Birmingham was new to me until recently. Laura, my partner, studied here for three years at Birmingham University, and during that time I made fleeting visits but tended to stay within the confines of the student world, the Guild, Broad Street and the Bullring etc. However, when I was offered the Apprentice position, it became clear that the city has so much more to offer.
Being born and brought up in Devon, and then going to University at the other end of the country in Durham, it seemed very natural to settle somewhere in the middle. Laura is lucky enough to have secured a training contract with Eversheds, so we were committed to being in the city from around 2006. The decision was an easy one to make for me, as far from the stereotypical view that most still have, Birmingham is far from an Industry city. Things have changed, factories have come down and are replaced with fantastic new city centre apartments. The shopping areas have been completely redeveloped, and the social side of city adds a whole new dimension to the life of a young professional like myself.
At first, I spent a lot of time simply walking around town, finding my bearings and making sure that should someone ask me to meet them somewhere, I would have an idea where it was. My walk from the apartment to town is a good one, and provides a great contrast of the city. It starts with the history of the Jewelry Quarter, where people all over the UK still come for unique rings, manufactured right here. The walk then proceeds through St Paul’s square, a beautiful leafy little area in the centre of town… its also home to the Jamhouse, which is a great night out with live music and fantastic food.
Walking over the bridge over the Queensway gives a chance to see that Birmingham is still a relatively flat city, with the BT tower still being the tallest building around. Now you see the development of the city, with cranes building new office and residential blocks at a blistering pace. Since I have been here (August), I think I have seen around four new apartment blocks begin construction, and those are only the ones on my doorstep. Keep on walking and you reach Colmore Row, which is occupied by many financial giants and lawyers, Barclays, RBS, HSBC, Wragge & Co, Mills & Reeve and of course Eversheds where Laura will be based. Just off the end of Colmore Row is the Council House, where I was lucky enough to be Welcomed to Birmingham. The new Town Hall is a great addition to Victoria Square, and its a great place to relax in the summer. Its also home to the infamous German market around Christmas time, where you will find cheap, chilled, crisp German beer… the best way to round off any working week.
Walking down New Street you see a mix of high street names and hotels, leading to the Bullring and Pallasades shopping centre. The landmark Selfridges building really stands out, and while I cant quite afford to shop there yet, browsing around still makes you feel good. Just behind the Bullring there is a outdoor market on three times a week, where you can find fresh food from all corners of the globe.
If you take a trip back up New Street, across Victoria Square and through the ICC, you will come to Brindleyplace, which is where my first placement with Deloitte took place. As well as being home to the NIA and Sealife Centre, Brindleyplace is a fantastic social venue, with loads of bars and restaurants all situated around the canal. Go there on a Friday night and all of the terraces will be packed with workers from the next door offices… they are often still there at midnight! You can take a trip along the canal (and I frequently cycle the route) up the Mailbox and beyond, covering Selly Oak, Canon Hill Park all the way through to Kings Norton. Take a small detour on the canal and you can end up in Stratford Upon Avon.
In all the city has so much to offer, and is always growing. I have spent time in London, and to me, everything always seems so rushed. With Birmingham, you can live the lifestyle of London but with be able to break away while not getting out of the city, and that is the lifestyle I want. Another major factor is that it wont cost you an arm and a leg to live within walking distance of work… and not having to worry about an early morning commute makes it that much easier to get up!
Living in Birmingham is teaching me a lot, allowing me to develop and to grow up. Its all very well getting life experience at University, but as the Coca-Cola advert states, “We will be remembered for what we do and what we say”… and Birmingham gives you the chance to have your voice, make a difference and live a fantastic life while doing it.
Birmingham is my city of choice… Laura and I will build our careers here, and I could not think of a better place to begin building a brilliant life.
