All student email, Wednesday 22 July

As the world starts to slowly get back to some kind of normality we can continue to look forward to September and how things might look when we all return to UoB. So this week we are focusing on the support available from your Guild of Students, how Welcome 2020 will look, and how the city of Birmingham itself is getting back on its feet.

If you have any suggestions for future issues, or any stories for us to shine a spotlight on, please email: studentcommunications@contacts.bham.ac.uk

Guild of Students

  • The Guild will be open from September with the new 2020/21 Officer Team in post, ready to welcome new and returning students. They have also set up a UoB Virtual Neighbourhood area on Facebook if you haven’t already checked it out.
  • Student groups and societies are a key part of University life with more than 300 available, offering you the opportunity to try something new, learn valuable skills and make friends. So whether you are interested in baking, skydiving, singing, sports, or politics you can join a student group at any point in the year and each group will host its own calendar of events and activities.
    • You will be able to explore the range of options available through both online fairs and events taking place in the Guild of Students building on campus. Many of these activities will be repeated during Semester One so there will be multiple opportunities to get involved.

Welcome home to UoB

  • In September, we will be welcoming a new cohort of students to the University and also welcoming you back home to UoB and on campus for the first time since March.
  • Where it is possible within government guidelines there will be activities on campus throughout Welcome Week (21-25 September) including campus tours, small group activity, wellbeing events, musical performances, fun stalls and information stands. Additionally, Welcome information points on campus will provide an initial place to help you navigate the campus and pick up a University branded face covering.
    • As a returning student this year’s Welcome will help you to navigate the changes you will experience compared with previous years, and signpost you to key support and other University services.
    • UBSport will be developing a virtual Sport & Fitness Fair including opportunities to engage in free virtual fitness classes.
    • Careers Network will be launching a ‘Kick Start Your Career’ programme of events to provide advice and guidance.
    • The Barber Institute of Fine Arts will be offering a series of creative online events and workshops on topics like creative writing and dance.
    • We also encourage you to make use of our beautiful campus and wonderful facilities including Winterbourne House and Gardens, and the expanses of green parkland spaces including the Green Heart.

Enjoying your city

  • Lockdown is slowly lifting across the UK and, as it does, some locations across Birmingham and the West Midlands are starting to open up too. Shops, restaurants, bars and pubs are opening when it is safe for them to do so, as the city and the world starts to get back on its feet.
  • We’re lucky Birmingham has a range of wonderful attractions where you can meet up with friends, and acres of green spaces waiting to be explored. Our campus offer substantial green space, and just a mile away is Cannon Hill Park which is well worth a visit if you haven’t been. In fact Birmingham has more than 500 parks, so why not use the Find A Park tool here to see what we have on offer.
  • As a city with hundreds of independent businesses, many have adapted swiftly to the current situation and as well as reopening their businesses, they are developing new ways of working to suit everyone's needs - so you'll still find street food stalls, arts markets, cocktails and more throughout the city. We are also working with shops and food outlets close to the university and student houses, and they are all looking forward to welcoming you back.

We are all very excited about the return to campus life – albeit modified where necessary - and we look forward to welcoming you back to your UoB home!

Shaping your future

In the latest film from the ‘Shaping your future’ series, engineering student Carter chats to Dr Sophie Fox, from the School of Chemical Engineering, about missing campus and how her work impacts on people’s lives – including those working on the Covid-19 frontline.

Watch the film

‘Lockdone’ summer programme launches

 You are invited to Lockdone – a programme of events throughout July and August organised by the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences and open to all students across the University. The events aim to enhance your career opportunities, expand your knowledge, and provide an opportunity to have fun with your peers as you learn new skills and look at cutting edge research.

Find out more

Enhanced support for 2020 graduates

We understand that the transition from campus life to career can be a daunting one, especially as you graduate into an uncertain employment market this year. In response, the University is launching a new initiative 'Campus to Career 2020', which offers a programme of enhanced support for our 2020 cohort in achieving your career aspirations - now, and into the future.

For more support: Campus to Careers.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: Students provide helping hand to the NHS

Medical student Lydia Wilson and the Birmingham Med Students for Action group have coordinated over 500 fellow medical students in supporting the NHS; distributing PPE on hospital wards and calling patient families with updates.

Watch the video

Karate champ has world’s smallest pacemaker

Mairi Kerin, who is studying for a PhD in mechanical engineering, recently had a high-tech pacemaker fitted in her heart the size of a vitamin tablet, allowing her to continue her karate career.

Hear her story

Best wishes, 

Student Communications Team

Colleges

Professional Services