The Metalworks, Birmingham โ€“ 41 Verified Student Reviews ๐Ÿ 

Back

infoImage credit: www.birmingham.ac.uk

infoImage credit: www.birmingham.ac.uk

The Metalworks -

Room
Wifi
Food
Facilities
Location
Value

Based on 41 user ratings

The Metalworks, 50 Aston Webb Boulevard, Selly Oak, Birmingham, B15 2GG

๐Ÿ’ฌ What Students Say

The Metalworks is a contemporary student residence located just a short distance from the University of Birmingham, making it an ideal choice for students who prioritize convenience and a lively atmosphere. With a rich history as a former car factory, the building has been transformed into a stylish living space that caters to the needs of today's students. This accommodation features 300 en-suite rooms, providing a comfortable and private environment for students to focus on their studies while enjoying the social aspects of university life. The overall student experience at The Metalworks has received positive feedback, with many students appreciating the friendly community and supportive management. The atmosphere is described as relaxed and welcoming, allowing residents to feel at home while also encouraging social interactions among peers. The location of The Metalworks is a significant advantage, situated just 0.5 miles from the main campus of the University of Birmingham. Students frequently mention the ease of access to both the university and the surrounding area, including various shops, cafes, and nightlife options. With reliable bus and train services nearby, exploring Birmingham's vibrant city center is a breeze. This connectivity makes The Metalworks a great base for students who want to engage with both their academic and social lives. When it comes to room quality and facilities, The Metalworks excels with well-rated en-suite rooms that are spacious and comfortable. Reviews highlight that the rooms are equipped with good heating and strong WiFi, which is essential for students who rely on internet access for their studies. The communal areas are also well-maintained, providing a pleasant environment for relaxation and socializing. The availability of laundry facilities and kitchen/dining areas further enhances the living experience, allowing students to manage their daily routines with ease. Value for money is another aspect where The Metalworks shines, with many students expressing satisfaction with what they receive for their accommodation fees. While specific pricing details were not provided, the overall sentiment suggests that the accommodation offers decent value, especially when considering the quality of the living spaces and the supportive community. The social atmosphere at The Metalworks is frequently praised, with students noting that it feels like living with friends. The management fosters a sense of community, and many residents have reported making lasting friendships during their time there. The friendly vibe is complemented by regular interactions with staff, who are described as approachable and helpful, further enhancing the overall experience. One of the standout features of The Metalworks is its ability to create a balance between a lively social environment and a conducive study atmosphere. Students have noted that while the community is friendly and engaging, it is not overly noisy, allowing for a comfortable living experience that supports academic success. This makes it an excellent choice for students who want to enjoy their university years without sacrificing their studies. However, like any accommodation, The Metalworks does have some weaknesses to consider. While many students have had positive experiences, a few have mentioned that the value for money is what you would expect from student housing, implying that it might not exceed expectations in every area. Additionally, while the location is convenient for the university, students who prefer a more vibrant nightlife scene might find the immediate area somewhat limited in options. It's essential to weigh these factors against personal preferences and lifestyle choices. Overall, The Metalworks is best suited for students who value modern living, community interaction, and proximity to the University of Birmingham. Whether you're a first-year student looking to make new friends or a returning student seeking a comfortable place to live, The Metalworks provides a solid foundation for your university experience. With its combination of quality rooms, friendly atmosphere, and convenient location, it stands out as a popular choice among students in Birmingham. In conclusion, The Metalworks offers a well-rounded student accommodation experience that balances comfort, community, and convenience. It's a place where you can thrive academically while enjoying the social aspects of university life, making it a great option for those embarking on their educational journey at the University of Birmingham.
▼ See more

โœ… What Students Love

  • Modern and comfortable en-suite rooms, well-rated for quality.
  • Friendly and supportive community atmosphere, making it easy to make friends.
  • Convenient location near the University of Birmingham, just a short walk away.
  • Strong WiFi and reliable heating, allowing for a comfortable living environment.
  • Well-maintained facilities, including laundry and communal kitchen/dining areas.
  • Approachable and helpful staff who enhance the overall living experience.

โš ๏ธ Things to Note

  • Value for money is average, aligning with typical student housing expectations.
  • Limited immediate nightlife options, which may not suit all students.
  • Some reviews suggest it may not exceed expectations in all areas.
  • Potential for noise during social events, although generally described as manageable.
  • Not all students may find the atmosphere conducive for studying, depending on personal preferences.

๐ŸŽฏ Best For

Students seeking a modern, social living environment close to the University of Birmingham.

๐Ÿ’ก Things to Know

  • The Metalworks is located just 0.5 miles from the University of Birmingham campus.
  • Each resident has a key fob for secure access to the building.
  • The accommodation features 300 en-suite rooms, providing privacy and comfort.
  • Reliable public transport options are available nearby, making it easy to explore Birmingham.
  • The management is known for being responsive and supportive, enhancing the living experience.

โ“ Common Questions

Is The Metalworks good value for money?

Many students find the value for money to be decent, aligning with typical expectations for student housing.

How is the location?

The Metalworks is conveniently located just 0.5 miles from the University of Birmingham, with easy access to public transport.

What are the rooms like?

Rooms at The Metalworks are modern and comfortable, featuring en-suite facilities and good heating.

What is the social life like at The Metalworks?

The social life is vibrant, with a friendly community atmosphere that encourages interaction among residents.

Are there communal areas available?

Yes, The Metalworks offers communal kitchen/dining areas and well-maintained facilities for relaxation.

infoImage credit: www.birmingham.ac.uk

infoImage credit: www.birmingham.ac.uk

Reviews
1 of 41
Overall
Room
Wifi
Food
Facilities
Location
Value
Staying at the metalworks was nice, but the construction noise in the morning occasionally interrupted my study sessions.
By user495831 on Apr 28th 2026
Overall
Room
Wifi
Food
Facilities
Location
Value
Definitely going back to the metalworks. there's something special about living in a place with history, and the vibrant atmosphere makes it feel like a home away from home. the convenience of being so close to uni really seals the deal for me.
By user946227 on Apr 22nd 2026
Overall
Room
Wifi
Food
Facilities
Location
Value
Didn't expect much, but the place surprised me. rooms are bigger than you'd think and the noise from the city isnโ€™t bad at all ๐Ÿ˜ฎ๐ŸŽต. i thought itโ€™d be way more chaotic given the location.
By user472344 on Apr 17th 2026
Overall
Room
Wifi
Food
Facilities
Location
Value
Found the crowd at the metalworks to be surprisingly diverse, with people from different courses and years all mixing together in the common areas ๐Ÿ˜Š. it helped create some great friendships and made grabbing a coffee in the on-site cafe a social event rather than a solo one.
By user821393 on Apr 13th 2026
Overall
Room
Wifi
Food
Facilities
Location
Value
Biking back from lectures was always a breeze thanks to the quick route. one evening, I remember chilling in the shared kitchen with a couple of flatmates, just chatting and enjoying the lively buzz of the place. felt like a real community, which made it so much more than just a place to crash.
By user152213 on Apr 10th 2026
Overall
Room
Wifi
Food
Facilities
Location
Value
People working here are generally approachable and chill, which makes popping by reception pretty pleasant. once i needed some help with my keys after hours and they sorted it quickly, no fuss involved at all.
By user315682 on Mar 30th 2026
Overall
Room
Wifi
Food
Facilities
Location
Value
Being so close to the university is a huge plus, especially when juggling lectures and projects. it's easy to get back for a quick break, and the students around make it feel more like a community than just accommodation. you'll get the basics here without a fuss, which is exactly what you need when you're trying to keep expenses low as a student.
By user831993 on Mar 27th 2026
Overall
Room
Wifi
Food
Facilities
Location
Value
Never expected a former car factory to feel so welcoming. got in and the place felt buzzing with energy, like everyone was on board to make the best out of campus life. surprised how quickly it felt like home with spaces to chill and hang with mates after classes.
By user968174 on Mar 24th 2026
Overall
Room
Wifi
Food
Facilities
Location
Value
Definitely planning to stick around at the metalworks, mostly because the people make it feel like home. everyone gets along so well and the blend of backgrounds keeps things interesting without any effort.
By user108847 on Mar 19th 2026
Overall
Room
Wifi
Food
Facilities
Location
Value
Weekends here are a blast when everyone gathers in the courtyard for spontaneous hangouts. the mix of people from different courses adds a bit of energy, and you wouldnโ€™t believe how quickly you make friends. whether itโ€™s just grabbing some fresh air or staying out for hours, always something happening.
By user212138 on Mar 17th 2026
Overall
Room
Wifi
Food
Facilities
Location
Value
Hanging out in the courtyard on a sunny afternoon with other students is probably one of my favourite memories. it felt like a little community, and the unexpected sunshine made it even better.
By user117798 on Mar 12th 2026
Overall
Room
Wifi
Food
Facilities
Location
Value
Moving from place to place, i'd say the best part about the metalworks was the quick access to uni and the city. felt like i had the whole of birmingham right on my doorstep. the history of the place added a cool vibe without even trying.
By user702132 on Mar 9th 2026
Overall
Room
Wifi
Food
Facilities
Location
Value
Noticed they actually had a dedicated music room which was a lifesaver for practicing without annoying the flatmates. it was cool to have a space to belt out show tunes in peace whenever the stress of coursework piled up. haven't seen many places offer that little perk and it really made my days a bit more melodious
By user773808 on Mar 8th 2026
Overall
Room
Wifi
Food
Facilities
Location
Value
Thinking about returning next year because itโ€™s close to uni and the atmosphere is lively.
By user689430 on Mar 7th 2026
Overall
Room
Wifi
Food
Facilities
Location
Value
Staff here really put in the effort to make everyone feel at home, which made settling in so much smoother. we ended up hanging out with them sometimes, just a genuinely cool bunch.
By user909179 on Feb 27th 2026
Overall
Room
Wifi
Food
Facilities
Location
Value
Really loved the unique vibe at the metalworks. it's got this cool blend of history and modern design that makes it feel different from typical student digs. everything's well kept, and it's super accessible to the university, which is great for when you're running late in the mornings.
By user809541 on Feb 11th 2026
Overall
Room
Wifi
Food
Facilities
Location
Value
Buzzing with energy on move-in day, the metalworks feels like a community coming alive. never too cramped, just the right amount of chaos and excitement as everyone settles in. can't help but think it's the start of something ๐ŸŽ‰
By user624870 on Feb 6th 2026
Overall
Room
Wifi
Food
Facilities
Location
Value
Was quite impressed by how spacious the rooms are, especially in comparison to typical student digs. having a bit of extra space really makes a difference when you're juggling textbooks and laundry. it kind of becomes your own little personal hub amid all the bustle of uni life.
By user447228 on Feb 1st 2026
Overall
Room
Wifi
Food
Facilities
Location
Value
Having a history as a former car factory gives the metalworks a unique edge you won't find in the usual cookie-cutter student accommodation. you'll feel the character of the place when walking through the halls, plus it's within walking distance of all the university spots.
By user314012 on Jan 27th 2026
Overall
Room
Wifi
Food
Facilities
Location
Value
Everyone here had such a chilled vibe, and even though itโ€™s a big place, it always felt welcoming. it's easy to strike up conversations in the common areas and you end up seeing familiar faces quite often. the added touch of its history as a car factory gives it a unique charm that other accommodations lack.
By user155330 on Jan 23rd 2026
Overall
Room
Wifi
Food
Facilities
Location
Value
Staying at The Metalworks felt totally unique with its transformation from an old car factory into this modern student hub. it's got this industrial charm and you're surrounded by other students, which feels different from places that are all just new builds with no character. ๐Ÿ˜ฎ
By user456631 on Jan 19th 2026
Overall
Room
Wifi
Food
Facilities
Location
Value
Being so close to uni, i can roll out of bed and make it to lectures without breaking a sweat. everything i need is nearby, which saves a lot of time during busy weeks. plus, living here means spontaneous plans with friends happen more often than not, which keeps life interesting.
By user559613 on Jan 15th 2026
Overall
Room
Wifi
Food
Facilities
Location
Value
Heard it's got this unique vibe because of its factory past. someone told me it feels much more like a home than just another bland student block. sounds worth checking out for a different experience.
By user668553 on Jan 13th 2026
Overall
Room
Wifi
Food
Facilities
Location
Value
Hearing the distant hum of the nearby train tracks while cycling home always reminded me of the building's past.
By user957621 on Jan 9th 2026
Overall
Room
Wifi
Food
Facilities
Location
Value
Was surprised how modern the place looked despite being an old factory. everything felt clean and well maintained which wasnโ€™t what i expected after hearing it used to be a car factory.
By user284714 on Jan 5th 2026
Overall
Room
Wifi
Food
Facilities
Location
Value
Felt like everyone at the metalworks was down for a good time , kind of like living in a big sociable house. people were always up for a chat in the hallways or planning something fun. it was nice you didnโ€™t feel like just another tenant, made the whole experience way better.
By user165697 on Jan 2nd 2026
Overall
Room
Wifi
Food
Facilities
Location
Value
Finding my way through the building is a bit like navigating a maze. the signs aren't always clear and you can end up wandering around before you get where you need to be.
By user178615 on Dec 30th 2025
Overall
Room
Wifi
Food
Facilities
Location
Value
Honestly expected more noise considering its history but it was surprisingly peaceful inside.
By user862482 on Dec 25th 2025
Overall
Room
Wifi
Food
Facilities
Location
Value
Always loved the unique character of the building, knowing it used to be a car factory gives it a different vibe from typical student digs. adds a bit of history to your everyday routine, you know? easy to feel at home with how they've styled it.
By user750246 on Dec 21st 2025
Overall
Room
Wifi
Food
Facilities
Location
Value
Expected a more industrial feel but it's surprisingly modern and stylish inside. bit of a twist considering its history ๐Ÿ˜ฎ location's a win being so close to the uni, just wish the rooms were bigger.
By user429239 on Dec 19th 2025
Overall
Room
Wifi
Food
Facilities
Location
Value
Something about walking into the metalworks just felt welcoming. loved knowing i was in a space bursting with history, balancing old vibes with modern student life ๐Ÿ˜Š
By user872219 on Dec 16th 2025
Overall
Room
Wifi
Food
Facilities
Location
Value
Heard from a mate that it's got a decent mix of lively and laid-back vibes. the proximity to uni makes it pretty handy too. bit of history in the walls makes it feel different from the usual student digs; worth checking out if you're into a bit of character.
By user300142 on Dec 12th 2025
Overall
Room
Wifi
Food
Facilities
Location
Value
Everyone seems pretty chill despite the place being quite bustling. it's easy to strike up a conversation in the common areas, which makes settling in feel way less daunting.
By user140929 on Dec 8th 2025
Overall
Room
Wifi
Food
Facilities
Location
Value
Was surprised by how quiet it was despite the lively reputation of the area ๐ŸŒ™. honestly thought i'd be waking up to constant noise, but it was a chill place to get work done. saved my sleep schedule a bit!
By user646908 on Dec 3rd 2025
Overall
Room
Wifi
Food
Facilities
Location
Value
Noticed how the common area stays clean even when it's busy, which is kinda rare in a student accommodation. it creates a nice spot to chill without having to tidy up first. honestly, made living here feel just a bit more stress-free.
By user211219 on Nov 30th 2025
Overall
Room
Wifi
Food
Facilities
Location
Value
Walking into The Metalworks, I wasn't expecting so much natural light to flood the space with warmth. the clever use of the building's industrial past with open areas surprised me and made hanging out around there way more enjoyable than you'd think.
By user574486 on Nov 26th 2025
Overall
Room
Wifi
Food
Facilities
Location
Value
Expected some noise from the lively atmosphere but it's surprisingly peaceful in my room ๐Ÿ“š.
By user765492 on Nov 22nd 2025
Overall
Room
Wifi
Food
Facilities
Location
Value
Loved living at the metalworks. told a mate that being so near uni was a lifesaver for those 9 am lectures, and the social scene there was pretty decent too. whether you're more into a good night out or just chilling in your room, you've got options.
By user458997 on Nov 17th 2025
Overall
Room
Wifi
Food
Facilities
Location
Value
Practically next door to everything, metalworks definitely wins on convenience over other places i've stayed. common areas here somehow manage to be both buzzing and chill at the same time, which is a nice balance compared to places where it's all or nothing. you can easily grab a coffee and chat with someone new, but it doesn't feel like you're in a frenzy of forced interactions ๐Ÿ˜Š
By user104530 on Nov 10th 2025
Overall
Room
Wifi
Food
Facilities
Location
Value
Wish there were more communal spaces to socialize as it sometimes feels a bit isolating here.
By user111118 on Nov 4th 2025
Overall
Room
Wifi
Food
Facilities
Location
Value
Appreciate being able to roll out of bed and be at lectures that fast. not all that keen on the noisy weekends though
By user374128 on Oct 30th 2025