Brum Bulletin: Events to fill your calendar
Spoilers ahead! Here's only some of what's inside:
- International Women's Day is this week but we're celebrating all month long.
- We've got your calendar booked and busy with a range of events for everyone.
- Why community on campus during Ramadan matters more than you think.
- Cast your vote in the Guild of Students' upcoming elections.
- The Canva Challenge is coming to campus soon and you can win prizes.
- We're giving away a pair of pocket-sized Old Joe models to five of you.
News
International Women's Day this Sunday
Observed annually, International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
Throughout the whole of March, women’s voices are amplified and celebrated, recognising the contributions of women to history and society. What's on for the month.
#UoBWomen: My mom in finance
Good news - our #UoBWomen blog series is back! To kick off the series, student Holly reflects on the impact of seeing a woman lead in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Keep an eye out for more blogs in the series highlighting women students’ experiences at Birmingham.
You're invited to the seventh annual Community Iftar
The Islamic Society warmly invites you to the well anticipated Community Iftar! Join on Wednesday 11 March, from 17:00-20:00, in the Great Hall and Chancellor's Court for a free evening of unity and celebration.
Prior to the iftar, there will be an exhibition about the ‘Miracles of the Quran’ featuring original artefacts, scriptures and stalls exploring Islamic art, science, and history. The exhibition is open to all from 13:00-17:00 in the Aston Webb Rotunda. There will also be a series of speeches delivered by guest speakers in the Aston Webb Block C Lecture Theatre at 17:00.
Open to everyone, this is a special opportunity to come together, share knowledge and celebrate community.
Why community on campus during Ramadan matters
Muhammad, a final-year Economics and Politics student, reflects on observing Ramadan on campus. He highlights how community, from shared iftars to small acts of support, makes fasting during university life manageable and meaningful.
Who should represent you?
Voting opens next week for the Guild’s Officer Elections. Cast your vote from 10:00 on Monday 9 March and have a say over your Guild committee for 2026/27. Vote before Friday 13 March.
Canva Student Challenge coming to campus...
On 20 March, take part in the Canva Challenge to create portfolio-ready work, connect with other students and compete for exclusive prizes. Working in teams, you'll solve one of two challenges:
The Glow Up – Brand & Community
Take a university society that feels invisible and completely transform how it looks, feels, and attracts members.
The Ultimate Side Hustle – Business & Strategy
Turn a raw start-up idea into something that looks real, credible and investor-ready in just a few hours.
Join the waiting list.
Curious about cutting edge research at Birmingham?
Join the 2026 Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Finals on Wednesday 25 March, 15:00-17:00, in the Education Building. Enjoy some free cake and hear PhD researchers present their ground-breaking research in only three minutes!
Dates for your diary (aka things to do)
Engage I Rugby Union
Wednesday 4 March
Bournbook 3G, Sport and Fitness
Rugby Union Women’s 1 and Men’s 1 are taking on oppositions from around the UK. Women’s 1 kick off at 16:00 in a fixture filled with the best rugby on show and Men’s 1 will be looking to seal top place in BUCS Premier North/South 2 league v Glasgow 18:00 kick off.
Celebrate Amazonia: Forro dance class and Samba dance class
Thursday 5 March (17:00-18:00) and Friday 6 March (12:30-13:30)
On campus
Join dance classes as part of Celebrate Amazonia; a vibrant week of events celebrating Brazil, sustainability, collaboration and fun.
Heritage tours at The Exchange
Saturday 7 March, 11:00-16:00
The Exchange, Centenary Square
Discover The Exchange, opened in 1933 as the Headquarters of Birmingham Municipal Bank and now part of the University. See the banking hall, vaults, and rooms not normally open to the public. Booking is essential.
Bread and Belief: Sacrifice
Tuesday 10 March, 14:00-16:00
Oasis Lounge, Multifaith Chaplaincy
Bake, eat and take bread home as we ask ourselves, what is the value of sacrifice? All people and perspectives are welcome but spaces are limited.
Rebellion I Basketball I Super Series
Saturday 14 March
Munrow Arena, Sport and Fitness
Rebellion returns for another action-packed day of Basketball. Men’s and Women’s 1s are taking on Coventry in a clash of the West Midlands— Women’s 1’s tip-off at 16:00 and Men’s 1 at 18:00.
Housemate Finder
Monday 16 March, 17:00-19:00
Social Space, Prichatts Park
Meet other students who are looking to move into a property together for the upcoming academic year. Guild Wellbeing assistants will be there to prompt conversations and help facilitate discussions, helping you find your dream housemates!
That's not everything! Check out the full What's On page for more.
PGR Corner
The latest updates from the University Doctoral School (UDS) for Postgraduate Researchers.
Be part of the 2026 Research Poster Competition
The Research Poster Competition (RPC) returns on Tuesday 16 June as part of PG Research Festival. RPC is your opportunity to share your research, win a prize, build your confidence, and meet other PGRs from across the University. All PGRs welcome, including distance learners. Registration closes Sunday 15 March, you'll need to sign in via Canvas to access.
Celebrate research excellence through the UDS Awards
The 2026 UDS Awards are now accepting nominations for outstanding publications and exceptional doctoral supervision. These awards celebrate the people who support, guide and elevate research across the University. PGRs are invited to submit nominations and help shine a light on individuals whose dedication strengthens the postgraduate research community.
How AI Is shaping recruitment
The next Careers Network PG Skills session on Wednesday 11 March will explore how AI is transforming recruitment and what this could mean for PGRs. Delivered by Mike Morgan of Hays Recruitment, this session will provide advice on applications, CV development and communicating your individuality as an applicant. You'll need to sign in via Canvas to attend.
PGT Corner
The latest updates for Postgraduate Taught students.
Your time to have your say is finally here
The Postgraduate Taught Survey (PTES) has launched. This is your chance to feedback on your programme; tell us what worked, what could be better and help us improve the experience of future PGTs. By filling in the survey, you’ll also be entered into a prize draw where you can bag £150! Check your inbox for an email containing your very own personalised link to fill in the survey.
PGT Essentials: get ahead with thinking about your dissertation
Join the Academic Skills Centre on 18 March (14:00-15:30) for an online workshop on managing your research project, working with your supervisor and getting started with your project. View the whole programme of workshops (https://intranet.birmingham.ac.uk/student/libraries/asc/whats-on/pgt-workshops.aspx) .
The second in Careers Network's PG Skills series for 2025/26 will focus on how AI is impacting the recruitment landscape in the UK and top tips for you to use it with confidence. Delivered by Mike Morgan, Director of Technology at Hays Recruitment Agency in Birmingham, find out how AI is shaping recruitment.
Applications now open for Masters Consultancy Challenge
This three-week intensive work experience programme will run between 8 - 26 June and will be held in collaboration with Turner & Townsend, leaders in project management and consultancy work in the real estate, infrastructure, and natural resources sector.
Saving on bills
This week is National Student Money Week, check out this video from Hannah and Erin who share their tips and tricks to save money on bills while also being more sustainable. Double win!
Sustainability at UoB
Events for Green Week 2026 you don't want to pass up
From nature walks to upcycling activities, sustainability-focused workshops, careers events and much more, there will be dozens of activities taking place this Green Week across the Guild and the University. See what's on for Green Week.
Free Green Week Fairtrade Tea, quiz and Winterbourne tour
Tuesday 17 March, 14:00-16:00
Winterbourne House and Gardens
Enjoy Fairtrade tea and a selection of cakes and take part in a fun quiz, followed by a guided tour in Winterbourne's gorgeous garden.
What is a Green Career?
Wednesday 18 March, 15:30-17:00
Noble Room, Staff House
Curious about what a green career actually looks like in the real world? Meet alumni who are making a real impact through sustainability and climate action across all kinds of sectors
Green Careers Fair
Thursday 19 March, 12:00-15:00
Great Hall, Aston Webb
Discover sustainability‑focused career paths across a range of industries and meet employers who are leading the way.
And finally (any other bits)
Mother’s Day afternoon tea available for bookings
Expect finger sandwiches, fresh sweet treats and the finest Birchall teas on Sunday 15 March (12:00-16:00) in the Edgbaston Park Hotel. Book afternoon tea for the special woman in your life.
Student Living content creators wanted
Love making TikToks, creating content and sharing honest advice to other students? Apply and help shape future content across Student Living channels.
Guild of Students to hold referendum on NUS Disaffiliation
On 30 January a petition was received calling for a referendum on the Guild’s disaffiliation to NUS (UK). The result will decide whether the Guild’s affiliation continues for the 2026/27 academic year and beyond. To learn more, visit the Guild’s website. Voting opens on Monday 9 March.
Bike maintenance classes
Learn essential skills to fix and maintain your bike with this class, organised by the Sustainable Travel team. In these 6 hour sessions, costing £6, you'll get to know the components and systems that make your bike work, learn how to change a tyre, mend a puncture, tune your brakes and keep your bike running smoothly.
You made it this far and have unlocked a double freebie
Shoutout to Utku who bagged a £50 voucher and Aisha who scored free tickets to the Badminton final in the last Brum Bulletin competitions. Could you be as lucky?
Win an (adorable) Old Joe model
Five lucky students can win a pair of mini Old Joe models each! To be in with a chance to score this pocked-sized figurine, answer a simple question. It's really that easy.
If you have any suggestions for the student newsletter please email: studentcommunications@contacts.bham.ac.uk.