Emily and Josh

'What started as a friendship quickly grew into something more as we settled into life at UoB, created memories together across campus and built friendships that would last long beyond our time as students.

‘One of the biggest tests came when Josh spent a year of his degree studying in Canada. Despite the distance, we made it work by sharing in each other's adventures and reunited in Birmingham stronger than before.

‘The University has continued to play an important role in our lives. After graduating in 2019, Josh completed the University’s Graduate Management Training Scheme and now serves as a Digital Innovation Manager at the University’s campus in Dubai. Meanwhile, I (Emily) have built a successful career as a primary school teacher. We both regularly attend University events including alumni gatherings and the annual UoB Dubai Community Iftar.

‘In April 2026, we were delighted to celebrate our wedding surrounded by family, friends, and many of the University friends and colleagues who have been part of our journey from the very beginning. Birmingham will always be special to us as the place where our story began.'

Josh Downey (BA American and Canadian Studies and History, 2019) and Emily Jeffries (BSc Psychology, 2018)