What's on for students

Barber Family Half-Term Workshop: Wonders of the Artist's Workshop

Tuesday 30 May and Thursday 1 June, 11:00-15:00, Barber Institute

Suitable for students with children or your relatives

Discover the life of an artist-in-training, 500 years ago, before joining the workshop to learn the tricks of the trade! This May half-term holiday, families will become experts in the art of visual storytelling by combining traced characters from the Barber’s Renaissance collection with their own creative compositions.

Choose colours that add meaning to your tale and set your story into a rural landscape, whether dazzling blue lakes before a distant city, a sparse rocky desert, or lush green hills as far as the eye can see.

Perfect for families with children aged 2–12 years old. This workshop is for children and their carers to enjoy together, held at the Barber Institute of Fine Arts in our foyer area. Refreshments and all materials will be provided.

No need to book, just drop in.

Wondrous Wander: Old Joe to Harborne via the Story of the 6888th Battalion

Tuesday 30 May, 17:00-18:00, meet at Old Joe clock tower

Suitable for all students

Join us for an informative and social commute on foot from Old Joe to Harborne. 

Experts from the Black Heritage Walks Network will be sharing the story of the 6888th battalion, an all-black, all-female US army battalion that was stationed near UoB in the second world war. 

The first battalion of its kind, the 6888 administered the US army's postal service. This battalion fought adversity, racism and remarkably sorted out thousands of mail items for servicemen in half the time, using an innovative 24-hour shift system.

The walk will take approximately 45 minutes so expect to arrive at Harborne just before 18:00. Find out more. Places are limited.

Email to book  

Free Body Combat class

Tuesday 30 May, 18:00-18:50, Studio 2, Sport & Fitness Centre

Suitable for all students

Join a free Body Combat class as part of Sport & Fitness' Destresstival, a programme of free classes and social sport sessions to help you de-stress this exam period. Places are limited, so you will need to book in advance using the Sport & Fitness app or book at Reception when you arrive.

Not used Sport & Fitness before? Follow the booking link for more information, including what to wear, lockers and changing rooms, and where to ask for directions, as well as the full Destresstival programme!

Book now

Barber Gallery Talk: Nature and Artifice - an introduction

Wednesday 31 May, 13:00-13:30, Barber Institute

Suitable for all students

Join Robert Wenley, Deputy Director, Collections and Research, and curator of the display, for an introduction to Nature and Artifice.  This display explores the subject of landscape in etchings and engravings made in the Netherlands during the first half of the 17th century.

This event is for adults and will take place at the Barber Institute.

Book now

Create a mosaic tile for the new University station!

Thursday 1 June, 12:00-14:00, Room 415, Muirhead Tower

Suitable for all students

Pop along to a community workshop and design your own clay tile for a mosaic that will be displayed at the new University railway station.

In collaboration with West Midlands Travel, we're inviting UoB students to design your own mosaic tile to be showcased at the new station. Drop by and meet the local artist who has been commissioned to design the new mosaic wall which is soon to be officially opened.

Bring along any items you’d like to print into your tile, such as:

• Shells
• Leaves
• Jewellery
• Badges
• Any item that means something to you

The final mosaic will be in the shape of the University railway station sign. No need to book, just turn up and get creative!

Lapworth: Out of This World family event

Friday 2 June, 10:00-16:00, Lapworth Museum of Geology

Suitable for students with children or young relatives

Join Lapworth Museum for an Out of this World family event! Create an Astronaut in the Main Gallery, grab your museum trail from reception, and find the colouring and wordsearches.

At 12:00 and 14:30, join science presenter Jon Chase as he explains just how extreme our Solar system can be, through the use of science-based raps!  He’ll be answering questions like: How big is the solar system? How puny is Pluto? How cold is a crater? What’s the smelliest planet? Caution: contains facts of a humorous nature.

Featuring raps written for the BBC, this show is both informative and entertaining. Jon is the UK’s foremost proponent of Science Raps.  His raps have featured on BBC Bitesize, CBeebies’ Rhyme Rocket, CBBC’s Space Hoppers, Channel 4 Learning and ITV's Game of Talents. 

No booking necessary!

Free Weights and Conditioning class

Monday 5 June, 13:00-13:45, Studio 2, Sport & Fitness Centre

Suitable for all students

Join a free Weights and Conditioning class as part of Sport & Fitness' Destresstival, a programme of free classes and social sport sessions to help you de-stress this exam period. Places are limited, so you will need to book in advance using the Sport & Fitness app or book at Reception when you arrive.

Not used Sport & Fitness before? Follow the booking link for more information, including what to wear, lockers and changing rooms, and where to ask for directions, as well as the full Destresstival programme!

Book now

PGR Development: Writing clearly and concisely

Tuesday 6 June, 10:00-11:30, online

Suitable for postgraduate research students

This workshop discusses what it means to write clearly and concisely at postgraduate research level and provides practical advice on sharpening up your own writing to communicate your research and ideas more effectively. It will be most useful for those who have draft texts.

This workshop will also take place in-person on Tuesday 20 June.

Book now

Free Body Combat class

Tuesday 6 June, 18:00-18:50, Studio 2, Sport & Fitness Centre

Suitable for all students

Join a free Body Combat class as part of Sport & Fitness' Destresstival, a programme of free classes and social sport sessions to help you de-stress this exam period. Places are limited, so you will need to book in advance using the Sport & Fitness app or book at Reception when you arrive.

Not used Sport & Fitness before? Follow the booking link for more information, including what to wear, lockers and changing rooms, and where to ask for directions, as well as the full Destresstival programme!

Book now

Parents' and Carers' Fortnight: Time to Write

Wednesday 7 June, 10:00-12:00, Fourth Floor Training Room, Main Library

Suitable for students with parental or caring responsibilities

It can be difficult for parent/carer writers to find time to write. Without opportunities to indulge our creativity, our mood can very quickly deteriorate, and life can lose its spark.

With that in mind, Time to Write carves out some dedicated writing time, free of nappy changing, tantrums, and unreasonable demands for a tenth biscuit. Whether you are working on a novel, a poem, or your latest scholarly monograph, bring your project and paper and pen or a laptop and immerse yourself in your writing with like-minded parents and carers.

This event is open to UoB students and staff as part of Parents' and Carers' Fortnight 2023.

Book now

Barber Student Workshop: Print Club with Laura Onions

Wednesday 7 June, 14:00-16:30, Barber Institute

Suitable for all students

Get messy with the Barber Print Club, a hands-on monthly printmaking workshop with local artist Laura Onions.

Laura will guide you through the skills needed to create your own beautiful, printed artwork inspired by the Barbers collection. No previous printmaking experience is required.

Spaces cost £3 per student.

Book now

Student Mentors: Relaxation Workshop

Wednesday 7 June, 15:15-16:15, Hampton Room, Chamberlain Tower

Suitable for students living in University accommodation

In our busy lives where stress is a daily companion, it's difficult to stay at ease or perform well in exams and studies if the body and mind are tense.

Join the Student Mentors for this Relaxation Workshop to discuss stress and its impacts, get information on different techniques on how to relax, talk about the benefits of relaxation, and try a relaxation exercise.

During this relaxation exercise you are asked to lay down on a yoga mat, whilst Student Mentors read a peaceful relaxation script to help relax your mind and guide you to imagine your own peaceful safe place. This place will be an imaginary area that you can visualise to help calm and relax your mind whenever you are feeling stressed.

Comfortable clothing is recommended, although this workshop does not include exercise. 

Register now

PGR Development: Reviewing the literature

Thursday 8 June, 14:00-15:30, online

Suitable for postgraduate research students

A literature review is an analysis, critical evaluation and synthesis of previous research on a topic.  Writing a literature review is an important part of postgraduate research and this workshop or online course will help you understand the nature of a quality literature review and provide advice on constructing an effective synthesis of the literature you have read. 

Book now

Free Body Balance class

Thursday 8 June, 17:00-18:00, Dojo, Sport & Fitness Centre

Suitable for all students

Join a free Body Balance class as part of Sport & Fitness' Destresstival, a programme of free classes and social sport sessions to help you de-stress this exam period. Places are limited, so you will need to book in advance using the Sport & Fitness app or book at Reception when you arrive.

Not used Sport & Fitness before? Follow the booking link for more information, including what to wear, lockers and changing rooms, and where to ask for directions, as well as the full Destresstival programme!

Book now

Parents' and Carers' Fortnight: Time to Sketch

Friday 9 June, 10:30-12:30, Winterbourne House & Gardens

Suitable for students with parental or caring responsibilities

Creativity is essential in maintaining wellbeing for many parents and carers, but it can be difficult to find the time for it. Without opportunities to indulge our creativity, our mood can very quickly deteriorate, and life can lose its spark.

With that in mind, Time to Sketch carves out some dedicated drawing time, free of nappy changing, tantrums, and unreasonable demands for a tenth biscuit. Whether you are a seasoned sketcher or a complete beginner, bring a sketchbook and drawing medium of your choice and capture the beauty of Winterbourne’s gardens like only you can.

This event is open to UoB students and staff as part of Parents' and Carers' Fortnight 2023.

Book now

Barber Family Workshop: The Barber Bestiary of Fantastic Beasts

Saturday 10 June, 11:00-13:00, Barber Institute

Suitable for students with children or young relatives

Design your own marvellous monstrous creatures in this collage workshop led by artist Fiona Cullinan. Discover the animals that call the Barber home, then experiment with paper techniques to craft your own hybrid beast, whether it be a scaly dog, a horned lion, a winged rhinoceros – or even a whole new creature from your imagination! Play with shape and texture to explore the unique personality of your creation before setting them free into a wild habitat. Finally, we’ll gather all the animals together to create a temporary bestiary of fantastic beasts.

Perfect for families with children aged 6-11 years old. £3 per child with a supporting adult accompanying for free. Refreshments and all materials will be provided.

Book now

Barber Student Workshop: Drop in and Draw

Wednesday 14 June, 12:00-13:30, Barber Institute

Suitable for all students 

Join the Barber's free monthly Drop-in and draw student workshop. Take a break, look deeper and explore new worlds in our galleries.

Each month we test out exciting –and sometimes unexpected – drawing techniques inspired by the Barber’s collection. Reconnect with your creative side and discover how fun and relaxing drawing can be. No experience is necessary, and all materials will be provided.

Free. No advance booking necessary; drop in anytime. No experience is necessary, and all materials will be provided.

PGR Shut up and work

Friday 16 June, 09:30-16:30, Fourth Floor Training Room, Main Library

Suitable for postgraduate research students and early career researchers

This day will enable you to work on your own writing, planning or literature discovery in a quiet but supportive environment.  There will be time to set targets at the beginning of the day and there will be regular planned breaks to enable you to network with colleagues or take a walk.  Bring your own lunch, or pop down to the library café.

Register now

UGS: PGR Lunch Club

Tuesday 20 June, 12:00-13:00, Westmere House

Suitable for postgraduate research students

Join the University Graduate School 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. 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.

The Lunch Club is very informal, with no networking/chatting required but we hope you'll take the opportunity to engage with other PGRs. If you can, bring a mug for your hot drink and save us from using disposable cups.

Register now

Illyria present Twelfth Night - an open air performance

Friday 23 June, 19:00, Winterbourne House & Gardens

Suitable for all students, their friends and families

Bring a chair and a picnic, and enjoy a glorious summer’s evening watching this enchanting, fast-paced production of one of Shakespeare’s best-loved romantic comedies. Performed in the open air, with costumes, music and dance. This is undoubtedly one of the hottest tickets of the summer; book early to avoid missing out!

Suitable for all aged 5+. Bring a chair or a picnic rug! Student tickets cost £14.

Book now

Postgraduate Research Festival

Tuesday 27 and Wednesday 28 June, 13:00-17:00, Teaching & Learning Building

Suitable for all students, especially undergraduates and postgraduate taught students considering postgraduate study

This is the biggest celebration of postgraduate research at the University of Birmingham! Join the University Graduate School as postgraduates from different disciplines take the opportunity to share their work with the wider University and beyond.

The Festival includes a packed programme with most events open to all staff, students, and partners of the University interested in postgraduate research (a particular welcome to PGTs and UGs applying for/considering PG studies!).

When registering for the Festival, you can select which events you would like to attend. You can also drop-in to the Research Poster exhibition.

Register now

STEM Women UK: Virtual Careers Event

Wednesday 28 June, 12:00-16:30, online

Suitable for all students, but especially female and non-binary students

Join STEM Women at this virtual career event and network live (chat, audio and video!) with graduate employers in the UK, hear insightful presentations from exhibiting companies and ask your questions to a panel of women already working in STEM industries!

You can also visit virtual company stands to learn more and apply for graduate jobs. The event is perfect for people who identify as female or non-binary, but is open to everyone. It is targeted towards people who are studying, or recently graduated from, a STEM related course at university and with an interest in working in a STEM industry.

This is an external event organised by STEM Women.

Register now

Barber Family Morning: Nature's Palette

Thursday 29 June, 10:00-12:00, Barber Institute

Suitable for students with children or young relatives

How are colours made? What does a colour feel like? Join artist Georgina Barney to unlock secrets of colour in the Barber’s historic collection.

Families are invited to play and experiment through grinding, mixing, stirring, marking, measuring and painting. We will explore the wondrous world of colour using pre-industrial methods and natural materials.

These workshops centre around the vibrant creativity and curiosity of very young children. We aim to create an environment that is nurturing, playful and that builds relationships for young children, and for their parents/carers.

Perfect for families with children aged under 5 years old. £2 per carer with their child accompanying for free.  Limited Capacity. Booking is required. Refreshments and all materials will be provided but please bring any snacks needed for your children during the morning.

Book now

Galleries at Barber Institute of Fine Arts

Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00-17:00, Barber Institute of Fine Arts

Suitable for all students.

In our delightful Art Deco galleries you’ll find paintings by the greatest artists of their time, from Botticelli, Bellini, Rubens and Van Dyck, to Vigée Le Brun, Turner, Monet, Renoir and Magritte. You’ll also see superb works of decorative art and sculpture, as well as changing displays of prints and drawings and a coin exhibition.

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.

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 Skills Centre appointments

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

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

A separate form is available for students in Dubai.

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 focus of a one-to-one session is to help you to develop the skills that you need in order to be competent in the requisite software. A one-to-one appointment offers a range of approaches that can help you to develop the skills needed to complete your tasks, activities, studies or research. They are not a passive form of learning by this we mean that we will not “do it for you”. Instead we will help you to develop the skills that you need in order to be successful in your endeavours.

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.

Find out more

Research Skills appointments

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

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 focus of a one-to-one session is to help you to develop the skills that you need in order to be competent in the requisite software. A one-to-one appointment offers a range of approaches that can help you to develop the skills needed to complete your tasks, activities, studies or research. They are not a passive form of learning by this we mean that we will not “do it for you”. Instead we will help you to develop the skills that you need in order to be successful in your endeavours.

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

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, 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

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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

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

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

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