Brum Bulletin: Money-saving hacks and advice
In this issue...
- Ramadan Mubarak! Check out how you can get involved this holy month.
- Money-saving tips and advice for National Student Money Week.
- International Women's Day is this week, and we have lots of events on.
- Engineering student Florian talks through founding his own gym app.
- From Chappell Roan to The Traitors, Alice writes to her future self.
- Vote for your next Guild Officers.
- Win free afternoon tea for two at Winterbourne.
News
Give your feedback and you could win £150
It's time to have your say on your university experience completely anonymously.
As a Postgraduate , you can share your views through the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) and Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES).
Not only will your feedback help us make changes to better the university experience of students in the future, but you'll be entered in a prize draw to win one of five £150 cash prizes. Have your say.
Ramadan Mubarak
This month, Ramadan will be observed by our Muslim students and staff. Find out more about the holy month, hear from UoB students from our Edgbaston and Dubai campuses about what the month means to them and check out how you can get involved, irrespective of faith.
From us to you, Ramadan Mubarak/Kareem (meaning “Blessed Ramadan” and “Generous Ramadan")! More on Ramadan.
Managing money
Running until Friday, National Student Money Week raises awareness about the financial support, advice and resources available. More on the Week.
5 swaps to save cash
Managing your finances can be hard. Student Content Shaper Mimi shares the cost-effective swaps she makes to save some money. Mimi's swaps.
Getting a part-time job
Working alongside your studies can bring in extra income. Student Content Shaper Hannah shares tips on securing part-time work. Hannah's tips.
Celebrating International Women's Day
International Women's Day, and March as a whole, celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women and is a call to action to achieve true global equality for women and girls. We'd love for you to get involved.
Plus we’re bringing back our #UoBWomen blog series focusing on the lived experiences of women here at Birmingham. From inspiring woman leaders to feeling uplifted by communities, we’re posting blogs throughout the month. Check out Student Caitlin's blog on women in sport. Browse events schedule.
Founding Syncmove
Meet Florian, a third-year Engineering student, who aims to overcome 'gym anxiety' through his very own student-focused project, SyncMove. More on Syncmove.
To my future self
As the University celebrates its 125th anniversary, student Alice writes a letter to her future self to capture what life is like now. Hear from Alice.
Vote in Guild Elections
Who would you like to represent you and lead your Guild in 2025/26? Cast your vote from 10:00 on Monday 10 March. Cast your vote.
University Mental Health Day
Thursday 13 March marks University Mental Health Day, an annual event dedicated to starting conversations about mental health. During this week, and throughout March, look out for events to help you unwind and prioritise your wellbeing. Browse support available.
Enhancing cyber security
On 19 March, the University will introduce a new email filtering system to your student inbox. It will inspect email traffic, reduce potentially harmful content and provide greater protection from online dangers. Find out more about how it'll work.
PG Corner
Welcome to the latest updates from the University Graduate School (UGS) specifically for postgraduate students.
Bridging Gaps: Gender and Race in Academia with Prof. Donna Chambers
Wednesday 12 March, 13:00-14:00
Online
Join Maria Motunrayo Adebisi, current postgraduate researcher for this International Women’s Day webinar. They’ll discuss challenges faced by BAME women in academia and ways to promote diversity.
Three Minute Thesis Final now live
Join us for the Birmingham Three Minute Thesis Final, where doctoral researchers will compete to deliver the best research presentation in three minutes with just one slide. Hear about exciting research, suitable for all disciplines.
UGS Awards: taking applications
The UGS Awards celebrate excellence in PGR publications, PGR community champions, and outstanding supervisors. Send us your nominations by 28 April. Find out more and nominate.
What I spend as a student
Navigating your finances as a student can be overwhelming. Follow Yael, our Student Content Shaper, for a week of budgeting tips – from tackling your weekly food shop at Aldi, to staying on top of bills, or planning for those well-deserved indulgences. Watch video.
Sustainability at UoB
Applications for Sustainability summer internships are open
Together with the Birmingham Institute for Sustainability and Climate Action (BISCA), a series of paid Sustainability internships are available for non-graduating undergraduate students this summer.
Priority will be given to Birmingham Scholar students, but all are welcome to apply. To find out more and apply, sign up to the Sustainability Internship canvas page.
Our diary picks
Brunch and Be Heard
Thursday 6 March, 11:00-14:00
Debating Hall, The Guild
Join your Community Wardens, Community & Welfare Officer, and UoB Police team to hear powerful stories from women about their experiences and discuss how we can create safer, more inclusive spaces for all! TW: Mentions of gender based violence.
Comfort Zone with Pause@UoB
Thursday 6 March (but also throughout month), 14:00-15:00
No. 1 Lodge, North Gate
Head to the Lodge for a space to meet others, create, play and relax - or enjoy a free snack and a drink!
Moseley Rugby Student Night
Friday 7 March, from 19:45
Join our friends at Birmingham Moseley Rugby Club for a night of nail-biting action against Richmond. Bring your ID card and book online for a fantastic £5 student deal, using code UNI5.
Lunch with a Leader
Throughout March, next one on 11 March
The sessions invite small groups of students to sit down and quiz some of UoB's most successful alumni who have gone on to lead, influence and shape a range of different organisations. The opportunity is open to all students. You can also use this towards the Birmingham Award. Browse upcoming sessions.
Q&A Session: Engage Amazonia Funded Summer School
Friday 7 March, 14:00-15:00
Old Gym, LG10
The University of Birmingham Brazil Institute (UBBI) is excited to launch Immerse Amazonia, a funded, undergraduate-level binational summer school in the heart of the Amazon. Learn more at the information session.
Bread and Belief: Queer Prophets
Thursday 13 March, 15:30-17:30
St Francis Hall, Multi-Faith Chaplaincy
Bake and eat bread while discussing spirituality, with excerpts from The Book of Queer Prophets. Everyone is welcome. Find out more about the event.
Community Iftar
Friday 14 March, 17:00-20:00
Aston Webb Great Hall
As well as daily iftars throughout the month, UoB's Islamic Society are back with the much-loved Community Iftar. Prior to the Iftar (the meal served at sunset during Ramadan to break the day's fast), there'll be an exhibition on Islam and its rich cultural and artistic history. All are welcome.
Postgraduate Open Day
Wednesday 19 March, 12:00-17:00
Thinking about staying for a Masters or PhD at Birmingham? Join us on campus later this month to meet academic staff, hear from current students, and learn more about our scholarship opportunities.
Holi Festival
Wednesday 19 March, 15:30-18:00
Lawn behind The Guild
Expect a day packed with fun, games, vibrant colours, and amazing performances celebrating Holi with UoB's Hindu Society.
Visit our What's On page for the latest student events.
Fancy a sweet treat?
We're giving away free afternoon cream tea for two at Winterbourne House and Gardens. Enjoy our beautiful serene gardens this Spring, all while relishing a delicious scone and hot drink. Enter now.
And finally
Have your say on how buses are run in the West Midlands
Network West Midlands are running a consultation on whether bus services in the West Midlands should be brought into public control. Share your feedback to improve services.
If you have any suggestions for the student newsletter please email: studentcommunications@contacts.bham.ac.uk.