Your College Student Bulletin - Thursday 5 November 2026
Welcome back to your fortnightly College Bulletin. Sunday 8 November marks Diwali, the Festival of Lights. There’s plenty going on to mark the occasion. Read on and join the India Institute for an afternoon celebrating Indian Culture. In this edition:
- Men’s mental health this November
- Get the latest careers updates
- Discover Isobel’s PhD journey
News
Travel Survey
It’s your last chance to tell us how you travel to campus. Share your experiences and your travel habits, and you could win vouchers for local businesses. Have your say
Men’s Mental Health
We’re welcoming Dave Walsh, a renowned British strongman, to talk about his mental health journey and how to navigate challenges. Sign up here
Supporting you
Aquarius
Aquarius is a brand new monthly drop-in service, available to all students on campus to discuss addictions. Find out when the next drop-in is
Cost of Living Support
As the winter nights draw in, we’re here to support your financial Wellbeing. Take a look at the Guild’s Hardship Fund and the Student Support Fund, opening soon. Explore support
Extenuating Circumstances
If there are unforeseen circumstances that have impacted your ability to complete your work, please remind yourself of the extension and extenuating circumstances processes and how to apply. Academic support
SafeZone App
Wherever you are on campus, security services are available 24/7, 365 days a year, to support you. Download the SafeZone app to your phone for immediate support anywhere on campus. Download SafeZone
Opportunities
Postgraduate Open Day
Thinking about doing a masters or PhD? Join us at our Open Day on Saturday 14 November and discover where further study can take you and your career. Book your place
Lunch with a Leader
Wednesday 25 November
Join Sarah Lee and hear about her experience as a partner at Slaughter and May. Apply by Weds 4 Nov
Careers
Stay Up to Date with Careers Network
Discover your weekly roundup of upcoming events, opportunities and deadlines every Friday through dedicated Careers Network Canvas courses.
Make sure your Canvas notifications are switched on so you don't miss out. Explore your Careers Canvas course:
School of Psychology
School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences
School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences
School of Biosciences
Law Careers Fair 2026
Wednesday 11 November 2026, 12.30 – 3.00pm | The Great Hall, Aston Webb
Discover a career in Law and beyond – even if you don’t study law. Make sure to come to our Law Unlocked insights talk afterwards, 3.30-5pm in Aston Webb WG5.
Student Spotlight
Isobel's PhD Journey
We caught up with Isobel, 2nd year PhD student, to hear how she got interested in research and where your academic aspirations can take you. Hear her story
PGR Corner
Job Hunting beyond Academia: Top Tips for Postgrads
Tuesday 10 November, 11.00 – 12.30pm | Online
Develop a 'multi-pronged' and effective approach to job hunting beyond academia, with all your questions answered by our expert panel. Register here
Academic Writing Month: Take The Next Step in Your Writing
This Academic Writing Month, set a writing goal and make meaningful progress with your research. There are plenty of ways you can make a breakthrough; discover our support pages to find out what suits you. Academic Writing Support
International Students
UK Work Visas: What you need to know
Friday 13 November, 12.00 – 1.00pm | Online
Interested in working in the UK after your studies or research? Join us to learn about the four main post-study work visas available to international graduates in the UK. The session will end with a Q&A, giving you the chance to put your questions on this topic to the Ward Hadaway legal team. Register here
Dates for your diary
For a full list of what’s on, see our Student Events pages
GEES Coffee Morning
Tuesday 10 November, 12.30 - 1.30pm | GEES Common Room
Come along for the second of our coffee mornings, a chance to kick back with a hot drink and biscuits.
Psych Coffee Morning
Wednesday 11 November 12.00 - 1.00pm | The Link
Come along for a coffee morning, a chance to kick back with a hot drink and biscuits.
Speed Faithing: Connecting Through Conversation
Wednesday 11 November, 1.00 - 2.30pm | Multifaith Chaplaincy
As part of Inter Faith Week, come together with people of different faiths, beliefs and worldviews for a series of short, guided conversations. Register here.
Alumni Talks – Paul Bird
Thursday 12 November, 3.00 - 4.30pm | Biosciences NG08
Join University of Birmingham alumnus Paul Bird, as he returns to the Edgbaston campus to share his perspective on the NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP) and how to stand out from the crowd during the competitive application process.
Housemate Finder
Thursday 12 November, 4.30 - 7.30pm | Oakbrook Park Hub
Tuesday 17 November, 4.30 - 7.30pm | Shackleton
Find your future housemates at our social. Meet others looking for next year’s housing at this friendly mixer.
Comedy Night at Elgar Concert Hall
Friday 13 November 2026, 7.00 - 9.00pm | Elgar Concert Hall
Get ready to laugh your socks off at the next comedy night. Bring your student ID for a discount on tickets. Book your tickets
The Power of Arts, Science and Society in Tackling Water Challenges
Thursday 19 November, 1.00 - 8.00pm | C Block Lecture Theatre
We know more than ever about our changing water systems. So why is action so slow? Join artists, scientists and decisionmakers in this multi-disciplinary conversation. Register here
Comedy Night at the Lapworth Museum
Thursday 26 November | Show 1: 6.30 - 7.15pm, Show 2: 8.00 - 8.45pm
Enjoy a night of live comedy headlined by award-winning comedian Alex Franklin at the unique Lapworth Museum of Geology. Book your early bird tickets for £6.99.
Alumni Talks – Benjamin Man
Thursday 26 November, 4.00 - 5.00 pm | Biosciences 301
Join Birmingham graduate Benjamin Man (MSci Geology, 2014) as he returns to Edgbaston to share his insights into his career as a planetary scientist with the European Space Agency.
And finally...
Don’t forget to update your personal details via My Details on the MyUoB app or the intranet.