Brum Bulletin: Catch up on your latest student blogs
The Brum Bulletin - your student news
Your fortnightly Brum Bulletin will pause over the Spring vacation, but don't worry! We'll be back with more student news, events and competitions soon.
In this issue...
- View your summer exam timetable on the My UoB app.
- Staying on campus over the Spring vacation? Browse our Easter opening hours.
- Ramadan has begun; find out how you can get involved, support your peers and what this month means to student Fatema.
- March is International Women's Month. Read blogs from #UoBWomen who share their stories of empowerment and inspirational women.
- Need ideas on how to destress after a long day of uni? Student Lucy has you covered with her self-care checklist.
- Sadly anyone can be targeted by scammers. Find out the tell-tale signs, and what to do if you think you've been targeted.
- Last chance to enter our competition with City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra! All you have to do is answer a simple question...
News
Happy Easter!
The University will be closed over the spring vacation between Friday 29 March - Wednesday 3 April.
Many of you will be going home during this time but for those staying on campus: check out our reduced Easter hours.
If you're studying for assessments over the vacation, explore our 'UoBe Ready' intranet pages for workshops to level up your study skills, wellbeing information plus student advice and tips. Browse Easter opening times.
Your summer exam timetable is here
View it on the My UoB app, which you can also access on desktop. Find out more.
International Women's Month
We're celebrating International Women's Month which is dedicated to celebrating and honouring the achievements of women. Check out blogs from women here at UoB as they share their lived experiences, whilst also reflecting on the significance of this month and beyond.
#UoBWomen: My inspiring Mum
Student Content Shaper Hanna speaks about the most inspiring woman in her life – her mum. Hanna's mum travelled from Jordan, overcame language barriers and set up a new life in the UK. Meet Hanna's mum.
#UoBWomen: I'm proud to be me
Hear from Alice, our Student Content Shaper, as she reflects on her unexpected move to an all-boys grammar school, highlighting the importance of being unapologetically you. Read Alice's blog.
Ramadan on campus
Ever wondered what Ramadan entails, and how you can get involved at uni? Salimah, a second-year Medicine student and a member of UoB's Islamic Society is here to guide you through all you need to know about the holy month. Read blog.
What Ramadan means to me
Ramadan is a time with plenty of spiritual and mental perks. Our Student Content Shaper, Fatema, shares tips for supporting peers during the month and reflects on how Ramadan encourages her to prioritise family and friends. Hear from Fatema.
Don't miss your chance to win big
Whether it's through the NSS, UKES or PTES, share your views on your course and be in with the chance to win one of fifteen £150 cash prizes! Have your say.
My self-care checklist
Taking time out to maintain a positive mindset and improve your mental wellbeing is important, especially as a busy student. In this blog, Student Content Shaper Lucy shares her self-care routine after a long day at Uni. Learn more.
Stay fit and focused
Being a student can be hectic and hard, so it's important to look after your physical and mental health. Peter, Senior Gym Instructor at UoB Sport & Fitness, shares his good habits to adopt to boost your productivity. Hear from Peter.
Advice on scams
Unfortunately, anyone can be targeted by scammers. Explore some tell-tale signs of a scam. If you've received suspicious communications or think you've been scammed, find out what you can do. Find out more.
Workout for your next study break
Exercise can help you manage stress, concentrate more and improve your sleep - all of which are important to do well in your studies. Try Student Content Shaper Ruaidhri's quick workout that you can do at home. Get moving.
PG Corner
Welcome to the latest updates from the University Graduate School (UGS) specifically for taught (PGT) and research (PGR) postgraduates
PGRs: Take part in 3 Minute Thesis and show off your research
3 Minute Thesis is an international competition where researchers have just three minutes to deliver an engaging presentation on their thesis topic, its originality and significance. Take part.
PGR Dog Therapy for Wellbeing
Thursday 21 March, 14:00-16:00
Westmere House and Garden
Take a rewarding break from work with the UGS Scholars and some furry friends! All PGRs welcome. Book now.
PGR Social Badminton
Monday 1 April, 18:00-19:00
Slater Hall, Sport and Fitness Centre
An informal, social badminton event for PGRs to relax and meet new people. Racquets and Shuttlecocks are provided. Get sporty.
PGTs: Fancy winning £150?
Get involved in the PGT Gallery and creatively communicate an element of your studies to non-specialist audiences. Plus, you have the chance to win big. Find out more about PGT Gallery.
The Research Poster Competition is open
The competition gives researchers the opportunity to produce a research poster for a general audience, promote their research and meet other researchers. Find out more about the competition, and express your interest by filling in the form.
Get involved in upcoming socials
The UGS Scholars put on a variety of events for postgraduates throughout the year. Browse the events for PGTs, and events for PGRs.
Our diary picks
Ramadan with UoB's Islamic Society
Free evening meal every day
Worship Room, Multi Faith Chaplaincy
Join the Islamic Society for daily iftars (the meal eaten to break the day's fast). Learn more about Ramadan by immersing yourself in the experience with other students, all are welcome! Follow the group's Instagram for details.
Barber Lunchtime Concert: Ryan Corbett – accordion
Friday 22 March, 13:00-13:50
Elgar Concert Hall, Bramall Music Building
The final Lunchtime Concert of the term welcomes BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artists Ryan, who brings a new perspective to an instrument rarely performed. Turn up before 13:00 and take a seat to hear the performance, no tickets needed.
An Indian Classical Dance and Music Saga
Saturday, 23 March, 18:30-20:45
Lapworth Museum of Geology
Immerse yourself in a 2000-year-old dance form, traditionally performed in temples, now brought to the unique setting of the Lapworth Museum. The event will also feature live Classical Indian Music, enhancing the experience with exquisite melodies. Book your ticket.
AI Futures: Code masters' Easter hunt
Monday 25 March - Thursday 28 March, 10:00-15:00 (drop in)
The Exchange, Centenary Square
Celebrate Easter with the Exchange in this free event. Pick up a self-guided trail and crack the code - get it right and you'll be led to a safety deposit box in The Vaults with a tasty surprise!
Rhapsody in Blue
Wednesday 27 March, 19:30
Symphony Hall, Birmingham
Get ready to swing, on this wild ride through America. In leafy New England, marching bands collide – and make a glorious noise. And at the intersection of jazz, classical and pop counterculture, the music of Frank Zappa and George Lewis creates fabulous new worlds. Tickets are only £5 for students.
Declutter, cash in and save the planet - one gadget at a time
Thursday 28 March 11:00-15:00
Café Aroma, Staff House
Mobile Advantage is rolling onto campus for a ‘tech amnesty’ day. The sustainable tech store will work their magic, securely wiping your data and giving your gadgets a new lease on life. And guess what? You might even pocket some cashback for your trouble. Find out more.
The Heath Bookshop Literature and Music Festival and After Party
Thursday 18 - Sunday 21 April
Hare And Hounds, Kings Heath
Over four days, Kings Heath will be buzzing with author events for young and old, music events and new artistic commissions that celebrate the connections between literature and music through spoken word, film, dance and sound. Find out more.
Everyday & Advanced Bike Skills (Yellow Course)
Wednesday 24 April, 17:00-19:00
Meet on campus
Want to improve your cycling skills? Join a three-week course, led by a qualified and experienced cycling instructor, to develop your bike skills, and take the next step in your confidence to ride on busier roads. If you haven't got a bike in Birmingham, one can be provided, otherwise you can bring your own.
Visit our What's On page for the latest student events.
Last chance to enjoy classical music
Two lucky students can win a pair of tickets to the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra's Classic FM Hall of Fame by answering a simple question. Hurry, competition closes soon! Enter now.
And finally
Barber is set to re-open this summer
The Barber Institute’s galleries will reopen summer 2024, following an unforeseen delay in the Barber’s building improvement programme. The galleries will mark their return with an exciting contemporary exhibition of leading artist Claudette Johnson. Browse the upcoming exhibitions.
The BRIT Challenge continues
Join Sport & Fitness to try guided meditation, various free classes or enjoy free Social Sport sessions. Check the timetable for activities.
Sport Awards Nominations are open
Don’t miss out on the chance to nominate your candidate for the upcoming Sport Awards. You can select individuals, clubs and coaches across thirteen categories within the 2023/24 season. Nominations are open until Thursday 28 March.
Want to win £5,000?
The Intercampus Enterprise Competition 2024 will see students from Dubai and Edgbaston campuses pitch to win. Find out more and enter before Sunday 24 March.
Join CyberWomen@Birmingham
The group promote diversity in cyber security. All are welcome and no experience is needed. Join for networking and skills development. Register your interest.
If you have any suggestions for the student newsletter please email: studentcommunications@contacts.bham.ac.uk.