The Countdown to Christmas has officially begun at UoB!

We’re feeling so excited to kick off our ‘Countdown to Christmas’ with you at UoB. Whether you’re looking for something fun to do on campus or in Birmingham, we have a fantastic line-up of festive events and activities for you to do this Christmas period. 

What’s happening on campus and in Birmingham 

Have you been on campus lately?  

Christmas has clearly arrived with the return of our magical Christmas tree outside the Bramall Music Building. Tag us @UniBirmingham in your campus photos on Instagram. You can also dress up your Instagram pictures by adding some of our official UoB Christmas stickers, just search ‘UoB Christmas'.

He’s making a list and checking it twice…it’s Santa Claus! 

Don’t miss out on the chance to meet Santa at our Christmas Marquee from 11:00 to 16:30 on Thursday 30 November!

Remember to treat yo’elf to a break from studies by popping along to Santa's Grotto to find out if you’ve made the ‘nice’ list. Grab yourself a hot drink and snack, or get creative with crafts and fun stalls before joining us at our Christmas Light Switch-On event happening later that evening outside the Bramall at 17:00. Gather with your friends, wrap up warm and have your Christmas cheer ready to go as you watch the lights get turned on around Chancellors Court.

If you’re keen for more festive joy in your life, there’s plenty going on in the Birmingham City Centre too. We highly recommend the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market as well as the ice skating and big wheel taking place near the Library of Birmingham. Learn more about the details by visiting our ‘Events around Birmingham’ intranet page.  

In the mood for some carol-oke?

Join the Ecumenical Christian Chaplaincy and the Department of Music for our annual Carol Service to celebrate the joy of the Christmas season! All are warmly invited to the annual celebration which will take place from 18:15 on Monday 11 December. Doors to the Great Hall open at 17:30. No need to book, just show up!

Postgrads, have you signed up for any Christmas events?

Your University Graduate School (UGS) are hosting a range of Christmas events for you to get stuck in with this December.

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. Bring along a garment that needs mending or that you would like to 'Christmas-ify', such as an old jumper. Sign up here.

Staying in University accommodation over the holidays?

Don't forget to begin our Countdown to Christmas with a packed programme of activities and events from your Hall Reps over at the Guild of Students. Some highlights include:

• Feeling festive? Get ready for the Big Christmas Quiz on Thursday 7 December from 17:00. First place will win a £100 Deliveroo gift card – that’s enough to order in a Christmas Dinner for your whole quiz team! There will also be hot chocolate and festive snacks for all quizzers. No need to book, just bring along your student ID! Learn more.

• Join us for a creative and cosy afternoon of crafts and free hot chocolate on Tuesday 12 December and Tuesday 19 December. This is a great chance to chat with other students in accommodation over some festive activities. Find out more.

• Get in the festive spirit and celebrate with fellow students by joining us for a traditional Christmas dinner at the Vale on Monday 25 December. We’re talking roast turkey with all the trimmings (veggie alternative available), followed by delicious Christmas pudding – all for just £9.50! Even better, if you’re on Student Living Plus, you can use your credit to pay. Register your interest.

If this still isn’t enough festivity for you, this is just a small selection of Christmas magic happening on campus! There’s more planned out to make this Christmas experience at UoB a memorable one. You can find a full list of what’s happening over the next few weeks on our ‘Countdown to Christmas activities’ intranet page. 

Christmas in Birmingham 

There is also a wide selection of events taking place in Birmingham as well.  

The tree-mendously spectacular Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market is a must-see event. With over 50 stalls of Christmas crafts, gifts, live music, fairground rides, food and drink, there’s plenty to do.

For another festive way to get into the Christmas spirit, you can celebrate with Carols on the Green on Christmas Eve from 18:00 onwards at the Bournville Village Green. There’s snow-way you’ll get bored!

Need support? We’re here for you 

Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, being away from home during the festive season can feel lonely.

It can also feel overwhelming with assessment and exam deadlines near. It’s completely okay to feel like this; if you want to talk, we’re here to listen. Find out what support services are available by visiting our ‘Time to Talk?’ intranet page. 

We hope you take a well-deserved break from your studies but if you want to fit some revision in to prepare for exams, then why not come along to our Study Well-fyre session on Monday 4 December in the Main Library? Bring yourself and learn some skills on getting ready for your exams, assignment writing, and critical thinking. Plus, our Wellbeing Team will also be there to give you an introduction to what Support Services are available to you, and how to deal with exam stress. 

You can also find out what services and facilities are available on our ‘Opening hours’ page here.