Brum Bulletin: Three chances to win - football, tech and UoB merch!
Spoilers ahead! Here's some of what's inside:
- Did someone say a triple competition edition?! Tech, sport and merch!
- Students blog on their adventures abroad thanks to Go Global.
- LGBTQ+ History Month continues and so do our exciting events.
- Get your Canva Pro account for free.
- Careers support, work experience opportunities and advice.
News
Win a VIP footy experience
As part our partnership with Birmingham City Football Club, you can take part in a new loyalty scheme linked to BCFC Women’s home matches. Attend any home game before Sunday 5 April using the code provided in your Brum Bulletin email and you’ll be entered into a prize draw to win two VIP tickets for the final home match on Sunday 26 April.
Fancy getting a free MacBook Air?
Let’s be honest...who doesn’t want to get a new laptop for free? Well, now there’s a great opportunity to try your luck. To celebrate the start of 2026, Santander is running a national giveaway, giving you the chance to win 1 of 10 brand-new Apple MacBook Air M4 laptops. You don’t need to have an account with Santander to enter the competition.
South Korea changed my life
Student Carys talks about her placement, all thanks to UoB's Go Global summer school programme.
My summer in the USA
Medic Eileen shares why stepping outside her comfort zone while working abroad led to her greatest growth.
Brum's LGBTQ+ History
As LGBTQ+ History Month continues, student Ruby reflects on the city's iconic and rich queer history.
Will you be observing religious practices that could impact your exam attendance?
If you're observing religious practices that mean you can't sit an exam on certain days, fill in the Religious Observance form for the Summer 2026 exam period before 6 February.
Get access to Canva Pro
Free for every University of Birmingham student, a brand new Canva pro account. Perfect to support you with all your creative needs and/or supporting you with assessment materials.
PGR Corner
The latest updates from the University Doctoral School (UDS) for Postgraduate Researchers.
Submissions now open for 2026 UDS Awards
Each year, the UDS Awards celebrate the people who shape exceptional doctoral research at the University. Nominations are now open for the Michael K. O'Rourke Best Publication Award and the Awards for Excellence in Doctoral Research Supervision . We invite all PGRs to get involved and champion the achievements of peers and supervisors.
3 Minute Thesis: last chance to enter
Time is running out to join the 3MT competition! This is your opportunity to develop presentation skills, connect with fellow researchers, and raise your research profile. The Birmingham winner will represent the University in the national Vitae competition. Register by 8 February.
Report + Support
The University Report + Support service offers specialised support for community members affected by harmful actions, including harassment, bullying, discrimination, or sexual violence. The service provides confidential advice, options to report anonymously, and now includes tailored guidance and resources designed specifically for PGRs.
Sustainability at UoB
Bring your green ideas to life with the Sustainability Project Fund
The University’s annual Sustainability Champions Fund has launched! This initiative is led by the Sustainability Champions and supports you to bring environmentally responsible ideas to life on campus. This year, the University is offering five teams up to £1000 to deliver their projects. Applications close on Friday 27 February. You can apply by completing the application form.
Easy green hacks
Thinking sustainably is easier than we realise. Student Content Shapers May and Robert share their top tips and tricks to being greener when out and about on campus.
Dates for your diary (aka things to do)
Football, Flags, and the Far Right: Politics and Race in Birmingham
Wednesday 4 February, 18:00-19:30
The Exchange, Centenary Square
Join academics, voices from Birmingham’s football community, and local community leaders as the Being Brummie podcast team invites you to a panel discussion about critical issues impacting Birmingham today. Dress code: football kits encouraged.
Comfort Zone with Pause@UoB
From 5 February (multiple dates), 14:00-15:00
Wellbeing Lodge, North Gate
This laid-back session invites you to grab a drink and a snack, connect with fellow students, and (weather permitting!) enjoy some time in the garden. Whether you're in the mood to chat, get creative, or simply sit quietly, you're welcome here.
Postgrad LIVE Study Fair
Wednesday 11 February, 12:00-15:00
Great Hall, Aston Webb
Hosted in partnership with FindAMasters and FindAPhD, meet top universities face to face and get tailored funding and application advice specific to you.
China Institute: Lunar New Year Concert
Wednesday 11 February, 18:30-20:00
Elgar Concert Hall, Bramall Music building
Join internationally renowned Chinese pianist Di Xiao and The Silk & Bamboo Trio for a concert to welcome the year of the Horse! Booking essential, get your ticket now.
How to: Get started with work experience through volunteering and part-time work
Thursday 12 February, 12:00-13:00
Room G11, Alan Walters building
Explore types of informal work experience opportunities how getting involved with your university and local communities can develop your work experience portfolio. This session is particularly useful for those with limited or no prior experience.
Start a side hustle: experience on your terms
Monday 16 February, 12:00-13:00
Online
This practical, future-focused workshop will show you how to set up a side hustle as a fast, flexible way to gain real-world experience on your own terms. The session demystifies freelancing as a career and positions it as a powerful tool for employability, income generation, and long-term career resilience.
Hazaar pop up
Tuesday 17 February
University Centre
Hazaar, are the student-to-student marketplace that helps you buy and sell sustainably. Head down to create your own custom tote bag at their design station, complete with a co‑branded Campus bag and a stylish poster for your room and find out more about the handy app.
Global Connections Alumni panel: Establishing a career in the UK
Wednesday 18 February, 12:00-13:00
Online
Join the event to be inspired by a panel of UoB international alumni now working in the UK, find out how they did it and how you can too.
Housemate Finder
Wednesday 18 February, 17:00-19:00
Infusion, Vale Village
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.
LGBTQ+ History Month continues...
This month is all about recognising and celebrating the history, achievements and cultures of LGBTQ+ communities and individuals. Our exciting and diverse programme of events continues and we want to see you there!
You made it this far and have unlocked a freebie
Big shoutout to Anais and Sadie who won the last Brum Bulletin competition featuring Mockingbird Cinema. Could you be as lucky?
Bag a voucher to spend in the merch shop!
One lucky student can win a £50 voucher to spend in store at the UoB merch shop! From a branded hoodie to a handy umbrella and other Brummie accessories, shop and rep UoB in style. All you need to do is answer a simple question...
If you have any suggestions for the student newsletter please email: studentcommunications@contacts.bham.ac.uk.