Brum Bulletin: Celebrating 125 years of UoB
The Brum Bulletin - your student news
Welcome to your first edition of 2025!
In this issue...
- Celebrate 125 years of UoB with us.
- How we're continuing to support you this year.
- New year, new study tool: Microsoft Copilot.
- Sometimes a solo date is all you need.
- Soon you'll be able to give feedback and have the chance to win £150.
- Top tips on protecting yourself from online scams.
- Three lucky students can win a UoB Snow Globe!
News
Celebrating 125 years
In 2025, we mark the University of Birmingham's 125 Anniversary with a special programme of events and activities that celebrate our past, present and future.
A highlight of the year will be a free community festival and open-air music concert on Saturday 21 June 2025 on the Green Heart. With live music covering pop to rock, classical to folk, and everything in between, we’ll celebrate the music of Birmingham and its people. Join in and be part of it. Watch the 125 Celebration video.
Welcome back!
Are you ready for a new semester? Find out how we’re continuing to support you for another year. We’re so glad to have you back at UoB, bring on 2025! Let's get started.
Your new study tool
Looking for help with your assessments? Microsoft copilot is here as your new study best friend, read to help you tackle the January blues. More on copilot.
A solo date to the Barber
A solo date can benefit you in so many ways. International student Natalie takes herself to the Barber on campus, which is open until the end of the month. Read Natalie's blog.
Have Your Say 2025 is here
If you're eligible for any of our upcoming surveys you'll start receiving communications soon to share your feedback on your university experience. By completing any of the surveys you're eligible for, you'll be entered into a prize draw for the chance to win £150. There are five chances to win per survey, so 20 students have the chance to win £150 each this year! More on student surveys.
A green campus
Sustainability matters to us. That's why we're the first University in the UK to install vertical biodiversity planting to campus. Check out how campus has changed. Our campus.
Think you're scam smart?
Fraudsters can target anyone. To help, we’ve come up with some top tips for protecting yourself and being cautious when checking your emails. Read tips.
Researcher makes waves
PhD researcher and alumni, Emma Partlow, has been celebrated in the Shaw Trust 2024 Disability Power 100 list for her global impact in accessibility. Emma's research.
PG Corner
Welcome to the latest updates from the University Graduate School (UGS) specifically for postgraduate students.
Three Minute Thesis 2025: Open for entries
Are you a doctoral researcher ready to showcase your work? Three Minute Thesis (3MT) challenges you to present your research in just three minutes to a non-specialist audience. Enhance your skills, boost research visibility, win cash prizes, and advance to national and international finals.
PGR Events in the New Year
Join your UGS Scholars for a range of events to get you meeting new people, learning new skills, and taking a break from your research. In January, join PGR Film Club, PGR Social Badminton, and more.
Westmere House: Open to PGRs
Westmere House (G15 on the campus map) is your PGR Hub on campus, open 06:00-22:00 daily. If you're looking for a new place to work, you can find a dedicated PGR hot desk room, plus kitchen, showers and social lounge, at Westmere. Our spaces are even bookable for your PGR events.
PGR Development blog - call for content
The Postgraduate Researcher Development blog publishes posts on a wide variety of topics relevant to PGRs, including academic writing, conferences, work-life balance, and career management. In 2025, we’re looking for more PGR-led content – are you interested in writing a post? Visit the Contribute page to find out more or explore the blog for inspiration.
Our diary picks
Artisan Market
Tuesday 14 January, 10:00-16:00
University Square
The Artisan Market welcomes local craftspeople and producers onto campus, bringing baked goods, homemade produce, handmade items, vintage and unique gifts, crafts, and street food. You'll also find our own students hosting stalls with their own creations.
Top tips for CVs, cover letters and applications
Tuesday 14 January, 11:00-12:00
Online
Whether you're looking for part time work to compliment your studies, applying for an internship or seeking graduate opportunities, this session will give you valuable information on best practice for creating CVs, cover letters and applications.
Culture & Connect: international peer support group
Wednesday 15 January, 14:00-17:00
Employer Training Room (Room G30), Aston Webb Building
Moving to a new country, adapting to a new culture, and adjusting to university life can be overwhelming. Culture & Connect is run by a diverse group of international students who understand your journey and are eager to help you settle into Birmingham.
Go Global Summer Fair
Wednesday 22 January, 12:00-16:00
Debating Hall, the Guild
We have a range of international opportunities and funding contributions to study, research or volunteer across the globe! Visit our Go Global Fair to find out more about all the exciting opportunities available in summer 2025 open to all year groups. You can also enrol on our Go Global Summer 2025 canvas course.
Postgraduate Discovery Day
Thursday 23 January, 13:00-13:30
Thinking about postgraduate study? Join our Postgraduate Discovery Day to meet our staff, chat with current students, and discover the range of support services on offer.
Waste Age: What can design do? (Exhibition)
Until Sunday 23 February, 11:00-17:00
First Floor, Made at MAC, Terrace and Arena Galleries
A group exhibition focused on rethinking our relationship to everyday things. From fashion to food, electronics to construction, finding the lost value in our trash and imagining a future of clean materials and a circular economy could point the way out of the Waste Age.
Visit our What's On page for the latest student events.
Bringing dinosaurs back to life
Dinosaurs are among the most popular fossil animals. But how much do we really know about them? Visit the Lapworth Museum until Friday 28 February to discover our new exhibition that explores how science has changed our understanding of dinosaurs. Explore this special event.
Win a UoB Snow Globe
To celebrate the start of the year, three lucky students can each win a UoB-themed Snow Globe! All you have to do is answer a simple question, it's really that easy... Try your luck.
And finally
Take our Digital Experience survey to win £500
Want to help shape digital services at the University? Share your views now and help improve the student digital experience. Take the survey.
Veganuary drinks
Try something new in 2025 with limited edition plant-based drinks on sale in selected Food Fellows Coffee Shops throughout January.
If you have any suggestions for the student newsletter please email: studentcommunications@contacts.bham.ac.uk.