Your College Student Bulletin - Friday 23 October
As the days get shorter and the temperature drops, there’s plenty happening on campus to fill the longer evenings. British Summer Time ends on Sunday 25 October, so remember to set your clocks back after you’ve enjoyed an extra hour in bed.
In this edition of your College Student Bulletin:
- Win with our Black History Month book giveaway
- Join the UoB Kilimanjaro Challenge
- Find your mentor
- Complete the Travel Survey and win!
News
Congratulations to Bob Swindell, Msci Geography student and our first Student Bulletin prize winner. He’s won two tickets to the Lapworth Museum’s Halloween Movie: The Blair Witch Project on Thursday 29 October. Fancy joining in? You can still book tickets here
Black History Month
Geography for All Podcast
As Black History Month continues, check out this podcast, a collaboration between Centre-UB, UoB and Geography for All, on the representation and experiences of Black Muslim women in UK academia. Listen now
Free books by Black Brummies
There’s still time to enter our Black History Month book giveaway. Win books by Kit de Waal, Mike Gayle, and one of two copies of Pulling Faces by Birmingham poet Zakariye. Enter the draw
Annual Benjamin Zephaniah Lecture
There’s plenty happening across campus to honour Black British communities, and it doesn’t end in October. Register for this year’s Benjamin Zephaniah Lecture with Afua Hirsch on 4 November. Register now
Employability Week
We’re nearing the end of the Guild's Employability Week, including the Global Majority voices panel. Hear from working professionals, graduates and current students who have entered the workforce and come prepared with your questions. What's on at the Guild
Supporting you
AI tips from ASC
Your Academic Skills Centre has everything you need to know about how to use AI tools ethically. Check out the Canvas course and explore other resources to help you navigate the use of AI responsibly.
Alumni Impact Fund
There’s still time to apply for the Alumni Impact Fund and get up to £2000 to deliver innovative and exciting projects. All students can apply - either on your own, in a group, or with a society/club. Apply by 25 October
SafeZone
Have you downloaded the SafeZone app? It connects you to your 24 hour Community Safety Team or first responders for quick assistance on campus.
Selly Express
The Selly Express is your free evening bus service from campus to Selly Oak, running weekdays during term-time. Just show your ID and let the driver know where you need to go.
Report + Support
Sexual violence, harassment, domestic abuse, hate, and other forms of harmful behaviours are never acceptable. You can access confidential support from our team at Report + Support.
Opportunities
University of Birmingham Kilimanjaro Challenge
Take on the highest free-standing mountain in the world and fundraise for Dig Deep’s clean water projects in Kenya along the way! Attend a session get £100 off your registration fees - sign ups close on 22nd November.
- Virtual: Tuesday, 3rd November at 6pm
- On-Campus: Keep an eye on our Instagram @birminghamkilimanjaro for the next session
Register your interest
Explore how policy gets created
Step into the shoes of policymakers and boost your CV at a hands-on workshop with DEFRA advisers. Explore policy careers and discover how sustainability policy is proposed, reviewed, and implemented. Book now
Go Global on 23 October
10am-4pm | Great Hall, Aston Webb Building
Find out everything you need to know about applying for year and semester abroad at the Go Global Fair. Applications open Friday. Discover Go Global
U21 Sustainable Micro Internships
Applications are open until 25 October, register to form quick partnerships with sustainability-minded students around the world whilst developing key skills enabling you to thrive in the modern workplace. Apply now
Careers
Public Sector & Teaching Fair
Wednesday 28 October, 11am – 2pm | G30, Aston Webb
Explore career pathways across the public sector and education, including routes into teaching. Discover work experience opportunities with employers like Civil Service Fast Stream, The Frontline Organisation, Get Into Teaching, and West Midlands Police. Find out more
Careers Network Mentoring Scheme
Think of a mentor as a career development partner who can share their experiences, insights, and advice to help you navigate your next steps with confidence.
Applications are open until Friday 23 October. Find a Career mentor
Stay Up to Date with Careers Network
For a weekly roundup of events and opportunities from Careers Network, make sure you’re enrolled on your School’s dedicated Canvas course:
Make sure your Canvas notifications are switched on so you don't miss out.
PGT Corner
Upcoming Marks Release
Your ratified marks for the academic year will be available to view by 12pm on Thursday 29 October on the Student Gateway. Keep an eye on your Student Handbooks for the Marks Release announcement.
PGT Skills Chat
Wednesday 4 November, 1-1.45pm | Online
PGT Skills Chat is a monthly online community space for postgraduate taught students. It’s a friendly, informal session where your study skills questions are answered by an academic advisor and you can connect with other students. Book a place
What can I do with a Masters Degree?
Thursday 22 October, 1-2.30pm | Online
Unsure what your options are for after you graduate? This webinar is for you. Learn techniques to identify career options linked to your studies as well as broader options beyond your degree. Register here
Should I do a PhD? Panel Discussion with current PhD Students
Wednesday 28 October, 1-2.30pm | Online
Doing a PhD is a big commitment - intellectually, personally and financially. If you’ve got questions, we’ve got you covered. Join this online workshop to get the inside scoop. Register now
PGR Corner
Apply to be a PGR Ambassador
Applications are open for paid University Doctoral School PGR Ambassador roles. Help deliver key events, support researcher development activities, and contribute to the wider PGR experience. Apply now
Become a LES PGR Social Media Manager
Help us set up a LES PGR Instagram account and reach your fellow PGR students. This opportunity is available for a three-month contract, please read the job description before applying. Find out more
Discover Funding for PGR-Led Activities
22 October, 1-5 PM | Westmere House
If you would like to organise an event, activity or initiative for your PGR community, attend the PGR-Led Activities Fund drop-in to explore how the Fund can help. Meet the team, ask questions, receive application guidance, and find out how your ideas can make an impact. Reserve a spot
PGR Career Mentoring Scheme Applications Are Now Open
Careers Network’s PGR Career Mentoring Scheme is now open for applications. Get professional guidance from experienced mentors across a range of sectors and research areas. Apply by Friday 23 October
Student Spotlight
Adventures abroad in Vancouver
BSc Psychology student Carys Davies fills us in on her adventures abroad with Go Global. Read the blog
Dates for your diary
Aquarius Pop-Up - Drug and Alcohol Support
Friday 23 October, 12-2pm | Guild Reception
Drop in to chat to the Aquarius team for practical advice, judgement-free conversations and support relating to drug and alcohol use. Add to calendar
Lunch with a leader: Dr Daniel Weisberg - Founder of CAYP Psychology
Wednesday 18 November
Join Dr Daniel Weisberg, pioneering psychologist and UoB alumnus. Make sure to apply by 26 October.
Artisan Market
Tuesday 27 October, 10am-4pm | University Square
Find tasty food, handmade gifts, and more as the bustling Artisan Market comes to campus! Explore your market
Canvas Student Focus Group
Thursday 29 October, 11.45am-12.45pm
Share your Canvas experience and tell us what works well and what could be better. You’ll get a £15 Amazon voucher to say thank you. Sign up here.
Khuluma Open Mic Night
Friday 30 October, 5.30-7pm | Beorma Bar, Guild of Students
"Khuluma", meaning 'speak' in Zulu, calls us to share the stories we hold close. Get your free ticket.
PGR Careers Beyond Academia: How to Research Your Options
Tuesday 3 November, 1-2.30pm | Online
Learn about research strategies and resources for researching career options beyond academia for PGRs. Register here
And finally...
Don’t forget, the Religious Observance Form deadline is Friday 23 October.
Calling all placement and year abroad students: remember to complete the monthly engagement form. Completing the form helps you stay connected and prevents follow-up under the Student Academic Engagement Process. Submit it every month.
There’s still time to complete this year's Travel Survey. Help shape more sustainable commuting options at the University and remember to opt into the prize draw at the end.
Thank you to everyone who came out to our LES Community Breakfasts. Over 400 of you chose to start your day with us, and we hope you enjoyed it as much as we did!
Farewell to Jess
For the last 5 years, Jess Adams has been your Student Experience Officer in the schools of Biosciences and SportExR. Jess is sadly leaving us for a new role at the University, but we're sure you'll join us in saying 'thank you' for everything she's done. We'll let you know very soon who'll be joining the team!