The Brum Bulletin - Your student newsletter

Welcome to your fortnightly update of everything you need to know about the University, all in one handy e-newsletter!

In less than a year, the 2022 Commonwealth Games will be in Birmingham - and we can't wait!

As an official partner for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, a ‘market hall’ style event will be held on Wednesday 17 November, 1.30-3pm (first floor of the Bramall Music Building), so you can find out about and get involved with all the things happening on and around campus in the run-up to the games. Register Now.

Also watch this space for more information on how to get your hands on tickets to the Commonwealth Games as part of an exclusive ballot for staff and students!

Making it Happen: Time to Talk?

Have you spotted our new 'Time to Talk?' campaign across campus and online? We want you to know that whatever it is you're facing, we have invested in our mental health and wellbeing services so we can give you the help and support you need. Look out for an email this week about our Wellbeing Officers and how they can help you.

#HereForYou: UBHeard

Is it 'Time to Talk?' We're here to listen. Here's how UBHeard can help you.

Watch now

Making it Happen: new study spaces for you to work in

From the Green Heart to the Guild, check out our new and refurbished study spaces for you to get your head down or to relax with friends.

Learn more

Introducing Union Black: a new free online course

Learn more about black British history and cultures in Britain, as well as the chance to be awarded one of 50 Santander scholarships.

Fancy your chances on University Challenge?

Inspired by UoB's stellar performance on University Challenge? Think you've got the brains to go toe-to-toe with Paxman? Apply now to be on next year's UoB team!

Apply now

Student Social: sign up for the Campus Run

Dust off your trainers for the 5km Campus Run. Cool Runnings President Joe tells us why you should take part in the UoBe Festival's fun run on Sunday 23 January 2022.

Watch the video

Dates for your diary

Spirit of Diwali Virtual Concert

Thursday 4 November, 1pm online

Curated by Sampad Arts, UoB's India Institute welcomes you to enjoy their 'Spirit of Diwali' virtual concert, taking place on Diwali - the festival of lights. Find out more.

Sustainable Retail Practice

Thursday 4 November, 7pm online

The consumption of fast-fashion is enjoyed by consumers of all ages and encouraged by the hosting of key retail destinations, such as Primark’s largest European store in Birmingham. In this session, our panel of international experts will discuss whether in a world of fast fashion, is sustainable retail possible or even desired by consumers? This event is part of ESRC Festival of Social Science at the University of Birmingham. Find out more and book your place here.

The Lapworth Experiment

Thursday 4 - Saturday 6 November, The Lapworth Museum

Created by award-winning writer and producer Matthew Gabrielli, enjoy this immersive theatre time travel adventure at Lapworth Museum of Geology. Tickets are free but booking is essential. Book your free tickets.

Urban Climate Walk

Friday 5 November, 11:30am Stop 01 outside New Street Station

Join this walk through Birmingham City Centre and discover how the built environment creates its own distinct microclimates. How much does the impact of urban density on our access to things like daylight and fresh air affect our comfort and wellbeing? Find out more and book your free space.

The Unbreakable Student

Wednesday 10 November, 2pm online

To celebrate the publishing of his new book The Unbreakable Student: 6 Rules for Staying Sane at University, Nic Hooper will be sharing some of his best hints and tips with our student ambassadors before giving you the chance to ask your own questions. Book your free space.

UoB x Black Students Talk: (Un)Belonging at University

Thursday 11 November, 5-7pm 4th Floor Training Room, Main Library

Aimed at Black UoB students only, this workshop delivered by Black People Talk provides a safe and supportive space to talk about why a sense of belonging matters at university and to learn ways to cope and thrive with each other. Spaces are limited, sign up now.

Student Writing Workshops with Adrian B. Earle

Wednesday 17, 24 November and 1 December, 2:30pm Barber Institute

Join Birmingham-based writer and poet Adrian B. Earle to ‘reimagine’ the Barber through ekphrastic writing (a literary description of art, or a piece of writing inspired by it). These student workshops are designed to be attended together as a series. No writing experience necessary, everything provided. Spaces are limited so booking is essential. Book your place and find out more.

What's on in Brum: festive market fun

Get in the festive mood with the return of the famous Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Markets on Thursday 4 November to Thursday 23 December, open 10am to 9pm daily.

Find out more

PG Corner

PGT Ambassadors Scheme

There's only one week left to apply for the University Graduate School's PGT Ambassadors scheme. There are £1,000 scholarships for PGTs from any College, background and mode of study, in exchange for running community-building events for PGTs through the 2021-2022 academic year. Support your studies and gain experience in community-building, events management, and Higher Education. Applications close 23:59 Wednesday 10 November. More info here.

University Graduate School (UGS) Events

You can register your place at all UGS events over Semester One: beat procrastination and boost productivity with Shut Up and Work sessions on campus and online, and join workshops on Critical Thinking and Time Management. Join the PG Skills Canvas course for support in developing experience and skills for your career.

And finally...

COP26 starts this week, and colleagues and students from across the University are there taking part in discussions and showcasing our climate change research. Throughout the fortnight, we will be sharing new videos and photos from the team in Glasgow. Make sure to keep an eye on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram channels and follow the #UoBClimateImpact hashtag. Find out more here.
SELT feedback survey - coming soon! The Student Evaluation of Learning and Teaching (SELT) survey is your opportunity to tell us what you think about your learning experience so far in the first semester. Open to all students, we want to know what is working well and what could be working better – so we can continue to improve your experience at UoB. Keep an eye out for a link on the student intranet (Monday 15 November) to complete the survey.
Student Art Pass lets you dive into culture on a budget with free entry to hundreds of museums and galleries across the UK, and 50% off major exhibitions. Plus, you’ll gain access to paid arts opportunities and grow your network by joining the #WeAreArtful @StudentArtPass community. All for just £5 a year. Apply for a pass today.
FTxBocconi Talent Challenge. Bocconi University, in partnership with the Financial Times, is launching the third edition of the FTxBocconi Challenge, an exciting initiative aimed at finding new, future-focused, and innovative ideas. Participants will compete in teams of people from all over the world to solve real business and strategic challenges through an exciting hackathon experience. Applications close 24 November, 22:59. Apply and find out more here.
Making it Happen. Did you catch the launch of our Making it Happen campaign last week? Check out the Instagram reel that we made to celebrate the start of this exciting initiative! Watch it here.
Have your say. Students are invited to fill out this 10-minute survey, which aims to find out how staff and students view their travel options and challenges as they consider coming back to campus. Complete the survey.
E-Scooters on Campus. Currently, private e-scooters are not permitted by law for use on public highways and in other public spaces. Therefore, the use of private scooters is not permitted on campus. Find out more.