20 Things To Do In Birmingham For Students

Uni life in Birmingham isn’t just about lectures, late-night library sessions, and instant noodles (though they all play their own special part in student life). In fact, England’s second city is buzzing with fun, culture, and plenty of budget-friendly activities that make it an exciting place to study, be it between your lectures or at the weekend.

Whether you’ve just moved to your student accommodation in Birmingham or you’re in your final year and looking for ways to mix things up, you’ll never be short of options. From thrill-seeking adventures to chilled-out afternoons with friends, this list of 20 things to do in Birmingham for students will help you make the most of your time here. Packed with free things to do, handy tips for saving money, and even a few ideas that are right on the doorstep of The Toybox, our student accommodation in The City of a Thousand Trades, this is your go-to guide for all of the best things to do in Birmingham.

What to Do in Birmingham

There are loads of Birmingham attractions that you can enjoy without having to spend your whole allowance on the day your student loan comes in. Whether you’re looking for fun things to do in Birmingham on a rainy day or want to tick off some of the more famous Birmingham landmarks, the city has you covered. Here are some of the top activities to dive right into.

Go Karting 

If your idea of a good time is beating your mates in a high-speed race, then go karting in Birmingham is for you. The city is home to a couple of top-notch tracks, including TeamSport Karting. You’ll get to zip around tight corners and straight stretches while pretending you’re Lewis Hamilton.

Go karting is a brilliant stress-buster after a long week of deadlines, and many venues even offer student discounts and deals in Birmingham. Plus, TeamSport is only about a 15-minute taxi ride from The Toybox on Bishopsgate Street, making it super convenient if you fancy a last-minute race day.

Bowling in Birmingham  

Bowling isn’t just for awkward family gatherings; in Birmingham, it’s an absolute vibe, especially if you go to one of the late-night venues. Places like Lane7 and Hollywood Bowl combine the classic fun of strikes and spares with neon lights, booming music, and even cocktails if you’re feeling fancy. It’s one of those activities to do in Birmingham that’s perfect when you’re waiting for payday but still want a good night out. Student nights often mean cheaper games, so don’t forget to flash that student ID at the counter. 

And once you’re all bowled out, places like Lane7, which is less than a 10-minute walk from The Toybox, offer pool tables, ping pong, and retro arcade games all under one roof.

Birmingham Theatres

If you’re into the arts, the city’s theatre scene is packed with things worth seeing. The Birmingham Hippodrome is the place for big West End-style shows like Les Misérables and Hamilton, while the REP Theatre offers more intimate plays, new writing, and edgy performances. Even if theatre isn’t usually your thing, it’s worth giving it a go; you might just surprise yourself.

One of the best things about studying at uni in Birmingham is the student discounts and deals available, and that includes theatre tickets! Some venues offer standby tickets for as little as a fiver if you show up on the day. Watching a live performance is one of those Birmingham attractions that feels a little more special than going to the cinema, and can sometimes be even cheaper.

Cinemas in Birmingham

When the weather’s grim (which, let’s be honest, happens a lot in the UK), nothing beats a cinema trip. Birmingham has loads of options: Odeon on New Street for the blockbusters and Everyman Cinema if you want a plush sofa and cocktails.

If you’re craving something extra, experience Cineworld’s 4DX Cinema in Birmingham. Imagine your seat moving, wind blowing through your hair, and even the occasional splash of water while you’re watching the latest Marvel film. It’s basically a rollercoaster and a film rolled into one.

Most cinemas offer discounted tickets for students, so sign up for your student discount card and keep an eye out for those deals, especially on quiet weekday evenings when prices drop even lower.

Trampoline Parks in Birmingham

Yes, trampoline parks are technically designed for kids, but don’t let that stop you. AirHop and Flip Out are big hits with students, too. You can bounce around like a kid again, play trampoline dodgeball, or even attempt backflips if you’re feeling brave (and don’t mind the occasional faceplant).

The best part? It’s a sneaky way to get in some exercise without it feeling like a workout.

VR in Birmingham

If you’ve ever wanted to fight zombies, travel to space, or play mini golf on Mars, VR in Birmingham is the place for you. VR studios like ImmotionVR let you and your friends enter alternate realities where literally anything is possible.

It’s one of those fun things to do in Birmingham that feels futuristic and different from the usual night out. It’s definitely worth adding to your “try at least once while at uni” list.

Mini Golf in Birmingham   

Mini golf isn’t just a cheesy date idea anymore; Birmingham has turned it into an art form. At Junkyard Golf Club, you’ll find crazy themed courses filled with neon lights, quirky props, and even a bar for post-round drinks. Ghetto Golf is another hotspot, combining graffiti-covered walls with wild, over-the-top obstacles.

It’s one of the most popular places to visit in Birmingham for students because it’s fun, social, and pretty Instagrammable. Plus, you don’t have to be sporty to enjoy it; half the fun is seeing who can fail the most spectacularly!

Pottery Painting in Birmingham  

Not every student activity has to be adrenaline-fuelled. If you’re looking for something more calming and creative, pottery painting is a surprisingly wholesome way to spend an afternoon in Brum. The Pottery Café is a cosy spot where you can grab a coffee and decorate mugs, bowls, or plates that you’ll get to keep.

It’s perfect for a chilled Sunday with your flatmates or as a low-pressure date idea. You’ll probably laugh at your wobbly brushstrokes, but that’s part of the fun. And hey, it beats staring at your phone all day!

Water Parks in Birmingham  

When exam season is over and the sun is finally out, why not cool off at one of Birmingham’s nearby water parks? The Wave in Coventry (just a short train trip away) is a great one for slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools.

Water parks are a bit pricier, but if you go with a group of mates, it’s totally worth it for the laughs. Keep an eye out for group student passes, which can bring the cost down a lot.

Arcades in Birmingham   

Arcades are having a bit of a comeback, and Birmingham has some of the best. Fun Station has everything from racing games to claw machines. It’s nostalgic, it’s affordable, and it’s a guaranteed laugh when someone gets way too competitive.

Roller Skating in Birmingham  

Roller discos might sound like something out of the 80s, but they’re seriously fun. The Roller Jam venue in Digbeth is a big hit with students, thanks to themed nights, DJs, and affordable drinks. It’s a mix of skating and clubbing that makes for a brilliant night out. If you’re a complete beginner, don’t stress; falling over is a rite of passage and basically part of the experience at this point. No one will judge!

Ninja Warrior in Birmingham  

Inspired by the TV show, Ninja Warrior adventure parks are an absolute blast. You’ll find obstacle courses filled with climbing walls, swinging ropes, and balance beams. It’s part workout, part playground, and you’ll probably discover muscles you didn’t even know you had the next day. It’s a great group activity when you’re bored with the usual pub crawl and want to try something different.

Rock Climbing in Birmingham  

Indoor climbing centres like Redpoint Climbing Centre are perfect for anyone wanting to try something active that isn’t just another gym session. You can go with friends, learn the ropes (literally), and gradually push yourself to harder walls.

Laser Tag in Birmingham

Laser tag is basically paintball without the bruises. Venues like Laser Quest Birmingham make for an epic night of running around, hiding in corners, and trying to outshoot your friends. It’s surprisingly good cardio, too, so if you’re someone who hates the treadmill, this could be a fun alternative.

Ice Skating in Birmingham  

Ice skating isn’t just for Christmas markets (though the Birmingham market rink is amazing). The National Ice Centre runs all year round, so you can skate whenever the mood strikes.

It’s a fun way to hang out with friends, especially in the winter months, and most rinks hire out skates cheaply. Falling over is part of the charm, so don’t take yourself too seriously!

Birmingham Canal Trips  

The Birmingham canals are one of the city’s best-known features, and exploring them is a must. You can take a boat trip or simply walk along the towpaths, discovering hidden bars, cafés, and Birmingham landmarks along the way.

From The Toybox, you’re only a short walk from some of the prettiest stretches of the canal network. It’s the perfect place for a Sunday stroll when you want to escape the library for a while without spending a penny.

Indoor Skydiving in Birmingham  

If skydiving from a plane sounds terrifying (or just a bit expensive), indoor skydiving is the next best thing. iFLY in Birmingham gives you the sensation of freefall inside a giant wind tunnel. It’s one of those bucket-list activities to do in Birmingham that’s worth trying at least once during your uni years.

Escape Rooms in Birmingham  

Escape rooms are the ultimate test of your puzzle-solving skills. You and your friends get locked in a themed room and have an hour to crack codes, solve riddles, and (hopefully) escape.

Birmingham has loads of options, from horror-themed rooms to Sherlock Holmes-style mysteries. It’s a brilliant rainy-day activity and surprisingly affordable when split between a group.

Museums in Birmingham  

Birmingham is packed with cultural gems. The Thinktank, the Natural History Museum in Birmingham, is brilliant for interactive exhibits, dinosaur fans, and everything in between. Then there’s the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, which has everything from ancient artefacts to modern works of art.

The best part? Many of Birmingham’s museums are free or super cheap with a student card. They’re ideal for rainy days, essay inspo, or just pretending you’re more sophisticated than your flatmates.

Galleries in Birmingham 

If art is more your vibe, you’ll love the city’s galleries. The Ikon Gallery is famous for contemporary pieces, while the Barber Institute of Fine Arts has stunning classical works. There are also loads of smaller, independent galleries dotted around the city that regularly host free exhibitions.

Checking out an art gallery in Birmingham is a great way to spend an afternoon when you need a break from studying, and it won’t cost you a thing.

Your Birmingham Bucket List Awaits

Uni life is about more than just studying; it’s about making new memories, trying new things, and exploring everything your city has to offer. And as you can see, there’s no shortage of fun things to do in Birmingham. Whether you’re after high-energy activities like go-karting and laser tag, chilled-out options like pottery painting and canal walks, or free cultural gems like galleries and museums, the city has it all. So, next time you find yourself Googling what’s on in Birmingham, bookmark this guide and tick them off one by one.

So now you know what to do in the city, why not book a student accommodation in Birmingham that puts you in the heart of it all? At The Toybox, you’ll never be more than a short train ride away from the action. Secure your stay at Here! Students today.