Brum Bulletin: Your final chance to enter
Spoilers ahead! Here's some of what's inside:
- Happy Lunar and Chinese New year! Here's how you can get involved.
- Ramadan Mubarak starts this week; learn more about the holy month.
- From Nigeria to Brum; Oluwaseun shares his PhD journey.
- Why opening up about your feelings is good for your mind and body
- Students share their top LGBTQ+ reads and must-watch picks.
- Meet PC Paul Jones, your new campus police officer.
- It's double competition; win merch and tickets to the Badminton semi-finals.
News
Welcoming the Year of the Horse
Lunar and Chinese New Year celebrates the beginning of a new year on the traditional lunisolar calendar used in Chinese, East and Southeast Asian communities. Festivities usually begin the evening before and last for fifteen days.
Want to get involved in celebrations? Co-produced by Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee and Birmingham Hippodrome enjoy traditional and modern music, dance and theatre performances on Sunday 22 February in Birmingham City Centre. There’s also fun for all the family with funfair rides, free face painting, fire crackers and more! Hear from Anagh on celebrating in the UK.
Ramadan Mubarak
This week marks the beginning of Ramadan, a sacred month that will be observed by many Muslim students and staff within our community.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Muslims believe it is during this month that the Holy Qur’an was first revealed to the final Prophet, Muhammad (peace be upon him). It is a time of spiritual reflection, prayer and fasting with an emphasis on compassion, generosity and community. Throughout Ramadan, Muslims strive to deepen their faith and increase their good deeds.
Ramadan Mubarak ('Happy Ramadan') to those observing. We wish you a month filled with peace, reflection and spiritual renewal.
Oluwaseun's Story: From Nigeria to UK--
Your Stories is back! Hear from actual UoB students on their journeys to Brum. Nigerian PhD student Oluwaseun tells his story of challenges and self-doubt.
How to talk about your feelings
Talking about mental health can be tough but there are psychological and biological benefits to doing it! Learn tips on opening up.
Want to update your reading list?
Modern Languages and English student Holly shares her fave reads for LGBTQ+ History Month, reflecting on stories that preserve queer history and challenge stigma.
May's ultimate LGBTQ+ watches
English Literature and Film student May highlights five LGBTQ+ must-watch films and series that stand out for their queer themes, emotional depth, and powerful storytelling.
Enjoy 10% off the most prestigious badminton event in the world
As part of the University's work with Yonex All England Badminton Open, you can enjoy an exclusive 10% discount on all tickets using the code found in your Brum Bulletin email.
Steeped in history but full of energy, excitement and tension as an event, the YONEX All England is one of only four Super 1000 events on the world tour. The very best badminton players in the world come together to do battle at the Utilita Arena again in March 2026 and you can be there to watch every single moment.
This year’s YONEX All England Open will start on Tuesday 3 March and reach its climax on Sunday 8 March 2026. Sign up to see the tournament.
Meet your new campus PC
Not sure who to speak to if you have safety concerns on campus? Meet our new dedicated Campus Police Officer, here to keep you safe.
Dates for your diary (aka things to do)
Disco Cycle: Musicals and Film
Sunday 22 February, 17:00-18:00
Sport and Fitness Centre
This class is suitable for all abilities, trans safe, and free to book. Get moving to some film and musical classics!
Artisan Market
Tuesday 24 February, 10:00-16:00
University Square
Find tasty food, handmade gifts, and more as the bustling Artisan Market comes to campus!
Glow Up: Find your path
Wednesday 25 February, 14:00-18:00
Lecture Theatre 2, Teaching and Learning Building
Join us for an inspiring and interactive event designed to help you aim high and elevate your personal brand. Hear from successful UoB graduates and get practical tips on finding your path and developing essential soft skills along the way.
Wellbeing Cafe
Wednesday 25 February, 16:00-19:00
Social Space, Oak Brook Park
Join ResLife for their Wellbeing Café where they'll be putting together some self-care kits, sipping on some warm drinks, and hanging with the therapy dog friends! Free for all in UoB or partner accommodation.
Comedy Night at the Museum
Thursday 26 February, two time slots
Lapworth Museum of Geology
Matt Hobs will perform his sell-out Edinburgh Fringe show 100% Badgers, taking us on a hilarious journey where the worlds of humans and badgers collide. Come along for an evening of sharp jokes and compelling storytelling next to a dinosaur!
Barber Lunchtime Concert: Workers Union Ensemble
Friday 27 February, 13:00-13:50
Elgar Concert Hall, Bramall Music Building
Workers Union Ensemble join us for this CrossCurrents performance with a programme featuring percussion, oboe, cello and piano. Barber Lunchtime Concerts are free with no booking needed, just come along.
Islamic Medical Society's Iftar
Tuesday 4 March, time TBC
Medical School
Open to all, the IMed Iftar is a special evening during the month of Ramadan where you can experience how Muslims break their fast at sunset. This free event is designed to be welcoming, educational, and inclusive.
That's not everything! Check out the full What's On page for more.
PGR Corner
The latest updates from the University Doctoral School (UDS) for Postgraduate Researchers.
3 Minute Thesis: register to watch the finals
The UoB 3MT 2026 Finals are approaching! Join us on 25 March to watch our finalists deliver powerful presentations that bring their research to life in just three minutes. This event will celebrate research, creativity, and communication. Register to secure your place and be part of an inspiring showcase of doctoral talent at Birmingham.
Discover your PGR Wellbeing support
Postgraduate research can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when balancing workload, expectations and personal circumstances. The University offers a wide range of wellbeing support, from College Wellbeing Officers to UBHeard and online group coaching for PGRs. These services create safe spaces to talk, seek guidance and access help whenever you need it.
Read the latest PGR Development Blog: a classroom full of curiosity
Curiosity reshapes how we understand research. In the latest PGR Development Blog, postgraduate researcher Seun shares his experience of speaking with Year 10 students and how their questions renewed his enthusiasm for his own work, offering a thoughtful reminder of why research continues to matter in our society.
PGT Corner
The latest updates for Postgraduate Taught students.
PGT Essentials: brush up on your critical thinking and writing
The Academic Skills Centre's PGT workshops focus on critical thinking skills over the next couple of weeks! View the whole programme of PGT workshops.
Saving money as a student
From shopping at the right time to meal prep and using student discounts, student Van shares practical ways to optimise daily expenses when living alone as a student.
Sustainability at UoB
Green Week 2026 is Coming
Brought to you by the University of Birmingham and the Guild of Students, Green Week will be taking place from the 16 – 22 March 2026 and you’re going to want to be there!
Green Week gives you the chance to have fun, gain practical guidance on how to be more sustainable and learn all about sustainability initiatives across campus and beyond.
Keep checking the Green Week page and the Guild of Students’ Green Week page for the latest updates.
And finally (any other bits)
Stamps, feel good donations and the Gift Shop sale
The UoB Gift Shop is now stocking a full range of postage stamps, making it easier to take care of your postage needs on campus. You’ll also find a new donation point for used stamps. Don’t forget to also check out the New Year’s sale!
Changes to alumni email accounts after graduation
UoB is updating alumni email accounts to boost security and streamline how we stay in touch. From 1 Feb 2026, student emails won't continue after graduation, but you'll keep access for 120 days and we'll use your personal email going forward.
You made it this far and have unlocked a double freebie
Shoutout to Anais and Sadie who won the last Brum Bulletin competition featuring Mockingbird Cinema. Could you be next?
Double competition time...
Final chance to win a £50 merch shop voucher!
One student can win a £50 voucher to spend in store at the UoB merch shop! From a branded hoodie to a handy umbrella, shop and rep UoB in style. All you need to do is answer a simple question...
Win tickets to the biggest badminton event
As part of our work with Yonex All England Badminton Open, one lucky student can win a pair of tickets to the semi-final day on Saturday 7 March. As a UoB student, you can also get 10% off all tickets with the code in your Brum Bulletin email.
If you have any suggestions for the student newsletter please email: studentcommunications@contacts.bham.ac.uk.