Please see below for full details of opening hours and services available over the Christmas break.
While many of you travel away from Birmingham during the vacation period, we know that some of you may choose to stay on or near campus over the Christmas period.
Most University services are closed during the Christmas period, while any services that remain open, including the Main Library, may operate reduced hours during this period. A list of the services available at the University are outlined below including study spaces, support and catering. At the bottom of the page, there are also links to local services including shops, banks, public transport and healthcare providers.
Please note that you will still be able to log in to the MyUoB app and use the intranet to access all of your normal online services throughout the Christmas break.
We're here for you
The Mental Health and Wellbeing service will close on the University's closed days. Their registration will close at 12:00 (noon) on 19 December and will reopen on 2 January.
However, UBHeard is operational every single day, 24/7 so will be open during the Christmas period.
Whatever you’re going through, we can offer a safe place for you to talk any time you like by logging in to the UBHeard Portal, through Live Chat, or calling 0800 368 5819 (Freephone UK*) or 00353 1 518 0277 (International). You can also text ‘Hi’ to 074 1836 0780 for SMS and WhatsApp support (standard rates apply). Check out our Time to Talk? intranet page for a full list of support services available at UoB.
If you need further support then visit this list of NHS services near you and available Pause in Birmingham drop-in sessions from Forward Thinking Birmingham. Pause will be open for drop ins until 20 December and closed over the Christmas period until Tuesday 9 January 2024.
If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis and believe you cannot keep yourself safe, you can attend your local A&E for immediate crisis support or call 999. The nearest A&E to the University is at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.
The Main Library stops being 24/7 at 22:00 on Sunday 17 December.
The library is then open:
| Monday 18 December - Thursday 21 December |
08:00 - 22:00 |
| Friday 22 December |
10:00 - 16:00 |
| Saturday 23 December - Tuesday 26 December |
Closed |
| Wednesday 27 December - Sunday 31 December |
10:00 - 16:00 |
| Monday 1 January |
Closed |
| Tuesday 2 January |
The Main Library will resume 24/7 opening from 08:00 |
All other libraries are closed Monday 25 December - 1 January 2024 inclusive.
Check out the library's full opening hours.
Westmere Postgraduate Research Hub
The majority of the time, postgraduate researchers and staff members have swipe card access to the Westmere building from 06:00 to 22:00. However, the building will be closed from 22:00 on Wednesday 20 December and will reopen on Tuesday 2 January 2024.
Access to University software from home
You can remotely log in to computers across campus, using our
Remote Computer Access service. You can securely access all the same specialist software that you would use on campus, on your own device - any time, anywhere. Read the news page for how to do this.
IT Service Desk - Edgbaston
Check back on this page to find IT Services' opening hours during the Christmas break.
You can also contact them using their Online/Live Chat (http://itservicedesk.bham.ac.uk) and by Phone (0121 414 7171).
University of Birmingham Sport & Fitness
Details of the Christmas opening hours for UB Sport & Fitness can be found on their opening hours webpage.
Opening Hours up to Friday 15 December 2023
| Friday 15 December |
09:00-17:00
|
|---|
| Monday 18 December to Tuesday 19 December |
09:00-17:00
|
|---|
| Wednesday 20 December |
10:00-16:00
|
|---|
| Tuesday 2 January |
09:00-17:00
|
|---|
During the University closed period, students will still be able to access our extensive studenthelp knowledgebase and submit an online enquiry. These will be responded to swiftly upon our return on Tuesday 2 January 2024.
Queries may take longer than during term-time, but every effort will be made to respond as quickly as possible.
Information for students living in University accommodation are available direct from the University's accommodation website.
Opening times
| Friday 15 December |
09:00 to 17:00 |
| Monday 18 December |
09:00 to 17:00 |
| Tuesday 19 December |
09:00 to 17:00 |
| Wednesday 20 December |
09:00 to 13:00 |
| Thursday 21 December to Monday 1 January |
Closed |
| Tuesday 2 January |
Reopens from 09:00 to 17:00 |
Opening times for catering outlets across campus and accommodation can be found below.
Main campus catering outlets (Monday to Friday, unless stated otherwise)
| Catering Outlet |
Opening times over the Christmas break |
Re-opening date |
| Medical School |
08:30-14:30
Closes on 20 December |
2 January |
| Research Park |
08:30-15:15
Closes on 20 December |
2 January |
| Atrium |
Closes on 8 December |
8 January |
| Collaborative Teaching Laboratory |
Closes on 8 December |
8 January |
| Metro |
09:00-15:30
Closes on 20 December |
2 January |
| Cantina |
10:30-15:30
Closes on 20 December
|
2 January |
| Campus Infusion |
Closes on 8 December
|
8 January |
| Events |
Closes on 20 December |
2 January |
| Fellows Library Cafe |
08:00-16:00
Closes on 20 December |
2 January |
| Brookes |
Closes on 15 December |
15 January |
| Winterbourne Tea Room |
10:30-15:30
Closes on 20 December |
12 January |
| Costa, Bramall |
08:00-16:00
Closes on 20 December
|
2 January |
| Costa, University Centre |
08:00-16:00
Closes 20 December |
2 January |
| Costa, Sport and Fitness |
08:00-18:00
Closes on 23 December |
2 January |
| Starbucks, Muirhead Tower |
08:00-17:00
Closes on 20 December |
2 January |
| Starbucks, Brookes |
08:30-16:00
Closes on 8 December |
2 January |
| The Vale |
- Infusion - last day trading on 15th December and reopen on 15th January.
- Costcutter - last day trading on 20th December and reopen on the 2nd January.
- The Lounge - to remain open every day through Vacation – 18th Dec till 12th Jan open 10am till 3pm, then normal opening hours from Sat 13th Jan (9.30am till 9pm)
|
|
| The Exchange |
08:30-16:30
Closes on 20 December |
2 January |
| The Noble Room, Staff House |
Closes on 8 December |
8 January |
The Community Safety Hub will be closed on the sames dates that the University is closed (20 Dec - 2 Jan)
Please see below for links to opening hours, healthcare providers, banks, public transport and shops for the Christmas period.
Healthcare
If you are worried about an urgent medical concern, call NHS 111 to speak to a trained NHS advisor, who will be able to direct you to the most appropriate care. Simply dial 111 from your phone. The 111 service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can also access the service online.
The Accident & Emergency department at Queen Elizabeth Hospital (next to the Medical School) is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Supermarket opening times
Please follow the links for opening times and more information about the store.
Transport
City centre shopping centres
External wellbeing services
The student space website is a great resource which includes articles such as:
- Should I go home?
- Preparing to go home
- Staying at University
- Worried about not being able to go home
Student Minds also offer a free support service 24/7.
Tell me more information about emergency contacts.