- ESRC Festival of Social Science – Birmingham Edition
- Record Number of Students Secure University Places
- Maintenance grants to return for some students
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News around the area of the UK and topical to students.
The University of Birmingham's ESRC Festival of Social Science 2025 presents a vibrant programme of public events exploring the theme "Our Working Lives," showcasing how social science research shapes our knowledge of the evolving nature of work, community, and identity. Running from 14 October until 8 November, the festival invites audiences across Birmingham to discover thought-provoking topics through discussions, workshops, and interactive activities—all free and open to all. It is part of a UK-wide festival supported by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), aimed at making research from universities more accessible and relevant to everyday life.
Among the highlights is "Forging Metal: Black Sabbath and Birmingham," a cultural conversation with guitarist Tony Iommi and Birmingham Royal Ballet Director Carlos Acosta that looks at the legacy of the band and how it has contributed to the city's identity. Families can be immersed in media literacy at the "News Detectives Family Day," a hands-on workshop in collaboration with The Guardian Foundation that teaches children between the ages of 7–11 to spot misinformation and witness how news is made. Professor Adele Atkinson delivers "More Than Money," a talk on building financial wellbeing and resilience in communities through education and policy.
Meanwhile, "Place Funding: The Local Authority Challenge" is a simulation game where participants play the role of local policymakers as they navigate the dilemmas of securing government funding. Together, the events reflect the university's commitment to public engagement and demonstrate how social science can illuminate the challenges and possibilities of modern working life.
A record 255,000 UK 18-year-olds secured university or college places in 2025, of which 82% were accepted by their first-choice university—a huge step forward in breaking open the doors to higher education.
This year's results day saw a record number of UK students placed into higher education, both as a response to rising demand and expanded opportunities, reports UCAS. The fact that 82% of applicants received their first-choice university is evidence of improved student matching to the courses and institutions they have in mind.
Maintenance grants will be restored by 2029 for hundreds of thousands of university students from low-income families, targeting priority areas in line with Britain's industrial renewal strategy.
The new grants will support students who are studying technical qualifications and degrees at Levels 4 to 6 under the Lifelong Learning Entitlement. The grants have been created to assist in dismantling cost barriers for poorer students and are part of the government's broader "Plan for Change" to revitalise Britain's workforce and economy.
Student rooms aren’t exactly known for their pristine vibes. Between late-night coursework chaos, yesterdays dishes and the inevitable laundry pile; things can spiral fast. Keeping your room clean isn’t just about appeasing your landlord. It’s about maintaining a better environment to study in, improving your mental wellbeing, and of course, not panicking when your landlord texts “I’ll be popping by later”!
If you’re new to Birmingham, or just looking for things to do with your friends, this city has plenty to offer! From its industrial heritage seen in shows like Peaky Blinders, to more modern quirky cafés, bars and green spaces, Birmingham has a little of everything for everyone!
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed during big transitions. The University of Birmingham offers various wellbeing services to support students through difficult periods. Booking wellbeing check-ins is simple through the university’s online portal, with access to various wellness resources.
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November can be a turning point in the school year. Assignments pile up, exams get closer, and
motivation starts to wane. At Unihousing, we're dedicated to helping you stay ahead and get the
most out of your study sessions.
Our flats offer quiet, comfortable spaces perfect for focused studying, and fast Wi-Fi to keep
research and revision ticking along. Need a change of scenery? Nearby libraries and cafes give
you options to vary your study environment and stay refreshed.
We all know productivity isn't long hours; it's good habits. So whether it's mapping out a study
schedule, doing regular breaks, or getting in cahoots with your housemates for group revision
sessions, November is the time to build up speed. Let's finish the term on a high note.
At Unihousing, we keep all of our properties well-maintained and modern. We fully own our properties, making maintenance much quicker and simpler. Take a look at some of our recent offerings available!
Tiverton Road
Studio style property, located close to Birmingham University. This apartment comes with a private snack area, an open-plan dining/living area, and a self-contained shower room. This property comes fully equipped for student life, with a double bed, study desk and chair, low-noise white goods and a flat-screen TV.
Register your interest so we can contact you with properties that may be of interest, or view the full listing and book your viewing today.
1st Floor Apartment at Dawlish Road
A newly built studio style property consisting of: A modern fitted snack area, an open plan living/ dining area and a fitted shower room. This spacious accommodation on offer is fully double glazed and fully furnished with student essentials. The cleaning and upkeep of the communal stairs and landing are carried out by us. It is located next to the university and close to the busy night life of Selly Oak Village is just a short walk away!
Register your interest so we can contact you with properties that may be of interest, or view the full listing and book your viewing today.
Student rooms aren’t exactly known for their pristine vibes. Between late-night coursework chaos, yesterdays dishes and the inevitable laundry pile; things can spiral fast. Here are some tips to keep things clean!
5 Must-See Areas in BirminghamIf you’re new to Birmingham, or just looking for things to do with your friends, this city has plenty to offer! From its industrial heritage, to more modern quirky cafés, bars and green spaces, Birmingham has a little of everything for everyone!
Our Favourite Last-Minute ActivitiesWhether you’ve got a free afternoon or a whole weekend, the West Midlands is packed with spontaneous fun that won’t wreck your budget or your schedule.
Smart Student Money Management Tips with UnihousingManaging your finances at university can be challenging; however, with the right strategies, you can stretch your budget further while still enjoying student life.
