College Student Bulletin - 30 April 2026
Welcome back to campus, we hope you managed to fit in some rest and relaxation over Easter. This May is National Walking month, and now that the weather’s warming up it’s a great time to join the Sustainable Travel team on a Wondrous Wander around campus.
If walking’s got you in the mood to march, join UNIfied at the Birmingham Pride parade taking place on 23 May 2026 to celebrate LGBTQ+ pride, unity, and equality, before Pride Month kicks off this June.
This bulletin’s bursting with news, opportunities, and even a couple of freebies, keep reading to:
- Celebrate David Attenborough’s 100th Birthday
- Win a free social climbing session with Sport and Fitness
- Score £500 cash from Santander
UoB Xtra and Summer Term
8 – 26 June 2026
Your Summer Term programme is tailored to your studies, and you’ll find all your sessions on the MyUoB app, including research talks from world-class academics and support into your next steps at university and beyond.
UoB Xtra is your ticket to free social, sport, and celebration events to help you make the most of your summer with us. Explore the events calendar.
We’ve even got exclusive events just for LES students, sign up and register to secure your spot.
Step Forward
Thursday 11 June, 11am-1pm | Lapworth Museum
Improve your CV and explore opportunities that fit around commuting, work, and life. Sign up here
Campus Quest
Get ready to explore campus through a LES lens. Discover secret spots and snap a few selfies to complete this online photo scavenger hunt and compete for prizes. Join the Quest
LES Garden Party
18 June 1-4pm | Biosciences Undercroft and Courtyard
Join us for the hottest event of the summer with games and treats for you to enjoy. Sign up here
Celebrate Impact and Innovation at the PGR Festival
The Postgraduate Research Festival returns this June to celebrate creativity, collaboration, and excellence in postgraduate research.
Vote for your favourite in the 3 Minute Thesis People’s Choice Award and see the winner announced at the University Doctoral School Showcase on 16 June. Get your tickets now!
News
Prof Alice Roberts at Gardeners' World Live
From 18-21 June walk through The Garden of Evolution at the NEC, where you'll encounter a living landscape of primitive plants, creatures, and the beginnings of human life. Grab a 15% discount if you book before 20 May with code UOB15 at checkout. Discover the Evolution Garden
Sir David Attenborough's 100th Birthday
Sir David Attenborough is turning 100 years old on Friday the 8th of May, and you can help us celebrate. Drop by the LES Student Hub between 10am and 3pm to snap a selfie with our life-sized cut-out and sign our online birthday card.
The Birmingham Project
Stand out to employers by joining The Birmingham Project, running from 8-12 June 2026. Work in mixed‑discipline teams to solve a real sustainability challenge set by leading employers. Exclusively for first year students, secure your place on the Birmingham Project
Your support during assessments
UoBe Ready for Exams
With the main exam period starting on Monday 11 May, we’ve got plenty of useful information to help you feel prepared. Discover what to expect on the day and get UoBe Ready for assessments.
Temporary Adjustments
If you need temporary exam adjustments due to an unexpected injury/illness, let us know by completing this form and uploading supporting medical evidence. Submit your request at least 5 days before the exam so we can support you.
Parent and Carer's Online Space
Wednesday 13 May 2-3.30pm | Online
Balancing studies and responsibilities can feel tough, but you’re not alone. Our online group is the perfect space if you have parenting or caring responsibilities to share experiences, connect with people who understand, and find encouragement and practical support. Register for the online session
Opportunities
EUniWell
Got an idea that could improve wellbeing across Europe? EUniWell is now inviting applications for its 10th Seed Funding Call, and you can get all the details at the online info session on 6 May 11am-12.30pm, no registration required.
Centa REPs
CENTA is offering a range of paid research experience placements for undergraduates in the environmental sciences at our partner universities in summer 2025. Explore available projects, placements and find out how to apply.
Upgrade your cycle skills
Delivered by qualified instructors, the Sustainable Travel team's cycling skills classes range from off-road learning to on-road advanced skills. Sign up for sessions
Birmingham Gives is back!
Mark your calendar for 11–12 June! Birmingham Gives returns for an exciting 36-hour online giving event that brings our entire global community together. Help raise awareness and funding for life-changing scholarships, pioneering research, and the communities that make campus life unforgettable.
Decision making brain study
Explore the psychology behind decisions. Complete two paid sessions involving MRI and MEG tasks, plus questionnaires at the Centre for Human Brain Health. Check if you're eligible
Neuroscience Hackathon at CHBH
28-29 May 2026 | Centre for Human Brain Health
Featuring talks and helpers from Psychology, Advanced Research Computing and Mathworks, the Neuroscience Hackathon is open to people with all levels of experience. Join us for an exciting, collaborative, non-competitive event - working in Python, R, Julia, MATLAb and beyond. Sign up for the Hackathon
Geological Society membership discount
The Geological Society is offering 20% off Student memberships using code CHAMPION26. Get free access to virtual conferences, discounts on books and explore the Early Careers Network to find a mentor and kickstart your career. Join the Geological Society
Careers
Celebrate your journey and Be Proud
Whatever your journey has looked like so far, it’s yours and that’s worth celebrating. Share your proud moment for a chance to win one of five care packages worth £70. Be Proud of your journey and enter to win by Friday 8 May.
Student Spotlight
Hear from final year student Ellie Harrison about the incredible work she’s doing with Leamington Athletics Academy, launching an athletics club where children with cerebral palsy can enjoy being active, develop skills and work on their goals. Read the blog
PGT Corner
Masters Consultancy Challenge
Monday 8 – Friday 26 June
Get involved with Turner & Townsend, working in interdisciplinary groups and solve real-world business problems for employers. Learn more about the MCC
PGT touchpoints
As we move into the period when you’ll be focusing on your projects, make sure that your attendance is still captured through our touchpoints form, at least once per month. You’ll need to do this as part of your supervision meetings. Email les-es-compliance@contacts.bham.ac.uk if you have any questions. Complete the form.
PGR Corner
New notice of intention to submit form
Let us know you’ll be submitting your thesis via the new form and it will automatically notify your supervisor, no approval needed. If you’re hoping to submit earlier than 2 months prior to the minimum period of registration, you’ll need to complete an early submission request form for consideration.
You can still submit Word versions via email until 1 June.
Still getting your thesis ready? Join the Workshop on Wednesday 6 May
PGR thesis submission and examination portal
Track every stage of your thesis examination through our new portal, including progress, expected report dates, and correction deadlines. Check out our FAQs for more details:
PGR Thesis Processing System FAQs
Careers Week: craft your career with confidence
Monday 11- Friday 15 May | Online
Five days, twenty speakers, one goal: to help you make a confident move into industry. Free, online, and build for PhDs. Register for Careers Week
PhD to Freelancer: turning your expertise into freelance work & consultancy
Tuesday 12 May, 2pm |Online
Explore how you can turn your research skills and expertise into freelance and consultancy opportunities. Register for the online session
Building your academic profile during your PhD: training & development showcase
Wednesday 13 May, 11am | Online
Discover ways you can develop your academic profile in teaching, research, and public engagement. Sign up for the Showcase (https://bham.targetconnect.net/leap/event.html?id=21162&service=Careers+Service)
Dates for your diary
For a full list of what’s on, see our Student Events pages (
Guild of Students Community Litter Pick
Thursday 30 April, 1-2pm | meet at Bournbrook Pavilion
We will be picking up litter around Selly Oak to give back to the local area. Add to calendar
Women in Geosciences: past, present and future | The Geological Society of London
5 May 2026, 6-7pm | Online
This fun and engaging talk traces the journey of women in geosciences from the Middle Ages to today. Register here
The Remarkable Lives of Sooty Terns with Dr Jim Reynolds
Wednesday 6 May, 6pm | The Exchange
Perfect for bird lovers and nature enthusiasts, this talk combines cutting-edge science with captivating stories of life on the wing! Book tickets
GEES End of Year Celebration
Thursday 7 May, 3-5pm | Biosciences Undercroft
Kick back with pizza, a photo booth, and the chance to celebrate the end of teaching. Sign up here
Winterbourne Spring Vegan Market
Sunday 10 May, 10.30am-4.30pm | Winterbourne House and Garden
Discover this independent, eco-friendly market at Winterbourne, entry is free with your Student ID. Explore Winterbourne
And finally...
Win a stress busting social climbing session
Sport and Fitness are offering two free social climbing spots for LES students to help you destress during assessments. Sign up for your chance to win.
Relax and Refresh at the Main Library
Tuesday 9 and Wednesday 10 June 11am-1pm
Take some time out and drop-in to the Main Library for Pets as Therapy and a range of helpful information and advice.
Win £500 with the Santander Student Prize
Santander is giving away 200 prizes of £500 to students, degree apprentices and recent graduates across the UK this academic year. Enter by 14 May for your chance to win!