One of the most sort after and expensive areas to live in central Brum, Edgbaston is conveniently balanced on the hub the city centre. The Birmingham University and the Westbourne Rd UCE campus are both in the area. Edgbaston's larger Victorian houses and posh studio flats mean there's not much available in terms of student accommodation within a reasonable price range, unless you venture up the Hagley Rd towards Edgbaston Reservoir, or near Bearwood and City Rd (once popular with, err, ladies of the night... if you know what I mean). Housing: The majority of houses in the area are not really in the student price range, so Edgbaston has a lower crime and insurance rating than some other areas.
If you can find some accommodation nearby, or on the outskirts (e.g. Selly Oak, Bearwood), you are more likely to get a decent price, while remaining close enough to the University. Shopping: Five Ways island, at the junction of the Hagley Road and Broad Street, has several small shops and a large 24 hour Tesco (clothes, beer, food, petrol, CDs even), otherwise you'll have to go to Harborne or Bearwood. Bars & Cafes: From the quieter locals such as the Duck Inn, there's also the more modern pubs such as the Ivy Bush with big screen TV's and pool tables.
For a bit more entertainment there're various pubs and bars along the Hagley Road and near the city, such as Liberty's nightclub.
Café bars within the Edgbaston shopping complex are aimed at young working professionals (which students do not come under), but sandwich shops like Greggs and Pronto are usually better value for money, and a lot tastier, if you want a snack. Entertainment: The MAC in Canon Hill Park shows non-mainstream films and entertainment (comedy, dance, exhibitions, theatre, puppets even).
If you are a fan of jazz, then the Thistle Hotel promotes a regular and free Sunday lunch time session.
Liberty's nightclub is quite popular with cheap admission.
Regular drinks promotions and good music are usually the priorities.
The Five Ways' UGC multiplex cinema is just down the road on Broad Street, where you can find some of the best bars, clubs and restaurants in Brum.
Spearmint Rhino on the Hagley Rd is one of the city's many recent "gentlemen's clubs" if you wish to pay to see jiggling semi-naked ladies rather than try your luck down Broad St on a Friday night. Transport: Most buses can transport you directly to the city centre for the price of a short hop (inc. 9, 109, 139, 126 - inner circle).
Five Ways rail station is a few minutes away.
But wary of using the underground subways at Five Ways, even during daylight.
There's also a number of taxi ranks but black cabs may not be worth it, and the lack of access into the city by car may mean you end up paying a lot more than you thought. Takeaways & Restaurants: Anything - Cantonese and Indian restaurants and takeaways - and all are pretty decent value.
Johnny Wongs on Hagley Rd is particularly recommended at only £10 per person for quality Chinese.
There are also the restaurants you might want take your parents to (with the food on them of course) such as the Lychee Garden, Ruby's, Banu Indian restaurant and if they're really flush then J.Jays Indian restaurant.
There is also a TGI Fridays on the Hagley Rd next to the Liberty's, at about £20 per person.
Edgbaston also has its fair share of chip shops, takeaways, pizza places and cafes (try the trad' café by the Reservoir). Parks: Very leafy.
Cannon Hill Park boasts plenty of ice cream and boat rides, while the Botanical Gardens are quietly sedate.
For cute furry animals, see the Nature Centre on the Pershore Rd (near Cannon Hill Park - open March to Sept).
There's also Edgbaston Reservoir. Amenities: B'ham Uni has an excellent range of facilities including a gym.
But for the rest of us there's Fitness First on Hagley Road which is quite good value, and it offers keep-fit and dance classes as well as gym facilities.
If you're lucky (or rich) enough to afford a boat - take it down the reservoir.
There are plenty of cash points and major banks in the Edgbaston area. Comments: Generally Edgbaston is more of a middle class urban area, but if you do manage to find accommodation in the area, hold onto it as Insurance premiums will be lower, as there is less crime in the area than Selly Oak.
By the way, Perot's Folly, on Waterworks Rd, inspired a young Tolkien, who lived nearby. | 
