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Dawlish Road (B29 6HE) stands as one of the most sought-after residential streets for student accommodation in Birmingham, UK. Situated directly adjacent to the main Edgbaston campus of the University of Birmingham, the street is tailored almost entirely to student life, offering an energetic, convenient, and close-knit community atmosphere.
The housing landscape along Dawlish Road consists primarily of classic Victorian terraced properties converted into shared Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), ranging from 3 to 8-bedroom homes, alongside modern purpose-built studio developments. These properties are generally fully furnished to cater specifically to student needs, featuring double beds, designated study spaces, comfortable communal lounges, and well-equipped kitchens designed for shared living. Many landlords in the area offer streamlined, utility-inclusive rental packages and high-speed broadband, making managing household bills simple for residents.
What truly sets Dawlish Road apart is its unbeatable access to campus and local amenities. A brief five to ten-minute walk brings students directly to the university gates, eliminating the need for early morning commutes. For day-to-day living, the neighboring Bristol Road high street provides an array of student pubs, independent cafés, late-night takeaways, and major supermarkets including Sainsbury’s and Aldi. Excellent transport connections further enhance its appeal, with Selly Oak railway station nearby offering a quick ten-minute train ride into Birmingham New Street and the wider city centre. Combining academic convenience with a lively suburban environment, Dawlish Road remains a premier location for both domestic and international students in the UK.
Property Review Snapshot
This guide is built only on verified research and approved student reviews, so you can decide with clarity whether this property fits your needs or whether it’s one to skip.
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Students at the University of Birmingham (UoB) seeking a short walk to campus Those who value a lively student community and easy access to shops, bars, and public transport Groups looking for furnished, practical shared houses with responsive landlords
Wheelchair users or those needing step-free access (most houses have steps and narrow corridors) Students who are sensitive to noise or want a quiet, non-student-heavy environment Anyone needing guaranteed on-site security or concierge services
10-minute walk to UoB, 5 minutes to Selly Oak High Street Fast, reliable internet and all essential appliances Bills-included options available in some tenancies Lively, social student atmosphere
High burglary/theft rates in Selly Oak, especially for bikes Noise and late-night disturbances are common Energy efficiency varies; some houses may have higher heating costs Limited on-street parking and accessibility issues
Contract length: Standard 12-month fixed-term contracts Cooling-off clarity: Varies by agency/landlord; some offer a short cooling-off period, but always check before signing Guarantor expectations: Most landlords/agencies require a UK-based guarantor International students may need to pay rent upfront or use a guarantor service Exit implications: Early termination is usually not allowed unless a replacement tenant is found Check individual tenancy agreements for specific terms
En-Suite Room: A private bedroom set within a shared HMO student house or modern apartment block, featuring a dedicated attached bathroom (shower, toilet, and washbasin) while sharing common spaces like the kitchen and lounge with housemates. Studio Apartment: An independent, fully self-contained unit combining a private sleeping area, study desk, private en-suite bathroom, and personal kitchenette into an open-plan layout, ideal for single occupants or couples seeking complete privacy. Loft / Attic Bedroom: Located on the top level of converted multi-storey terraced properties, featuring characteristic sloped ceilings, Velux or dormer windows for ample natural light, and enhanced top-floor privacy.
Operator & Positioning: Managed by specialist local student lettings agencies (such as Property Solutions and Direct Housing) alongside direct-ownership operators like Unihousing, Dawlish Road is positioned as a prime, mid-range to high-value student housing location offering high-density group HMOs and modern studios directly adjacent to the University of Birmingham.
0.4 to 0.8 miles (10 min walk)
3.5 to 3.7 miles(20-25 min by train)
3.2 to 3.5 miles (30 minutes by public transport)
En-Suite Bedroom (in shared house): £130 – £165 PPPW (often bills-inclusive) Loft / Attic Bedroom: £105 – £140 PPPW (variable bills). Self-Contained Studio Apartment: £180 – £255+ PPPW (bills usually included)
Room sizes and features can vary significantly between houses; always check the specific listing Some houses have en-suite rooms, but most share bathrooms
Most houses include furniture, appliances, and high-speed internet Some tenancies offer all bills included (gas, electricity, water, internet)
If bills are not included, budget an extra £15–£25 per week for utilities Council tax is not applicable for full-time students On-street parking permits required (limited availability, extra cost)
With bills included: £400–£550 per month per person Without bills: £350–£500 per month plus utilities
Fast, reliable broadband is standard and praised by students Desk and chair in every bedroom; easy access to university libraries
Shared living rooms and dining areas in all houses Private rear gardens in many properties, popular for socialising “Nice living room for socialising” and “easy to make friends” reported by students
Washing machine, fridge/freezer, oven/hob, microwave in all houses Dishwasher and bike storage only in some properties Supermarkets, takeaways, and pharmacy all walkable
Central heating and double glazing standard Limited wheelchair accessibility (steps at entrance, narrow corridors) Some houses may have poor energy efficiency (EPC D/E), leading to higher heating costs
No on-site gym, study rooms, or concierge CCTV and regular cleaning only in select managed properties
High-speed broadband/Wi-Fi included in all houses “Internet was fast and reliable, which was important for my studies” (student review)
No reports of major outages or slow speeds in approved reviews Suitable for video calls, streaming, and online coursework
Internet quality may depend on the specific provider/house; always confirm before signing
Smoke alarms and fire doors are standard CCTV only in some houses; no on-site security or concierge
Selly Oak has higher-than-average burglary and theft rates, especially targeting student houses and bikes Most students report feeling safe walking home, but caution is advised
Night buses run on main routes, but less frequently after midnight E-scooters and rideshares are available for late returns
Is Dawlish Road safe for students?
Most students feel safe, but Selly Oak has higher burglary and bike theft rates than other Birmingham areas. Secure your valuables and check if your house has extra security features.
Are bills included in the rent?
Some tenancies offer bills-included packages (gas, electricity, water, internet). Always confirm with the landlord or agency.
How close is Dawlish Road to the University of Birmingham?
It’s about a 10-minute walk to the main campus.
What is the noise level like?
The area is lively, with frequent student activity and some late-night noise. Not ideal for those seeking a quiet environment.
Is parking available?
On-street parking is available with a permit, but spaces are limited and congestion is common.
Are the houses accessible for wheelchair users?
Most Dawlish Road houses are not wheelchair accessible due to steps and narrow corridors.
Dawlish Road offers some of the most convenient and social student housing Birmingham has to offer, especially for University of Birmingham students. The location, reliable internet, and responsive landlords are consistently praised in student reviews. However, the area’s high student density brings noise and a higher risk of burglary/theft, and accessibility is limited for those with mobility needs. If you want a lively, practical base close to campus and are comfortable with the trade-offs, Dawlish Road is a strong contender. If you need quiet, step-free access, or on-site security, you may want to look elsewhere.
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