Support to tackle cost of living, how you can be UoBe Ready, and win tickets to the Mockingbird Cinema
The Brum Bulletin - your student news
In this issue...
- Support to tackle the cost of living
- How we can help UoBe Ready for assessments
- The Vice-Chancellor welcomes you back from Easter
- Join Arianna on a week in the life of an international student
- Five lucky students can win tickets to Mockingbird Cinema for films, snacks and drinks. Try your luck...
News
Cost of Living support
We know many of you may be feeling worried about the rising cost of living and managing your money at University. You're not alone.
From accessing free period products, to our new Community Store, explore our support pages which talks through practical changes and initiatives that can help you take control of your finances and the help that is available if you are struggling.
Be UoBe Ready
Assessments can be daunting but try not to worry. From study spaces, workshops and wellbeing support, we're here to help. Get ready.
A welcome back from the Easter break from the Vice-Chancellor
Professor Adam Tickell welcomes you back from the Easter break and reminds you of the importance of giving us your feedback and updates on his open office sessions. Read the VC's message.
Psst... Undergrads, it's the last chance to have your say!
We value your voice. Help improve the experience of current and future students by completing our two UG surveys by 30 April. Give your feedback today.
This is your last chance to tell us about your university experience and help shape the future of UoB. Watch our video.
A week in the life of an international student
From studying on campus and in the library, to socialising with flatmates, and watching a drag show, Italian student Arianna shares her week. Watch Arianna's vlog.
Community Iftar with the Islamic Society today!
The Islamic Society are thrilled to host the much-anticipated and popular Community Iftar again this year! The event is today from 19:00-21:00 in the Aston Webb Great Hall and Chancellor’s Court. Absolutely all are welcome. Learn more about the event.
Eid Mubarak from us
We won't get a chance to say this on the actual date but from everyone at the University, Eid Mubarak to those celebrating this week. We hope you have a lovely day!
Improve your Academic English for free
The Birmingham International Academy’s (BIA) Academic English programme provides FREE English language development and skills for international students whose first language is not English. Enrol onto the BIA Academic English Canvas course.
PG Corner
Welcome to our Postgraduate section. Here you can find the latest updates specifically for taught (PGT) and research (PGR) postgraduates!
Postgraduate Research Festival 2023: Join our celebration of postgraduate research!
The University Graduate School is hosting the Postgraduate Research Festival on Tuesday 27 and Wednesday 28 June 2023: the biggest celebration of postgraduate research at the University of Birmingham! Find out more about the Festival here, with PGR Talks and the Research Poster Competition for PGRs, and Images of Research and UGS Discussions for all postgraduates. More details about this year’s Festival will be added soon and expressions of interest are now open for the Research Poster Competition – get involved here.
The Postgraduate Research Festival gives postgraduates from all disciplines the opportunity to share their research with academics, other members of the University, and their fellow researchers. Save the date and join the celebration!
Upcoming Postgraduate Events
Find out more about the University Graduate School’s upcoming online and in-person events for PGTs and PGRs, including online study sessions, Winterbourne Walks, PhD Chat, and more. Find PGT events here, and find PGR events here.
Careers Network Events
If you’re looking for opportunities to think about your career, check out the Careers Network’s Academic Careers events for PGRs here, or join the PGR Virtual Consultancy Challenge. For PGTs, join workshops on navigating a career change, using your PGT course in your CVs and applications, and figuring out your next steps.
Our diary picks
SMART Recovery drop in session
Wednesday 26 April, 13:30-15:00
Beale Room, Aston Webb
Are you struggling with addiction? Whether that’s substance misuse or behavioural addiction, we’re here to help you with SMART Recovery. At this group session, you’ll find people who will understand and have experience dealing with these difficulties. The focus of these sessions is on the addictive behaviour and not on the substance itself – nobody will be judged. There’s no need to book, just turn up. Find out more.
Barber’s Drop in and Draw at Winterbourne House
Wednesday 26 April, 13:30-15:00
The Barber’s Drop-in and Draw is going on a trip to explore the luscious gardens, tropical greenhouses and babbling water of Winterbourne House! Reconnect with your creative side and discover how relaxing and joyful drawing can be. Check out the free event.
Academic Skills Centre drop-in
Thursday 27 April, 13:00-14:00,
ASC Training Room, First Floor, Main Library
Drop-in to chat to Skills Advisors from the Academic Skills Centre about the ways they can support the development of your writing, research, and study skills. No need to book, just come along. Suitable for undergrads and postgrads.
What's on in Brum
Silent Disco
Expect to be entertained! Silent Noize are back with another amazing three channel Silent Disco at the iconic Thinktank Science Museum in Birmingham. Book tickets.
Films, snacks, drinks and a space to share. Interested?
FIVE lucky students have the chance to win a pair of tickets to Mockingbird Cinema - drinks included! Enter now.
And finally...
UK Emergency Alerts test to take place 15:00 Sunday 23 April
This Sunday, the UK government will test their new Emergency Alerts service, which is designed to warn citizens if there’s a life-threatening emergency nearby.
The test alert will be received as a message on the home screen of mobile phones, along with a sound and vibration for up to ten seconds. The exact wording of the message is available on the Gov.uk website. You do not need to take any action when you receive the message. You can either swipe away the message or click OK to remove the message. Research in other countries using this system has shown that Emergency Alerts work more effectively when there is a real emergency if people have previously received a test, so they know what an alert looks and sounds like.
Interested in environmental issues and gaining auditing skills?
The University and SOS-UK are looking for students to attend a free sustainability auditing training session on Wednesday 3 May 2023 from 10:00-16:00 in Law 219. This will include a morning of IEMA-approved training, followed by an afternoon of you conducting sustainability audits for a Green Impact staff team from the University. Apply now.
Summer school on health inequalities in Europe
On behalf of the EUniWell Alliance, the University will hold a one-week summer school on the topic of Health Inequalities in Europe in the week of 26-30 June 2023. This free course will bring together students, early-career researchers, health and social care professionals, and policy makers from across the EUniWell universities.
There are five places available to participants from Birmingham. Find out more, including how to apply here.
Share your feedback with the SELT
The Student Evaluation of Learning & Teaching (SELT) survey is open for undergraduates from Monday 24 April to Sunday 7 May. You could win one of five £50 Amazon vouchers by completing the survey. Details coming soon!
Three-month memberships available now at Sport & Fitness
Enjoy a workout around the exam period with a three-month membership now available at Sport & Fitness. With 100+ classes, a 200-station gym and much more, Sport & Fitness is the perfect place to enjoy a break from the revision schedule. Three-month prices start from £40 for weekends only membership or enjoy all-access anytime with a Peak Prime three-month membership for £133. Check out the memberships.