Brum Bulletin: Dive into student life
The Brum Bulletin - your student news
In this issue...
- Bookings for our exciting summer programme, UoB Xtra, open soon.
- We interviewed swimmer and UoB student Ollie Morgan who is set to compete in the Paris 2024 Olympics.
- MSc student Abdullah talks the highs and lows of life from London to Brum.
- The conversation that changed student Holly's whole university experience.
- Don't lose out on having your say and the chance to bag £150.
- Coming onto campus? Don't forget these important travel updates.
- Four lucky students can win a £25 voucher to Hobbycraft.
News
You'll be able to book for UoB Xtra soon...
We know you're busy working on assignments and exams but we've got just the thing for you to look forward to post-assessment season.
Alongside your timetabled academic activity where you can get ahead with sessions designed to help you learn and enhance your skills, get 'Xtra' from your time here with us with our programme of events, challenges, and opportunities from Monday 3 – Friday 21 June.
Unwind, Learn and Connect with standout events like:
- Open Air Cinema: Get your popcorn ready
Chill in the Green Heart and enjoy different film showings - whether you're into comedies, or are looking for something more action-packed, you'll find something for you.
- 3K Your Way: Run, push, jog or just take it easy
Are you a seasoned runner, or more of a casual stroller? Come along with some pals or meet new people in the fresh summer air and enjoy the greenery on our beautiful campus.
- The Birmingham Project: Work on a real-life challenge with top employers
Work with top employers like HSBC, Transport for West Midlands and Expedia Group, grow your network and level up your team working and enterprising skills in this employer endorsed programme.
Bookings open next week! Learn more about UoB Xtra.
Happy Passover
We wish everyone celebrating a 'Sameach Pesach' ('Happy Passover').
Passover is one of the most important festivals in the Jewish year. It is a Spring festival that lasts for seven or eight days. This year, it will last until Tuesday 30 April.
Ollie makes waves
Third year swim scholar and UoB student Ollie Morgan stunned crowds at the British Swimming Championships with a record-breaking swim, securing him a place in the Paris 2024 Olympics. We sat down with him to find out more about his training, and what he's most looking forward to. Read interview.
Abdullah's story
Follow MSc student Abdullah's journey from London to Birmingham as he navigates the highs and lows of a new environment. Discover his candid insights on finding community and purpose, and why you should seize every opportunity at Birmingham. Learn more.
Finding support
Starting university can be quite different to what you imagined. Holly, a third-year student, reflects on her first year and how reaching out for support was a game-changer in helping her to start truly enjoying her time at UoB. Find out more.
Time is running out to have your say
The undergrad surveys, NSS and UKES, close on Tuesday 30 April. For postgrad taught students, PTES is open until Monday 13 May. If you’ve been invited to share your views, make your voice heard and be in with a chance of winning £150! Take part.
Changing how the world works
Our academics have teamed up with digital artists to bring their research to life, spark creatively, and show how we’re tackling major global issues at Birmingham. You'll soon spot these on big billboards in Birmingham and London! Find out more.
Essential travel information
Coming onto campus? Don't forget that there have been changes to travel services.
Staying late on campus?
If you ever need immediate assistance or want to report something, the SafeZone App has you covered! Student Content Shapers, May and Katrina, walk you through how to use it to help keep you safe at UoB. Watch YouTube video.
PG Corner
Welcome to the latest updates from the University Graduate School (UGS) specifically for taught (PGT) and research (PGR) postgraduates.
PGTs, fancy winning £150?
Take part in the PGT Gallery and creatively communicate an element of your studies to non-specialist audiences. Find out more - deadline is Monday 6 May.
PGRs, want to show your research and compete for a cash prize?
Get involved in the 2024 Research Poster Competition where you can to promote your research and meet other researchers. Register to take part by Friday 10 May.
Attend the UoB Three Minute Thesis Final
Wednesday 15 May, 15:00-17:00
Find out more about the brilliant work being done by PGRs, have a hot drink, and vote for your favourite presentation in the people’s choice vote. Find out more and register to attend on Eventbrite.
Our diary picks
Citizens UK Accountability Assembly
Thursday 25 April, 18:00-20:00
The Great Hall, Aston Webb
Ahead of this year’s West Midlands regional elections on 2 May, Citizens UK are holding an Accountability Assembly with the Labour and Conservative Party mayoral candidates and police and crime commissioner candidates. Come along and hear what the candidates have to say on key issues affecting the region.
Barber Lunchtime Concert: The Purcell School
Friday 26 April, 13:00-13:50
Elgar Concert Hall, Bramall Music Building
Welcome talented students from The Purcell School for Young Musicians as they perform two captivating trios featuring the piano. Join for free, no tickets needed.
Academic Skills Centre
Monday 29 April - Friday 3 May
Join the Academic Skills Centre for support during assessment support week including online and in-person drop-ins and Study and Revise Together sessions. Check out what's on.
Barber Lunchtime Concert: Ella Taylor – soprano
Friday 3 May, 13:00-13:50
Elgar Concert Hall, Bramall Music Building
Opera singer and recitalist Ella Taylor makes their Barber Concert debut. Come along to this free event to hear a selection of powerful, lyrical songs by Debussy and Margaret Bonds. No tickets needed.
Community Wardens: Yoga
Friday 10 May, 12:30-13:30
Touchbase Pears, Bristol Road
Join your Community Wardens for a free yoga class, suitable for all abilities. All equipment is provided.
Wondrous Wander: North Gate to Gough Road via the Story of Ida B Wells
Tuesday 21 May, 17:00-18:45
Meet at Old Joe
Join an informative and social commute on foot to learn about Ida B Wells, an African American woman who travelled to Britain to campaign against slavery, racism and lynching from the 1830s to the late 1890s.
BEAR Challenge 2024
Monday 24 - Wednesday 26 June
Calling all undergraduate and taught postgraduate students! Take part in this year's BEAR Challenge and undertake a series of challenges to gain experience in using High Performance Computing, plus hear career talks from industry-leading experts. Register before Friday 31 May.
Visit our What's On page for the latest student events.
Get the most out of spring
As we look forward to warmer days, visit Winterbourne House and Gardens to enjoy our beautiful serene gardens - your go-to relaxation spot to soak up the sun. The best part? It's free for students! Tell me more.
Get creative with Hobbycraft
To celebrate the opening of the store in Selly Oak Retail Park, Hobbycraft are giving away £25 vouchers to four lucky students. All you need to do is answer a simple question. Enter now.
And finally
Are you up-to-date with our news stories? You might have missed...
- Recently, billions of Muslims worldwide celebrated Eid. Learn more about the holiday and how it is traditionally celebrated.
- The Sikh community celebrated Vaisakhi a couple of weeks ago, one of the most important dates in the Sikh calendar. Law student and member of UoB's Sikh Society Gurpreet explains what the festival is and its religious significance.
Do you have what it takes to co-host one of The Hundred venues this summer?
The Hundred, a cricket league, is on the hunt for eight up-and-coming presenters to join their venue hosts. Successful applicants will be mentored and attend a two-day workshop with special guests to get them ready to hit the stage this summer! Find out more.
125th Anniversary PhD Scholarships for Black British Researchers
Our groundbreaking new scholarship initiative aims to empower and support up to twelve talented Black postgraduate research students this Autumn. Applications close 30 April.
Old Joe is on the mend
You'll be happy to know that we're working with our expert heritage clock makers to ensure that Old Joe's ticks and tocks are as "hands-on" and accurate as ever. Learn more about how we're fixing our beloved Joe.
Win a fruit and veg box and cookbook
Win with Food Fellows' 'Love Your Leftovers' – a competition that takes the 'waste' out of 'food waste' and inspires students to be more sustainable in the kitchen. Plus, for every 100 entries, the University’s catering team will make a donation to Community Pantry. Enter the competition now.
If you have any suggestions for the student newsletter please email: studentcommunications@contacts.bham.ac.uk.