Please see below for full details of opening hours and services available over the Christmas break.
While many of you travel away from Birmingham during the vacation period, we know that some of you may choose to stay on or near campus over the Christmas period.
Most University services are closed during the Christmas period, while any services that remain open, including the Main Library, may operate reduced hours during this period. A list of the services available at the University are outlined below including study spaces, support and catering. At the bottom of the page, there are also links to local services including shops, banks, public transport and healthcare providers.
Please note that you will still be able to log in to the MyUoB app and use the intranet to access all of your normal online services throughout the Christmas break.
We're here for you
The Mental Health and Wellbeing service will close on the University's closed days. Their registration will close at 00:00 (midnight) on Wednesday 17 December and will reopen at 09:00 on Friday 2 January.
However, UBHeard is operational every single day, 24/7 so will be open during the Christmas period.
Whatever you’re going through, we can offer a safe place for you to talk any time you like by logging in to the UBHeard Portal, through Live Chat, or calling 0800 368 5819 (Freephone UK*) or 00353 1 518 0277 (International). You can also text ‘Hi’ to 074 1836 0780 for SMS and WhatsApp support (standard rates apply). Check out our Time to Talk? intranet page for a full list of support services available at UoB.
If you need further support then visit this list of NHS services near you and available Talking Space@UoB drop-in sessions at the Wellbeing Lodge, Prichatts Road No1:
- Closed - 21st December – 30th December
- Open - 31st December and 1st January 10:00am - 6:00pm on Thursday and Friday 1:00pm - 9:00pm
- Open - W/C 04/01/27 - back to 4 day week, open Tuesday to Thursday, 10:00am - 6:00pm
If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis and believe you cannot keep yourself safe, you can attend your local A&E for immediate crisis support or call 999. The nearest A&E to the University is at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.
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The Main Library stops being 24/7 at 22:00 on Sunday 13 December.
The library is then open:
- Monday 14 December - Tuesday 22 December: 08:00 - 22:00
- Wednesday 23 December - Sunday 27 December: Closed
- Monday 28 December - Thursday 31 December: 10:00 - 16:00
- Friday 1 January 2026: Closed
- Saturday 2 January The Main Library will resume 24/7 opening from 08:00
Barnes Library, and Cadbury Research Library: Closed Wednesday 23 December- Friday 1st January inclusive (Closed Sat/Sun as usual)
Check out the library's full opening hours.
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The majority of the time, postgraduate researchers and staff members have swipe card access to the Westmere building from 06:00 to 22:00.
However, the building will be closed from Tuesday 22 December and will reopen on 6 am Monday 4th Jan 2027.
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The Multifaith Chaplaincy will close at 2pm on Monday 21 December and will reopen at 10am on Monday 4 January.
Students remaining in campus accommodation during this period are encouraged to visit local places of worship in Birmingham for religious observance.
If you are staying in Birmingham and are looking for local religious services, either online or in person, please contact the chaplain for your faith tradition or denomination, who will be able to advise and support you.
Further information about our chaplains and how to contact them can be found on our website.
Access to University software from home
You can remotely log in to computers across campus, using our
Remote Computer Access service. You can securely access all the same specialist software that you would use on campus, on your own device - any time, anywhere.
University of Birmingham Sport & Fitness
Details of the Christmas opening hours for UB Sport & Fitness can be found on their opening hours webpage.
| Friday 11 December |
09:00-17:00
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| Monday 14 December to Tuesday 15 December |
09:00-17:00
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| Wednesday 16 December |
10:00-17:00
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| Thursday 17 December to Friday 18 December |
09:00-17:00
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| Monday 21 December |
09:00-11:00
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| Tuesday 22 December |
09:00-16:00
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During the University closed period, students will still be able to access our extensive studenthelp knowledgebase and submit an online enquiry. These will be responded to swiftly upon our return on Monday 4 January 2027.
Queries may take longer than during term-time, but every effort will be made to respond as quickly as possible.
Information for students living in University accommodation are available direct from the University's accommodation website. You can also check out the full schedule of Christmas events in accommodation.
Accommodation village receptions (The Vale, Selly Oak and Pritchatts Park) are open 24/7 over Christmas as usual. If staff are not in reception students are advised to call their reception telephone number and there will always be someone to assist you.
The Vale Village: 0121 415 8520
Pritchatts Park Village: 0121 414 9022
Selly Oak Village: 0121 415 1011
Food, beverage and retail on campus
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Co-op Supermarket closes 22nd Dec and opens 2nd Jan
UOB Gift shop closes 22nd Dec and opens 4th Jan
| Unit |
Closes |
Reopens |
| Atrium |
11th Dec |
11th Jan |
| The Shack |
22nd Dec |
4th Jan |
| Gisbert Kapp |
18th Dec |
4th Jan |
| Campus Express |
11th Dec |
4th Jan |
| Cuore |
18th Dec |
4th Jan |
| Cantina |
22nd Dec |
4th Jan |
| Metro |
22nd Dec |
4th Jan |
| Alan Walters |
18th Dec |
4th Jan |
| Muirhead |
18th Dec |
4th Jan |
| Winterbourne |
22nd Dec |
11th Jan |
| Campus Infusion |
22nd Dec |
11th Jan |
| Med Café |
22nd Dec |
4th Jan |
| Research Park |
22nd Dec |
4th Jan |
| Library |
22nd Dec |
4th Jan |
| Bramall |
22nd Dec |
4th Jan |
| Costa Uni Centre |
22nd Dec |
4th Jan |
| Bratby |
22nd Dec |
4th Jan |
| Costa Sport |
23rd Dec |
27th Dec |
| Exchange |
22nd Dec |
4th Jan |
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You can find the full outlet details here.
| The Community Safety Hub will be closed from Wednesday 23rd Dec 2026 and will reopen on Monday 4th January 2027. |
Please see below for links to opening hours, healthcare providers, banks, public transport and shops for the Christmas period.
Healthcare
If you are worried about an urgent medical concern, call NHS 111 to speak to a trained NHS advisor, who will be able to direct you to the most appropriate care. Simply dial 111 from your phone. The 111 service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can also access the service online.
The Accident & Emergency department at Queen Elizabeth Hospital (next to the Medical School) is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Supermarket opening times
Please follow the links for opening times and more information about the store.
Transport
City centre shopping centres
External wellbeing services
The student space website is a great resource which includes articles such as:
- Should I go home?
- Preparing to go home
- Staying at University
- Worried about not being able to go home
Student Minds also offer a free mental health support service 24/7.
Tell me more information about emergency contacts.