Brum Bulletin: Your January reset starts here
Spoilers ahead! Here's some of what's inside:
- January brings a fresh start with money-saving tips and wellbeing support.
- LGBTQ+ History Month is calling. Are you ready to pick up?
- The NSS opens for final years and so does your chance to win £150.
- The Guild is looking for the next set of student leaders. Could you be one?
- Don't miss these community events plus study and work opportunities.
- Time is running out to enter the Mockingbird Cinema competition...
News
LGBTQ+ History Month is coming...
LGBTQ+ History Month takes place across the UK every February to recognise and celebrate the history, achievements and cultures of LGBTQ+ communities and individuals.
Join us in celebrating and commemorating LGBTQ+ history at UoB with our range of exciting and engaging events.
Our next LGBTQ+ Wellbeing Drop-in is on Monday 2 February at the Wellbeing Lodge. It’s a relaxed, welcoming space to connect with others and access wellbeing and sexual health support — no pressure, just drop in.
Money saving hacks
Are you saving money on your food shop? Making the most of student discounts? Student Hanna shares how she saves on costs.
Your January reset
From money-saving ideas to wellbeing and study resets, these small challenges can help you start the term feeling more supported and in control.
Download Wisdom
You have free access to the wellbeing app, Wisdom, with resources (articles, recipes, exercise videos), tracking tools and a live chat helpline.
Your uni experience could win you £150
It's nearly time to have your say - well at least for final year undergraduates to start with. Postgrads, your survey will launch in March - keep your eyes peeled...
Have Your Say season is the period of the year where you can share your feedback on your time as a UoB student kicking off with the NSS on 26 January!
The best part? You'll be entered into a prize draw to win £150.
Officer Elections 2026: Apply Now
The Guild of Students are currently holding their annual Officer Elections, where students are elected to lead the Guild and represent the UoB community on key issues. Applications close Friday 13 Feb.
PGR Corner
The latest updates from the University Doctoral School (UDS) for Postgraduate Researchers.
3 Minute Thesis: There's still time to enter
The 3MT competition is your opportunity to refine your presentation skills, connect with peers, and raise your research profile. Every participant receives feedback and support. Register before 8 February for the chance to share your research across the University and beyond.
Westmere House: Your dedicated PGR hub
Whether you're looking for a seminar space, a relaxed lounge, or a garden setting for your event, Westmere House offers an inclusive environment for all PGRs. Westmere House is open for event bookings, and if you'd like to drop in anytime to study or take a break.
Share your PGR story
Every PGR brings a distinct journey and perspective. Whether you are at the beginning of your research or approaching the finish line, your story has the power to inspire others. Contribute to celebrating the diversity and depth of our PGR community by submitting a written or video testimonial for our PGR Stories page.
Postgraduate researchers, discover what support is available to you
Doing a research degree can at times feel isolating, overwhelming, and full of self-doubt. From supervision support to coaching, wellbeing, and peer connection, UoB offers tailored PGR support services throughout your postgraduate research journey.
PGT Corner
The latest updates for Postgraduate Taught students.
PGT Community Newsletter is live
Your Term 2 newsletter dropped on Monday - have you given it a read yet? It includes important updates and resources specifically for you as a PGT. Check your inbox for all the details.
PGT Essentials: Term 2 workshops open for bookings
The Academic Skills Centre’s PGT Essentials programme is now live for Semester 2, kicking off on Wednesday 4 February with ‘Getting Started with your Research Strategy’. The focus this semester is equipping you with all the skills you’ll need in the run up to your dissertation. All sessions are online, feature loads of helpful advice and tips, and always finish with a Q&A.
Dates for your diary
Postgraduate Online Open Week
Monday 26 - Friday 30 January
Explore your Masters and PhD options with more than 100 live webinars, led by our academics and support teams. Gain practical guidance on funding, accommodation and postgraduate student life.
Artisan Market
Tuesday 27 January, 10:00-16:00
University Square
Head down as we welcome local craftspeople and producers onto campus, bringing baked goods, homemade produce, handmade items, vintage and unique gifts, crafts, and street food.
Holocaust Memorial Day
Tuesday 27 January, 19:00-21:00
Lecture Theatre 1, Teaching and Learning Building
The Jewish Society are welcoming John Fieldsend, a Holocaust survivor, onto campus in remembrance of Holocaust Memorial Day. John will share his story of coming to the UK as a child through the Kindertransport scheme, escaping through Czechoslovakia with his brother and leaving his parents behind. Register your interest.
Langar (free kitchen) on Campus with the Sikh Society
Monday 2 February, 11:00:16:00
Marquee next to Old Joe
Join the Sikh Society for their annual Langar event. Open to all, You can enjoy a vegetarian dish with vegan options all freshly prepared locally in Birmingham.
Discover Islam Week with the Islamic Society
Tuesday 3 - Friday 6 February, 09:00-17:00
Marquee next to Old Joe
Check out the Islamic Society's annual Discover Islam Week, open to all regardless of faith or background. Find a beautiful array of stalls, discussion circles, free food and Muslim students on hand to answer your questions.
Christian Union Events Week
Monday 9 - Friday 13 Feb,
Marquee next to Old Joe
Join the Christian Union for a week of events where you can explore faith and ask questions, hang out and enjoy free hot drinks and meals at both the lunch and evening events.
That's not everything!
That's not everything! Check out the full What's On page for more.
Set yourself up for study success
The Academic Skills Centre (ASC) are running online workshops in the Spring Term to help you build on the academic skills needed to excel in your assignments: there will be a focus on developing your critical and reflective writing, and tools like EndNote to support referencing. They're also running workshops to support dissertation writing.
Balling on a budget
Student life can get pricey with rent, bills, groceries, commuting, and your social life. Student Content Shapers, Beverly and Hanna, have put together this guide featuring eight money-saving apps every student needs to know.
And finally (any other bits)
NHS blood donation pop-up
Following their last successful initiative to promote blood and transplant donations within the black and minority communities, the NHS Blood and Transplant team will be returning from Tuesday 20 – Friday 23 January, 10:30-17:30, opposite SPAR in University Centre.
UoB gift shop: January sale
Looking for a UoB hoodie, some stationery, or maybe an unusual birthday gift? The UoB Gift Shop is running a clearance sale this month, with prices as low as 50p on some items and trinkets. Pop into the Gift Shop in University Centre and grab a bargain while stocks last – once it’s gone, it’s gone!
Get free/50% off entry to 100s of UK cultural spaces
Enjoy endless cultural adventures across the UK with a Student Art Pass. They're usually just £10 a year but you can save 50% and pay only £5 using code JAN50 at checkout. Offer ends midnight 31 January, don’t miss out.
Thanks for scrolling this far — you've unlocked a freebie
Big shoutout to Eleanor who won free tickets to see The BFG in our last competition. Could you be next?
Last chance to enjoy the big screen with Mockingbird Cinema
Two lucky students have the chance to win a pair of tickets, drinks and popcorn with Mockingbird Cinema. 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.