What's on for students

Academic Skills Centre drop-ins (in-person)

Monday 29 April, 12:00-13:00, Academic Skills Centre, Main Library

Suitable for undergraduate and postgraduate taught students

A chance to ask quick questions to one of our academic skills advisors. We can cover topics such as: referencing, finessing your writing, revision techniques. No need to book - drop-in at the Academic Skills Centre on the first floor of the Main Library.

Techniques to improve stress optimisation for better mental health and wellbeing with Dr Sarah Williams

Monday 29 April, 13:00-14:00, online and in-person (TBC)

Suitable for all students

Dr Sarah Williams is an Assistant Professor in Sport and Performance Psychology in the School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Birmingham. Her research focusses on investigating and establishing how techniques can effectively alter appraisals and responses to stress to promote better mental health and wellbeing and improve performance. Sarah has identified dispositions associated with resilience and more adaptive coping with stress, and has used this work to develop interventions to help individuals reframe stressful situations and view stress more adaptively enabling them to cope and even thrive in these situations. 

This seminar is free to attend and is open to all, both within and outside the University. Attendance is possible both in person and on zoom, registration in advance is required.  

Book now 

Careers Network: The Birmingham Project explained

Tuesday 30 April, 11:00-11:45, online

Suitable for first year undergraduate students

The Birmingham Project is an intensive and exciting one-week challenge for first year undergraduate students that takes place on the Birmingham campus from 10 - 14 June 2024.

This year we are pleased to announce we are working with Condé Nast, Expedia Group, HSBC, Siemens, Transport for West Midlands, and West Midlands Combined Authority.

Find out how you can work with one of the six employers to solve a real world employer challenge. It's a great way to superboost your CV and prepare for life after uni early by developing transferable skills that employers are looking for. 

During this session, we will show you how the week unfolds, how you are guided and the experience you can expect during the week. You can also hear from students who have already completed the Project and find how it has helped them.

Register now

Academic Skills Centre: Study and Revise Together

Tuesday 30 April, 11:00-13:00, Academic Skills Centre, Main Library

Suitable for all students

Would you like to get some independent studying or revision done, in a productive, supportive, environment? Join us at the Academic Skills Centre to study and revise together. We’ll avoid procrastination by setting ourselves goals at the start, and using breaks effectively.

There’s no need to book, just pop along to the Academic Skills Centre on the first floor of the Main Library.

Academic Skills Centre drop-ins (online)

Wednesday 1 May, 14:00-15:00, online

Suitable for undergraduate and postgraduate taught students

A chance to ask quick questions to one of our academic skills advisors. We can cover topics such as: referencing, finessing your writing, revision techniques. Join the drop-ins via the Canvas course.

Community Wardens: Self-Defence Class

Wednesday 1 May, 18:00-19:00, Deb Hall, Guild of Students

Suitable for all students

The Community Wardens are back with their self-defence class! Suitable for all abilities, these classes will teach you some basic self-defence skills, and you can pick up some free safety equipment too.

Book now

Academic Skills Centre: Study and Revise Together

Thursday 2 May, 13:00-15:00, Academic Skills Centre, Main Library

Suitable for all students

Would you like to get some independent studying or revision done, in a productive, supportive, environment? Join us at the Academic Skills Centre to study and revise together. We’ll avoid procrastination by setting ourselves goals at the start, and using breaks effectively.

There’s no need to book, just pop along to the Academic Skills Centre on the first floor of the Main Library.

Community Wardens: Yoga

Friday 3 May, 12:30-13:30, Touchbase Pears, opposite Battery Park

Suitable for all students

Join your Community Wardens for a free yoga class in Sense Touchbase Pears. These sessions are suitable for all abilities and all equipment is provided. Just bring yourself!

Book now

Barber Institute: Very Private? Talk and Panel Discussion

Wednesday 8 May, 15:30-17:30, Barber Institute of Fine Arts

Suitable for all students

The exhibition Very Private? marked a turning point in the profile and identity of the Charleston Trust. Acting like a coming out, this first public display of Duncan Grant’s sexually explicit imagery, challenged both the artist’s and the Trust’s identity, championing and celebrating queer identity and creativity. The exhibition opened alongside a new multimedia installation by artist Linder, Linder: A Dream Between Sleeping and Waking, responding to both the history of Charleston and Grant’s work.

Join Linder Sterling for a round table discussion alongside Dr Darren Clarke, Head of collections and research, and Samson Dittrich, University of Sussex, the Charleston Trust.

This event will be co-chaired and is organised by Dr Camilla Smith, Project-Lead, ‘Unruly Objects’ and Head of Art History, Curating and Visual Studies, and Prof Jennifer Powell, Director of the Barber Institute of Fine Arts at the University of Birmingham.

The discussion will reflect on the exhibitions' intentions to bring Grant's erotic works in conversation with contemporary queer and Black queer perspectives. It will consider Very Private? as a case study for arts institutions grappling with their own queer past. The discussion will explore how artworks engage with desire more broadly, and consider some of the complexities artists may encounter when exhibiting work of an explicit nature.

The content of this talk and supporting imagery considers explicit imagery, sex, identity and gender perspectives. This free event is open to all – students and staff and members of the public.

Book now

Community Wardens: Coffee and Clean-up

Thursday 9 May, 13:00-15:00, Bournbrook Pavilion

Suitable for all students

Join your Community Wardens for a litter pick on Heeley and Tiverton Road in Selly Oak! Clean up the streets and receive a free coffee at the end from Starbucks. Meet at Bournbrook Pavilion at the start to join.

Community Wardens: Study and a snack

Friday 10 May, 10:00-13:00, Hey Brew, Bristol Road

Suitable for all students

Join your Community Wardens at Hey Brew on the Bristol Road for a relaxing space to come and study with free coffee and cake! There'll be lots of freebies to give away to help you with your studies and colouring and card games for when you need a break.

Community Wardens: Yoga

Friday 10 May, 12:30-13:30, Touchbase Pears, opposite Battery Park

Suitable for all students

Join your Community Wardens for a free yoga class in Sense Touchbase Pears. These sessions are suitable for all abilities and all equipment is provided. Just bring yourself!

Book now

Basic and Everyday Bike Skills (Blue Course)

Wednesday 15 May, 17:00-19:00, on campus

Suitable for all students

A three part course designed to build basic and everyday skills for new cyclists, including braking, signalling, and use of gears, before moving on to simple junctions and preparing for short journeys and leisure rides.

Open to students and staff, the course is limited to six participants to let you learn in a small group. You can bring your own bike, or borrow one.

Sessions two and three will take place Wednesday 22 and Wednesday 29 May. The full course costs £6 for students.

Register now

Community Wardens: Self-Defence Class (Female and Non-Binary)

Wednesday 15 May, 18:00-19:00, Deb Hall, Guild of Students

Suitable for female and non-binary students

The Community Wardens are back with their self-defence class! Suitable for all abilities, these classes will teach you some basic self-defence skills, and you can pick up some free safety equipment too.

Book now

Wondrous Wander: Old Joe to Selly Oak via UoB's Quaker Connections

Thursday 16 May, 17:00-18:45, meet at Old Joe

Suitable for all students

Join us for an informative and social commute on foot from Old Joe to Selly Oak campus near Bournville.

Rhiannon Grant will be sharing stories of the early history of our university and its Quaker connections with the Cadbury family. We will take a closer look at the places we pass on the way: the architecture of central campus, Selly Oak library and the Quaker Meeting House. 

Rhiannon Grant is a lecturer in UoB's theology department and at the Woodbroke Quaker Study Centre. She works on all aspects of modern Quaker thought, including theological understandings, approaches to changing practice, and philosophy.

The walk will meet at 17:00, to depart at 17:15, with about 45 minutes of walking. Email Sustainable Travel to confirm your place - places are limited.

Community Wardens: Yoga

Friday 17 May, 12:30-13:30, Touchbase Pears, opposite Battery Park

Suitable for all students

Join your Community Wardens for a free yoga class in Sense Touchbase Pears. These sessions are suitable for all abilities and all equipment is provided. Just bring yourself!

Book now

Wondrous Wander: North Gate to Gough Road via the Story of Ida B Wells

Tuesday 21 May, 17:00-18:45, meet at Old Joe

Suitable for all students

Join us for an informative and social commute on foot from North Gate, through the Vale, onwards to Gough Road, Edgbaston. 

Experts from the Black Heritage Walks Network will be sharing the story of Ida B Wells, an African American woman who travelled to Britain to campaign against slavery, racism and lynching from the 1830s to the late 1890s.

She was a journalist, criminologist, activist, author, a social reformer and an inspirational figure. American, Black and female, Ida B Wells captured the hearts and minds of her UK counterparts because of her ardent campaigns for Social Justice and education for all.

The Black Heritage Walks Network was set up in 2018 to highlight the achievements of the African Caribbean community in the UK. The heritage walks offer a great opportunity to enjoy some exercise and fresh air, while also developing an understanding of local place, and community.

Meet at Old Joe at 17:00 to depart at 17:10, with about 75 minutes of walking. Email Sustainable Travel to confirm your place - places are limited.

Galleries at Barber Institute of Fine Arts

Closed for renovation until Spring 2024

The galleries at the Barber Institute are closed until Spring 2024 for essential building improvements, but you can still enjoy the collections through the Barber Student programme with events and activities for all students.

Find out more

Lapworth Museum of Geology

Monday-Friday, 10:00-17:00, and Saturday 12:00-17:00, Lapworth Museum of Geology

The Lapworth Museum of Geology are delighted to welcome visitors to explore life over the past 3.5 billion years! Explore the collections, meet Roary the campus dinosaur, and enjoy the interactive exhibits.

From rocks and fossils to volcanoes, earthquakes, and even dinosaurs, the Museum captures the imagination of all ages. Entry to the museum is free for all visitors.

Find out more

Winterbourne House and Garden

Daily, 10:30-17:00 (last entry 16:30), Winterbourne House and Garden, Edgbaston Park Road

Suitable for all students.

Winterbourne House and Garden is open daily, including the shop and tea room. Explore the Edwardian Arts and Crafts garden, lovingly created by the homeowners Margaret and John Nettlefield. Discover the garden's treasures, find a place to relax, and take in the views across the hidden Edgbaston pool.

Entry is free with your student ID card (and for your children under 16).

Find out more

Academic Skills Centre appointments

Monday-Friday, 09:00-17:00, Zoom or Microsoft Teams

Suitable for undergraduate, postgraduate taught, and MRes students

The Academic Skills Centre offer confidential individual appointments for undergraduates, postgraduate taught and MRes students (for writing skills) to help with: writing skills, study strategies, referencing, and searching for high quality sources for your assignments.

Appointments are available throughout the academic year from Monday to Friday 09:00 to 17:00, with a reduced service outside of term time. We can offer you four appointments per academic year.

For students in Singapore, appointments are available Monday to Friday 09:00 to 12:00 UK time (17:00 and 20:00 Singapore time) via Zoom. For students in Dubai, appointments are available 10:00-16:00 UK time (14:00-20:00 Dubai time). Please book five working days in advance.

Book now

Digital Skills appointments

Monday-Friday, 09:00-17:00, Zoom

Suitable for all students

The Digital Skills team provides one to one appointments for advice or software support related to a specific task or activity.

The Digital Skills team can help support any student by providing digital resources for M365 tools such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint. We can also help with things like creating digital multimedia such as posters, and basic video editing. We are unable to support non-standard or school/college bespoke tools.

Book now

Maths Support Centre

Monday-Friday, 10:00-16:00, Main Library or Zoom

Suitable for undergraduate and postgraduate taught students

Many students experience difficulties with mathematical and statistical content during their university studies. We offer advice and support to Taught students from all disciplines. Whether you need help with your programme of study or guidance on numerical reasoning tests, we are here to help you develop your mathematical skills.

Drop in support is available 10:00-16:00 in the Main Library on weekdays - no need to book, just turn up to see our tutors. Appointments are available for those unable to attend the Main Library.

The drop-in support will resume on Monday 29 January 2024.

Find out more

Academic English 1-1 appointments

Monday-Friday, online

Suitable for international students

1-2-1 English is available toall undergraduate and postgraduate international students. It is a bookable service, see below, and provides individual and confidential support with Academic English. The aim of the tutorial is to teach and advise you so that you can improve your academic studies and submissions. During your 30-minute consultation you will be able to ask questions about any aspect of your English.

You can book up to 4 sessions per semester. Book via the Canvas course.

What's on at the ASC

We host a weekly online drop-in on a Wednesday afternoon (14:00-15:00 UK time) during term time, where you can receive quick advice relating to academic skills. Enrol on our Canvas course to access the Zoom link. Please note that we alternate between offering advice on research and writing skills. Please check the schedule to see what is being covered each week. The drop-in will resume on Wednesday 24 January 2024.

Further information can be found on our ASC What's On Page

Research Skills appointments

Monday-Friday, 09:00-17:00, Microsoft Teams, Zoom or in-person

Suitable for postgraduate research students

The Research Skills Team offers one-to-one appointments on the following topics:

• Literature searching (advising on but not undertaking literature/systematic reviews)
• Referencing and EndNote
• ORCiD and curating online publication profile
• Research metrics
• Using other libraries
• Introductory advice in Open Access, Research Data Management and copyright

Book now

Tea with a research librarian

Tuesdays, 15:00-16:00, Zoom

Suitable for postgraduate research students

Each Tuesday one of our Research Skills Advisors makes themselves a cup of tea and waits patiently for your questions. Join them via Zoom to keep them company, and ask anything research skills or library-related.

• Library collections and resources
• Doing excellent literature searching
• Managing your references
• Basics of managing data
• Setting up an ORCID
• Anything else library related you've always wanted to ask - no question too basic!

PGRs can access the link from their Canvas course.

Digital Skills appointments

Monday-Friday, 09:00-17:00, Zoom

Suitable for all students

The Digital Skills team provides one to one appointments for advice or software support related to a specific task or activity.

The Digital Skills team can help support any student by providing digital resources for M365 tools such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint. We can also help with things like creating digital multimedia such as posters, and basic video editing. We are unable to support non-standard or school/college bespoke tools.

Book now

PGR development from the Research Skills Team

Visit our PGR development page where you will find details and booking links for workshops and online courses for PGRs delivered by the Research Skills Team in Library Services.

Find out more

Induction training

Visit our online induction material page for new postgraduate researchers where you will find information including an introduction to library resources, spaces, and support, and how we can help you to develop as a researcher, how you can use keyword and subject heading searching to make your literature search precise and effective and Key databases to help you find literature in your subject amongst lots of other useful information.

Find out more

Pause@UoB drop-ins

Wednesday and Thursdays, 11:00-17:00, Lodge No. 1 (North Gate)

Suitable for students up to their 25th birthday.

Pause@UoB are an NHS-backed initiative that offers you emotional support right here on campus, led by our friendly team of qualified therapists, practitioners and trained volunteers. Drop-in sessions on Wednesdays and Thursdays will start again from Wednesday 6 April.

Find out more

UBHeard - mental health support line

24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Suitable for all students

UBHeard is a confidential listening and support service for all registered students (undergraduate and postgraduate) that gives you immediate emotional and mental health support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

You will be able to speak to a mental health professional and counsellor who will guide you through any issues you may currently be facing – at University or at home. UBHeard offers immediate in-the-moment telephone support, and where appropriate, up to six sessions of counselling for mild-moderate issues.

Find out more

Student Mentors

Drop in weekdays, 16:00-20:00 during term-time, Shackleton or by email and phone

Suitable for students living in University accommodation

Your Student Mentor Scheme Team are here to offer you help and support whilst you live in University accommodation.

All 15 of the Mentors are current students, so know what living in halls is really like! They can help you with information, guidance and support in a range of areas - including wellbeing, accommodation, academic and financial queries

So if you have a query or need advice from a friendly fellow student – talk to them! You can drop in to their base at Shackleton (next to the Duck & Scholar) between 16:00-20:00 weekdays during term time, or contact them by email, phone, or on their socials.

Email Student Mentors

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Find out more

Better than Well

Support available throughout the week (see timetable below), The Lodge, North Gate

Better Than Well is a community of recovering students on campus at UoB who support each other in shaping and maintaining an abstinence based life in higher education through peer support, mutual aid, “sober social” activities and recovery focused groups and meetings.

What we offer:

• A weekly open meeting in ‘celebration’ of recovery that provides continued support to BTW members, face to face and on zoom. This meeting is a chance for recovering students to share their thoughts, feelings, concerns, hopes and successes around life as a student in recovery.
• Drop-ins at The Lodge, North Gate, for students to take a break from their studies and busy schedules for a tea, a friendly chat and helpful support.
• Support in attending addiction recovery support meetings in the local community, a local representative from the recovery community will be on hand to take students to local meetings.
• A 12-step recovery meeting on campus
• Mindfulness meditation classes
• A monthly “Sober Social” activity
• Access to Smart Recovery meeting on campus

View the Better Than Well timetable

Wellbeing support for postgraduates

You can join the University Graduate School for dedicated mental health workshops for all UoB postgraduates, led by Bloomwise, a mental health consultancy set up by two UoB PGRs.  We have expert workshops led by Bloomwise online and in-person throughout the year.

The Graduate School offers an online group coaching programme for PGRs to help manage challenges. The coaching sessions are run by The PhD Life Coach, more information can be found by visiting PGR weekly online coaching.

Our UGS Scholars also run regular, friendly socials to bring postgrads together.

Community Safety Team drop-ins

Monday-Friday, 10:00-16:00, No. 2 Lodge, by North Gate

Based in the new Community Safety Hub at Lodge No.2, North Gate, our friendly team offer you a safe, confidential space to ask any safety questions or share your concerns. Available all year round and open 10:00-16:00, Monday to Friday you can pop along to pick up FREE safety and security products.

Working with the Guild, the Team are able to offer personal safety alarms, home security devices, and bike D-locks.

Selly Express

Monday-Friday, 19:00-00:00 midnight, bus stop behind the Main Library/Spar

The Guild’s shuttle bus service, the Selly Express, is your FREE evening shuttle bus service from campus to Selly Oak.

The bus runs from Monday - Friday during term time, and collects students at 19:00, 20:00, 21:00, 22:00, 23:00, and 00:00, close to the Main Library, behind Spar (on the corner of Westgate and Ring Road).

You don’t need to buy a ticket to ride the Selly Express. Just show up with your student ID and tell the driver exactly where you’d like to be dropped off, and we'll either drop you at the exact location, or for smaller roads that the bus may not be able to navigate, as near to your front door as we possibly can.

Find out more

The Multi-Faith Chaplaincy are providing regular opportunities for collective prayer and worship across various faith traditions, both in person and online. Subscribe to the weekly Multi-Faith Chaplaincy newsletter to find out what is happening each week.

Subscribe to the newsletter

Social Sport

Check out the daily timetable for social sport at Sport & Fitness! Choose from a range of sports on a Pay & Go basis, including basketball, netball, kickboxing, badminton, and boxing.

The Just Play sessions are hosted by Sport Activators to maximise your time to play, whist the Coach & Play sessions provide some coaching and the opportunity for a friendly game.

Find Social Sport

Climbing

Did you know we have our own climbing wall? For beginners, our Taster Sessions are a great introduction with a qualified instructor. If you're already a competent climber, our Pay & Go sessions let you get stuck in - all equipment (except shoes) is included.

See Climbing options

Fitness Classes

Explore the range of Fitness Classes that take place throughout the week, available on a Pay & Go basis. From Barre to Yoga, Aqua Fit to Boxercise, there is something for all needs and abilities.

Check out the timetable

Student Memberships

We offer a range of student memberships across Sport & Fitness and Tiverton Gym. Find out which one might suit you.

Explore memberships

Active Residences

Active Residences is a sport and exercise programme designed specifically and exclusively for University of Birmingham students living in University and partner-owned accommodation.

It doesn’t matter if you’ve never played sport or exercised before; there’s something for everyone and it’s right on your doorstep.

So, join us and get active to help improve your wellbeing, mental and physical health, and feel a sense of belonging in our student community.

Check out the timetable