Brum Bulletin: Ready for your free gift from Santa?
The Brum Bulletin - your student news
In this issue...
- Santa's sleigh has almost landed on campus. Get festive with us!
- Celebrating Disability History Month.
- Students reminisce about their European study abroad adventures.
- Student Alex's tips on staying motivated and on track at uni.
- Last chance to enter our £1k giveaway - you don't want to miss this.
- Double competition time - win UoB merch and with Night Market UK.
News
Santa's coming to campus!
‘Tis the season to rest, relax and connect with those around you. And what better way to do this than being part of our Christmas on campus celebrations. We have a full programme of exciting events and activities planned for you!
Don't be a scrooge! Head down to campus on Wednesday 4 December and help us spread the Christmas cheer with a Marquee with Santa, our light-switch on event, Big Wheel, Carol Service and more. Don't miss out! Get festive with us.
Disability History Month continues
Celebrated until 16 December, Disability History Month is an opportunity to come together to celebrate and commemorate the lives and achievements of disabled people in the UK, and all across the world.
This year's theme is 'Livelihood and Employment' which aims to correct assumptions about disabled people in the workplace and raise awareness of the barriers disabled individuals still face in accessing employment. Learn more about the month.
My global adventure
Languages Student Yael reminisces about her 'life-changing' experience in Paris and Graz and how it pushed her out of her comfort zone. Read Yael's blog.
Studying in Sweden
"Studying abroad has always been something I wanted to do, but picking the right country wasn’t easy. After a lot of research, I ended up choosing Sweden..." Continue reading.
Staying motivated
Final year student Alex gives you his advice on overcoming procrastination and maintaining your focus so you can stay on track. Hear from Alex.
Have you our £1,000 giveaway?
Santander Universities are giving ten lucky UoB students the chance to win one £1,000 (cash award) each. All students are eligible to enter and you don’t need to bank with Santander to apply. Last chance to enter.
Built in Birmingham
Did you know that we’re one of the most targeted UK universities by top graduate employers? Hear from our graduates as they share their achievements and the way their university experience shaped their journey. Be inspired.
PG Corner
Welcome to the latest updates from the University Graduate School (UGS) specifically for postgraduate students.
Three Minute Thesis
The Three Minute Thesis asks PhD candidates to present their research in just three minutes. Vote for your favourite in the U21 Winners' Showcase and People's Choice competition, learn about a range of innovative PhD projects - and check out the 2024 UoB winner, Eileen Masters. Join 3MT 2025.
PGR Christmas Events
Celebrate the end of term with your PGR community! Join a postgraduate outings to Christmas on Campus (4 December, 15:30-17:30), Christmas PGR Film Club (5 December, 19:30-21:00) and the Westmere Christmas Party (10 December, 15:00-17:00).
Postgraduate Careers Events
Find postgraduate careers support from the Careers Network, including a PG Skills workshop on creativity and PGT workshops that count towards the Postgraduate Professional Development Award, a recognition of your professional development that appears on your degree transcript.
Get crafty this festive season
Our official Countdown to Christmas has already kicked off, with Student Content Shapers Nataliia and Karina sharing their DIY crafts to make your Christmas extra special. Watch video.
Sustainability at UoB
Shaping Sustainability at UoB: Voting now open!
We're pleased to announce that you can now vote in the Shaping Sustainability at the University of Birmingham community project competition for 2024-25. Choose your favourite sustainability project that you would like to see the Sustainability Team explore over the next 12 months. Voting closes at the end of January.
Our diary picks
Selly Manor Christmas Craft Fair
Saturday 30 November, 11:00-17:00
Selly Manor, Bournville
Get into the festive spirit with some unique local handmade crafts. Find the perfect gift this Christmas amongst 18 stalls: from jewellery to soaps, pottery to hot sauce, and artworks to cakes, plus much more. Find out about the fair.
Church in the Wild - Odd Priest and University Jazz Orchestra
Saturday 30 November, 19:30-21:30
Elgar Concert Hall
The Jazz Orchestra provide the perfect backdrop for this musical storytelling experience in which Odd Priest must traverse the wilderness and is forced to face his own demons.
Cosy Christmas crochet
Tuesday 3 December, 13:00-14:00
Library Lounge, Main Library
Take some time out of your day and try some cosy Christmas crochet with Library Services. Whether you're an expert, or have never tried it before, the team are on hand to help you give it a go. All materials are provided and you don't need to book, so just come along.
Christmas Market
Wednesday 4 December, 10:00-20:00
University Square
We’re bringing a little magic to campus with a Christmas Market featuring unique handmade gifts, and delicious sweet treats to get everyone in the festive spirit.
Christmas Craft Fair
Wednesday 4 December, 11:00-15:00
Bramall Music Building
Whether you're hunting for secret Santa ideas, stocking fillers or presents, our stallholders have you covered with everything from art, crochet, jewellery and pottery, and more.
The Big Wheel
From Wednesday 4 - Friday 13 December (excluding weekends), 11:00-18:00
University Square
Enjoy a free ride on our classic big wheel in the heart of campus.
Christmas Light Switch On
Wednesday 4 December, 17:00-17:15
Chancellor's Court
Join us as we countdown to the lighting of our Christmas tree and festive lights. You can also enjoy our live jazz band, before the big countdown begins.
University Carol Service
Wednesday 4 December, 18:15-19:30
Great Hall, Aston Webb Building
Join the Ecumenical Christian Chaplaincy and the Department of Music for our annual Carol Service to celebrate the joy of the Christmas season. Spaces are limited and are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Christmas Language Café
Tuesday 10 December, 13:00-15:00
Guild of Students, Mermaid Bar
Whether you're practicing English, Japanese, Spanish, Arabic, or any other language, this is the perfect social setting to boost your confidence. You’ll also learn about Christmas traditions, create your own festive cards, and enjoy delicious Christmas-themed snacks. More on the event.
Visit our What's On page for the latest student events.
Pop your skates on
Located in Centenary Square and running until Sunday 5 January 2025 Ice Skate Birmingham gives you the best ice skating experience. Plus enjoy their big wheel for fab views of the city! Get skating.
Win merch and rep UoB with pride
We're giving away a hoodie, insulated water bottle and umbrella separately to three lucky students so you can rep UoB wherever you are. All you have to do is answer a simple question, it's really that easy... I want to enter.
Fancy late-night shopping?
The Night Market UK is returning with a Christmas special at the Secret Space, Digbeth on Friday 6 December. To celebrate, we're giving a pair of tickets to two students and a £10 voucher to spend at the event. Test my luck.
And finally
Biggest free bus travel offer this Christmas
Between Monday 9 - Friday 13 December all of the region’s buses will be free to use from 7pm onwards, with passengers able to simply hop onboard and travel anywhere across the West Midlands bus network. Find out more.
New services now available on campus
The University Centre Food Court has installed key-cutting, photo printing, and passport photo booths, making it easier than ever to get those essential tasks done without leaving campus. The Vale has also installed additional photo printing and passport photo booths.
Fancy the chance to win a £100 Amazon voucher?
We’re researching the needs of postgraduate taught online distance learners at Birmingham to enhance the experience of current and future students. If you’re a distance learner, please check your emails for a short survey. By completing it, you’ll be entered into a prize draw to win one of three £100 Amazon vouchers.
Be Inspired: your story starts here
Ignite your imagination and envision your future career path through the inspiring stories of our alumni and students. Follow @careersbham on Instagram to watch these stories and find out more about how you can start your story.
Hazaar want to hear from you
Hazaar want to know how the campus marketplace is working for you, and they would love it if you could answer a couple of questions.
If you have any suggestions for the student newsletter please email: studentcommunications@contacts.bham.ac.uk.