The Brum Bulletin - 2 December 2020

Are you planning on going home for Christmas? 

There are still slots available for rapid tests at our Asymptomatic Testing Site on campus from 2-9 December. In response to student feedback we have just added 228 additional appointments to increase capacity on the last two days 8-9 December. 

Remember, the free test is completely optional but it is a great way to give you and your loved ones the peace of mind they need when travelling home for Christmas.

If you have any questions, check out our FAQs.

Book a test

We’ve also pulled together some helpful travel advice to get you home safe. Plan ahead to avoid busy times and routes. Check your journey to avoid disruptions and follow safer travel advice.

Travel tips

Test and Go

Harvey, a languages student, took the asymptomatic test and shares his experience.

Watch the film

Assessment Support Week: 14-18 December 2020

In Assessment Support Week (ASW) there will be a range of resources to support you as you prepare for your (mainly) online exams and complete in-course assessments to take place from 9-23 January.

The activities offered will help you to organise and plan your ongoing studies, and include workshops on wellbeing, time management, and writing skills. Schools will also provide module specific exam support that will focus on the format of the specific assessments alongside more conventional revision of the subject-specific knowledge.

ASW information will be provided online using a dedicated ASW Canvas page that will continue to be available over the Christmas period.

The Academic Skills Centre also have a dedicated Academic Skills Centre ASW Canvas course that you can enrol in for additional support. 

 ASW on Canvas

 

If you’re going home for Christmas...

...don't forget to take what you need for your studies and assessments in January, secure your property and travel safely.  

Heading home

Access University software from home

Securely access the specialist software that you would use on campus, on your own device, with Remote Computer Access.           

Get set up for home

Have your say to win a £50 Amazon voucher

We're looking for students to help shape the intranet by taking part in a (virtual) focus group.  Please email the Student Communications Team (studentcommunications@contacts.bham.ac.uk) to register your interest.

Christmas activities and opening hours

Check the opening hours for facilities across campus during the Christmas period and see what Christmas events and activities you can get up to. 

Christmas on campus

Dates for your diary

Accessible Sport & Fitness, Wednesday 2 December, 13:00 

Find out what inclusive equipment is available at our gym sites, how classes can be adapted and what participation sports, including University clubs, are on offer. 

Top Tips to a great CV, Thursday 3 December, 17:00-17:30

Information on what a CV is, why you need one and our top tips for getting started with Careers Network.

Wellbeing Boost with Pause@UoB, Wednesday 9 December, 13:30-14:30

This session will provide you with an awareness of some common mental health challenges. You will learn how to check your own wellbeing and where to go if you need more support. 

EUniWell Town Hall, Thursday 10 December, 13:00-14:00

Join us to find out more about the European University for Wellbeing and ways to get involved in this exciting initiative.  

Virtual University Carol Service, Monday 14 December, 18:15

Join the Multi-Faith Chaplaincy and the University of Birmingham Music Department for our annual Carol Service, which will go live via the University Facebook page. You are warmly invited to celebrate with us the joy of the Christmas season. 

Find out what other events are taking place this month here

Student social: #Justbe on Old Joe

To celebrate UoBe festival we’re asking you to share a photo of what you want to #JustBe on social, tag in @unibirmingham and your image could be projected onto Old Joe.

#JustBe

Intranet top tip: Academic Skills Centre

The Academic Skills Centre offers a range of support to help you enhance your academic skills.  With exams coming up see what support is available. 

Academic support

PG corner

PGT Essentials: Stop Procrastinating and Get Motivated!

Get on top of your work and deadlines with our online workshop, taking place on Friday 11 December, 10:00-11:00. Sign up.

PG Skills: Fake news & dodgy data - Critical thinking for the modern world

This workshop examines the need for critical thinking and analysis in a world of 'fake news and dodgy data. Taking place on Friday 11 December, 10:30-12:00. Sign up. 

What's on in Brum: Cold War Steve

Explore a unique virtual exhibition from BMAG featuring work by Birmingham artist and Twitter icon, Cold War Steve.

See the exhibition

Win a Birmingham-themed gift

Answer this question by 9 December and you could win this Brummie gift from Winterbourne House & Gardens. When was Winterbourne House built?

Enter the prize draw

And finally...

  • From today (2 December) Birmingham will be subject to Tier 3 restrictions to help prevent the spread of Covid-19. The University remains open and here to support you, including the Library, Study Space, catering (for take away only) and wellbeing services. Sport & Fitness is also open with restrictions on group activities
  • Worklink is our internal student work agency, visit the Worklink webpages to read how new changes to casual work processes may affect you.       
  • Join the Behavioural, Experimental and Data Science (BEADS) lab for the chance to take part in research studies, student competitions and win prizes. The BEADS network is actively involved in the investigation of human decision-making and behaviour.  Find out more on the BEADS website. 
  • Don’t forget you can still access our events and tailored support from Careers Network via email and one-to-one appointments until the 18th December, and normal services will resume from the 4th January 2021.

 

 

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