Brum Bulletin: Do you know these money-saving tips?
Spoilers ahead! Here's a small selection of what's inside:
- Make your student budget go further with these money-saving tips.
- New confidential wellbeing support is available at the Lodge.
- Show us what makes Brum special and win a £50 voucher.
- Carys' Canadian study adventure.
- How did UoB’s Meal Deal Society become a viral sensation?
- Free cinema tickets for you and a pal in our latest giveaway.
The latest news (what you should know)
Money-saving tips every student should know
Whether you're new to university life or returning for another year, we've rounded up some top tips you should know to help your budget go even further.
New wellbeing drop-ins with Aquarius
Aquarius are offering free and confidential support at The Wellbeing Lodge for students affected by alcohol, drugs, gambling and family-related challenges.
What makes Birmingham special to you? Show us through art or photography
You're invited to submit original art or photography inspired by the city, its people, culture, architecture, green spaces, hidden gems, or your own experiences at University of Birmingham.
The winning entry will receive a £50 voucher and be displayed in the Conference Spaces in the Green Heart Forum. Runner-up entries will receive £30 vouchers. Selected works will also be showcased in University of Birmingham Conferences and Events promotional activity, and may be reproduced and sold through University retail outlets, including the University Gift Shop (terms and conditions apply). Submit your entry by 15 November.
Unexpected item in the bagging area
UoB's Meal Deal Society went viral on social media and in the national media - bagging coverage on BBC News, The Jeremy Vine Show and Good Morning Britain. A TikTok video of the group flocking to the Tesco in Selly Oak has been viewed more than a million times.
Studying abroad in Vancouver
Hear from Carys, final year student, on her Go Global study abroad programme at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. Interested in your own Go Global adventure? Learn about Cary's experience and her top advice to anyone considering a year abroad.
Dates for your diary (things to do)
Community litter picks
From Thursday 29 October, 13:00-14:30
Meet at Bournbrook Pavillion
Join your Guild of Students Community Ambassadors for a Community Litter Pick! At the end of the litter pick, we will be going to Hey Brew coffee shop for a free drink.
Guild of Students: Open Mic Night
Friday 30 October, 17:30-19:00
Beorma Bar, Guild of Students
We invite you to gather for Khuluma, a special open mic inspired by storytelling, ancestry and remembrance. "Khuluma", meaning 'speak' in Zulu, calls us to share the stories we hold close.
Just Run
From Monday 2 November, 19:30-20:30
Athletics Track, by Tennis Courts Accommodation
Come along, enjoy yourself and move at your own pace: run, walk or jump your way through the session. All abilities welcome. No pressure, just come and enjoy! Book via the app, £2 per session.
Understanding bAI with the Academic Skills Centre
Wednesday 4 November (12:00-14:00) and Thursday 5 November (13:00-14:00)
In person and online
bAI is the University’s new generative AI platform, giving you access to some of the latest tools, including ChatGPT and Claude, in a safe and secure environment. During Academic Support Week, the ASC are running two sessions to help you explore the new models and to see how bAI can support your studies.
Benjamin Zephaniah Community Lecture - Afua Hirsch in conversation
Wednesday 4 November, 18:30-20:30
Bramall Music Building
Join acclaimed journalist, broadcaster and author Afua Hirsch for a special evening honouring the life and legacy of Birmingham's legendary poet and activist, Benjamin Zephaniah.
Diwali Celebration with India Institute
Monday 9 November, 12:00-14:00
Bramall Music Building
Enjoy live Indian classical music, get creative with diya lamp painting workshops and experience traditional henna hand painting. Bring light to the dark through this free lunchtime programme, filled with culture, community and celebration.
Remembrance Day service
Wednesday 11 November, 10:30-11:30
Old Joe
Take a moment of reflection and remembrance with the University community on Remembrance Day, honouring those who have served and sacrificed.
Speed Faithing: Connection Through Conversation
Wednesday 11 November, 13:00-14:30
Oak Room, Multifaith Chaplaincy
As part of Inter Faith Week, join the Multifaith Chaplaincy for an interactive event that bringing together people of different faiths, beliefs and worldviews for a series of short, guided conversations. The session offers a welcoming opportunity to challenge assumptions, learn from others, and build understanding across our diverse campus community.
50 years of Happiness Lectures
The Baggs Memorial Happiness Lecture is one of our longest-running public lecture series. Since 1976, it has welcomed speakers including David Attenborough, Benjamin Zephaniah, Bernardine Evaristo and Michael Rosen. In this 50th year special, join Tim Harford - an economist, award-winning journalist and broadcaster - on Monday 9 November (18:00-19:15) in the Great Hall, Aston Webb. Bag your ticket for free.
PGR Corner
Academic Writing Month: take the next step in your writing
November is Academic Writing Month, a chance to set a writing goal and make meaningful progress in your research. Whether you focus on wordcount, writing time, or project milestones, explore the programmed workshops, productivity sessions, and self-directed resources to make progress while developing skills and staying motivated throughout the month.
Share Your PGR Story
Reading about another researcher’s experience can offer valuable reassurance and perspective. 2026 3MT Finalist Isobel Goodger recently shared her reflections on postgraduate research, and you can too. Whether you have faced challenges, celebrated achievements, or gained key skills, consider contributing a written or video testimonial.
Build Your GenAI Skills with Industry Experts
Wednesday 4 November 2026
Aston University
Join Midlands Innovation PGRs interactive workshop designed for doctoral researchers. You will learn about data safety, effective prompting, and real research applications. Connect with fellow PGRs from across the Midlands, test practical use cases, and gain insights from industry experts at Hitachi Solutions.
PGT Corner
PGT Skills Chat
Wednesday 4 November, 13:00-13:45
Online
PGT Skills Chat is a monthly online community space for postgraduate taught students. Held on the first Wednesday of every month in term time, it’s a friendly, informal session where your study skills questions are answered by an academic advisor and you can connect with other students. Book your place.
PGT Essentials: Critiquing an academic article
Wednesday 11 November, 14:00-15:30
Online
What does it mean to be critical? This workshop considers how we might think more critically. It will help you to develop a thoughtful, questioning, critical approach to your reading, and guide you to move from this critical thinking and reading to a piece of critical, analytical, and evaluative writing. View the full programme of PGT events.
Have you downloaded the SafeZone app yet?
With the nights getting longer, you might find yourself on campus when it gets dark. Download the SafeZone app - designed to keep you safe and give you extra peace of mind.
Good news: you've unlocked a freebie!
Shoutout to Ardis who bagged an Old Joe plushie in our last giveaway.
Your next cinema trip could be on us
Five lucky students can win a pair of tickets to any screening of your choice at Mockingbird Cinema! Did you know that their standard membership gives you £1 off future bookings and 10% off concessions for up to a year?
Try your luck.
And finally (any other random bits)
Complete the Travel Survey for a chance to win a £30 voucher
Take part in the Travel Survey and help us improve your travel options. It’s quick and easy to complete and you have the chance to win one of twenty £30 vouchers!
50% off Student Art Pass extended until 31 Oct with code UNI50
Now only £5, get your Student Art Pass for a year of 100s cultural experiences: from Frida Kahlo at Tate Modern to Ikon Gallery, enjoy endless adventures across the UK without breaking the bank. Offer ends on 31 October - use code UNI50.
If you have any suggestions for the student newsletter please email: studentcommunications@contacts.bham.ac.uk.