What's it really like living in Selly Oak Village

We caught up with one of our residents who lives at Jarratt Hall to tell us everything from, making friends to luggage spillages. Here’s what Yashvi, a Criminal Law and Criminal Justice LLM international student from India, had to say…

Q: What made you want to live at Selly Oak Village?

A: When I first started looking for University accommodation I did most of my research online, using YouTube videos and the Student Living socials to help me find the accommodation closest to the Law school. Selly Oak Village came out on top for me because it had the perfect quiet environment but also felt like a home from home, and it was so convenient to travel to and from the University campus.

I was also swayed by the spacious rooms at Jarratt Hall. I have lots of clothes so that was really important for me to know there was enough space for everything I wanted to bring!

Q: Is there anything you wish you knew before moving in at Jarratt Hall?

A: The only thing for me was that it would have been good to know the exact dimensions of the rooms at Jarratt Hall. There is one general description for all the rooms, but one of my friends has a bit of a bigger space than me so they all slightly differ – it would be nice to know the size differences. I was travelling over 4,500 miles away from home, so it does sound quite specific, but it’s useful having all the details before I move my whole life (and wardrobe!) over to the UK of course.

Please note: The new virtual tours allow students to do exactly this. For floor plans and precise measurements, click on the virtual tour button.

Q: What is your favourite thing/s about living at Jarratt Hall?

A: In such a short period of time, it already feels like home. The people I have met in Jarratt Hall have become like my family. Every night there’s always at least 2 or 3 of us that have dinner together. It was also great that the Student Living team put quite a few icebreaker events on in the first couple of weeks, including a pizza party, that was a great way to get to know people.

Q: Why should students choose to live in Selly Oak Village?

A: The number one reason has to be convenience. The supermarkets like Aldi, Tesco Express and Sainsbury’s are all really close by. And, I don’t have to get the bus to get to campus, it’s within walking distance, which is perfect, especially because in India, where I’m from, everything is very local, so having a similar set up here made it easy to adjust.

I would say Selly Oak is always busy too which is nice as it creates a good atmosphere. Before I came to the UK, there was a misconception that the streets are quiet which can be quite scary, but it’s not like that at all, there’s always so many happy people out and about, cafes and shops are open till late, and it just makes me feel safe as well as motivated to go out and explore everything Birmingham has to offer.

Q: Where is your go-to spot in Selly Oak Village to relax or hang out?

A: Well to be honest, my room becomes a hang-out space most nights, as well as the kitchen because it’s so spacious. When we explore around Selly Oak, we always go to The Soak Bar & Grill. They do amazing Indian food that reminds me of home, and the service is always 10/10 there too. Me and a couple of my friends also love meeting up by the canal and going for a stroll along there, watching the birds and just taking some time out between our studies is nice.

Q: Have you been able to make friends easily during your time living there?

A: Yes! And that’s thanks to the Student Living team and the University in general.Before I had even arrived, they managed to set up a WhatsApp group which helped us all connect with each other. I found all 5 of my flatmates before I even stepped on the plane - that’s why we get along so well now, becausewe had that time to get to know each other before ever meeting and living together.

I also have a separate group of friends that I made through Active Residences. The sporting activities we did together created a strong bond, and I go the gym with about six others weekly now too, I couldn’t survive without my friends here now.

Q: Can you share a memorable moment/s you have had during your time there?

A: My first one is quite embarrassing, but when I stepped out the airport, with my six very heavy bags of luggage, everything fell out! Thankfully, a few people stopped to help me which already made me feel like I had made the right choice moving to Birmingham.

My next most memorable moment was my birthday. Me and my friends had a nice dinner and later we threw a house party where we danced all night, laughed and we also dressed up for Diwali. It was truly a night to remember – I couldn’t have asked for a better birthday, especially as it was my first one away from home!

Q: What would you say to someone considering living at Jarratt Hall?

A: Don’t worry too much! The first week we moved in we had a few maintenance issues, which isn’t that usual, but even so, the maintenance and reception team went the extra mile to make up for it, constantly reassuring us and they even brought us chocolates!

I would also say the University go the extra mile to check on our wellbeing, and to anyone struggling, do use the resources available to you as they are great. The community at Jarratt Hall is second to none, everyone puts out flowers in their windows which really makes it feel so homely too. Everything from the supermarket range to the rubbish and laundry facilities are so easy to use. I love it here, and I think any student would.

Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?

A: I have found the Seniors on Unibuddy super helpful, they answered a lot of my random questions before I moved. I also really appreciate the marketing efforts; you can tell that the University cares about their international students and I felt really assured that I was coming to a place that had my best interests at heart. From the student intranet, through to the social media videos that gave useful advice on what to pack and what to expect, me and my friends use it as a go-to when we need an answer.

Also, the number of opportunities and events that are put on for us - including the Welcome Fair and Careers Fair - really sets the University apart. I’m so happy I chose University of Birmingham, and specifically Jarratt Hall as my accommodation for the year.

Want to make Jarratt Hall your new home? You’ll find convenience, new friends and a whole lot of fun, all wrapped up in safe and student-friendly Selly Oak Village. Discover our student accommodation options.