Merry Christmas from the University of Birmingham
How have you been enjoying our Countdown to Christmas?
From getting a selfie with Santa, taking a stroll through our magical Chancellor's Court to taking a free ride on our Christmas Carousel...
We hope you’ve all been enjoying our campus events and activities to get you in the festive mood. The fun isn’t over yet – there are still plenty of things going on during the next few weeks in halls, on campus and in the city. Learn more.
Opening hours during Christmas
As campus becomes quieter, many of our services are also going to close over the festive break. For those that remain open, they will be operating at reduced hours.
Please note that the University of Birmingham will be shut from Thursday 21 December 2023 and will reopen on Tuesday 2 January 2024.
For further dates and public holiday information throughout the year, our website has a full list of bank holiday dates and university closed dates so you can keep your diaries updated. Check out our 'Key dates for students' page to see when you're expected back on campus.
If you’re staying in Brum over the break, you might be curious about the services you can continue to enjoy throughout the end of December and January. For a list of reduced hours and closing dates for some of the main services at UoB, check out our 'Opening hours' intranet page for the most up-to-date information.
Is it Time to Talk? We're here to listen
Whether you’re staying on campus or travelling home, it’s important to look after your mental health and wellbeing over the holidays but sometimes that's easier said than done. Hear from our Student Content Shapers on how to look after yourself this seasonal time on our 'Looking after yourself at Christmas' intranet page.
If you feel that you need further support, you can reach out to our 24/7 confidential listening and support service UBHeard, which is available to all registered students (undergraduate and postgraduate) at UoB.
Whatever you’re going through, we can offer a safe place for you to talk any time you like by logging in to the UBHeard Portal, through Live Chat, or calling 0800 368 5819 (Freephone UK*) or 00353 1 518 0277 (International). You can also text ‘Hi’ to 074 1836 0780 for SMS and WhatsApp support (standard rates apply).
Cost of Living support
This year has been tough on everyone’s pockets, and most of us are worried about costs. If at any point you feel overwhelmed, anxious or stressed about the ongoing Cost of Living crisis, we want you to know that you don’t need to struggle on your own.
We’ve put together some key information and practical advice to help you. Visit our 'Cost of Living support' intranet page.
Are you feeling UoBe Ready for assessments?
Some of you may have assessments and exams in January but it's important to try to find a balance between relaxing and revising whilst the University is closed for Christmas, so you’re refreshed and prepared for the New Year. If you’d like any support or guidance, head on over to our 'UoBe Ready' intranet page for study tips, guidance and a free downloadable planner to organise your time. Importantly, you will still be able to use online services such as the MyUoB app and the Student Intranet as usual.
Other ways to have a brilliant Christmas break
There are plenty of other ways to make the most out of the Christmas period. If you're looking for some inspiration, why not head on over to our 'Countdown to Christmas' intranet page, which has lots of information on how to spread joy, give back to your local Selly Oak community, and make special memories with your friends.
If you're from abroad spending your Christmas break in Birmingham, discover how our international students are spending the holidays on our 'An international Christmas' intranet page. Discover even more Christmassy traditions!
And finally...
Whatever you celebrate, from all of us at UoB, we hope you have a peaceful, safe, and jolly festive break.
Bring on 2024!