College Student Bulletin - 15 January 2026
Welcome to your first LES College Bulletin of 2026. Assessment week is underway and we’ve got everything you need to ace your exams and get ready for semester two:
- Exam and assessment support with UoBeReady
- Plenty of chances to earn while you learn
- £5000 up for grabs with IEC 2026
News
UoBe Ready
It’s assessment season and we’re here to help you every step of the way. Check out our resources to help boost your skills and your confidence. UoBeReady
Time to Talk
We know this time of year can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. We’re here for you if you need wellbeing support. Get support
Supporting your wellbeing
Browse our self-help guides full of practical advice and support for a range of issues that may be affecting your sense of wellbeing. Explore support
Alternative exam arrangements
Once your head has cleared from January assessments, take a deep breath and get ready for semester two. If you'd like to request reasonable adjustments for the summer assessment period, or apply for overseas examinations, explore eligibility here.
Extenuating circumstances for Semester 1
All the preparation in the world can’t control the unexpected. If unavoidable circumstances have affected your studies or exam performance, please submit an Extenuating Circumstances (EC) application by 5pm Friday 23 January 2026. Apply for ECs
Cost of living support
If your budget is tighter than your belt after the holidays, we’ve got you covered. Check out our dedicated Cost of Living support pages for ways to save and manage your money, as well as special offers and discounts.
Safety on campus
Share your location, access wellbeing assistance, and get first aid with our SafeZone app, designed to keep you safe and give you a direct link to our Community Safety and Security team. Get the app
Opportunties
NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP) 2026
Ready to begin your career as an NHS scientist? Apply to join the Scientist Training Programme, including a full salary, to take the next step with your career. Apply by 4pm Friday 16 January.
Go Global Summer Fair
Wednesday 21 January 2026 1-4pm | Debating Hall, Guild of Students
Speak to students, visitors, and the Go Global team about how you can discover new destinations, make friends and increase your employability. Add to your calendar
Link up with Inclusive Employers
Change 100 gives postgraduate, penultimate, and final year students with disabilities and long-term health conditions access to life-changing employment opportunities. Apply to Change 100
Oxford University Museum of Natural History Bursary
Work on exciting projects in natural sciences research, museum operations, and public engagement with science. Apply for paid positions if you're in your second year or later. Register here
Boost your career
Brand new work experience resources
Looking to boost your skills and stand out? Explore Careers Network's online events page to see what’s on offer, and find tailored Pathways for:
Postgraduate Corner
PG Work Experience Bursary
Apply for up to £1000 if you are a postgraduate student who has secured an unpaid or low paid UK-based work opportunity between October 2025 and August 2026. Apply for Bursary
Introduction to the Birmingham Award for Postgraduates
Wednesday 21 January, 2-3pm | Online
Find out how you can boost your CV with the employer recognised Birmingham Award. Register here.
The AHRC/ESRC International Placement Scheme 2026
Apply for paid research placements at major cultural institutions, including Huntington Library, Shanghai Theatre Academy, and the Smithsonian Institution. ESRC students are also eligible for placements at the Library of Congress. Apply before 19 March
3 Minute Thesis
The Birmingham 3MT 2026 competition is officially open for submissions! Whether you are on campus or researching remotely, you’re invited to showcase your work in a concise, compelling, three-minute presentation. Birmingham Three Minute Thesis
Paid Micro-Consulting Opportunities for STEM PhD Students
Join a network of PhD consultants and apply your brainpower to real-world deep tech challenges - on your schedule. Whether you can offer 1 or 10 hours per week, get matched with projects when you’re available. Find out more and sign up as an Associate.
Energy Research Accelerator (ERA) Community Fund
The ERA/C‑DICE Community Fund offers up to £2,500 to help doctoral and postdoctoral researchers create engaging events on energy or net‑zero themes. You’ll also get expert support from the ERA Skills team to make your event the best it can be. Apply here before 26 January 2026.
Student Spotlight
Whether you’re cramming in some last-minute studying, or planning your time for semester two, check out these tips from Student Content Shaper Hannah for the best spaces to study on campus.
Read the Blog
Got something to share? We’d love to hear from you! Send a photo and a 50 word summary of where UoB has taken you to lesstudentcomms@contacts.bham.ac.uk.
Dates for your diary
For a full list of what’s on, see our Student Events pages
Study Abroad and Exchange Drop-in
15 - 16 January 10-4pm | 19 - 20 and 22 - 23 January 2-4pm
If you’ve just joined us in Birmingham, come along to have your questions answered by our experienced staff. Visit Aston Webb Student Hub
Psychology Coffee Social
19 January 2pm | The Link, Gisbert Kapp
Every Monday at 2pm throughout the Spring term, join Dr Artur Brzozowski and fellow students in the school of Psychology for a coffee and a chat. Visit The Link
Global Board Game Café at the Guild
Tuesdays from 20 January 7-10pm | Mermaid Bar, Guild of Students
Meet people from across the world and bring your ‘A-game’ for some of the best board games. Add it to your calendar
Disability Support Drop-in
Wednesday 21 January, 1-3pm | Careers Corner at the Main Library Ground Floor.
Come along and speak to staff to find out how we can support your studies with us. Drop in
Artisan Market (last Tuesday of every month)
Tuesday 27 January 10-4pm | University Square
Have a wander around the market and explore the stalls, from tasty snacks to beautiful trinkets. There’s something for everyone! Add it to your calendar
And finally...
Housing Fair and Housr
There’s no rush to rent, but if you’re thinking about your accommodation for next September, we’ve got you covered. Between the Housr app and the Guild Housing Fair, you can find answers to all your housing questions.
Intercampus Enterprise Competition 2026
Submit an idea and compete to win £5,000. Enrol on the Canvas Course and register for the Competition Launch on 21 January. Register for the Launch
International Support Sessions
Thank you to everyone who turned out to celebrate at our International Student Sessions Christmas Party. We were delighted to see over 60 students from schools across the university, including GEES, Bio, history and music. Keep an eye on your Bulletin for future event announcements.