Brum Bulletin: Here's what's new on campus

• Your chance to win £1,000. Don't miss out.
• Students blog on icons, Diwali and working abroad.
• As the nights get darker, find out how you can stay safe.
• New opportunities to gain work experience and meet new people.
• Fancy a £50 voucher to indoor golf?

News

What would £1,000 mean to you? Hear from previous UoB winners...

The Brighter Futures Grant is still open, and yes, students do really win! Find out how these UoB students had a £1,000 boost, and why you should apply too.

Our Black History Month icon

Law student Danielle celebrates UoB Chancellor Sandie Okoro — a trailblazer whose story inspires the next generation of Black leaders.

Diwali celebrations in Bengal

Earlier this month we celebrated Diwali. Hear from PhD student Anwesa on how Bengal lights up with feminine energy, tradition and joy.

Four weeks working in Kenya

Nursing student Saron shares how a month-long internship in Kenya has increased her understanding and appreciation for different cultures.

Top safety tips for the darker nights

With the clocks going back, find out how we're keeping you safe with free personal safety kits to give away, tips for getting home safely and much more.

B-Experienced Internships are open

Secure an internship through the B-Experienced Programme and get yourself some work experience. Make sure to apply for the deadline 12 November.

PGR Corner

The latest updates from the University Doctoral School (UDS) for Postgraduate Researchers.

Be Recognised for Your Impact – Research and Impact Awards

Have you gone above and beyond to support others in the research community? The Exceptional Research Contribution of Doctoral Researchers Award celebrates those who foster collaboration and build inclusive spaces. Nominate yourself or a colleague for the award and shine a light on the difference doctoral researchers make across the University.

Speak with Confidence: Presentation Skills for PGRs

As part of their regular schedule of workshops, the Research Skills Team will be running an Introduction to Presentation Skills session on October 31 to help you build your confidence and develop your presentation skills in a supportive environment. 

Queenie’s Story: A Black PGR’s reflections for Black History Month

In honour of Black History Month, Queenie Nwariaku has shared her experiences as a Black PGR, reflecting on the importance of visibility, empowerment, and inclusive research cultures. In this latest issue to the PGR Development Blog, Queenie invites us to consider how academic spaces can better support diverse voices.

Dates for your diary (aka fun things to do)

Light Painting
Friday 31 October, 13:00-14:00
Hexagon Theatre, MAC

Join artist Jo Gane and learn to draw with light in this free drop in workshop. You’ll be using coloured torches, digital cameras and slow exposure times in a dark environment to create unique images.

Artisan Market
Tuesday 4 November, 10:00-16:00
University Square

Meet local craftspeople and producers bringing baked goods, homemade produce, handmade items, vintage and unique gifts, crafts, and street food.

Go Global: discover summer opportunities
Wednesday 5 November, 12:00-13:00
Online

Discover a range of international summer opportunities available for Summer 2026 including academic summer schools, language and cultural courses, research placements and volunteering and internships.

Thrive in Uni: Perfectionism
Wednesday 5 November, 16:00-17:30
Online

Do you think that you must do things right the first time? Do you procrastinate and delay work out of a fear of failure? Do you struggle to meet your own high standard? If you've answered yes to any of these questions, you could find this Perfectionism session useful.

Your UK career plan
Monday 10 November, 14:00-15:00
Online

International students, learn how UK job applications work, when to apply, what employers want, and how to talk about your visa.

Parents' and Carers' group
Wednesday 12 November, 14:00-15:30
Online

Our new Parents' and Carers' online group is the perfect space for students with parenting or caring responsibilities to share experiences, connect with people who understand and find encouragement and practical support.
That's not everything! Check out the full What's On page for more (https://studentevents.bham.ac.uk/whatson/)

Fright Night at the Museum

Join us for a Halloween movie night at the Lapworth Museum of Geology with a screening of Jordan Peele's Nope.

Using Canvas

Student Content Shaper, Maisie, has created a Brum 101 guide to help you learn how to use Canvas and make your start at UoB as smooth as possible!

And finally... (all the other bits) 

Campus WiFi update

IT Services are renewing the security certificate for the University’s WiFi network on 4 November. After this update, you might see a pop-up asking you to trust the new certificate, just select Continue, Connect, or Trust to reconnect. 

Thanks for scrolling this far — you’ve unlocked an exclusive competition!��

Big shoutout to Business student Owen, who won a free UoB hoodie in our last giveaway. Could you be next?

Win a £50 mini golf adventure! ⛳

We're giving two students a £50 voucher each to enjoy adventure mini golf based in the city centre. Come and play the indoor, 18-hole mini golf courses and get competitive with pals, or challenge yourself. I want to enter the competition.