College Student Bulletin - 27 March 2026
Eid Mubarak and Nowruz Mobarak to everyone celebrating this season! Teaching finishes on Friday 27 March; take some time to rest and recharge and we’ll see you back on campus once spring is in full swing. Don’t forget your clocks will spring forward one hour on Sunday 29 March, to brighten up your evenings even more.
The next bulletin will land in your inbox on Wednesday 29 April, so till next time, read on to:
- Meet your Guild President
- Claim up to £6000 from Grundy Educational Trust
Have your say
Got 10 mins over the Easter break? Make sure you’ve had your say with the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) or the National Student Survey (NSS) and you could be in with a chance of winning £150. Have your say
Be part of something bigger
Birmingham Gives is back on 11-12 June, celebrating what makes Birmingham truly special. Join us as an ambassador to share your Birmingham connection and spark excitement by inspiring your network. Become an ambassador
News Stories
LES Student Spotlight
Over 1800 of you cast your votes in the Guild Officer elections last week, and the results are in. Congratulations to all newly elected officers, and a special shout out to our own LES students, who will be representing you in the year ahead:
- Olly Ashton – President (GEES)
- Nyamesumpa Abbey – Welfare & Community Officer (Psych)
- Dipanshi Gagh – Women’s Officer (Psych)
Meet Olly, BSc Environmental Science student and your new Guild President
“Thanks to everyone who voted for me and thank you to the staff in GEES for supporting me throughout my studies. I believe I'm the first ever Environmental Science student to become Guild President, the Uni's going green, I can tell you that!
I got into UoB on a reduced offer by coming from a low-progression area in Rural Dorset. That opportunity and so many more allowed me to be where I am now: I’m so excited to be your Guild President '26/'27! Thank you for voting for me, getting ready to bring the D.R.A.M.A.”
Supporting you
The deadline to apply to defer an exam to the August Supplementary period is 5pm Tuesday 14 April.
You can defer an examination if you:
- Have extenuating circumstances (evidence required)
- Have a Reasonable Adjustment Plan that includes exam deferrals (no evidence needed)
You can find your School’s EC form on our Academic Support page.
Support over the break
We’re still here to support you over the break. The LES Wellbeing Team are available (except University closed days) and UBHeard is on-hand 24/7.
Opportunities
Help improve student wellness at UoB
What can you tell us about UBSport Wellness Services? This research study aims to find out what you know about the support available, and the best ways to shout about it. Take part
PG Funding Opportunity for 2026/27
The Grundy Educational Trust are offering bursaries of between £1,500 and £6,000 for up to five UoB students studying STEM postgraduate programmes in 2026/27. Apply now
BEAR Challenge 2026
Join us 17-19 June to experience the University’s BlueBEAR supercomputer. Meet industry speakers, explore high‑performance computing and compete for fantastic prizes. Register your team
Student Innovation Consultant role
Join our pool of Student Innovation Consultants and work with project leads user testing, co‑creating resources, and user experience (UX) activities. Email Dr. Alison Davies for details at a.davies.1@bham.ac.uk.
Decision Making Brain Study
Explore the psychology behind decisions. Complete two paid 2.5‑hour sessions involving MRI and MEG tasks, plus short questionnaires at the Centre for Human Brain Health (CHBH). Check eligibility
Harassment Research Study
Centre-UB is conducting research on street sexual harassment and predatory behaviours, and they want to hear from you. Whether you’ve personally experienced or witnessed incidents, your participation will help create interventions that address the challenges people can face in public spaces. Complete the online questionnaire.
ASPbelong Project
Calling all 1st- and 2nd‑year neurodivergent undergraduate students (diagnosed or self‑identified) to take part in paid co‑development workshops exploring how collaborative play experiences can support belonging and social connection. Express your interest.
Careers
After a hugely successful Green Careers Fair last week, here’s what’s coming up:
Self-Employment: is it for me?
Thursday 26 March, 1-3pm | Online
Get the inside track on self-employment with insights from Careers Network and alumni, plus visa advice for international students, graduates, and researchers. Register here
How to: Get work experience with speculative applications
Thursday 26 March, 1-2pm | Online
Explore how you can apply for opportunities that may not be advertised, as well as alternative work experience routes for sectors where internships and placements are not common. Register here
LES Community Iftar
We were delighted to see so many of you at our first LES Community Iftar, enjoying delicious food, sharing Ramadan traditions, and learning a bit more about each other.
One student told us: “As a global citizen, being mindful of those around us is what makes the world a better place, and I am happy the university is homing in on that.” Explore EDI on Campus
PGT Corner
PG Work Experience bursary
If you’re a postgraduate student who has an unpaid or low-paid UK-based work opportunity between October 2025 and August 2026, apply for the work experience bursary. Eligible activities include internships, work shadowing, volunteering, and presenting at conferences. Apply for the bursary
PGR Corner
ERIC: Emerging Researchers Innovation Challenge 2026
Join this two‑day, in‑person programme on 28–29 July to build entrepreneurial skills for your research and future career. You’ll explore market research, human‑centred design, and creative teamwork, all designed specifically for PGRs. Learn more about ERIC 2026
2026 ESRC Postdoctoral Fellowship Scheme
Applications are now open for ESRC Postdoctoral Fellowships starting October 2026. Open to applicants with a UK‑awarded PhD (or near completion) and up to 15 months’ postdoc experience. Final deadline: 1 June 2026, with an earlier UoB EOI deadline to be announced. Find out more
Dates for your diary
For a full list of what’s on, see our Student Events pages
Stand Out Beyond Your Degree
Thursday 26th March, 2-3.30pm | Chemical Engineering
Birmingham Scholars, explore your skills, future goals, and hear from the Birmingham Award team. Sign up here.
Stirchley Community Spring Market
Saturday 28 March, 10am-3pm | Stirchley Community Baths, B30 2JT
Discover local traders and community organisations, plus a volunteer-run cafe. Explore Stirchley.
Quiz Night at the Museum
Wednesday 1 April, 7pm | Lapworth Museum
Compete against other teams across rounds on general knowledge, music, film, TV, science, geography, sports, pop culture and more. Get tickets
Heritage Tours at The Exchange
Saturday 4 April, 11am, 1pm and 3pm |The Exchange, Centenary Square
Explore the stunning banking hall, see the original safe deposit boxes in The Vaults, and visit rooms not normally open to the public. Book your spot
Poetry for the Planet
Wednesday 15 April, 6-8pm | The Exchange, Centenary Square
Award-winning University of Birmingham poet Isabel Galleymore leads this evening of eco-poetry and solar-inspired art. Register for the event
And finally...
Summer Exam Period Timetable
Your timetable will be released today via the MyUoB app. We’ve got answers to all your Exam related questions on our Exams page.
If there are any issues with your timetable, please contact your Year Administrator.
Chaplaincy Update
The Multifaith Chaplaincy (St Francis Hall) building will be closed from Monday 23 March until Monday 4 May, while we carry out building refurbishments. If you would like support from a Chaplain during this period, you can contact them here.