Great for cheap housing and getting into college, but lousy for a night out - unless you want to go to the dogs ... literally.
 North of the city centre, Perry Barr is home to the main University of Central England campus, so the area has a huge student population, with both UCE halls of residence and shared student housing in the vicinity. The rest of the area consists of predominantly family housing in a multicultural community. Opposite UCE, the One Stop Shopping Centre caters for the area's shopping needs, with most High Street stores represented, lots of places to eat and good parking facilities, while the surrounding area has a quite a few traditional pubs. Housing: There's predominantly shared terraced housing in the area and in nearby Handsworth, where there are also halls of residence.
Rents of £300 - £400 pcm for a 3-bedroom house is average, but the availability of student houses can mean reduced rents of about £150 pcm for a 4-bedroom terrace if you're lucky. Shopping: The One Stop shopping centre caters for nearly every shopping need you might have: Asda (cheap café), Boots, Our Price, mobile phone shops, Dot Perkins, Comet, Blockbuster and many more including discount shops and an indoor market.
There's also a Kwik Save right outside the number 11 bus stop for those who live in the Handsworth Wood area. Bars & Cafes: Perry Barr lacks any sophisticated bars and cafes, but the city centre is only a short(ish) bus ride away.
Local pubs include It's A Scream - The Crown and Cushion (they do great food at good prices), The Little Crown on Birchfield Rd and the UCE Student Union student bar - all within a few minutes walk of your lecture theatre. Entertainment: For clubs, cinemas, cool bars and concerts, you'll definitely have to travel into the city, as Perry Barr is a bit of a cultural wasteland, although it must be said if you fancy your chances, there is a bingo hall (ugh!) and the infamous Perry Barr Greyhound Stadium for a top night of racing and boozing.
The Drum, towards Aston, is Brum's premier Afro-Caribbean / Asian arts venue and has a really good bar/ cafe, while in the opposite direction, Alexander Stadium hosts international athletics events, and for the last couple of years, BRMB's Party In The Park pop extravaganza.
The annual carnival culminates at the park. Transport: There are buses directly to the city centre from right outside UCE (inc. 51), a train station opposite (next to One Stop, straight into the city or Walsall), and two taxi ranks nearby. Takeaways & Restaurants: You can take your pick.
Fast food outlets in One Stop include McDonalds, Burger King ASDA cafe and a new drive-through KFC, while there's plenty of chip shops, and Balti restaurants in the area as well as pizza deliver.
The Subway sandwich place outside One Stop does top food and a student meal discount. Parks: Perry Park is up the road for some much needed greenery, while there is space around the halls for summer games and picnics. Amenities: Cash points dotted around UCE and One Stop.
There's a gym towards the Handsworth area and plenty of leisure facilities towards the city centre. Comments: Although lacking in spark, if you want it, Perry's got it - unless you want a pricey bar or a nightclub.
Cheap housing, close to the faculty, with shops, pubs and takeaways close by and excellent connections into the city.
As with anywhere else, just be cautious against burglary, and be wary of using underground subways/ walkways and cash points late at night. | 
