Congrats Class of 2023!
We’re well and truly into the festive period at UoB and are celebrating our Winter Graduations alongside our Christmas activities.
Congratulations to our graduates! Graduation is a significant milestone for every student, and it’s an opportunity for us to formally congratulate you on all your hard work during your time here at UoB. You should all be really proud of yourselves!
Graduating is special but doing so during the festive period is downright magical! Our winter grads can feel the Christmas spirit by enjoying festive exit music for your ceremonies, plus refreshments in the marquee for you and your friends and family.
Have you taken a ride on our Christmas carousel yet?
Open until Friday 8 December, all students, staff, winter graduands, and your friends and family can take a free ride on our traditional Christmas Carousel located on the University Square. Hop on from 11:00 to 18:00!
You can also lap up the celebratory atmosphere in Chancellor’s Court, which will be lit up and decorated, as well as our Christmas Carousel allowing you to have the ultimate Christmas X Graduation photoshoot to make your experience even more memorable. Don’t forget to share your pictures and videos of your big day with us by tagging @UniBirmingham and using our Instagram stickers, just search 'UoB Christmas'.
Got any questions? Check out the official Graduations webpage.
Remember, our support extends beyond your graduation. Wherever your journey takes you, as a UoB graduate, we’re still here to support you through our Careers Network service. Don’t forget to also stay in touch with us throughout your future adventures! Stay connected through our official Alumni Network.
Get your singing voice ready
Join us at our annual University Carol Service concert held in the Great Hall located in the Aston Webb Building (opposite Old Joe) on Monday 11 December from 18:00. Led by the Multi-Faith Chaplaincy, with music from the University Upper Voices choir, it's a festive service not to be missed! Open to all students, staff and the local community, the concert is free to attend, and there’s no need to book in advance. Come as you are and bring your holiday spirit.
Explore the wonder of winter at the Main Library
Open until Wednesday 20 December, the Main Library Lounge will be transformed for the ultimate cosy Winter vibes! Snap a selfie with a few of our Christmas-themed props or sing along to our extensive Christmas playlist with all your favourite Christmas tunes.
Leading up to Christmas, the Main Library are also offering mindful activities such as Crocheting, plus the chance to decorate our very own Christmas tree in the Atrium. You can even add a festive message to the tree. Don’t miss out!
Are you a postgraduate student or researcher?
Your University Graduate School (UGS) will be offering a wide range of events and activities taking place to help you in the Christmas spirit.
PGR Film Club: Christmas Special!
Join your UGS Scholars (PGR) for an evening movie on Thursday 7 December from 18:00 to 21:00 at Westmere House! We’ll have pizza, snacks, and a Christmassy film to get you in the festive spirit. Book your place.
Postgrad Christmas Jumper Upcycling Workshop
Come along to our festive workshop on Friday 8 December from 14:00 to 16:00 at Westmere House and learn the basic skills of clothing repair, creative ‘visible mending’ techniques to turn damage into a decorative feature, and simple tailoring to make your clothes fit perfectly. Not only will these skills help you to fight against fast fashion and be more sustainable, but they will help you to save some pennies during the rising cost of living. Bring along a garment that needs mending or that you would like to 'Christmas-ify', such as an old jumper. All other materials will be provided. Sign up here.
PGT Christmas Party
Join the University Graduate School and your UGS Scholars (PGT) in the Guild of Students for a Christmas party! Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, come and mark the start of the holidays on Wednesday 13 December from 14:00 to 16:00 with your postgraduate taught community. We'll have some Christmassy food and drink, and some British Christmas traditions to enjoy! Learn more.
PGR Westmere Christmas Party
Celebrate the holidays at our PGR Christmas Party on Thursday 14 December! Meet your fellow PGRs over Christmassy food, drinks and crafts at our campus PGR hub Westmere House from 14:00 to 16:00 at Westmere House. Christmas Jumpers encouraged! Book your place.
We're here for you
Christmas can be an exciting and fun time as some of you go back home and connect with family and friends, but it’s okay if you’re struggling. It can be a difficult time of year and for many international students, you’ll be away from home during the festive period.
You’re not alone during this period. Throughout the Christmas break, our UBHeard listening service is available 24/7 for free, confidential support. You can also call Samaritans on 116 123 if you need someone to listen.
For tips on looking after yourself during this time of year, check out our 'Looking after yourself this Christmas' intranet page or for a full list of support services, visit our 'Time to Talk?' intranet page.