What's on for students

The student events calendar will help you find events taking place over the coming semester. From meeting new people to developing skills, there are a variety of events taking place across the University. We've hand-picked some of the highlights that we think you will find interesting and useful.

Unless specified otherwise, events are suitable for all undergraduate and postgraduate students. Got a student event you would like to be added? Contact us with the details.

Events this week

The Spring Vacation period will run from Monday 25 March - Friday 19 April. The University will remain open as usual during this period with the exception of the Bank Holidays and Closed Days on Friday 29 March, Sunday 31 March, Monday 1 April, Tuesday 2 April, and Wednesday 3 April. Most services and departments will close on these days.

The Main Library will close at 22:00 on Thursday 28 March and will re-open at 8:00 on Tuesday 2 April, when 24/7 opening will resume. Find out more about opening times on campus this vacation.

Need to talk? Remember that UB Heard is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 

PGR Chat: Teaching as a PGR

Monday 25 March, 11:00-12:00, online

Suitable for postgraduate research students

Come and chat with other PGRs about teaching - share your experiences, insights and concerns online! 

This PGR Chat is especially around teaching. As a PGR, you may be new to teaching, looking for ways to gain teaching experience, aiming to level up your practice, or simply looking for a place to share experiences at the end of Semester Two! Join UGS Scholars (PGR) Dani and Katrina as we chat about this subject online so you can fit it around your timetable. Bring your favourite hot drink and let's chat!

Book now

Multi-Faith Chaplaincy: Take time together in Lent

Wednesday 27 March, from 13:00, St Francis Hall

Suitable for students with an interest in Christian faiths

Take time together in Lent, for sacred stories, stillness and silence. Open to any student who wishes to attend - come along to the Multi-Faith Chaplaincy at St Francis Hall, next to the Guild of Students.

The PGR Lunch Club

Thursday 28 March, 12:00-13:00, Lounge, Westmere House

Suitable for postgraduate research students

Join us at Westmere House, the PGR Community Hub, every two weeks for lunch. Times are getting tougher recently and many of us are cutting back on treats but we don't want you to miss out on opportunities to take breaks from work with friends. So join us for lunch on us!

We'll have a few different cold food options to suits a range of dietary requirements, alongside hot drinks. Please note that food will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. This is a chance to spend some time away from your desk, save some money and chat to new people all at the same time.

If you can, bring a mug for your hot drink and save us from using disposable cups.

Register now

PGR Social Badminton

Monday 1 April, 18:00-19:00, Slater Hall, Sport & Fitness Centre

Suitable for postgraduate researcher students

An informal, social badminton event for PGRs of all levels to relax and meet new people. Racquets and Shuttlecocks are provided!

Join us for PGR Social Badminton, hosted by UGS Scholars Michael and Ally!

Come join our inaugural badminton social for some active fun followed by hot drinks at the café! This event is open to absolutely all skill levels, even if you've never heard of badminton before, and all equipment will be provided. Just show up with some athletic clothes and trainers!

The event will take place at Slater Hall inside Sport and Fitness, but we'll plan to meet in the Sport and Fitness lobby at 18:50 and then head to Slater Hall together. If you arrive late, simply ask for Slater Hall at the reception of Sports & Fitness. We have the courts booked from 18:00 to 19:00. 

Book now

Easter holiday activities for families and children: Saturday 23 March - Sunday 7 April

Junior Sports Camp and Intensive Swimming Lessons

Throughout the Easter holidays

This Easter, our Junior Sports Camp and Intensive Swimming lessons will be returning!

Our Sport & Fitness team will be running Junior Sports Camp for those aged 8-13, with a schedule packed full of activities! Juniors will get the opportunity to try a wide range of sports each day of the camp, including martial arts, swimming, climbing, squash, tennis, badminton and various ball sports, all led by our energetic camp leaders and expert coaches.

Our Easter Intensive Lessons are here to help children in Ducklings and Stages one to seven of our programme. It’s also an excellent opportunity for swimmers in Stages three to five, who are eager to make significant progress to advance to the next stage.

Explore our offer

Calligraphy Workshop at Library of Birmingham

Saturday 23 March, 14:00-14:45 and 15:15-16:00, Children's Library, Library of Birmingham

Join a free, fun workshop for children aged 8 and over with the experts from the Pen Museum. You do not need to book, but spaces are limited, so arrive early!

This is an external event organised by the Children's Library.

AI FUTURES: Code masters' Easter hunt

Monday 25 March - Thursday 28 March, 10:00-15:00 (drop in), The Exchange, Centenary Square (B1 2DR)

This Easter we're inviting families to celebrate the heritage of our beautiful building. Pick up a self-guided trail and crack the code - get it right and you'll be led to a safety deposit box in The Vaults with a tasty surprise!

The trail is available Monday 25 - Thursday 28 March, between 10:00-15:00 daily. Admission is free.

This event is presented as part of AI Futures, a journey into the brave new world of artificial intelligence through the lens of University of Birmingham research. Our programme of exhibitions and events runs February - November 2024 at The Exchange.  

Family-friendly heritage tours at The Exchange

Tuesday 26 March - Thursday 28 March, 10:00-14:30, The Exchange Centenary Square (B1 2DR)

New for 2024, our family tours take you on an interactive exploration of The Exchange.With help from our guides, step into  the shoes of those who once worked and banked in this historic building. In the Board Room, help the bank manager balance the books. Design your dream working lunch in the former canteen. And consider the special things you'd safeguard in the safety deposit boxes as you explore The Vaults.

Tours last approximately 90 minutes and run twice each day:

  • Tuesday 26 March: 10:00-11:30 and 13:00-14:30
  • Thursday 28 March: 10:00-11:30 and 13:00-14:30

Suitable for families with children aged 6+ years.  Free, booking essential.

Book now 

Events next month

Monday 8 - Sunday 14 April

Museum Tours: Lapworth Museum of Geology

Monday 8 April, 12:00-13:00, Lapworth Museum of Geology

Suitable for all students

Dumbfounded by dinosaurs, confused about clastics, puzzled by pyrite? Why not join us today on our tour of the Museum and get the chance to see behind the scenes!

Join Museum staff and volunteers for a guided tour of the Museum. All tours are free of charge and are run on a first come first served basis - please meet at reception. 

UGS: Mental Health Workshop: An Introduction to Mental Health

Tuesday 9 April, 14:00-15:30, online

Suitable for postgraduate students

Mental health is talked about and thought about now more than ever. Whether it is mental health provision, mental health in the workplace, or mental health in education, it is a topic in the forefront of everyone’s minds. But how much do you really know about mental health? What exactly is mental health and how does it relate to physical health? What are some common triggers of mental health?

This University Graduate School workshop is essential for those wanting to learn the fundamentals of mental health. It includes an introduction to the topic and covers mental health disorders. From the numbers behind mental health in the UK and worldwide, to tips around encouraging positive mental health, this workshop is suitable for people not acquainted with the topic all the way to mental health professionals themselves.

You will take away the knowledge that will enable you to understand the topic of mental health, and key tips such as identifying the different types of mental health stressors and early warning signs, and how to improve your wellbeing.

Register now

Monday 15 - Sunday 21 April

UGS: PGR Film Club - PK

Thursday 18 April, 18:00-21:00, Westmere House, PGR Community Hub - Seminar Room

Suitable for postgraduate research students

A PGR-Led Monthly Film Club for postgraduate researchers. Join us to watch a film and chat about it!

Looking for a film with a mix of Bollywood, hilarious comedy and deeply moving spiritual and moral themes? Then PK is the film for you. A Rajkumar Hirani film, starring Amir Khan in a leading role, this film will have you laughing, crying and ruminating on the powerful messages throughout.

PK is a comedy of ideas that sharply brings into focus the frauds, follies and foibles of our world through the innocent eyes of a guest from galaxies away. UGS Scholar Katrina will be running this event. In true Bollywood fashion we'll have Indian food as well as our usual snacks and cosy blankets!

Book now

Monday 22 - Sunday 28 April

UGS: PGT Essentials - Managing your research project

Wednesday 24 April, 12:00-13:30, online

Suitable for postgraduate taught students

Research skills are an important part of postgraduate study, whether you're tackling Semester Two assignments or the start of your dissertation. But managing your research project for the first time can be overwhelming and unfamiliar - how can you plan your time most effectively? What is a research question? What does a supervisor expect from you? Where do you start?

Join the University Graduate School and the Academic Skills Centre for this online workshop on research skills, approaches and methods, followed by a Q&A where you can ask any questions related to research, finding study materials, or tackling large research-based projects.

Register now

Everyday & Advanced Bike Skills (Yellow Course)

Wednesday 24 April, 17:00-19:00, meet on campus

Suitable for all students

Want to improve your cycling skills? Join a three week course designed to help you develop your everyday bike skills, and take the next step in your confidence to ride on busier roads.

Led by a qualified and experienced cycling instructor, the first two sessions teach riding on campus and local roads and at simple junctions with mostly moderate motor traffic flows (everyday skills). The third session progresses to riding on more challenging roads, and  in varied traffic situations, including larger rounadabouts, and roads with multiple lanes (advanced skills).

Not got a bike in Birmingham? We can provide one for you, or you can bring your own if you do. The course is limited to six participants, so that you can learn in a small group. The full course of three sessions costs £6 for students.

Apply now

Academic Skills Centre: Exams and Revision workshop

Thursday 25 April, 12:00-13:00, online

Suitable for undergraduate and postgraduate taught students

This online workshop will help you prepare for your exams whether you're taking them online or in-person. It will help you reflect on your own approaches to revision, consider different strategies for revising, and ensure you’re prepared on the day for the exam. 

Book now

Monday 29 April - Sunday 5 May

Academic Skills Centre drop-ins (in-person)

Monday 29 April, 12:00-13:00, Academic Skills Centre, Main Library

Suitable for undergraduate and postgraduate taught students

A chance to ask quick questions to one of our academic skills advisors. We can cover topics such as: referencing, finessing your writing, revision techniques. No need to book - drop-in at the Academic Skills Centre on the first floor of the Main Library.

Techniques to improve stress optimisation for better mental health and wellbeing with Dr Sarah Williams

Monday 29 April, 13:00-14:00, online and in-person (TBC)

Suitable for all students

Dr Sarah Williams is an Assistant Professor in Sport and Performance Psychology in the School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Birmingham. Her research focusses on investigating and establishing how techniques can effectively alter appraisals and responses to stress to promote better mental health and wellbeing and improve performance. Sarah has identified dispositions associated with resilience and more adaptive coping with stress, and has used this work to develop interventions to help individuals reframe stressful situations and view stress more adaptively enabling them to cope and even thrive in these situations. 

This seminar is free to attend and is open to all, both within and outside the University. Attendance is possible both in person and on zoom, registration in advance is required.  

Book now 

Careers Network: The Birmingham Project explained

Tuesday 30 April, 11:00-11:45, online

Suitable for first year undergraduate students

The Birmingham Project is an intensive and exciting one-week challenge for first year undergraduate students that takes place on the Birmingham campus from 10 - 14 June 2024.

This year we are pleased to announce we are working with Condé Nast, Expedia Group, HSBC, Siemens, Transport for West Midlands, and West Midlands Combined Authority.

Find out how you can work with one of the six employers to solve a real world employer challenge. It's a great way to superboost your CV and prepare for life after uni early by developing transferable skills that employers are looking for. 

During this session, we will show you how the week unfolds, how you are guided and the experience you can expect during the week. You can also hear from students who have already completed the Project and find how it has helped them.

Register now

Academic Skills Centre: Study and Revise Together

Tuesday 30 April, 11:00-13:00, Academic Skills Centre, Main Library

Suitable for all students

Would you like to get some independent studying or revision done, in a productive, supportive, environment? Join us at the Academic Skills Centre to study and revise together. We’ll avoid procrastination by setting ourselves goals at the start, and using breaks effectively.

There’s no need to book, just pop along to the Academic Skills Centre on the first floor of the Main Library.

Academic Skills Centre drop-ins (online)

Wednesday 1 May, 14:00-15:00, online

Suitable for undergraduate and postgraduate taught students

A chance to ask quick questions to one of our academic skills advisors. We can cover topics such as: referencing, finessing your writing, revision techniques. Join the drop-ins via the Canvas course.

Academic Skills Centre: Study and Revise Together

Thursday 2 May, 13:00-15:00, Academic Skills Centre, Main Library

Suitable for all students

Would you like to get some independent studying or revision done, in a productive, supportive, environment? Join us at the Academic Skills Centre to study and revise together. We’ll avoid procrastination by setting ourselves goals at the start, and using breaks effectively.

There’s no need to book, just pop along to the Academic Skills Centre on the first floor of the Main Library.

Daily events and services

Galleries and museums on campus

Galleries at Barber Institute of Fine Arts

Closed for renovation until Spring 2024

The galleries at the Barber Institute are closed until Spring 2024 for essential building improvements, but you can still enjoy the collections through the Barber Student programme with events and activities for all students.

Find out more

Lapworth Museum of Geology

Monday-Friday, 10:00-17:00, and Saturday 12:00-17:00, Lapworth Museum of Geology

The Lapworth Museum of Geology are delighted to welcome visitors to explore life over the past 3.5 billion years! Explore the collections, meet Roary the campus dinosaur, and enjoy the interactive exhibits.

From rocks and fossils to volcanoes, earthquakes, and even dinosaurs, the Museum captures the imagination of all ages. Entry to the museum is free for all visitors.

Find out more

Winterbourne House and Garden

Daily, 10:30-17:00 (last entry 16:30), Winterbourne House and Garden, Edgbaston Park Road

Suitable for all students.

Winterbourne House and Garden is open daily, including the shop and tea room. Explore the Edwardian Arts and Crafts garden, lovingly created by the homeowners Margaret and John Nettlefield. Discover the garden's treasures, find a place to relax, and take in the views across the hidden Edgbaston pool.

Entry is free with your student ID card (and for your children under 16).

Find out more

Academic support

Academic Skills Centre appointments

Monday-Friday, 09:00-17:00, Zoom or Microsoft Teams

Suitable for undergraduate, postgraduate taught, and MRes students

The Academic Skills Centre offer confidential individual appointments for undergraduates, postgraduate taught and MRes students (for writing skills) to help with: writing skills, study strategies, referencing, and searching for high quality sources for your assignments.

Appointments are available throughout the academic year from Monday to Friday 09:00 to 17:00, with a reduced service outside of term time. We can offer you four appointments per academic year.

For students in Singapore, appointments are available Monday to Friday 09:00 to 12:00 UK time (17:00 and 20:00 Singapore time) via Zoom. For students in Dubai, appointments are available 10:00-16:00 UK time (14:00-20:00 Dubai time). Please book five working days in advance.

Book now

Digital Skills appointments

Monday-Friday, 09:00-17:00, Zoom

Suitable for all students

The Digital Skills team provides one to one appointments for advice or software support related to a specific task or activity.

The Digital Skills team can help support any student by providing digital resources for M365 tools such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint. We can also help with things like creating digital multimedia such as posters, and basic video editing. We are unable to support non-standard or school/college bespoke tools.

Book now

Maths Support Centre

Monday-Friday, 10:00-16:00, Main Library or Zoom

Suitable for undergraduate and postgraduate taught students

Many students experience difficulties with mathematical and statistical content during their university studies. We offer advice and support to Taught students from all disciplines. Whether you need help with your programme of study or guidance on numerical reasoning tests, we are here to help you develop your mathematical skills.

Drop in support is available 10:00-16:00 in the Main Library on weekdays - no need to book, just turn up to see our tutors. Appointments are available for those unable to attend the Main Library.

The drop-in support will resume on Monday 29 January 2024.

Find out more

Academic English 1-1 appointments

Monday-Friday, online

Suitable for international students

1-2-1 English is available toall undergraduate and postgraduate international students. It is a bookable service, see below, and provides individual and confidential support with Academic English. The aim of the tutorial is to teach and advise you so that you can improve your academic studies and submissions. During your 30-minute consultation you will be able to ask questions about any aspect of your English.

You can book up to 4 sessions per semester. Book via the Canvas course.

What's on at the ASC

We host a weekly online drop-in on a Wednesday afternoon (14:00-15:00 UK time) during term time, where you can receive quick advice relating to academic skills. Enrol on our Canvas course to access the Zoom link. Please note that we alternate between offering advice on research and writing skills. Please check the schedule to see what is being covered each week. The drop-in will resume on Wednesday 24 January 2024.

Further information can be found on our ASC What's On Page

Research support

Research Skills appointments

Monday-Friday, 09:00-17:00, Microsoft Teams, Zoom or in-person

Suitable for postgraduate research students

The Research Skills Team offers one-to-one appointments on the following topics:

  • Literature searching (advising on but not undertaking literature/systematic reviews)
  • Referencing and EndNote
  • ORCiD and curating online publication profile
  • Research metrics
  • Using other libraries
  • Introductory advice in Open Access, Research Data Management and copyright

Book now

Tea with a research librarian

Tuesdays, 15:00-16:00, Zoom

Suitable for postgraduate research students

Each Tuesday one of our Research Skills Advisors makes themselves a cup of tea and waits patiently for your questions. Join them via Zoom to keep them company, and ask anything research skills or library-related.

  • Library collections and resources
  • Doing excellent literature searching
  • Managing your references
  • Basics of managing data
  • Setting up an ORCID
  • Anything else library related you've always wanted to ask - no question too basic!

PGRs can access the link from their Canvas course.

Digital Skills appointments

Monday-Friday, 09:00-17:00, Zoom

Suitable for all students

The Digital Skills team provides one to one appointments for advice or software support related to a specific task or activity.

The Digital Skills team can help support any student by providing digital resources for M365 tools such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint. We can also help with things like creating digital multimedia such as posters, and basic video editing. We are unable to support non-standard or school/college bespoke tools.

Book now

PGR development from the Research Skills Team

Visit our PGR development page where you will find details and booking links for workshops and online courses for PGRs delivered by the Research Skills Team in Library Services.

Find out more

Induction training

Visit our online induction material page for new postgraduate researchers where you will find information including an introduction to library resources, spaces, and support, and how we can help you to develop as a researcher, how you can use keyword and subject heading searching to make your literature search precise and effective and Key databases to help you find literature in your subject amongst lots of other useful information.

Find out more

Wellbeing support

Pause@UoB drop-ins

Wednesday and Thursdays, 11:00-17:00, Lodge No. 1 (North Gate)

Suitable for students up to their 25th birthday.

Pause@UoB are an NHS-backed initiative that offers you emotional support right here on campus, led by our friendly team of qualified therapists, practitioners and trained volunteers. Drop-in sessions on Wednesdays and Thursdays will start again from Wednesday 6 April.

Find out more

UBHeard - mental health support line

24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Suitable for all students

UBHeard is a confidential listening and support service for all registered students (undergraduate and postgraduate) that gives you immediate emotional and mental health support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

You will be able to speak to a mental health professional and counsellor who will guide you through any issues you may currently be facing – at University or at home. UBHeard offers immediate in-the-moment telephone support, and where appropriate, up to six sessions of counselling for mild-moderate issues.

Find out more

Student Mentors

Drop in weekdays, 16:00-20:00 during term-time, Shackleton or by email and phone

Suitable for students living in University accommodation

Your Student Mentor Scheme Team are here to offer you help and support whilst you live in University accommodation.

All 15 of the Mentors are current students, so know what living in halls is really like! They can help you with information, guidance and support in a range of areas - including wellbeing, accommodation, academic and financial queries

So if you have a query or need advice from a friendly fellow student – talk to them! You can drop in to their base at Shackleton (next to the Duck & Scholar) between 16:00-20:00 weekdays during term time, or contact them by email, phone, or on their socials.

Email Student Mentors

Follow on Instagram

Find out more

Better than Well

Support available throughout the week (see timetable below), The Lodge, North Gate

Better Than Well is a community of recovering students on campus at UoB who support each other in shaping and maintaining an abstinence based life in higher education through peer support, mutual aid, “sober social” activities and recovery focused groups and meetings.

What we offer:

  • A weekly open meeting in ‘celebration’ of recovery that provides continued support to BTW members, face to face and on zoom. This meeting is a chance for recovering students to share their thoughts, feelings, concerns, hopes and successes around life as a student in recovery.
  • Drop-ins at The Lodge, North Gate, for students to take a break from their studies and busy schedules for a tea, a friendly chat and helpful support.
  • Support in attending addiction recovery support meetings in the local community, a local representative from the recovery community will be on hand to take students to local meetings.
  • A 12-step recovery meeting on campus
  • Mindfulness meditation classes
  • A monthly “Sober Social” activity
  • Access to Smart Recovery meeting on campus

View the Better Than Well timetable

Wellbeing support for postgraduates

You can join the University Graduate School for dedicated mental health workshops for all UoB postgraduates, led by Bloomwise, a mental health consultancy set up by two UoB PGRs.  We have expert workshops led by Bloomwise online and in-person throughout the year.

The Graduate School offers an online group coaching programme for PGRs to help manage challenges. The coaching sessions are run by The PhD Life Coach, more information can be found by visiting PGR weekly online coaching.

Our UGS Scholars also run regular, friendly socials to bring postgrads together.

Safety and security support

Community Safety Team drop-ins

Monday-Friday, 10:00-16:00, No. 2 Lodge, by North Gate

Based in the new Community Safety Hub at Lodge No.2, North Gate, our friendly team offer you a safe, confidential space to ask any safety questions or share your concerns. Available all year round and open 10:00-16:00, Monday to Friday you can pop along to pick up FREE safety and security products.

Working with the Guild, the Team are able to offer personal safety alarms, home security devices, and bike D-locks.

Selly Express

Monday-Friday, 19:00-00:00 midnight, bus stop behind the Main Library/Spar

The Guild’s shuttle bus service, the Selly Express, is your FREE evening shuttle bus service from campus to Selly Oak.

The bus runs from Monday - Friday during term time, and collects students at 19:00, 20:00, 21:00, 22:00, 23:00, and 00:00, close to the Main Library, behind Spar (on the corner of Westgate and Ring Road).

You don’t need to buy a ticket to ride the Selly Express. Just show up with your student ID and tell the driver exactly where you’d like to be dropped off, and we'll either drop you at the exact location, or for smaller roads that the bus may not be able to navigate, as near to your front door as we possibly can.

Find out more

Regular prayer and worship

The Multi-Faith Chaplaincy are providing regular opportunities for collective prayer and worship across various faith traditions, both in person and online. Subscribe to the weekly Multi-Faith Chaplaincy newsletter to find out what is happening each week.

Subscribe to the newsletter

Sport and Fitness

Social Sport

Check out the daily timetable for social sport at Sport & Fitness! Choose from a range of sports on a Pay & Go basis, including basketball, netball, kickboxing, badminton, and boxing.

The Just Play sessions are hosted by Sport Activators to maximise your time to play, whist the Coach & Play sessions provide some coaching and the opportunity for a friendly game.

Find Social Sport

Climbing

Did you know we have our own climbing wall? For beginners, our Taster Sessions are a great introduction with a qualified instructor. If you're already a competent climber, our Pay & Go sessions let you get stuck in - all equipment (except shoes) is included.

See Climbing options

Fitness Classes

Explore the range of Fitness Classes that take place throughout the week, available on a Pay & Go basis. From Barre to Yoga, Aqua Fit to Boxercise, there is something for all needs and abilities.

Check out the timetable

Student Memberships

We offer a range of student memberships across Sport & Fitness and Tiverton Gym. Find out which one might suit you.

Explore memberships

Active Residences

Active Residences is a sport and exercise programme designed specifically and exclusively for University of Birmingham students living in University and partner-owned accommodation.

It doesn’t matter if you’ve never played sport or exercised before; there’s something for everyone and it’s right on your doorstep.

So, join us and get active to help improve your wellbeing, mental and physical health, and feel a sense of belonging in our student community.

Check out the timetable

Colleges

Professional Services