Brum Bulletin: How does winning £150 sound?
The Brum Bulletin - your student news
In this issue...
- Ready for the chance to win £150 by sharing your feedback?
- Don't skip these money-saving tips, plus browse our financial support.
- Book your ticket for our free 125 Anniversary Concert.
- The ultimate immersive art experience and why you won't want to miss it.
- Students discuss their top tips on making connections at uni.
- International student Mariyam shares her journey to Brum.
- Last chance to win a UoB branded Snow Globe!
Happy Lunar New Year to those celebrating. Keep an eye out for content from our Student Content Shapers on how you can get involved.
News
Have your say is less than a week away
Student surveys are the perfect opportunity for you to share your honest thoughts on your university experience and be in with a chance of winning £150!
This year four surveys are running, with five chances to win the cash prize per survey. Eligible students will be emailed soon to Have your say. In fact, we kick off with the National Student Survey (NSS) for final years on 27 January, following closely by the UK Engagement Survey (UKES) or all continuing undergraduates on 3 February.
Do you want to learn more about how your feedback really does make a difference? See out Have your say pages for more on the action we've taken based on previous survey results. Browse Have your say pages.
Save on travel
We’re always looking for ways we can support our students when it comes to managing the cost of living. Find out how you can save on rail and bus travel with exclusive student offers this term. Tell me more.
Our 125 Concert
It's our 125th anniversary. To celebrate, join our free community festival and open-air music concert. With live music, we’ll celebrate the music of Birmingham and its people. Get your free ticket.
Student scholarships
The Student Development Scholarship provides financial support for students to undertake travel projects to further their personal or academic development. Apply by 31 January. I'm interested.
Ways to save money
Your bank account might be feeling a bit lighter after the holiday season so we’ve put together some helpful tips and advice on how to make your student budget stretch this semester. Browse saving tips.
The best art experience
Student Natalie stopped by the Barber's most immersive exhbition. Find out her thoughts on this unique experience, and why you don't want to miss out. On until 26 Jan! Hear from Natalie.
Making friends
The start of a new semester can stir up a range of emotions including loneliness. And that's okay. Here’s some advice and tips from our students to help you settle back in. Make a connection.
Mariyam's Story
Student Mariyam shares her story of coming to Birmingham from India, how she navigates feelings of homesickness, and her excitement for the future. Read Mariyam's story.
PG Corner
Welcome to the latest updates from the University Graduate School (UGS) specifically for postgraduate students.
Three Minute Thesis
Three Minute Thesis (3MT) challenges doctoral researchers to create a three minute presentation for a non-specialist audience. The competition hones your skills in public engagement, communication, and public speaking, with cash prizes to win. Sign up to our 3MT information drop in on 5 February.
Research Poster Competition
The annual Research Poster Competition is the largest postgraduate researcher event at the University, part of the Postgraduate Research Festival, and an opportunity to share your research with academics, UoB staff, and external partners. Find out more about the competition and how to take part at our online information session on 11 February.
Postgraduate Work Experience Bursary
If you're a postgraduate with little to no professional UK work experience, this bursary provides financial support, up to the value of £1500, to help you to access a UK-based professional development opportunity (e.g. an internship, presenting at a conference, membership to a professional organisation). Read the eligibility criteria and find out how you can apply.
Want to create content and get paid for it?
Our Student Content Shapers (SCS) are a group of diverse students who we hire to make authentic content about life at the University of Birmingham. Through TikTok trends, YouTube vlogs, day in the life Reels and the hottest blogs, our Content Shapers bring you relatable, informative, funny and inspirational content to help you through your uni years.{/if}
Study With Me: Biomedical Science
Student Content Shaper and current Biomedical Science student Sherese shares how she organises her schedule, sets up for a good study session, and avoids burnout. Watch video.
Sustainability at UoB
You can now see the outcome of the 2024 ‘Shaping our Sustainable Community’ competition. Read more about the installation of the two biodiversity pillars that support our sustainability work.
You can also vote for this years’ projects by Friday 31 January. The sustainability team will then explore the winning project over the next 12 months and see if we they can make it a reality.
Our diary picks
The Birmingham Award explained
Thursday 23 January, 12:00-13:00
Room 229, Engineering building
Find out how the Birmingham Award, our employability award for students, can help future you and superboost your CV.
Postgraduate Discovery Day
Thursday 23 January, 13:00-15:30
Come along to our Postgraduate Discovery Day to find out more about our postgraduate and Teacher Training programmes. Speak to our staff, students and support services over lunch and refreshments.
Culture & Connect: international peer support group
Wednesday 29 January, 14:00-17:00
Employer Training Room (Room G30), Aston Webb Building
Moving to a new country, adapting to a new culture, and adjusting to university life can be overwhelming. Culture & Connect is run by a diverse group of international students who are eager to help you settle into Birmingham.
Holocaust Memorial Day event
Wednesday 29 January, 19:00-20:30
Teaching and Learning Lecture Theatre 2 (102)
Holocaust Memorial Day, observed on January 27 each year, is a day of remembrance for the six million Jews who were systematically murdered during the Holocaust. Join the Jewish Society for a presentation by Peter and Moira Hart, who will share the story of Kitty Hart-Moxon OBE, a Holocaust survivor and Peter’s mother.
Langar (free kitchen) on campus with the Sikh Society
Monday 3 February
Marquee, near Old Joe
Join the Sikh Society for Langar - open to all. You will be able to enjoy a vegetarian dish with vegan options all freshly prepared locally in Birmingham.
Artisan Market
Tuesday 4 February, 10:00-16:00
University Square
Enjoy baked goods, homemade produce, handmade items, vintage and unique gifts, crafts, and street food in our Artisan Market. Meet local favourites and discover new traders from across the West Midlands.
Discover Islam Week with the Islamic Society
Tuesday 4 - Friday 7 February
Marquee, near Old Joe
Check out the Islamic Society's 'Discover Islam Week', open to all regardless of faith or background. Find an array of stalls, discussion circles, free food and Muslim students on hand to answer your questions.
Visit our What's On page for the latest student events.
Celebrate Lunar New Year
From Saturday 1 - Sunday 2 February, enjoy a packed programme of free traditional performances and festivities to celebrate the new year and the Year of the Snake. Celebrate the new year.
Last chance to win a UoB Snow Globe
Three lucky students can each win a UoB-themed Snow Globe! All you have to do is answer a simple question, it's really that easy... Final chance to enter.
And finally
Officer Elections: Apply Now!
The Guild of Students are currently hosting their annual Officer Elections, where students are elected to lead the Guild and represent the UoB community on key issues. Head to their website to explore the roles and apply.
Want to write a blog for our birthday? You'll get a £15 voucher for it.
To celebrate our 125th birthday, we're looking for your stories - 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 for a blog where to help capture our history. If your work is posted, you'll get a £15 Amazon voucher.
Update your details
It’s really important to check that your personal details, like your address, are up to date every year. Learn more about how and why you need to keep your personal details up to date on your University record.
Religious observance
The main summer exam period runs from Saturday 10 May – Saturday 7 June. We understand that due to religious observance, you may be unable to sit an exam on a particular date. If this is the case, please complete the Religious Observance form before Friday 7 February.
Catch up on the latest food and drink updates and offers via the app
Subscribe to the Food and Beverage channel on MyUoB for regular news, updates, information, and promotions that might be of interest to you. Whether you're craving burrito bowls, sushi, salads, or authentic curries, there's loads of delicious options on campus!
Save 20% off a Student Art Pass
A Student Art Pass unlocks free or reduced-price entry to hundreds of museums, galleries, and historic houses across the UK. Get yours for only £8 when you use code NEWYEAR.
If you have any suggestions for the student newsletter please email: studentcommunications@contacts.bham.ac.uk.