Brum Bulletin: What's it really like studying here? Students tell all..

In this issue...

  • The experiences of #UoBWomen.
  • Fancy the chance to win £1,000?
  • More financial hacks to save cash.
  • For our 125th birthday, we want to hear for you.
  • UoB students reflect on their time at university.
  • Last chance to win afternoon tea at Winterbourne!

News

Hear from women at UoB

As we continue celebrations for Women's History Month, we've brought back our much-loved #UoBWomen blogs - tapping into the lived experiences of women at Birmingham.

  • Caitlin reflects on the progress of women in sport and how those before her encouraged her to seek her own team.
  • Cheryl dedicates her #UoBWomen blog to the woman who has influenced her life the most – her mother.
  • Alice blogs about her running journey, how the sport has given her a newfound freedom and the history of women runners.
  • Nataliia talks about moving from Ukraine to build a life in a new country.

Survive and thrive

Managing your finances can be daunting. Save the Student's money expert Tom shares his tips on how you can be money-smart at uni.

Apply for a £1,000 grant

Santander’s Brighter Future Grants programme is back! You have the chance to win one of ten grants, each worth £1,000.

5 tools to help you save

From cashback websites to cooking on a budget, Student Content Shaper Katrina shares her must-have budgeting resources.

Create content for our big birthday (you can get a £15 voucher)

As we're celebrating our 125th birthday at UoB, we want to shine light on our long and colourful history.

We're looking for students to create content - for example do you have a family member that studied at Birmingham? What differences are there between studying then and now? Contact studentcommunications@contacts.bham.ac.uk and pitch an idea to help capture our history. If your work is posted, you'll get a £15 Amazon voucher.

To my younger self...

To mark our 125th anniversary, Postgraduate Researcher Robin, now in his sixties, reflects on his undergraduate years - fifty years ago.

Being an autistic student

From socialising to prioritising rest, first-year student Eleanor reflects on her experiences of adjusting to university life as a student with autism.

Getting diagnosed with ADHD

Engineering student Robert blogs about recently being diagnosed with ADHD. Instead of letting this hinder his academic journey, Robert shares how he is embracing it.

PG Corner

Welcome to the latest updates from the University Graduate School (UGS) specifically for postgraduate students.

PGR Pathways: Talks and Networking for Diverse Research Communities
Wednesday 26 March, 13:30-16:00

Hear from remarkable researchers, ask questions, and network. Discover their experiences, aspirations, and tips for PGRs.

Save The Date for the Postgraduate Research Festival
Tuesday 24 June, 13:00-17:00

Celebrate 125 years of postgraduate research excellence at the Postgraduate Research Festival. Enjoy a Keynote, Research Poster Exhibition, Awards Ceremony, and PGR Talks on Life-Changing Technologies, Thriving Planet, and Fairer World. Booking opens soon!

PGR Opportunity: Become a Transformative Humanities Lab Assistant

College of Arts and Law (CAL) are building a pool of emerging researchers with specialised methodological and technical skills for paid opportunities. Your expertise in particular research methods and equipment could drive innovative projects. Complete the questionnaire to express interest.

UGS Events

Join us online for a day of focus and productivity at PGR Shut Up and Work on 27 March. Also, mark your calendars for Film Club on 20 March! This will be a fun and relaxing in person movie night hosted by your fellow PGRs.

Pause at UoB

Pause offers a place on campus for students up to the age of 25 to talk about feelings and real life, as well as social sessions to unwind. Student Content Shapers May and Mahina share more about the service. Watch video.

Our diary picks

Old Joe light show for 125 Anniversary celebration
On campus

Enjoy a spectacular light show on our freestanding clocktower - Old Joe - to commemorate our 125th anniversary. The best time for visibility will be from 19:00 onwards.

Comfort Zone with Pause@UoB
Thursday 20 March, 14:00-15:00
No. 1 Lodge, North Gate

Head down for a space to meet others, create, play and relax - or enjoy a free snack and a drink!

Lunch with a Leader: Charlene Hunter
Wednesday 26 March, 13:00-14:30
On campus

An opportunity for you to sit down over lunch with one of our leading alumni. This session is with Charlene Hunter MBE, Founder & CEO at Coding Black Females.

Revise and Refresh
Thursday 27 March, 10:00-15:00
Main Library

Feeling the pressure of exams and assessments? Drop-in for Pets as Therapy, crafts, meditation, Academic Skills Centre, and chair yoga, or join a wellbeing walk. You can also pick up our Time to Talk? Resources.

Artisan Market
Tuesday 1 April, 10:00-16:00
University Square

Meet local favourites and discover new traders from across the West Midlands. You'll also find our own students hosting stalls with their own creations.

125 Talks: Life-Changing Technologies
Wednesday 2 April, 13:00-14:30
Debating Hall, Guild of Students

As we celebrate our 125th anniversary, join us for a series of thought-provoking talks. In this one, we're asking how do technologies unlock potential in our economies, our society, and the environment?

Quiz Night at Lapworth
Wednesday 2 April, 19:00-20:30
Lapworth Museum of Geology

Join us for an exciting evening of trivia where you can test your knowledge across a variety of fun categories, all while surrounded by fascinating fossils and our Allosaurus Roary.

Visit our What's On page for the latest student events.

Afternoon tea for you and a pal, on us

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. Last chance to enter.

And finally

Making the time to talk to one another

Feeling lonely at university is more common than you think. As part of our Time to Talk? campaign, you may have spotted our Conversation Cards on benches around campus to help you connect with others. Why not sit down and start a chat? And if you don’t feel like talking to a stranger, remember there's others you can talk to – you're not alone. Mental health and wellbeing support.

Win a care package!

To celebrate you and your proud moments, we’re giving you the chance to win one of five exam care packages! All you have to do is tell us the one thing you’re proud of before 28 March.

Important Update on UBHeard

From Tuesday 1 April, the telephone numbers and portal link for UBHeard will be changing. UB Heard is our free 24/7 confidential listening and support service for all students. Look out for more information on the new details through your emails and student news, as well as on the Time to Talk? page. In the meantime, you can still reach out using the existing numbers.

If you have any suggestions for the student newsletter please email: studentcommunications@contacts.bham.ac.uk.

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