Brum Bulletin: Wrapping up and looking ahead, see you in 2024!

The Brum Bulletin - your student news

In this issue...

  • The Christmas joy continues.
  • Happy Hanukkah!
  • Ukrainian student Nataliia talks about her first Christmas in the UK.
  • Our students reflect on their uni year so far.
  • One lucky student can win tickets to the best winter light trail in Brum, 'Luminate'.

News

Continuing the festive joy and congrats to those graduating!

Feeling the Christmas vibes in Chancellor’s Court yet? Find out how you can get involved. Plus, the festive magic is sprinkled over campus during our Winter Graduations. More info.

Student Nataliia's first Christmas in the UK

"Christmas is truly a time of miracles...However, sometimes, Christmas can be different. And as an international student from Ukraine, I can relate...". Continue reading.

Happy Hanukkah!

We’d like to wish Hanukkah Sameach, or a very happy Chanukah, to all those celebrating. 

This year from Thursday 7 to Friday 15 December, the Jewish community come together to celebrate Hanukkah, or Chanukah, also known as the Festival of Lights. Find out more.

The first term is almost complete

Wrapping up my first term

Moving to Birmingham wasn't an easy decision for Chinese Student Content Shaper Muxin. In this blog, she reflects on how she's settled into her postgraduate studies as well as dealing with homesickness. Read Muxin's blog.

Reflecting on my first term

Uni life can be exciting and fun, but many students are surprised by just how much they miss home. In this blog, first year Student Content Shaper Ellen shares her experience so far. Read Ellen's blog.

Tell us how it’s going

With the first term almost complete, it’s important to get your feedback on what the University is doing well and what can be improved. Look out for how you can have your say in the new year and win a £150 cash prize. Find out more.

PG Corner

Welcome to the latest updates from the University Graduate School (UGS) specifically for taught (PGT) and research (PGR) postgraduates.

Launching ‘Grad School Journeys’ - a UGS Podcast!

Launching in 2024 with a short podcast pilot series, each episode will feature a current PGR discussing their journey as a researcher. Want to appear on the podcast? Express your interest.

Meet your UGS Scholars!

The UGS Scholars (PGT) are a team of ten PGTs who work with the UGS to build a thriving postgraduate community. Learn more about them and meet them at our upcoming Christmas events!

Get into the Festive Spirit with the University Graduate School

The UGS is hosting lots of Christmas activities, including Christmas Jumper Upcycling, and PGR and PGT Christmas parties. Find out about them on Eventbrite and join us for some festive fun!

Give feedback on the Online Registration process

The University is currently reviewing the Online Registration process. Complete this short questionnaire and let the University know what you think – it would be greatly appreciated!

It might be a bit early, but we've got lots planned for the summer!

Hear about the learning and development activities for all students in the Summer Term. This includes 'UoB Xtra'; a programme of events, challenges, and opportunities from Monday 3 – Friday 21 June 2024. Tell me more.

Our diary picks

There's still lots of Christmas activities taking place on campus...

Christmas Carousel is still here
Until Friday 8 December, 11:00-18:00
University Square

Don't miss out on a chance to take a free spin on our traditional carousel until Friday.

Grit and Soul
Friday 8 December, 19:30-21:30
The Dome, Bramall Music Building

Birmingham street-artist and curator Mohammed Ali tells the story of the city through spoken word accompanied by digital visuals and lush soundscapes. Tickets are only £5.

University's Annual Carol Concert
Monday 11 December, from 18:15
Great Hall, Aston Webb Building

The Service will include music from the University Upper Voices Choir conducted by Mariana Rosas. Doors to the Great Hall open at 17:30.

Hot Chocolate and Christmas Crafts
Tuesday 12 (in Pritchatts Park Hub) and 19 December (in Jarratt Hall Common Room), 14:00-16:00

Join your Hall Reps and fellow students staying in University accommodation over the Christmas period for a creative and cosy afternoon of crafts and hot chocolate. Find out more.

Festive Wellbeing Café
Thursday 14 December, 15:00-18:00
Bournbrook Pavilion, Owsely Room (above Starbucks)

This free event will involve a cuddle with the Pets as Therapy dogs, festive wellbeing activities, crafts, hot drinks, and the chance to meet others and have a chat with your Student Mentors.

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

Brum's largest ice rink

Located in central Birmingham at Centenary Square and running until 7 January from 10:00-22:00, Ice Skate Birmingham gives you the best ice skating experience. Plus you can enjoy their big wheel for fab views of the city! Get skating.

Win a wintry light trail at the Botanical Gardens

One lucky student can win a pair of tickets to Luminate, a spectacular, illuminated trail, full of wonder and intrigue. Hurry though, competition closes soon and T&Cs apply! Enter now.

And finally

A reminder of our Christmas opening hours

Don't forget to check out our intranet page with full details of the opening hours and services available over the Christmas break.

Destressing over Christmas

For more student tips on looking after your wellbeing over the break, check out student Kimberely's blog as she shares her fave things to do to unwind.

Old Joe magazine is out

Check out the digitised version of 'Old Joe', the University's magazine for alumni but with lots of interesting reads for all including important research, campus romances and why we should be proud of our uni.

Tesco Christmas advert features UoB academic and student!

Have you seen the Tesco Christmas Advert yet? It features music produced by UoB alumni, visiting lecturer and studio technician David Birnie, recorded in our Frankland Recording Studio with vocals by PhD Music Student Joe Spinoza. Find out more.

Free Student Wednesdays at Thinktank

Looking for somewhere new to explore and for free? Thinktank Science Museum are offering students the chance to visit without spending a penny, simply show your uni ID. Find out more.

Get your Student Art Pass to enjoy a year of art and opportunities for less!
*Available for a limited time until 10 December*

A Student Art Pass lets you dive into culture on a budget with free entry to hundreds of museums and galleries across the UK, and 50% off major exhibitions. Plus, you’ll gain access to paid arts opportunities and grow your network. All for £10 a year. Get yours.

If you have any suggestions for the student newsletter please email: studentcommunications@contacts.bham.ac.uk 

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