The reason is quite simple- The University of Birmingham ticks all the boxes that a student needs. From top-notch education to exciting student life, students find everything here. This university was first established in 1900 and also happens to be a part of the reputed Russell Group.

Why do international students choose Birmingham?

The quality of education is always the top priority of students going abroad to study. And Birmingham gives its A game every time. Other than academics, the city offers a vibrant social and cultural life. Did you know? More than 10,000 students from 150+ countries have decided to study in Birmingham. Here, students can live a decent life without emptying their wallets and enjoy them to the fullest.

Courses in Birmingham: What Makes Them Stand Out

There is a plethora of courses in Birmingham, whether you are looking for undergraduate or postgraduate programs. Now you must be thinking that there are so many universities and cities that provide similar courses. But what makes Birmingham stand out is the delivery and presentation. Students studying in Birmingham don’t just read from books and take exams, but they also get the chance to witness real-life cases and practical sessions. Some of the popular courses that international students choose in Birmingham include:

• Business and Management
• Computer Science and AI
• Engineering
• Law and International Relations
• Medicine and Life Sciences

Campus Life and Learning Environment

Most of the courses are available at the Edgbaston campus. There, students get ample green spaces to relax, and modern buildings that match everyone’s aesthetics. The lecture halls, trendy cafes, exceptional sports facilities and libraries give students a refreshing study environment. The campus also has the following:

• A 24/7 main library which has 2.5 million+ books
• A dedicated international student support centre
• Health services and mental health resources for students in need
• An active Students’ Guild with 500+ clubs and societies

At Edgbaston campus, the learning does not happen just in classrooms. Students get to experience various seminars, conferences, be part of workshops and other engaging events of their chosen field.

Accommodation in Birmingham: Finding the Right Place

One of the major concerns of every international student is finding the ideal accommodation in Birmingham. Having a safe, secure, affordable and comfortable place to stay is important for peace of mind. Usually, first year students in Birmingham opt for university halls that are located near the campus. While many students choose to stay in off-campus housing and celebrate their independence and privacy. These students can choose from a variety of housing options:

• Ensuites Rooms
• Shared Apartment
• Private Apartment
• Studio Rooms

If you are also currently struggling for accommodation, then all you need is a reliable platform. University Living is a global accommodation provider that offers authentic, trusted and affordable stays in Birmingham. These off-campus housing often come with luxurious amenities, such as gyms, social spaces, community events, game room, and more.

Cost of Living in Birmingham for Students

Talking about affordable student accommodation, other things in Birmingham aren’t expensive either. Students can easily budget their expenses if they prioritize well. Taking public transport, using student discounts, cooking your own meals, and other such practices can help you save money.

Let’s have a look at the breakdown of the Cost of Living in Birmingham.

Note: Please note that your cost of living directly depends on your expenses. If you choose to live a rich lifestyle, then be prepared for the expenses similarly. On the other hand, if you make good financial decisions, then you can save a few bucks, and have yourself a little piggy bank.

Support Services for International Students

The University of Birmingham understands that it is not always easy to move to a new country, new city, new apartment, and so on. Therefore, they offer dedicated support services to all international students who are trying to settle in. Whether it’s a Visa query or English language assistance, students get the help they need at every step. Some of the additional services available include:

• Airport pickup for new international students
• Orientation and welcome events for students
• One-on-one academic tutoring to ensure everyone’s on the same page
• Workshops on employability and CV writing

Final Thoughts

Being a student at the University of Birmingham is much more than getting a degree. It is also about gaining experience, living in diversity, and learning. Students studying here get access to world-class faculty, multicultural events, exciting student life, and more. So, what are you waiting for? Apply now and kickstart your study abroad journey today!

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The HSBC Quality of Life report surveyed more than 11,200 affluent adults in 11 markets worldwide. It found that while the US, UK, and Australia remain popular choices for international education, younger generations of parents, such as Millennials and Gen Z, are more inclined to seek universities closer to home. This marks a significant shift from the older generation, where Boomers have typically favoured long-established global educational institutions.

Changing Preferences Across Generations

Among the key findings, 51% of all respondents expressed a desire to send their children abroad for education, or had already done so. However, a striking generational difference emerged. While over two-thirds of Millennials (67%) and Gen Z (68%) parents prefer their children to study closer to home, only around half of Baby Boomers share this view. Moreover, younger generations are placing a greater emphasis on the importance of innovation in education. An overwhelming 82% of Millennials and 77% of Gen Z respondents agreed that an innovative, future-focused curriculum was critical, in contrast to just 30% of Boomers.

Katie Wilkins, Global Head of International Propositions at HSBC, commented on the findings: “We’re seeing a shift in attitudes towards international education among younger generations of parents, who are now balancing their child’s educational opportunities with the desire for proximity to home and global aspirations. This differs from older generations who have tended to look towards traditional destinations.”

The report also highlights a growing openness to emerging international education hubs. Mainland China, for instance, is becoming increasingly popular with younger Singaporean parents, while Singapore itself is attracting parents from Mainland China, India, Malaysia, and Taiwan. Continental Europe, meanwhile, is gaining traction as the top region for British parents, and Canada is drawing more interest from parents in the United States.

Prioritising Passion and Well-Being

HSBC’s research revealed that for many parents, their child’s passion and well-being play a key role in their educational choices. Most parents (78%) would prioritise universities that allow their child to pursue their interests. Millennials, in particular, are keen to ensure their children’s passions are nurtured, with 83% of Millennial parents prioritising this aspect, compared to 73% of Boomers.

The survey also showed that younger generations are more supportive of non-traditional educational paths. Around 81% of Millennial parents would choose an option that allows their child to explore entrepreneurship, if it enhanced their overall well-being while studying abroad. This compares to just 66% of Boomer parents.

New Avenues in International Education

The report comes at a time of significant change in the international education landscape, as digital transformation and satellite campuses provide more options for students. Many families are now exploring online learning opportunities that allow students to remain closer to home while still accessing international education.

Dr Wanying Zhou, a research fellow specialising in adolescence well-being and international education at the University of Oxford’s Wellbeing Research Centre, reflected on the findings: “HSBC’s report highlights how the international education sector is undergoing rapid change and diversification. Families are increasingly considering options such as satellite campuses and online learning as alternatives to traditional study abroad programmes. While international education offers numerous rewards, it also presents challenges that families must be prepared to face.”

Global Network and Support

As the demand for international education continues to grow, HSBC remains committed to providing support for parents and students. The bank’s global network, resources, and partnerships are designed to help families navigate the complexities of international education, ensuring they are equipped to make informed decisions.

The generational divide highlighted by this report underscores the evolving priorities of parents when it comes to their children’s education. As international education options expand and diversify, younger generations are reshaping what it means to pursue education abroad, placing greater emphasis on proximity, innovation, and the well-being of their children.Find out more about HSBC’s services available for international students by visiting this site.

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The partnership, unveiled today, marks a significant step in advancing financial inclusion in Brazil. By integrating Ant International’s advanced credit technology solutions into Dock’s existing platform, Dock One, the collaboration seeks to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of credit management for Dock’s clients, which include financial institutions, retailers, and fintech start-ups.

In the initial phase, Ant International’s AI-powered credit technology, including an automated risk management engine, will be integrated into Dock One. This technology is expected to optimise credit decision-making processes, improve underwriting efficiency, and reduce operational costs for Dock’s clients. The enhanced credit operations and refined risk models will enable more precise credit assessments, allowing financial institutions to better serve a broader audience, particularly those who have been historically underserved.

The partnership is timely, given Brazil’s recent strides in financial inclusion. Despite progress, significant gaps remain, particularly for MSMEs and financially constrained groups. The Brazilian government has been actively promoting digital transformation and innovation in financial services to increase accessibility. The collaboration between Ant International and Dock is poised to contribute significantly to these efforts.

Dock has been at the forefront of advocating for a new credit paradigm tailored to Brazil’s unique market needs since 2022. By joining forces with Ant International, Dock aims to challenge the status quo in the financial sector and make credit more accessible to a wider range of businesses and individuals. Antonio Soares, CEO of Dock, emphasised the importance of this partnership, stating, “Ant International is the partner we needed to achieve our financial inclusion goals. By integrating their cutting-edge technology into our Dock One platform, we aim to significantly expand access to credit and advance financial inclusion in Brazil.”

Quan Yu, General Manager of Global Credit Tech at Ant International, echoed this sentiment, highlighting Brazil’s leadership in financial innovation and inclusion. “We are excited to partner with Dock in this dynamic market,” Yu said. “This collaboration reinforces our commitment to broadening financial accessibility by providing local institutions with AI-driven technologies to better support underserved businesses and communities. We believe in the power of collaboration to promote financial inclusion and are exploring further partnerships with industry leaders in the region.”

As the partnership unfolds, it is expected to create new growth opportunities and contribute to broader economic development in Brazil, reinforcing the country’s position as a leader in financial innovation.

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The transaction, expected to be completed later this year, will result in the formation of a new dedicated lifestyle group within Hyatt, headquartered in New York City. This group will be led by Amar Lalvani, the current Executive Chairman of Standard International, who will assume the role of President & Creative Director. The new division will benefit from Hyatt’s operational and loyalty infrastructure; while maintaining distinct leadership in areas such as design, marketing, and guest experience creation.

Hyatt’s acquisition includes management, franchise, and licensing agreements for 21 hotels, comprising approximately 2,000 rooms. Among the properties are The Standard, London; The Standard, High Line in New York City; and The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon, alongside boutique establishments like Hotel Saint Cecilia in Austin, Texas, and Hotel San Cristóbal in Baja California, Mexico. These hotels will be integrated into Hyatt’s World of Hyatt loyalty programme, offering 48 million members access to this collection of lifestyle properties.

Mark Hoplamazian, President and CEO of Hyatt, expressed enthusiasm for the acquisition, praising Standard International’s unique and award-winning portfolio. “The team behind Standard International has created brands and properties that have become destinations in their own right. We are thrilled to welcome their properties and team into the Hyatt family as we continue to push the boundaries of what a lifestyle brand can be,” Hoplamazian said.

Lalvani, who has been instrumental in the global development of The Standard and Bunkhouse brands, highlighted the synergies between the two companies. “We waited a long time to find the right partner, and in Hyatt, we have found a company with a powerful global infrastructure and a loyal guest base that aligns with our vision. We are excited to join forces and look forward to the potential that lies ahead,” Lalvani stated.

The acquisition includes over 30 projects with signed agreements or letters of intent, with several new properties slated to open in the coming year, such as The Standard, Pattaya Na Jomtien and The StandardX, Bangkok Phra Arthit. Additionally, Standard International’s residential ventures, including developments in Miami, Lisbon, and Mexico City, will be part of the expanded portfolio.

Hyatt will pay a base purchase price of $150 million, with the potential for an additional $185 million as more properties are added. This acquisition marks another significant step in Hyatt’s evolution into a brand- and experience-driven company, expanding its influence in the lifestyle hospitality sector.

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