly oak, Birmingham, B29 5LJ, 1.3 miles away from campus, bus service X21 every 15-25 mins from (Marston Road bus stop), 16 min total commute or 25 min to walk
- Typical contract length 12 months at £85PW – House bills package available.
- Property Solutions www.propertysolutionsuk.com
- 22 Gleave road, Selly oak, Birmingham, B29 6JR, 3.2miles away from campus, bus service X21 every 15-25 mins from (Lodge Hill Road bus stop), 25 min total commute.
- Typical contract length 12 months at £90PW – House bills package available.
- Property Solutions www.propertysolutionsuk.com
- 53 Gleave road, Selly oak, Birmingham, B29 6JW, 3.2miles away from campus, bus service X21 every 15-25 mins from (Lodge Hill Road bus stop), 25 min total commute.
- Typical contract length 12 months at £100PW – House bills package available.
- Property Solutions www.propertysolutionsuk.com
- 60 Gleave road, Selly oak, Birmingham, B29 6JR, 3.2miles away from campus, bus service X21 every 15-25 mins from (Lodge Hill Road bus stop), 25 min total commute.
- Typical contract length 12 months at £115PW – House bills package available.
- Property Solutions www.propertysolutionsuk.com
- 51 Lottie road, Selly oak, Birmingham, B29 6JY, 3.3miles away from campus, bus service X21 every 15-25 mins from (Lodge Hill Road bus stop), 26 min total commute.
- Typical contract length 12 months at £100PW – House bills package available.
- Property Solutions www.propertysolutionsuk.com
- 42 Winnie Road, Selly oak, Birmingham, B29 6JX, 3.1miles away from campus, bus service X21 every 15-25 mins from (Lodge Hill Road bus stop), 27 min total commute.
- Typical contract length 12 months at £100PW – House bills package available.
- Property Solutions www.propertysolutionsuk.com
- Weoley Park Road, Selly oak, Birmingham, B29 6Q2, 2.3 miles away from campus, bus service X21 every 15-25 mins from (Westhill close), 21 min total commute.
- Typical contract length 12 months, multiple properties starting from at £152 –£170 PW Bills included
- Uni Homes www.unihomes.co.uk or direct through Oakmans Estate Agents www.oakmans.co.uk
- Frederick road, Selly oak, Birmingham, B29 6NX, 2.7 miles away from campus, bus service X21 every 15-25 mins from (Springdale gardens), 21 min total commute.
- Typical contract length 12 months, multiple properties starting from £118 – £200PW – Bills included
- Uni Homes www.unihomes.co.uk or direct through Oakmans Estate Agents www.oakmans.co.uk
- Gibbons road, Selly oak, Birmingham, B29 6NN, 2.4 miles away from campus, bus service X21 every 15-25 mins from (Springdale gardens), 27 min total commute.
- Typical contract length 12 months, multiple properties starting from £124 – £159PW – Bills included
- Uni Homes www.unihomes.co.uk or direct through Oakmans Estate Agents www.oakmans.co.uk
- Selly Oak Court, Birmingham, B29 6GH, 3.2 miles away from campus, bus service X21 every 15-25 mins from (Lodge Hill) 31 min total commute.
- Typical contract length 12 months, multiple rooms starting from £200 – £270PW – Bills included – Free Gym onsite, Games room.
- CRM Students www.crm-students.com
- 14 Ilmington road, Selly oak, Birmingham, B29 5LJ, 1.3 miles away from campus, bus service X21 every 15-25 mins from (Marston Road bus stop), 16 min total commute or 25 min to walk
Student Guide: Understanding accommodation contracts (Private Landlords – UK)
Before you sign: Know what you’re agreeing to
Looking for a place to live off-campus? Whether it’s a house share or a studio flat, it’s really important to understand your contract before you sign it. Here’s a helpful guide to some common terms, tips, and things to watch out for.
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The legal contract between you (tenant) and the landlord. Sets out your rights and responsibilities.
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You rent the property for a set period (e.g., 12 months). You’re liable for the full period, even if you leave early.
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The most common type of rental agreement in the UK. Offers basic legal protections.
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You and your housemates are all equally responsible for rent and damages—if one person doesn’t pay, others may have to cover it.
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A person (usually a parent/guardian) who agrees to pay your rent if you can’t. Often required for students.
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Money paid upfront (usually 4–5 weeks’ rent) to cover damages or unpaid rent. Must be protected in a government-approved deposit protection scheme.
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A smaller payment to reserve a property. It should be returned or put toward your rent unless you break the agreement.
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A checklist of everything in the property and its condition when you move in. Essential for protecting your deposit.
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A clause that allows you (or the landlord) to end the tenancy early, under certain conditions. Not all contracts have one.
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Some landlords require a month’s rent before you move in, separate from the deposit.
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Check if rent includes bills (gas, electric, water, internet). If not, you’ll need to budget separately.
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- Is the contract clear and in writing? Never agree to a verbal-only arrangement.
- Check the rent amount, payment schedule and method—per person or per property?
- Confirm the tenancy start and end dates. Are you paying rent over summer when you might not be there?
- Understand your liability. In a joint tenancy, one person leaving doesn’t end the contract for others.
- Ensure your deposit is protected. Ask for proof of the scheme (e.g., DPS, MyDeposits, TDS).
- Read the small print. Look for hidden costs, fees, cleaning charges, or unfair clauses.
- Insist on an inventory and take your own photos when you move in.
- Know who’s responsible for maintenance/repairs.
- Beware of high admin fees—these are banned in most cases under the Tenant Fees Act 2019.
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- Don’t rush—take your time to read everything.
- Ask your Students’ Union or University support if unsure.
- Get verbal promises in writing before signing.
- Try to view the property in person.
- If you’re signing as a group, make sure everyone’s name is on the contract.
- Keep copies of everything—emails, receipts, contracts.
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- Shelter: Renting Advice for Students
- Citizens Advice: Renting from a Private Landlord
- Tenancy Deposit Protection Schemes (gov.uk)
- Unipol Student Housing Guide
- NUS Student Housing Advice
- Tenant Fees Act 2019 – Government Guidance
Need Assistance?
If you have any questions or need further assistance in finding suitable accommodation, please contact the Accommodation Team on +44 (0) 121 387 4618. We are here to help make your search as smooth and efficient as possible.