UoB Student Update, Wednesday 7 October

This week we wanted to reassure you about the support we have in place if you or someone you knows tests positive for Covid-19. We also want to remind you of the advice on keeping yourself and others safe while out and about, plus provide an update on the new NHS app.

We also have some good news: the Barber Institute of Fine Arts is open, Study Spaces are open, and we have information about how to access to Microsoft Teams.

If you have any suggestions for future issues, or any stories we can spotlight, please email: studentcommunications@contacts.bham.ac.uk. For general student queries then please use Student Help

Covid update

Over the last week we have seen an increase in both the number of students who have notified us they have tested positive for Covid-19 and the number of students who are self-isolating. The University is tracking all the reported cases closely and offering support to all students who may be affected. Every reported case is tracked so we can identify any close contacts and we will let you know if you need to self-isolate or get a test. We will also be publishing a weekly report of positive case numbers, which you can find on our test trace and protect webpages alongside other useful advice and information. Overall, the guidance is the same as that applying to everyone in England, along with some specific guidance relating to our students and the additional restrictions in place across Birmingham.

If you do start to display any symptoms of Covid-19, no matter how mild, then you and your household should self-isolate immediately.
If you have symptoms of a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste then make sure you arrange a test as soon as possible. Tests are free and available to everyone.
Please do not come onto campus while waiting for your tests results, stay at home.
If you receive a positive test then you should let us know via our reporting form: Covid-19 reporting form (please note you will need to login to access the form)

We are also recommending that everyone downloads and uses the new NHS Covid-19 App. You will be expected to use the app and scan the QR code to check-in when visiting any of our catering outlets, study spaces and libraries, as well as other venues. The App has a helpful self-isolation countdown tracker and direct access to the most up to date advice. Find further information and download the app from the NHS website.

Support while you are self-isolating

Firstly, don’t be surprised, or worried, if we give you a call!

If you let us know that you have tested positive or are self-isolating then we will be in contact to check that you are okay. If you are feeling well enough, you can continue to engage with your studies online. Remember, while you are self-isolating you can still access library services online, virtual fitness sessions from UB Sport, contact the Chaplaincy Team or Guild of Students online activities and events.

We also have a wide range of wellbeing support available

You can contact your School Wellbeing Officers if you need any advice.
You can access online personalised support for your mental health and wellbeing, alongside some great self-help materials and resources from the University and our partners at PAUSE.
You can also get help from the new Student Space – operated by Student Minds – which has some great resources, self-help materials and access every day to phone, e-mail, web-chat and text support.

Always remember

Please don’t come to campus while you are self-isolating or waiting for your Covid-test results. When you are on campus, by following the five-ways to stop the spread of Covid you can help to keep us all safe so we can continue to keep the campus open and operational for everyone:

Cover up: wear a face covering inside (including study spaces, classrooms and libraries) Pick up a free face covering from the Welcome Information Point in the centre of campus (not far Old Joe)
Keep your distance and use the one-way systems on campus.
Wash up: wash your hands and sanitise them regularly.
Self-isolate and test: if you get symptoms, however mild, get tested straight away and follow self-isolation advice.
Socialise sensibly: follow local guidance on who you can socialise with and where.

More information on Keeping Covid Safe is available on the intranet.

Open On Campus

Since the start of the semester we have seen a wide range of in-person teaching and learning successfully taking place amongst our Covid-adapted measures to keep everyone safe. Classrooms, libraries and study spaces are all open for you to use so you can benefit from the wider on-campus experience. If you are looking for a study space on campus then there are currently plenty available. In addition to the Main Library (booking required) we have lots of other drop-in study spaces, including the Teaching & Learning Building, and others with access to PCs for you to use on campus.

We have updated the listings for our study spaces and PC access here.

Accessing Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams is now available and enables flexible working and collaboration from wherever you are with an internet connection. Within Teams you can chat, have group meetings on video, collaborate, edit and share documents online and much more. Teams is fully integrated with all your other Microsoft 365 tools bringing your Office apps, OneNote and Outlook together. You can now download Teams for desktop or access via the Teams web version. The Teams mobile app is also available as a free download for your iOS or Android device.

Find out more about Teams

Top tips for using your timetable

You can now access an all-inclusive timetable on the MyUoB mobile app or web app. The timetable pulls together information from the teaching timetable system, Canvas and Outlook.

We understand this means you are viewing your timetable in a different way, so we’ve put together a few top tips to help you get the most out of your new all-inclusive timetable.

Top tips

Student fees enquiries

If you have a question about your fees or scholarships you can now do so at the Student Fees Enquiry Counter.

The counter is in the Finance Office located in Aston Webb B Block but you will need to book an appointment first.

Book an appointment

Food for thought

Want to have your say on the food and drinks available on campus. Food plays an essential role in your experience so we would invite you to complete this short survey.

Complete the survey