Review Page
Volume Works, located on Hanley Street, Birmingham B19 3SP, is a modern student accommodation in Birmingham offering convenient city-centre living for students. The property is situated close to Aston University and Birmingham City University, making it a practical choice for students who want to stay near their university while enjoying easy access to the city centre. Aston University is around an 11-minute walk away, and the accommodation is described as being within a short walking distance of central shopping and dining hubs.
Volume Works exclusively offers self-contained studio options for students who prefer private living. Studios include a private en-suite bathroom, a dedicated study space, ample storage, and a fully equipped private kitchen featuring an oven, hob, and fridge-freezer. Bills, including utilities and super-fast Wi-Fi, are included, helping students manage their accommodation costs more easily.
The property also features dedicated communal and social spaces where students can relax, socialise, or work outside their rooms. Residents can enjoy a state-of-the-art private cinema room, a fully equipped 24/7 fitness center, a vibrant communal lounge with games areas, and a peaceful outdoor courtyard. The accommodation also provides laundry facilities, secure bike storage, keyless entry, and 24/7 security features.With its strategic location, Volume Works puts students close to restaurants, shops, cultural venues, and public transport connections across the city. Major transport links and rail stations are easily accessible nearby. For students searching for student accommodation in Birmingham, Volume Works offers a combination of convenient university access, private studio living, high-end communal facilities, and a central location for experiencing student life in Birmingham.
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.
Overall rating
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Size details on request
Floors
Beds Available
Rooms Type
City
Pincode
Daytime:
The area is busy, with students and commuters moving between the city centre and local universities. Tesco Express (7 min walk) and Lloyds Pharmacy (9 min walk) are nearby for essentials. The city centre is a 20-minute walk away.
Evening:
The neighbourhood is well-lit, but the Newtown ward has a higher-than-average crime rate, mainly anti-social behaviour and theft (West Midlands Police data). Several student reviews mention feeling safe inside the building due to 24/7 security and staff presence, but caution is advised when walking late at night.
Noise and crowd dynamics:
Rooms facing Newtown Middleway may experience traffic noise. Reviews generally praise sound insulation, but some mention occasional noise from the road.
Neighbourhood comfort:
Most students feel comfortable, especially inside the building.
One review notes:
“I feel comfortable here as a female student. The area is well lit and the staff are always around if you need anything.”
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Students at Aston University or Birmingham City University (BCU) who want a short walk to campus Those seeking modern ensuite rooms with all bills included Cyclists (secure, free bike storage) and students without cars Anyone valuing fast WiFi, on-site gym, and responsive staff
University of Birmingham students (longer, less convenient commute) Car owners (no resident parking except for blue badge holders) Those sensitive to city noise or concerned about higher local crime rates Students who want a highly active social events calendar
10–15 min walk to Aston and BCU Modern, secure building with ensuite rooms and double beds All bills (including fast WiFi) included in rent Friendly staff and quick maintenance response
Area crime rate above city average (Newtown ward) No air conditioning; rooms may get warm in summer Traffic noise possible in some rooms Limited on-site parking and social events
Contract length: 44 or 51 weeks Cooling-off period: No explicit details found; check with provider before booking Guarantor expectations: Not specified in public data—clarify before booking Exit implications: Early exit terms not published; standard practice is to remain liable for rent unless a replacement is found
Studio Apartments (Self-Contained): Fully private studios featuring an en-suite bathroom, study area, and dedicated kitchenette with an oven, hob, and full-size fridge-freezer. Available across Editions I–IV, including dual-occupancy and air-conditioned options. En-Suite Rooms (Shared Flats): Private bedrooms with individual en-suite bathrooms, paired with a shared kitchen, dining area, and communal lounge.
Market Positioning: High-spec, premium purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) focused on modern, self-contained studio living and top-tier lifestyle amenities.
1.1 miles (20 min walk)
2.3 miles (20–25 min by direct bus or train)
0.2 miles (3–5 min walk)
En-Suite Edition I: From £178/week En-Suite Edition II: From £185/week En-Suite Edition III: From £195/week Studio Edition I: From £250/week (51-week contract) | £260/week (45-week contract) Studio Edition II: From £255/week (51-week contract) | £275/week (45-week contract) Studio Edition III: From £275/week (51-week contract) | £295/week (45-week contract) Studio Edition IV (Luxury / Air-Conditioned): From £300/week (51-week contract)
Classic and Premium Ensuites differ mainly in room size and location within the building. Studios offer private kitchens.
Electricity, water, heating High-speed WiFi (100Mbps+) Contents insurance Gym access Maintenance and parcel collection
Laundry: £2.80 per wash, £1.50 per dry No booking fee stated £99 refundable deposit (subject to conditions) No parking (except blue badge holders); nearest public parking £5.50/day
For a Classic Ensuite (44-week contract): Rent: ~£620–£660/month Laundry: ~£10–£15/month (varies by usage) No major hidden costs found
Study rooms available and praised during exam season Fast, reliable WiFi
Social lounge and outdoor courtyard for relaxing and meeting people Limited organised social events compared to larger halls
On-site gym (never too busy) Parcel collection service Vending machines Laundry room (pay-per-use)
Disabled access (lifts, step-free routes) Secure bike storage No air conditioning; ventilation only
No resident parking (except blue badge holders) No air conditioning No mention of on-site catering or meal plans
100Mbps+ WiFi throughout All rooms and common areas covered
Reviews consistently praise WiFi speed and stability: “Great value for money, all bills included and the WiFi is super fast.”
No significant negative reports about internet reliability.
24/7 CCTV Secure entry system Staff presence day and night “The building feels very secure. The common areas are always clean and it’s a nice place to socialise.”
Area is well-lit, but Newtown ward has higher crime rates than city average Students generally feel safe inside the building
Caution advised when walking alone at night No reports of incidents inside the building
Is Volume Works close to Birmingham universities?
Yes, it’s a 10–15 min walk to Aston University and BCU. University of Birmingham is 25 min by public transport.
Are bills included in the rent?
Yes, electricity, water, heating, WiFi, and contents insurance are all included.
Is there parking for residents?
No, except for blue badge holders. Nearest public parking is 0.7 km away.
How safe is the area?
The building is secure with 24/7 CCTV and staff, but the local area has a higher-than-average crime rate. Most students feel safe inside.
What are the laundry facilities like?
Laundry is on-site, pay-per-use (£2.80 wash/£1.50 dry), and described as easy to use.
Can I cycle to university?
Yes, secure bike storage is provided and cycle lanes are nearby.
Is there air conditioning?
No, only ventilation. Some reviews mention rooms can get warm in summer.
Are social events organised?
There are common areas for socialising, but fewer organised events than in larger halls.
Volume Works stands out for its location near Aston and BCU, modern ensuite rooms, and all-inclusive pricing. The building is secure, staff are praised, and amenities like fast WiFi, gym, and study rooms meet most student needs. However, the higher local crime rate, lack of air conditioning, and no resident parking are real trade-offs. For Aston and BCU students without cars, it’s a strong, practical choice. For University of Birmingham students, car owners, or those seeking a quieter or more social environment, the fit is less clear.
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