Brum Bulletin: New year, new competition
Spoilers ahead! Here's some of what's inside:
- Are you ready for the semester ahead? Here's everything you need to prep.
- From Nepal to St Lucia, there are hundreds of global student programmes.
- How does a cheeky £5,000 sound?
- Worklink; the place to find flexible, part-time work on campus.
- Get back into the swing of uni life with our Welcome events throughout Jan.
- Two lucky students can score tickets to Mockingbird Cinema!
News
Welcome back to Birmingham!
Happy New Year! We hope you found some time to rest and recharge over the holiday period and are raring to go.
Here’s everything you need to start Semester 2 feeling prepared, including your timetable, assessment support and wellbeing services.
Go global this summer
Come to the Go Global Summer Fair on Wednesday 21 January (13:00-16:00) at the Guild to explore summer opportunities - from hundreds of destinations. Learn about Go Global.
How you could win £5,000
Do you have a unique idea? Find out how you can enter it into the University’s flagship student enterprise competition. Join the launch event to get application tips.
Earn while you learn
In 2025, students earned £3.5 million through flexible, paid work at Worklink. Thousands of you secured campus and local roles that helped you build skills, gain confidence, and earn while you learn — supporting your studies now and preparing you for life after graduation.
PGR Corner
The latest updates from the University Doctoral School (UDS) for Postgraduate Researchers.
PGR What’s On page: explore events beyond your research
Being a PGR is about more than writing your thesis. Check out the PGR What’s On calendar to discover events designed to help you develop skills, connect with peers, and plan your next career steps. From workshops to social activities, there is something for everyone.
PGR conciliation: support with your supervisor
We know that most PGR-supervisor relationships work well, but if challenges arise, PGR Conciliation is designed to help. This informal and confidential service creates a safe space for constructive dialogue with you and your supervisor, guided by a trained conciliator.
Online Group Coaching: start the year strong
January and the start of a new year is the perfect time to reset and refocus. Join Online Group Coaching sessions with Dr Vikki Wright to tackle challenges like imposter syndrome and low motivation and gain practical strategies to help keep your research on track.
PGT Corner
The latest updates for Postgraduate Taught students.
Complete the Birmingham Award in 2026!
In September we launched our new Birmingham Award with Distinction – Postgraduate, a flexible programme supporting PGT students with professional development and providing recognition for commitment to your employability. If you missed it in Semester 1 or if you’re just joining us in January, sign up and come along to our Intro Session on 21 January at 14.00.
Dates for your diary (aka fun things to do)
Campus tours
From Tuesday 13 - Wednesday 14 January, various times
Meet at Old Joe
New students in January are invited to join a campus tour with one of our current students. Whether you're with us for a semester or a whole programme, discover your new campus, find your way and start settling into student life.
January Welcome Fair
Wednesday 14 January, 13:00-17:00
Bramall
Meet the teams and departments here to support you. Drop-in throughout the afternoon, no booking required.
Comfort Zone with Pause@UoB
Thursday 15 January, 14:00-15:30
Wellbeing Lodge, North Gate
Head to the Wellbeing Lodge for space to meet others, create, play and relax - or enjoy a free snack and a drink!
Guild of Students Refreshers' Fair
Tuesday 20 January, 11:00-16:00
Guild of Students
Meet popular brands and enjoy free gifts at our Refreshers Fair, take part in student group give it a go activity and ask questions.
Housing Fair
Tuesday 20 January, 12:00-16:00
Reception, Guild of Students
Whether you’re living in student accommodation or the local community, this will be a great place to start as you begin thinking about where you’ll be living next year.
Postgraduate Online Open Week
Monday 26 - Friday 30 January
On campus
Considering a Masters or PhD? Attend more than 100 live webinars led by our academics, admissions teams, and student support specialists to explore your postgraduate options here at Birmingham.
That's not everything! Check out the full What's On page for more.
Think you know it all about our golden study spot?
Keep watching as Zaccie and Cheryl share a new batch of helpful hints and tips from the Main Library that will upgrade your study game.
And finally (any other bits)
LGBTQ+ Mentoring Scheme
Are you an LGBTQ+ student looking for guidance as you prepare for life beyond university? Our dedicated LGBTQ+ mentors are here to support you in navigating the workplace as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, non-binary, queer and/or questioning individuals. Applications for the next cohort are now open and will close on the 30 January.
Start off strong in 2026 with a six month gym membership
Set yourself up for success with a six month gym membership. Regular exercise can boost your wellbeing and support your study schedule. Find a workout for you with a choice of peak and off peak memberships available at Sport & Fitness and Tiverton.
Thanks for scrolling this far — you've unlocked a freebie
Big shoutout to Eleanor who won free tickets to see The BFG in our last competition. Could you be next?
Enjoy the big screen with Mockingbird Cinema
Two lucky students have the chance to win a pair of tickets, drinks and popcorn with Mockingbird Cinema. All you need to do is answer a simple question...
If you have any suggestions for the student newsletter please email: studentcommunications@contacts.bham.ac.uk.