Brum Bulletin: Contains three chances to win...
In this issue...
- The countdown to UoB Xtra, and your ultimate summer plans, is on.
- Win a £150 voucher by telling us what you think about our comms.
- Izza's exclusive tote bag is now available and here's you could win one.
- Dean blogs about being a student during Covid-19 versus now.
- Looking for a rewarding way to spend a sunny day? Join Junkbusters.
- Win UoB Pride merch.
News
Summer Term and UoB Xtra
From Monday 9 - Friday 27 June 2025, get 'Xtra' from your time here with us with a free programme of events, challenges, and opportunities.
Alongside your timetabled sessions provided by your School, unwind with our free social activities such as our outdoor cinema, giant inflatable games and our Campus 3K. Connect with new students while having fun. And learn new skills and qualifications to level up your CV.
Remember, it's still term time, and we're buzzing for you to have the best time! Browse the full events schedule.
It's nearly time...
As we countdown to UoB Xtra from Monday 9 June, uncover the best free events and activities happening on campus to get you in the mood for summer. Take me to the fun.
The Campus 3k
The Campus 3K is back this June! Ahead of taking part on Wednesday 11 June, student Dan reflects on his motivation for running the 3K last year. Hear from Dan.
Make Xtra Connections
Looking to meet new people and make the most of your summer? Join Xtra Connections – a relaxed event with fun activities, refreshments, and chances to win big! Get matching.
Your chance to win a £150 voucher
Let us know your thoughts on our communications to you by filling in the Student Comms Survey. Not only will your feedback tell us what we're doing well and how we can improve, but you'll also have the chance to win a £150 Amazon voucher. Find out more.
Izza's tote takes top prize
Congrats to Izza Zaiton Izman for her winning pastel illustration in the Tote-ally 125 competition! Discover the story behind the design and how you could get your hands on the tote bag. Tell me more.
Being a student during the pandemic
Everyday life has changed a lot since the pandemic. Postgraduate student Dean reflects on starting university at the height of Covid-19, and what looks different five years on. Hear from Dean.
Volunteer with Junkbusters
Join the Junkbusters team this June and help create a cleaner, greener Selly Oak while raising money for charity. I'm interested.
PG Corner
Welcome to the latest updates from the University Graduate School (UGS) specifically for postgraduate students.
Facing the fear: A PGR’s 3MT experience
In a new PGR Development Blog post, Psychology researcher Alison Fulop shares her honest account of tackling public speaking nerves by entering the 3MT competition. Her story offers practical tips and encouragement for fellow PGRs. Feeling inspired? Watch the 2025 3MT finalists and cast your People’s Choice vote before the PG Research Festival on 24 June.
Westmere House: Space for PGRs
Westmere House (G15 on the campus map), open daily from 06:00-22:00, is exclusively for postgraduate researchers. It offers hot desks, a kitchen, lounge, a peaceful garden with picnic tables, and bookable spaces for PGR events.
The Research Skills Team are here to support you!
Boost your academic journey with a wide range of training sessions from the Research Skills Team, designed specifically for PGRs. Coming up in June are “Working Effectively with Your Supervisor” and “Increasing Your Productivity”.
PGT Academic Skills: Getting started with your dissertation
Wednesday 11 June, 14:00-15:00
Online
Join the advisors from the Academic Skills Centre for a discussion on all things dissertations. They'll share some top tips for acing the final hurdle of your postgraduate degree and tackle your questions.
Sustainability at UoB
Apply for the University of Birmingham Sustainability Fund - up to £500!
Sign up to be a Sustainability Champion to find out about events and opportunities including the University of Birmingham Sustainability Fund. This is a fantastic opportunity for Sustainability Champions to receive up to £500 to support initiatives that enhance sustainability on our campus. Apply for the fund as a Sustainability Champion before 9 June.
Our diary picks
Global Alumni Gathering 2025
Until Saturday 31 May
We have a record number of 57 gatherings happening across the world to celebrate 125 years of UoB. With events happening in Birmingham, NYC, Shanghai, Toronto, Lagos, Sao Paulo and more, there's something for everyone. Browse the events list.
From Monday 9 - Friday 27 June 2025, get 'Xtra' from your time here with us. Below are highlights - view the full events schedule.
Monday 9 - Friday 13 June, 11:00-19:00
Green Heart
The University is 125 years old, and we're here to celebrate! On Monday and Tuesday, travel back in time and have fun like our students in 1900 would have, with a traditional helter skelter, swing boats, and side stalls!
Monday 9 - Friday 13 June, 14:00-19:00
Green Heart
Bring your snacks and blankets and settle down to watch films chosen by you, the students.
- Careers Network's Garden Party
Monday 9 - Friday 13 June, 11:00-14:00
Green Heart
Relax, play games and enjoy a sweet treat, all while having access to our Careers team, who can support you over the summer and beyond. Come for the vibes, stay for the chat!
Tuesday 10 June, 11:00-17:00
Green Heart
Celebrate our diverse global community on campus! Enjoy fun, free activities, and sit back and be entertained by performances and film screenings.
Glow Up: Invest in Future You Edition
Tuesday 10 June
Back by popular demand, join Careers Network for an afternoon of inspiring alumni talks and an opportunity to network with other like-minded students.
Tuesday 17 - Thursday 19 June, various times
On campus
Discover the answers to ten big questions that could change your lives, with with our free TED-style talks from leading Birmingham academics.
Postgraduate Open Day
Saturday 28 June, 09:00-16:00
On campus
Thinking about staying at Birmingham for a Masters or PhD? Join us on campus next month to discover our postgraduate courses, explore our scholarships, and hear from current students
Visit our What's On page for the latest student events.
Ready for the ultimate summer?
From the outdoor cinema to inflatable obstacle courses and the Campus 3k, find out what you can expect at UoB Xtra this June.
Win UoB Pride merch
Last weekend, we marched loud and proud through the City Centre for Birmingham Pride. Whether you joined or not, now's your chance to win UoB Pride themed merch. I want to enter.
And finally
Free tickets to the Birmingham Black Business Show
We’ve teamed up with the Birmingham Black Business Show to offer UoB students tickets to the largest Black business event in the Midlands on Saturday 14 June at the NEC. Simply use code UOBFREE at checkout. Book your ticket.
Student Art Pass: get a year of art and opportunities
Looking for affordable ways to explore, unwind & get inspired? For just £10 a year, a Student Art Pass gives you free and discounted entry to museums, galleries and historic houses, discounts off exhibitions, paid opportunities and more.
Become an Emergency Responder
Community Safety and Security is recruiting student volunteers to provide an extra layer of support in an emergency. If you’re mostly based on the Edgbaston campus and interested in making a difference, this is a great opportunity to be part of the volunteering community, learn skills and get insights into how leaders work with the emergency services.
If you have any suggestions for the student newsletter please email: studentcommunications@contacts.bham.ac.uk.