The student events calendar will help you find events taking place over the coming semester. From meeting new people to developing skills, there are a variety of events taking place across the University. We've hand-picked some of the highlights that we think you will find interesting and useful.
Unless specified otherwise, events are suitable for all undergraduate and postgraduate students. Got a student event you would like to be added? Contact us with the details.
Your highlights
Term's coming to an end, but we're still here - check what's open over the Christmas period
Get into the festive spirit with events and activities on campus
Join in one of our favourite campus traditions
Events this week
Christmas Carousel
Monday 4 - Friday 8 December, 10:00-18:00, University Square
Suitable for all students
You can hop on our Christmas Carousel for a FREE ride in between your lectures and seminars at University Square from Thursday 30 November to Friday 1 December, and from Monday 4 December to Friday 8 December, from 10:00 to 18:00. It’s a great way to get yourself out of the Library and melt away any snowy moods this Christmas season.
Study Well-Fayre: Drop-in sessions
Monday 4 December, 10:00-15:40, Main Library
Suitable for all students
Studying at university can be challenging. Sometimes, all it takes to manage your studies while also safeguarding your wellbeing is finding the right support at the right time. Drop in on the sessions below, no booking needed:
- 10:00-12:00 and 13:00-15:00: Meet the Pets As Therapy dogs in the UB Well area on the ground floor.
- 11:00-15:00: Visit stalls from Wellbeing, Student Disability Service, and Security Teams in the ground floor atrium
- 13:00-14:00: Join a one-hour session on Writing Poetry for Wellbeing - come along to the Fourth Floor Training Room.
- 15:00-15:40: Try some gentle Chair Yoga with Sport & Fitness in the Fourth Floor Training Room.
For more information visit our Study Well-Fayres page.
Study Well-Fayre: Preparing for exams and revision with the Academic Skills Centre
Monday 4 December, 11:00-12:00, online
Suitable for undergraduate and postgraduate taught students
This workshop will help you prepare for your exams whether you're taking them remotely or in-person. It will help you:
- Understand what an in-person or remote exam involves
- Reflect on your own approaches to revision
- Consider different strategies for revision
- Be prepared on the day for the exam
Book now
Lapworth Museum Tours
Monday 4 December, 12:00-13:00, Lapworth Museum of Geology
Suitable for all students
Dumbfounded by dinosaurs, confused about clastics, puzzled by pyrite? Why not join us today on our tour of the Museum and get the chance to see behind the scenes!
All tours are free of charge and are run on a first come first served basis - please meet at reception.
Interfaith Vigil for Peace
Monday 4 December, 13:15-13:45, St. Francis Hall
Suitable for all students
Join the the Multi-Faith Chaplaincy for an interfaith prayer and silent vigil to mourn for all the lives lost in the Holy Land and to pray and light a candle for peace.
Study Well-Fayre: How to critique an academic article with the Academic Skills Centre
Monday 4 December, 14:00-15:00, online
Suitable for undergraduate and postgraduate taught students
This workshop will explore what is involved in critiquing an academic article. It will help you:
- Understand what is involved in critiquing an article
- Understand the role of different sections of an article
- Develop a thoughtful, questioning approach to reading
- Identify, summarise, and evaluate the ideas and information presented
Book now
Academic Skills Centre: Academic writing
Tuesday 5 December, 11:00-12:00, online
Suitable for undergraduate and postgraduate taught students
This workshop will cover some of the essential features of essay writing. It will help you:
- Plan an assignment or piece of writing
- Organise ideas and arguments
- Use introductions and conclusions effectively
- Manage transitions and create a sense of ‘flow’ within a piece of work
Book now
Academic Skills Centre: Critical thinking and writing - how to improve your marks
Tuesday 5 December, 14:00-15:00, online
Suitable for undergraduate and postgraduate taught students
This workshop will explore how to apply critical analysis to your writing to achieve higher marks in your assessment. It will cover:
- What is ‘critical analysis’ and why is it important?
- Structure and analysis of arguments
- Critical reading of academic texts
- Creating strong arguments in written work
Book now
Colouring Outside the Lines: Celebrating neurodiversity in art
Tuesday 5 December, 19:00-20:30, online
Suitable for all students
This Barber Institute workshop will delve into the work of Vincent Van Gogh and introduce you to the practices of contemporary Neurodiverse artists and practitioners. Drawing on these artists' work we will engage in relaxed discussion – stimulating ideas before leading you through creative exercises that appreciate the beauty of diversity in thought.
Connect with like-minded students and uncover the transformative power of art to promote and open up dialogue around well-being and mental health. The student-only workshop is free and no prior drawing or creative writing experience is needed. There will be fun experimental exercises to get the artistic juices flowing.
Register now
Academic Skills Centre: Using Generative AI tools for study
Wednesday 6 December, 11:00-12:00, online
Suitable for undergraduate and postgraduate taught students
This workshop will introduce you to Generative AI tools for study. It will explain what these tools are and how they work. We’ll also consider how they could enhance your study and learning whilst making you aware of the University’s guidance around acceptable use. This is a great workshop to attend if you’re curious about these tools and want to learn more.
Book now
Pause@UoB: Wednesday Crafternoon
Wednesday 6 December, 13:00-16:00, Library Lounge, Main Library
Suitable for students up to age 25
Drop in to the Library Lounge every Wednesday in term-time for free arts and crafts, chat, and relax.
Academic Skills Centre: Using EndNote Online for referencing
Wednesday 6 December, 13:00-14:00, online
Suitable for undergraduate and postgraduate taught students
This workshop will introduce you to the reference management software, Endnote Online. It will help you:
- To create an account
- Save references from findit@bham and databases
- Insert references into Microsoft Word
Book now
Go Global in Summer 2024: drop-in session
Wednesday 6 December, 14:00-16:00, Aston Webb Student Hub
Suitable for all students
Love to travel and see the world? Looking for ways to develop new skills? Want to make a difference in the world?
Go Global have a wide range of summer opportunities to study or volunteer across the globe in summer 2024. Click to Enrol on the Canvas course for more details about the opportunities available and information on how to apply by 2 February. Opportunities will continue to be added so keep checking back!
The Go Global team will also be hosting drop-ins on Wednesday 6 and Thursday 7 December for you to ask any questions, big or small, and generally find out more. No need to book - just come along. Can't make the sessions? You can email the team too.
Eligible students will benefit from grant funding through the Turing Scheme, the UK programme for global educational opportunities.
UoB Football: Christmas Charity Matches
Wednesday 6 December, 15:30-21:00, Bournbrook 3G Pitch
Suitable for all students
Join UoB's Women's and Men's Football Clubs for a HUGE charity Christmas event, all in aid of Mind Birmingham.
You can cheer on two football matches, with Men's at 16:00 and Women's at 18:30, and enjoy a Christmas Market including food stalls, a craft tent, Christmas themed carnival games and lots of other fun! Bring along your friends and family for an end of term treat, and help raise money for a great cause.
Student Mentors: Housemate Finder
Wednesday 6 December, 17:00-19:00, The Duck & Scholar, Vale Village
Suitable for all students
Unsure who to live with next year? Your Student Mentors are hosting regular Housemate Finder events - a relaxed and friendly way to meet like-minded people, also looking to meet others to live with next academic year.
The event will include games and activities to help you break the ice and get to know others. Come to as many events as you like - whether you're attending to look for one extra person to complete an existing house, or as an individual to meet other individuals - all are welcome.
Remember, this is only the beginning for some and we continue to encourage you not to rush, take your time to get to know people and seek out the right property for you before signing any contracts.
This event is free to attend, no tickets required.
Festive Social Tennis
Wednesday 6 December, 18:30-20:00, Sport & Fitness Centre
Suitable for all students
Want to get involved in some sport this festive season? Join our festive social tennis session - open to all! Bring your friends or come along to meet some new people and have some sporty fun. Social sport sessions cost £4 for students. Find out more and book now.
Academic Skills Centre: Advanced Essay writing
Thursday 7 December, 11:00-12:00, online
Suitable for undergraduate and postgraduate taught students
This workshop provides a more in-depth look into essay writing, focusing on ways to achieve higher marks through your writing. It will cover:
- What good academic writing involves
- Our Top 10 Tips for advanced essay writing
- An in-depth look at essay writing examples
Book now
Pause@UoB:Comfort Zone
Thursday 7 December, 14:00-15:00, No. 1 Lodge, North Gate
Suitable for students up to the age of 25
Find a space to meet others, create, play, and just relax with Pause@UoB. Drop-in to the No. 1 Lodge next to North Gate for free snacks, drinks, and friendship.
Go Global in Summer 2024: drop-in session
Thursday 7 December, 14:00-16:00, Aston Webb Student Hub
Suitable for all students
Love to travel and see the world? Looking for ways to develop new skills? Want to make a difference in the world?
Go Global have a wide range of summer opportunities to study or volunteer across the globe in summer 2024. Click to Enrol on the Canvas course for more details about the opportunities available and information on how to apply by 2 February. Opportunities will continue to be added so keep checking back!
The Go Global team will also be hosting drop ins on Wednesday 6 and Thursday 7 December for you to ask any questions, big or small, and generally find out more. No need to book - just come along. Can't make the sessions? You can email the team too.
Eligible students will benefit from grant funding through the Turing Scheme, the UK programme for global educational opportunities.
Multi-Faith Chaplaincy: Writers' Block
Thursday 7 December, 15:00-18:00, Oasis Lounge, St Francis Hall
Suitable for all students
Whether you're writing an essay, a haiku or the next Booker Prize winner, join with other writers to smash through writer's block and get those words down!
Bring your notebooks and your laptops, settle in and write, take part in writing sprints or hone your skills in the critique circle. Contact Sharon Jones for more information.
Ghouls' Gallery
Thursday 7 December, 18:30-20:45, Lapworth Museum of Geology
Suitable for all students
An anthology stage show based on a selection of great tales of terror by Bram Stoker, Sax Rohmer and M.R. James. Authentically gripping dramatic storytelling performed and scripted by award-winning actor Jonathan Goodwin.
Doors open at 18:30 and the performance starts at 19:00, lasting around 70 minutes with a 20 minute interval. Student tickets cost £5.
Book now
University Vocal Consort
Thursday 7 December, 18:30-19:00, The Dome, Bramall Music Building
Suitable for all students
Vocal Consort is an ensemble put together each year to support the Undergraduate Choral Conducting students and is made up of a small number of talented singers from across the University.
Free of charge, seats are on a first come first served basis.
Grit and Soul - Soul City Arts
Friday 8 December, 19:30-21:30, Elgar Concert Hall, Bramall Music Building
Suitable for all students
Birmingham street-artist and curator Mohammed Ali tells the story of the city, celebrating the graft that is embedded in its DNA. Ali says, ‘Birmingham is no Paris, Tokyo or Milan, it is gritty, but it has soul and that’s how we like it’. Digital visuals are presented alongside performances from celebrated storyteller and author Polarbear and spoken-word artist Ayan Aden, all underpinned by lush soundscapes created by vocalist Cleveland Watkiss.
Student tickets cost £5.
Book now
UGS: Postgrad Christmas jumper upcycling
Friday 8 December, 14:00-16:00, Westmere House
Suitable for postgraduate students
Does your favourite Christmas jumper have a hole in it? Do you have a Christmas party soon, but have nothing to wear? Or do you just love the make-do-and-mend aesthetic and want to learn more about living sustainably?
Come along to this festive workshop and learn the basic skills of clothing repair, creative ‘visible mending’ techniques to turn damage into a decorative feature, and simple tailoring to make your clothes fit perfectly.
Following a demonstration of a range of clothes mending techniques, you'll be able to put them to good use and repair or 'Christmas-ify' your own clothes, with support from our friendly facilitator! Please bring a garment that needs mending or that you would like to 'Christmas-ify', such as a jumper, skirt, or beanie hat. All other materials will be provided, and no previous sewing knowledge is needed!
Book now
Society Spotlight: Strictly Brum Dancing 2023
Friday 8 December, 18:45-21:00, Deb Hall, Guild of Students
Suitable for all students, their friends and families
BALADS are back with their annual dance extravaganza - Strictly Brum Dancing! The evening will see 'celebrities' (committee members from other societies) paired with a BALADS dancer, ready to perform after months of practice! You can also enjoy demonstrations from some of the more advanced couples.
Cheer your favourite couples along, and take your chances in the charity raffle, raising money for St Basils' Birmingham which supports young people in and around Birmingham who face homelessness.
Each student/non-student ticket also includes a FREE class with it, so you try it out for yourself. Student tickets cost £6, and £7 for non-students.
Book now
Events this month
Christmas period: Monday 11 December 2023 - Sunday 7 January 2024
Term time finishes on Friday 8 December, but there's still plenty going on if you are staying around Birmingham over the holidays.
The University Closed Days from Thursday 21 December - Tuesday 2 January mean that many services will close or reduce during that time, however the Main Library and Sport & Fitness will continue to open across most of the Christmas period. Find out more on our Christmas opening hours page.
University Carol Service
Monday 11 December, 18:15-19:15, Great Hall, Aston Webb Building
Suitable for all students
The University invites you to attend the annual University Carol Service in The Great Hall. The University’s multifaith chaplaincy lead the service, with music from the University Upper Voices choir, conducted by Mariana Rosas.
The service is free an unticketed, but can be very popular, so we recommend arriving in good time.
The Great Hall doors open at 17:30, with the service starting at 18:15 and it will last for approximately 1 hour.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Careers Network: Top tips for CVs, Cover Letters and Applications
Tuesday 12 December, 11:00-12:00, online
Suitable for all students
Whether you are 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.
Register now
Festive Badminton Competition
Tuesday 12 December, 17:00-19:00, Sport & Fitness Centre
Suitable for all students
Want to get involved in some sport this festive season? Join our festive badminton competition - open to all! Bring your friends or come along to meet some new people and have some sporty fun. Social sport sessions cost £4 for students. Find out more and book now.
UGS: PGT Christmas Party
Wednesday 13 December, 14:00-16:00, Deb Hall, Guild of Students
Suitable for postgraduate taught students
Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, come and mark the start of the holidays with your postgraduate taught community. We'll have some Christmassy food and drink, and some British Christmas traditions to enjoy!
Christmas clothing is strongly encouraged! Don't have anything Christmassy to wear? Why not come along to our 'Christmas Jumper Upcycling Workshop' and repair your pre-loved clothes in a festive fashion!
Book now
Careers Network: Top tips for using LinkedIn
Thursday 14 December, 11:00-12:00, online
Suitable for all students
Our innovative ‘Top Tip’ sessions are designed to give you the confidence and tools to make your way successfully through the application and selection process.
Our 60 minute session about LinkedIn will help you find out how to create your profile and learn top tips to get you ahead when using this social media tool in your job search.
Register now
UGS: PGR Christmas Party
Thursday 14 December, 14:00-16:00, Westmere House
Suitable for postgraduate research students
Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, come and mark the start of the holidays with your postgraduate researcher community. We'll have plenty of festive drinks and snacks, a few games and Christmas crafts, all sound tracked to some classic Christmas songs.
Christmas clothing is strongly encouraged! Don't have anything Christmassy to wear? Why not come along to our 'Christmas Jumper Upcycling Workshop' and repair your pre-loved clothes in a festive fashion!
Come by yourself to meet new people, or arrange a get together with your research network. All PGRs from any College are welcome to join us but we do ask that you register in advance so we can get the right amount of catering.
Book now
The Happiness Lecture 2023
Thursday 14 December, 18:00-19:15, Great Hall, Aston Webb Building
Suitable for all students
Be sure to join us for an inspiring and thought provoking lecture this December. The University of Birmingham is pleased to announce the speaker for the Baggs Memorial Happiness Lecture 2023, Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE.
Clenton is a passionate advocate and speaker on social justice, and we eagerly anticipate the insights he will bring through his lived experiences to the lecture. Clenton actively promotes an understanding of equality, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, as well as the implementation of practices that can empower and motivate individuals and organizations.
Tickets are free, and in the event of all tickets being allocated, a waiting list will operate.
Book now
Christmas at The Exchange
Saturday 16 December, 10:00-16:00, The Exchange (3 Centenary Square, B1 2DR)
Suitable for all students, especially those with children or young relatives
Designed with families in mind, this festive extravaganza is packed with a wide range of FREE activities for all ages. The programme includes delights such as scheduled sensory music sessions in the morning and storytelling workshops in the afternoon.
As well as drop-in craft activities and a festive cinema experience in the basement vaults. The café will become host to University Music students playing your festive favourites over lunch. There really is something for everyone!
This event is free, with no booking required.
Hall Reps: Hot Chocolate and Christmas Crafts
Tuesday 19 December, 14:00-16:00, Common Room, Jarratt Hall
Suitable for students living in University or partner accommodation
If you’re staying in Halls over the Christmas period, this is a great chance to chat with other students in accommodation over some free hot chocolate and festive crafts - we'll be making christmas cards, festive garlands, and decorating christmas stockings.
This even is open to students in all University or partner accommodation sites.
Careers Network: Making a student-route visa application (continuing students) webinar
Wednesday 20 December, 14:00-15:00, online
Suitable for international students
The International Student Team (IST) will hold a webinar on the Student Route visa, covering the following:
- Student route visa overview
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) and the CAS request process
- Finance, Translation, ATAS and TB requirements
- Visa application process and fee
- Immigration Health Surcharge
- Visa application outcomes
- Q&A
Register now
Christmas Dinner at The Vale
Monday 25 December, The Vale Village Hub
Suitable for all students
Staying in student accommodation over the holidays? Get in the festive spirit and celebrate with fellow students by joining us for a traditional Christmas dinner at the Vale on Monday 25 December. We’re talking roast turkey with all the trimmings (veggie and vegan alternative available), followed by delicious Christmas pudding – all for just £9.50! Even better, if you’re on Student Living Plus, you can use your credit to pay.
Register your interest
Other events
Find out what's on at your students' union
Find online and on-campus events to support your career
Events and activities for our postgraduate community
Explore teams and clubs, classes, and facilities
Explore lectures, seminars, and exhibitions from our research community
Explore events across the city, from Visit Birmingham
Daily events and services
Galleries and museums on campus
Galleries at Barber Institute of Fine Arts
Closed for renovation until Spring 2024
The galleries at the Barber Institute are closed until Spring 2024 for essential building improvements, but you can still enjoy the collections through the Barber Student programme with events and activities for all students.
Find out more
Lapworth Museum of Geology
Monday-Friday, 10:00-17:00, and Saturday 12:00-17:00, Lapworth Museum of Geology
The Lapworth Museum of Geology are delighted to welcome visitors to explore life over the past 3.5 billion years! Explore the collections, meet Roary the campus dinosaur, and enjoy the interactive exhibits.
From rocks and fossils to volcanoes, earthquakes, and even dinosaurs, the Museum captures the imagination of all ages. Entry to the museum is free for all visitors.
Find out more
Winterbourne House and Garden
Daily, 10:30-17:00 (last entry 16:30), Winterbourne House and Garden, Edgbaston Park Road
Suitable for all students.
Winterbourne House and Garden is open daily, including the shop and tea room. Explore the Edwardian Arts and Crafts garden, lovingly created by the homeowners Margaret and John Nettlefield. Discover the garden's treasures, find a place to relax, and take in the views across the hidden Edgbaston pool.
Entry is free with your student ID card (and for your children under 16).
Find out more
Academic Skills Centre appointments
Monday-Friday, 09:00-17:00, Zoom or Microsoft Teams
Suitable for undergraduate, postgraduate taught, and MRes students
The Academic Skills Centre offer confidential individual appointments for undergraduates, postgraduate taught and MRes students (for writing skills) to help with: writing skills, study strategies, referencing, and searching for high quality sources for your assignments.
Appointments are available throughout the academic year from Monday to Friday 09:00 to 17:00, with a reduced service outside of term time. We can offer you four appointments per academic year.
For students in Singapore, appointments are available Monday to Friday 09:00 to 12:00 UK time (17:00 and 20:00 Singapore time) via Zoom. For students in Dubai, appointments are available 10:00-16:00 UK time (14:00-20:00 Dubai time). Please book five working days in advance.
Book now
Digital Skills appointments
Monday-Friday, 09:00-17:00, Zoom
Suitable for all students
The Digital Skills team provides one to one appointments for advice or software support related to a specific task or activity.
The Digital Skills team can help support any student by providing digital resources for M365 tools such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint. We can also help with things like creating digital multimedia such as posters, and basic video editing. We are unable to support non-standard or school/college bespoke tools.
Book now
Maths Support Centre
Monday-Friday, 10:00-16:00, Main Library or Zoom
Suitable for undergraduate and postgraduate taught students
Many students experience difficulties with mathematical and statistical content during their university studies. We offer advice and support to Taught students from all disciplines. Whether you need help with your programme of study or guidance on numerical reasoning tests, we are here to help you develop your mathematical skills.
Drop in support is available 10:00-16:00 in the Main Library on weekdays - no need to book, just turn up to see our tutors. Appointments are available for those unable to attend the Main Library.
Find out more
Academic English 1-1 appointments
Monday-Friday, online
Suitable for international students
1-2-1 English is available to all undergraduate and postgraduate international students. It is a bookable service, see below, and provides individual and confidential support with Academic English. The aim of the tutorial is to teach and advise you so that you can improve your academic studies and submissions. During your 30-minute consultation you will be able to ask questions about any aspect of your English.
You can book up to 4 sessions per semester. Book via the Canvas course.
Research Skills appointments
Monday-Friday, 09:00-17:00, Microsoft Teams, Zoom or in-person
Suitable for postgraduate research students
The Research Skills Team offers one-to-one appointments on the following topics:
- Literature searching (advising on but not undertaking literature/systematic reviews)
- Referencing and EndNote
- ORCiD and curating online publication profile
- Research metrics
- Using other libraries
- Introductory advice in Open Access, Research Data Management and copyright
Book now
Tea with a research librarian
Tuesdays, 15:00-16:00, Zoom
Suitable for postgraduate research students
Each Tuesday one of our Research Skills Advisors makes themselves a cup of tea and waits patiently for your questions. Join them via Zoom to keep them company, and ask anything research skills or library-related.
- Library collections and resources
- Doing excellent literature searching
- Managing your references
- Basics of managing data
- Setting up an ORCID
- Anything else library related you've always wanted to ask - no question too basic!
PGRs can access the link from their Canvas course.
Digital Skills appointments
Monday-Friday, 09:00-17:00, Zoom
Suitable for all students
The Digital Skills team provides one to one appointments for advice or software support related to a specific task or activity.
The Digital Skills team can help support any student by providing digital resources for M365 tools such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint. We can also help with things like creating digital multimedia such as posters, and basic video editing. We are unable to support non-standard or school/college bespoke tools.
Book now
PGR development from the Research Skills Team
Visit our PGR development page where you will find details and booking links for workshops and online courses for PGRs delivered by the Research Skills Team in Library Services.
Find out more
Induction training
Visit our online induction material page for new postgraduate researchers where you will find information including an introduction to library resources, spaces, and support, and how we can help you to develop as a researcher, how you can use keyword and subject heading searching to make your literature search precise and effective and Key databases to help you find literature in your subject amongst lots of other useful information.
Find out more
Pause@UoB drop-ins
Wednesday and Thursdays, 11:00-17:00, Lodge No. 1 (North Gate)
Suitable for students up to their 25th birthday.
Pause@UoB are an NHS-backed initiative that offers you emotional support right here on campus, led by our friendly team of qualified therapists, practitioners and trained volunteers. Drop-in sessions on Wednesdays and Thursdays will start again from Wednesday 6 April.
Find out more
UBHeard - mental health support line
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Suitable for all students
UBHeard is a confidential listening and support service for all registered students (undergraduate and postgraduate) that gives you immediate emotional and mental health support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
You will be able to speak to a mental health professional and counsellor who will guide you through any issues you may currently be facing – at University or at home. UBHeard offers immediate in-the-moment telephone support, and where appropriate, up to six sessions of counselling for mild-moderate issues.
Find out more
Student Mentors
Drop in weekdays, 16:00-20:00 during term-time, Shackleton or by email and phone
Suitable for students living in University accommodation
Your Student Mentor Scheme Team are here to offer you help and support whilst you live in University accommodation.
All 15 of the Mentors are current students, so know what living in halls is really like! They can help you with information, guidance and support in a range of areas - including wellbeing, accommodation, academic and financial queries
So if you have a query or need advice from a friendly fellow student – talk to them! You can drop in to their base at Shackleton (next to the Duck & Scholar) between 16:00-20:00 weekdays during term time, or contact them by email, phone, or on their socials.
Email Student Mentors
Follow on Instagram
Find out more
Better than Well
Support available throughout the week (see timetable below), The Lodge, North Gate
Better Than Well is a community of recovering students on campus at UoB who support each other in shaping and maintaining an abstinence based life in higher education through peer support, mutual aid, “sober social” activities and recovery focused groups and meetings.
What we offer:
- A weekly open meeting in ‘celebration’ of recovery that provides continued support to BTW members, face to face and on zoom. This meeting is a chance for recovering students to share their thoughts, feelings, concerns, hopes and successes around life as a student in recovery.
- Drop-ins at The Lodge, North Gate, for students to take a break from their studies and busy schedules for a tea, a friendly chat and helpful support.
- Support in attending addiction recovery support meetings in the local community, a local representative from the recovery community will be on hand to take students to local meetings.
- A 12-step recovery meeting on campus
- Mindfulness meditation classes
- A monthly “Sober Social” activity
- Access to Smart Recovery meeting on campus
View the Better Than Well timetable
Safety and security support
Community Safety Team drop-ins
Monday-Friday, 10:00-16:00, No. 2 Lodge, by North Gate
Based in the new Community Safety Hub at Lodge No.2, North Gate, our friendly team offer you a safe, confidential space to ask any safety questions or share your concerns. Available all year round and open 10:00-16:00, Monday to Friday you can pop along to pick up FREE safety and security products.
Working with the Guild, the Team are able to offer personal safety alarms, home security devices, and bike D-locks.
Selly Express
Monday-Friday, 19:00-00:00 midnight, bus stop behind the Main Library/Spar
The Guild’s shuttle bus service, the Selly Express, is your FREE evening shuttle bus service from campus to Selly Oak.
The bus runs from Monday - Friday during term time, and collects students at 19:00, 20:00, 21:00, 22:00, 23:00, and 00:00, close to the Main Library, behind Spar (on the corner of Westgate and Ring Road).
You don’t need to buy a ticket to ride the Selly Express. Just show up with your student ID and tell the driver exactly where you’d like to be dropped off, and we'll either drop you at the exact location, or for smaller roads that the bus may not be able to navigate, as near to your front door as we possibly can.
Find out more
Regular prayer and worship
The Multi-Faith Chaplaincy are providing regular opportunities for collective prayer and worship across various faith traditions, both in person and online. Subscribe to the weekly Multi-Faith Chaplaincy newsletter to find out what is happening each week.
Subscribe to the newsletter
Social Sport
Check out the daily timetable for social sport at Sport & Fitness! Choose from a range of sports on a Pay & Go basis, including basketball, netball, kickboxing, badminton, and boxing.
The Just Play sessions are hosted by Sport Activators to maximise your time to play, whist the Coach & Play sessions provide some coaching and the opportunity for a friendly game.
Find Social Sport
Climbing
Did you know we have our own climbing wall? For beginners, our Taster Sessions are a great introduction with a qualified instructor. If you're already a competent climber, our Pay & Go sessions let you get stuck in - all equipment (except shoes) is included.
See Climbing options
Fitness Classes
Explore the range of Fitness Classes that take place throughout the week, available on a Pay & Go basis. From Barre to Yoga, Aqua Fit to Boxercise, there is something for all needs and abilities.
Check out the timetable
Student Memberships
We offer a range of student memberships across Sport & Fitness and Tiverton Gym. Find out which one might suit you.
Explore memberships
Active Residences
Active Residences is a sport and exercise programme designed specifically and exclusively for University of Birmingham students living in University and partner-owned accommodation.
It doesn’t matter if you’ve never played sport or exercised before; there’s something for everyone and it’s right on your doorstep.
So, join us and get active to help improve your wellbeing, mental and physical health, and feel a sense of belonging in our student community.
Check out the timetable