Brum Bulletin: Last chance to win and more festive fun
Spoilers ahead! Here's some of what's inside:
- Christmas continues at UoB - browse our opening hours, events and more.
- Chair of the Jewish Society Maya talks Chanukah.
- Your January exam timetable is live and here's how you can prep.
- Access your Semester 2 and summer term timetable.
- Students blog on budgeting, adjusting to uni and men's mental health.
- Congrats to our 125 Photo Competition winners!
- Last chance to bag tickets to the RSC's production of The BFG.
News
Christmas on Campus: 125 edition
As our celebrations continue, check out what's still on this festive period, our Christmas opening hours and celebrating an international Christmas.
Celebrating Chanukah and beyond
Chair of the UoB Jewish Society and Geography student Maya Blackstone reflects on the light of Chanukah – a celebration of resilience, identity, and hope.
Your January exam timetable is live
You can view your January exam timetable on the MyUoB app, which you can also access on your desktop.
Get prepped for assessments
From study resources, workshops, student tips and vlogs to study spaces, get prepped for your exams.
Access your Semester 2 and summer term timetable
Your Semester 2 teaching timetable is now available to view via the MyUoB app, which you can also access on your desktop.
Don't forget, after the summer assessment period, term continues until Friday 26 June with timetabled subject-related sessions and UoB Xtra; our programme of events, challenges and opportunities from Monday 8 – Friday 26 June 2025.
An eco-friendly Christmas
Wondering how to have an eco-friendly Christmas this year? Student Alice shares hacks to follow for an environmentally friendly festive season, full of all the things you love.
From sixth form to uni
Starting uni can feel like diving into the deep end. Chemistry student Hanna shares her journey from sixth form to UoB, offering advice on independence, social life and homesickness.
Opening up about anxiety
In honour of Men's Mental Health Awareness Month, Digby shares his experience with anxiety and the pressures that stop many men from seeking help.
Soon you'll have your say (and have the chance to win a cash prize)
The National Student Survey (NSS) and Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) will soon be available for all eligible final year students and postgraduate taught students to complete. This is your opportunity to share your thoughts about your course and wider University experience – what we’re doing well and what you think we could be doing better. Plus you'll have the chance to win a £150 cash prize. Watch this space for details...
Remember our 125 Photo Competition? Here's who won...
Find out who bagged an instax camera and hear from the winners and the stories behind their photos.
PGR Corner
The latest updates from the University Doctoral School (UDS) for Postgraduate Researchers.
Three Minute Thesis: Submissions now open
The Birmingham 3MT 2026 is open and your opportunity to build your skills and showcase your research across the University – with the 3MT winner representing the University at national and international competitions! Join our 3MT Canvas course for more information on key dates, expectations, and registration.
Cast your vote: U21 Three Minute Thesis Competition
The U21 Global 3MT Showcase has begun and Birmingham’s 2025 winner Yuxuan Wu, is representing the University and her innovative research to the world stage. Your vote could help her win the People’s Choice Competition and next year, it could be you!
Follow the University Doctoral School on LinkedIn
Follow the UDS LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest opportunities for PGRs, from funding to career development opportunities. We post regularly to keep you updated on events, workshops, and ways to enhance your research experience. LinkedIn is also where we celebrate PGRs and share news to support your growth.
Dates for your diary (aka fun things to do)
Residence Life: A Chanukah Chill
Wednesday 10 December, 16:00-18:00
Infusion, Vale Village
Join your Residence Life team to celebrate Chanukah, the Jewish Festival of Lights! Expect a relaxed and friendly atmosphere and learn a little about one of the most joyful Jewish holidays. Open to all students in University and partner accommodation.
Craft and Crumble
Thursday 11 December, 17:00-19:00
Social Space, Chamberlain
Decorate and send postcards (UK and international stamps included!) to loved ones and enjoy a lovely bit of crumble (hot dessert) with your Residence Life team. Free for all students in UoB and partner accommodation.
Top tips for using LinkedIn
Friday 12 December, 15:00-16:00
Online
Find out how to create your profile and learn top tips to get you ahead when using LinkedIn in your job search.
Movie Night at the Museum: Christmas Special
Friday 12 December, 19:00-20:30
Lapworth Museum of Geology
Watch the festive classic The Muppet Christmas Carol. Bring your own snacks and watch one of the most iconic Christmas movies next to our Allosaurus Roary! Student tickets £9.37.
Christmas carousel on campus
Open weekdays until Monday 15 December, 11:00-17:00
University Square
Take a whirl on our free Christmas carousel, right in the centre of campus.
Pause@uni: Read with me
Tuesday 16 December, 13:30-14:30
Fourth Floor Training Room, Main Library
Share the magic in poems at this monthly session hosted by Pause@uni. Head to the Library for a lunchtime break - it's a great way to meet other students.
Christmas lunch at The Shack
Tuesday 23 December, 11:00-14:00
The Shack, Vale Village
Celebrate the festive season with others staying in halls over the holidays with a special Christmas lunch. Open to all in UoB and partner accommodation, £15 (£13.50 with Student Living Plus). Order by 13:00 on 13 December!
That's not everything! Check out the full What's On page for more.
Easy DIY Christmas crafts
From delectable jam cookies to charming nutcrackers, adorable gift tags, and even a ticket-inspired gift card – we've got everything you need to make this Christmas truly magical!
And finally (any other bits)
Postal services update
The UoB Gift Shop at University Centre is still working to resume Royal Mail and Evri services. As a reminder, stamps and DHL delivery services remain available at Ryman, and Amazon lockers can be found at Spar in University Centre.
Student group raising donations for students from refugee backgrounds
Student Action For Refugees (STAR) Birmingham is creating welcome baskets for UoB students from backgrounds of war, violence, and other such adversities. From stationery and hot drinks to cosy clothes, find out what items they're looking for and where to drop them off.
New resource to help young people understand dissociation
A University of Birmingham–led event has brought together researchers, clinicians, and people with lived experience to launch a new resource aimed at helping young people, carers, and professionals better understand dissociation and depersonalisation.
EUniWell Courses and Training
Explore a range of opportunities on language tandems, diversity and inclusion, research data management, storytelling in academia and more.
Win 1 of 3 £50 Food Fellows vouchers for your feedback
Our Food & Beverage team are always looking for feedback and new ideas to help us provide a diverse, high quality offer to satisfy all our students and staff. Please help by completing the survey.
Thanks for scrolling this far — you've made it to our special giveaway
Big shoutout to winners Jamiee and Marianna, who each won a £50 mini golf voucher in our last competition. Could you be next?
Your last chance to win a Giant-sized adventure
One lucky student will win a pair of tickets to see the Royal Shakespeare Company’s spectacular production of The BFG! Simply answer one question for your chance to watch Roald Dahl’s unforgettable story burst to life on Saturday 17 January 2026 at 14:00.
If you have any suggestions for the student newsletter please email: studentcommunications@contacts.bham.ac.uk.