Brum Bulletin: One last thing...

The Brum Bulletin - your student news

In this issue...

• Tell us how your summer went and you could win.
• For Parents and Carers Fortnight recently, we chatted to Michelle and Fellin about studying and being a mum.
• Drama student Mahina chats with professors on life then versus now.
• Getting you prepped for moving out weekend.
• The University Doctoral School has launched.

News

Have you enjoyed UoB Xtra this summer?

Maybe you caught a film at the outdoor cinema, joined in on the Green Heart activities, or picked up some new skills at one of our workshops? Plus, your course team will have timetabled subject-based activities.

We’re already thinking ahead to next summer – and we’d love your ideas. What should we add to make it even better?

Just answer 3 quick questions, and you could win one of our limited edition summer t-shirts in our prize draw!

Project Manager, Student, Mum

Michelle tells her story of returning to university as a mum of two—balancing work, study, and family life while rediscovering her identity and pursuing her own passions

From Jakarta to Birmingham

After moving to the UK, Fellin, a postgraduate student and mother of two, shares her journey of balancing motherhood with studying for a Master's in Education for Social Justice in this life-changing leap.

Drama Student: Then vs Now-

To celebrate the University’s 125th anniversary, Drama and Theatre Arts student Mahina sat down with Professor Graham Saunders, who graduated from UoB with a Drama degree in 1994. Now the head of that same department, he reflects on how uni life has changed 21 years on.

Moving out weekend is coming

Soon you'll head home for the summer and we're here to make sure you've got everything with you, plus we have some helpful tips for where you can donate your goods.

 Say hello to the University Doctoral School

We've launched our new University Doctoral School (UDS) to enhance support for postgraduate researchers (PGRs) and strengthen the University's overall research environment. The UDS offers improved training, wellbeing support, and community engagement, while also benefiting all students through events like the Three Minute Thesis and the Postgraduate Research Festival.

Looking ahead, we'll enhance research visibility and accessibility through a redesigned website, a centralised PGR Hub, a new LinkedIn presence launching in summer 2025, and updated training programmes.

PGR Corner

Welcome to the latest updates from the University Doctoral School (UDS) specifically for postgraduate researchers.

Postgraduate Researcher Writing Summer School
From Tuesday 8 - Thursday 10 July

Join the Summer School for a series of interactive workshops designed to boost your writing skills, build confidence, and connect with fellow researchers. Enrol via Canvas to secure your place!

Sustainability at UoB

Community Wardens: Litter pick
Thursday 26 June and Thursday 3 July, 11:00-13:00
Meet in Selly Park car park, Raddlebarn Road

Help keep our community clean with the Community Wardens this move-in/move-out season! We'll provide all the equipment, and a free coffee at Hey Brew afterwards!

Eco-poetry workshop with Cherry Doyle
Thursday 26 June, 12:00-13:30
Room LG03, Teaching and Learning Building

Get your creative juices flowing, learn more about nature, practice your poetry and get inspired! Join our eco-poetry workshop and celebrate the biodiversity of our wonderful Edgbaston campus.

Junkbusters
Friday 27 and Monday 30 June, 12:00-13:00
Various locations

Donate your unwanted items to Junkbusters! Your Community Wardens will have collection stations throughout Selly and Bournbrook.

Our diary picks

Classics 125: Public lecture with Professor Alice Roberts
Today, 18:30-19:30
On campus

Join Professor Alice Roberts for a public lecture exploring the interface between sciences and the humanities, and the place of Classics in a civic university today.

Summer Festival Voices
Thursday 26 June, 13:00-14:00
Elgar Concert Hall, Bramall Music Building

Join us for the final concert of the academic year with a free programme that reflects the hazy beauty and joy of a summer’s day.

Neighbourhood Futures Festival 2025
Thursday 26 - Saturday 29 June
Birmingham Settlement Nature & Wellbeing Centre (B16 0SL)

Join us for four days of bold ideas, hands-on workshops, and community-powered action. Together, we’ll explore what it means to build fairer, greener neighbourhoods - rooted in climate justice, creativity, and collective care.

Postgraduate Open Day
Saturday 28 June, 09:00-16:00
On campus

Thinking about staying at Birmingham for a Masters or PhD? Join us on campus to discover our postgraduate courses, explore our scholarships, and hear from current students.

Artisan Market
Tuesday 1 July, 10:00-16:00
University Square

Meet local favourites and discover new traders from across the West Midlands. We'll welcome local craftspeople and producers onto campus, bringing baked goods, homemade produce, handmade items, vintage and unique gifts, crafts, and street food.

Social Sport: Pickleball
Tuesday 1 July, 12:00-13:00
Slater Hall, Sport and Fitness Centre

Whether you're trying Pickleball for the first time or a regular player, Social Sport sessions are open to all. Just book your place and come along - we'll provide all the equipment! Student spaces cost £4.

Birmingham Disability Festival
Saturday 5 July, 12:00-18:00
Aston University, Birmingham

The festival is a celebration of the talents, achievements, and voices of the disabled community in Birmingham and beyond.

Rare Plants Fair 2025
Sunday 13 July, 10:30-16:30
Winterbourne House and Gardens

Shop from specialist growers and nurseries from around the country and get their expert advice while you’re at it. Get free entry to Winterbourne with your student ID card

Visit our What's On page for the latest student events.

Bournville Village Festival

Head to nearby Bournville for their annual volunteer-run Village Festival on Saturday 28 June. With funfair, food, stalls, displays, the traditional Maypole and more, there's something for everyone. Tickets cost £6 in advance, or £8 on the day.

Inside student life at UoB...

We had an unforgettable summer at UoB Xtra from the outdoor cinema to the Campus 3K. But that’s just the start.

Want to see what student life is really like? Get inspired by student routines, top tips, and real-life hacks to make the most of your time at Birmingham. Plus, there’s plenty of fun along the way.

And finally

Congrats to our Have Your Say 2025 prize winners!

Following a successful student survey season, twenty students have been randomly selected (five from each survey) to receive a £150 reward.

2025/26 Student Membership pre-sale now open

Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just starting out, there’s a membership to suit every student. Discover the benefits of joining Sport & Fitness and make the most of your time at Birmingham. Pre-sale of 25/26 memberships closes on 30 June.