Exam season has arrived in Birmingham, and while the library might be your second home right now, taking intentional breaks is the secret to maintaining peak performance. May 2026 is packed with local events designed to help you decompress, refuel, and "UoBeReady."
Here is your guide to surviving the May exam crunch with a focus on wellbeing.
1. Refresh Your Senses: Upcoming Vegan Markets
If you missed the early May markets, don’t worry—the city’s food and garden scene is just getting started. A change of scenery is often the best remedy for exam exam preparation fatigue.
Lichfield Vegan Market (May 17): Just a short train ride away, this is a perfect Sunday escape to reset for the week ahead.
The Big Summer Reset (June 21): Once the hard work is done, head to the Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens Vegan Market & Garden Party. It features live music and workshops in a spectacular garden setting—the ultimate post-exam reward.
Why it Works: Taking a "travel break" outside the immediate campus bubble helps break the cycle of stress and provides a natural reset for your brain.
2. Join the "Spring Fling" Socials
Social connection is a vital part of staying sane during finals. This May, several "Spring Fling" style events are taking place across campus and residential hubs to help you settle into student life quickly.
Ice Cream and Summer Crafts: On May 12, head over to Pritchatts Park from 5 pm to 7 pm for the perfect mix of treats and creative crafts to get you in a summery mindset.
Bedazzle Your Bag: Also on May 12, join the session at the Chamberlain Social Space (5 pm – 7 pm) to decorate your own diamond art tote bag—a great tactile way to switch off your "academic" brain.
Zen Zone Pop-ups: Look out for the Residence Life "Zen Zone" on May 11 at Pritchatts Park for a dedicated space to unwind. If you’re living with housemates these are great low-pressure ways to hang out away from your desks.
3. Weekly Wellbeing Wins
You don't have to wait for a big event to take care of yourself. Birmingham has plenty of ongoing "stress-buster" activities throughout the rest of May:
Destresstival Tennis (May 21): Take a break at the Bournbrook pitches for free, informal matches. Exercise is one of the fastest ways to clear "brain fog."
Thrive Gardening (Wednesdays & Thursdays):
Join the gardening for wellbeing sessions on campus throughout May (including May 13, 14, 20, and 27). Working with plants is scientifically proven to lower cortisol.
Pets as Therapy (June 10): If you’re working on a late dissertation or supplementary exams, the "Relax and Refresh" session at the Main Library features the fan-favorite therapy dogs.
4. Know Where to Get Support
While events are great for a break, sometimes you need a more structured check-in.
UBHeard: Access 24/7 mental health support via trained counselors at the UBHeard line.
Residence Life Pop-ups: Speak with the Wellbeing Team at various pop-up offices across student accommodations—no appointment needed.
Final Thoughts
Your exams are important, but your wellbeing is paramount. By stepping out of the library and into the areas around Selly Oak, you aren't "wasting" study time—you’re recharging the very engine that will get you through your degree.
Looking for Student Accommodation? Unihousing Can Help!
Unihousing is a trusted provider of student accommodation in Selly Oak, serving University of Birmingham students since 1984. All of our properties are owned by us, which means we can respond quickly to any maintenance requests using our qualified team of tradesmen. Our property office is located on Bristol Road, just a short walk from all of our accommodations. This allows us to deal directly with tenants and offer fast, friendly, and reliable support.
Unihousing was selected as the Number 1 Student Letting Agent in Birmingham by the UK’s largest fresher community, Unifresher.
Find out more about our UoB accommodations and secure your ideal student home. Contact Unihousing Today
