Brum Bulletin: How does £1,000 sound?

A taste of what's inside:

• Santander are giving away £1,000.
• Have a cool project idea? Get up to £2,000 funding for it.
• Careers Network are giving you a challenge.
• Get a £15 Amazon voucher for an hour of your time.
• Students blog on Black History Month icons, belonging at uni and finding your rhythm.
• Final chance to enter our UoB hoodie competition!

News

How does £1,000 sound?

Santander is giving ten UoB students the chance to receive a £1,000 grant each through its Brighter Futures Grants scheme this Autumn 2025.

Five days left: apply for up to £2,000

You can can bid for up to £2,000 to deliver new and exciting projects to enhance the student experience. You can apply on your own, in a group, or with your society.

Make your first move

Careers Network are challenging you to try one new thing like joining a society. You could also win a goodie bag full of UoB merch just by being involved.

Earn a £15 Amazon voucher in an hour

Are you passionate about sharing honest feedback on all things UoB? Join the Student Corner, running throughout the year, and you’ll get a £15 Amazon e-voucher for every hour session you participate in.

From Nigeria to Brum

PhD Maths student Seun reflects on his journey from Nigeria to the UK and the legacy of Professor Nira Chamberlain OBE.

How to feel like you belong

Student Content Shaper Anvi shares her experience of settling in at UoB and advice for finding your own place here.

Finding my rhythm and navigating uni

The pressure of settling in might have started to hit, but you are not alone. Current international student Wissal talks navigating uni.

Are you a foodie? Get your dish on the menu

Your grandma’s curry? Your dad’s pasta? We want you to submit your favourite recipe that reminds you of home and the story behind it. A new dish inspired by the winning entry will gain a temporary place on a campus menu - and the winner will score a Polaroid camera to snap photos of their favourite foodie moments.

PGR Corner

The latest updates from the University Doctoral School (UDS) for Postgraduate Researchers.

Yuxuan Wu wins Editor’s Choice at National 3MT Final!

PhD researcher Yuxuan Wu has won the Editor’s Choice Award at the Vitae 3MT competition! Yuxuan represented the University at the nationals, where she impressed judges with her research on the use of AI in NHS radiology. 3MT is highly competitive, with entries from universities across the UK – a big congratulations to Yuxuan for her success!

Thrive in your research with expert Online Group Coaching

Access group coaching sessions with Dr Vikki Wright. Coaching sessions offer a space for you to address issues which may be affecting your PGR experience, such as feelings of imposter syndrome or a lack of motivation and help provide practical tools to help you overcome them.

‘Me in 3’: Stories that inspire

This Black History Month, hear from our 125th Anniversary Scholars at the ‘Me in 3’ event as they reflect on their experience as Black PGRs at the University. Their stories also offer inspiration as we welcome our newest cohort of Scholars, who began their doctoral research earlier this month.

Dates for your diary (aka fun things to do)

Pause drop-ins
Throughout October, 11:00-17:00
Wellbeing Lodge, North Gate

Pause@uni is a place for students, where you can talk about anything that may be worrying you. No need to sign up.

Film Screening: If Beale Street Could Talk
Wednesday 15 October, 17:30-19:00
Carroll Room (G15), Muirhead Tower

Based on James Baldwin's 1974 novel, this film explores themes of family, perseverance, and the fight for justice.

Living Black Theology: Decolonizing Knowledge (book talk)
Thursday 16 October, from 18:30
Oasis Lounge, Multi-faith Chaplaincy

Join Oxford Professor and UoB alumni Anthony Reddie as he discusses his new book, Living Black Theology: Decolonizing Knowledge. No need to sign up.

India Institute Diwali Celebration
Monday 20 October, 12:00-14:00
Aston Webb Building Rotunda

Enjoy live Indian classical music, get creative with diya lamp painting workshops and experience traditional henna hand painting for free. Sampad artists include renowned sitar player Akash Parekar and talented multi-disciplinary artist Jaya Khazaei.

Lunchtime Lecture: The Windrush Generation's contribution to nursing
Tuesday 21 October, 12:00-13:00
Leonard Deacon Lecture Theatre, Medical School and online

Professor Jonathan Reinarz's lecture explores the vital contributions of the Windrush generation to nursing in the UK. Discover the stories, challenges, and lasting impact of Caribbean nurses who helped shape the NHS.

BHM Me in 3: 125th Anniversary Scholars
Tuesday 21 October, 14:00-15:00
Arts Building Lecture Room 3

Hear from Black British Researchers on their journeys.

Go Global Fair
Thursday 23 October, 10:00-16:00
Great Hall, Aston Webb

Take part in an international opportunity during your time at UoB. From two weeks to a full academic year, see what opportunities interest you at our annual Go Global Fair.

Bollywood Classics: A String Tribute by the Sekine Quartet
Thursday 23 October, 20:00-21:00
Lapworth Museum of Geology

Come and celebrate during the Diwali season and experience the greatest Bollywood songs.

UK Work Visas: What you need to know
Thursday 30th October, 16:00-17:30
Online

Join Careers Network for an informative session on UK work visas delivered by Paragon Law, a specialist immigration law firm based in the UK.

That's not everything! Check out the full What's On page for more

Game on! Less than a fiver to play

Whether you're a newbie or a regular player, Social Sport is open to all. Just book your place and come along - we'll provide all the equipment! Student spaces cost £4 - book via the Sport & Fitness app.

Underrated spots at UoB

From underrated study spaces to the best views of Old Joe, Student Content Shapers Robert and May are here with their hidden gems on campus.

And finally... (all the other bits)

BIA Academic English

The Birmingham International Academy’s (BIA) Academic English programme provides English language development and skills free of charge to all international students. Explore what’s on offer on the Academic English Canvas Course.

Are you looking for a mentor?

If you’re in your second or final year, apply to our Alumni Leadership Mentoring Programme. If successful, you’ll be matched with a University of Birmingham Alumni who will help give guidance on how you can make your move into a specific industry.

Do you have a craft you’d like to sell?

You could get a free stall to sell your goods at our Christmas Craft Fair on 3 December in Bramall Café.

For scrolling this far, we're treating you to an exclusive competition below...

Last chance to win a free UoB hoodie

We're giving one of you a free UoB hoodie (of your choice) so you can rep Birmingham in style. All you have to do is answer a simple question. No catch, it's really that easy...