What's on in Welcome 2026: CoSS Wellbeing

Click the links below to read more on our navigating University Life sessions and to book your place. 

How to Pass Go: Learning the Rules of University
Starting university is an exciting step, but it can also come with lots of questions about how things really work. This relaxed, friendly session is here to help you settle in by uncovering the “hidden” rules of university life that aren’t always obvious at first

New to Birmingham? Understanding British Life & Culture
Why is it dark so early? Why does it rain so much? What does a raised eyebrow mean? A practical, light-hearted guide to settling into life in Birmingham.

Adjusting to life in a new country takes time, but you don’t have to do it alone. This session is designed for International Students and offers practical tips to help international students settle into life in England, from navigating weather changes and shorter days to registering with a GP and staying safe in the community. 

Tuesday 15th September 2026: 11am - 1pm
Quiet Welcome is a relaxed, low-key drop in session designed to help you feel at ease on campus. You’ll have the chance to meet other students, along with staff from the Wellbeing team, who will be on hand to answer questions, offer advice, and help you find your way around.

There will be gentle activities such as colouring and crafting, making this an ideal space if you are neurodiverse, prefer a calmer environment, or simply feel that your social energy is a little low. It’s also a great opportunity to settle in and feel comfortable before the main Welcome Week events begin.

Location: this session is in Room 103, 1st floor of the Alan Walters Building

Click the links below to read more on our sessions, which explore mindfulness, wellbeing and community building, and to book your place.

CoSS Student Wellbeing: Social & Board Game Morning 

Looking to meet fellow university students in a relaxed, welcoming space? Join us for our very first Wellbeing Social & Board Game Morning, a chance to connect, unwind, and have some fun over your favourite games! Whether you're outgoing or on the quieter side, this is a low-pressure, inclusive morning to build community, share laughs, and support one another.

Meditation and Journaling: Navigating Change
Starting something new often brings both excitement and uncertainty. In this session, you’ll be introduced to simple meditation and mindfulness practices, alongside guided journaling, to help you pause, reflect, and approach change with clarity and calm. Learn how to ground yourself in the present moment, build resilience, and create space for new opportunities as you begin your journey at UoB.

Meditation and Journaling: Building Connection with Self and Others
New beginnings are an opportunity to strengthen not only how we relate to others, but also how we connect with ourselves. In this session, you’ll explore simple mindfulness and journaling practices that encourage self-awareness, empathy, and openness. Learn how being present with yourself can support authentic connections with new friends, helping you feel grounded and part of the UOB community from the very start.

Whether you’re looking for conversation or just a calm space to unwind, you’ll find a warm welcome here.

End of the Day Quiet Cuppa

During Welcome, take a moment to pause, relax, and connect at the end of your day. From Monday 21st September through to Wednesday 23rd and Friday 25th you can join us for a friendly cuppa between 15:00 and 16:00pm in Alan Walters, Room 103, where you can meet others, share experiences, or simply enjoy some quiet time in good company.

Crafts and Boardgames

On Monday 21st September 2026 between 13:00pm and 14:50pm, you can drop in to Alan Walters, Room 103,and take part in craft activities and boardgames. Craft activities include painting, bracelet making, diamond and scratch art—perfect for taking a mindful moment and meeting new people. We will also have a range of board games available, so whether you'd like to play, chat, meet new people, or bring a friend along, we'd love to see you there!

Disability Support at UoB

If you think you might benefit from academic adjustments, (due to a disability, mental health condition, or other long-term issue) or you have had some time of adjustment at School/College (such as a laptop in an exam or extra time) then this session is for you. This drop-in session will allow you to receive advice and support on the reasonable adjustments process, as well as receive support for any academic or disability related questions in which you may have.

This event will run on the following dates and times at Alan Walters, Room 103

• Wednesday 23rd September 2026 at 14:00 – 14:50pm                       
• Thursday 24th September 2026 at 11:00 – 11:50am

Need a Breather? Join Our Relaxed Wellbeing Space

Starting university can feel overwhelming, and that’s okay.

If you're neurodiverse or experiencing anxiety and looking for a calm, welcoming space to take a break, ask questions, or just be, you're warmly invited to our Relaxed Drop-In Session on Friday 25th September, 14:00 - 14:50. No diagnosis is required!

The session is facilitated by our College Wellbeing Officers who can answer questions about uni life and help navigating support services. If you just want a quiet space to unwind, we will have refreshments and crafts that you can engage in to get away from the bustle of Welcome. No pressure, no expectations, just a safe, understanding environment.

Not sure where to go or what to do? Our Student Community Hub is the perfect place to drop in and take a break! With low-key activities, friendly faces to chat to, and comfy spaces to chill out, it really is the place to be.

CoSS Wellbeing will be taking over the Student Community Hub on Wednesday 23rd September (10am - 13:00pm) and Thursday 24th September (13:00pm - 17:00pm).

Whether you come alone or with your new flatmates or coursemates, our friendly staff and Welcome Assistants are on hand to answer any questions and help make you feel at home.

No need to book, just come and say hi!