Studying in the West Midlands
Considering studying in the West Midlands? Our guide has info on what it's like, its universities, transport, and what there is to do.
CONTENTS
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About the West Midlands
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Places in the West Midlands
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Universities in the West Midlands
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Getting around the West Midlands
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Things to do in the West Midlands
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About the West Midlands
The West Midlands is a metropolitan county and combined authority area in western-central England. It’s England’s second most populous region outside London. The West Midlands has long been a hub of commerce and industry, with strong local infrastructure. This makes it an attractive destination for students and graduates.
The region’s split into seven county boroughs, with other boroughs and urban districts around its fringes. The major towns and cities are:
- Birmingham
- Coventry
- Dudley
- Sandwell
- Solihull
- Stratford-on-Avon
- Walsall
- Wolverhampton
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- Studying in Birmingham
Some of the UK’s most recognised institutions lay within the West Midlands:
Getting around West Midlands
The West Midlands is well connected which makes it easy to explore.
Air
West Midlands’ main airport is Birmingham Airport (BHX). Other nearby airports include East Midlands (EMA), Manchester (MAN), Bristol (BRS) and London Luton (LTN).
Train
West Midlands Trains (WMT) operates between London and the English Midlands. Birmingham International Train station is the region’s largest hub, with trains going to Scotland, Wales, London, and major airports.
Bus
Numerous bus operators run services across the West Midlands, including Arriva, First Bus, Diamond Bus, National Express Coventry, National Express West Midlands, and Stagecoach. The network serves all of the major towns and cities.
Tram
The West Midlands Metro tram connects central Birmingham with West Bromwich and Wolverhampton.
In the home of the bard, literature students will find plenty of inspiration and the lovers of the great outdoors will find plenty to do.
Food
If you like curries, you are in for a treat. The West Midlands is home to a large south Asian population and their culinary culture reflects this. Birmingham is home to the family naan and the Birmingham Balti. Why not try one of the oldest curry houses in Birmingham, the Taj Mahal established in 1962, or walk around the Balti Triangle and choose one of the many other Balti Houses Birmingham has to offer.
Arts & culture
In Stratford-upon-Avon, you’ll find The Royal Shakespeare Theatre, where the world-famous Royal Shakespeare Company regularly performs classic works. The Herbert Art Gallery and Museum in Coventry has a visual arts collection of paintings, sculptures, and contemporary digital art pieces, as well as regular visiting exhibitions. The open-air Black Country Living Museum in Dudley brings history to life with its reconstructed shops, houses, and industrial areas to give visitors a feel for life during the Industrial Revolution.
Outdoors
The Bear Grylls Adventure will test your limits in a safe and fun way with activities such as indoor climbing, iFLY indoor skydiving, and archery. The Cotswolds is where you’ll find walking and cycling trails, with plenty of places to spot wildlife and take in the beauty of the English countryside. For the adrenaline seekers and lovers of mini doughnuts, Alton Towers in Staffordshire is a fun weekend trip.
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