Brum Bulletin: What's your top food spot on campus?

The Brum Bulletin - your student news

In this issue...

  • November marks Men's Health Awareness Month.
  • Students blog about making friends, finding support at uni, food on campus and studying abroad.
  • English student Alex's top tips to nail your next essay.
  • There's still time to win £1,000 with Santander Universities.
  • Fancy a chat with our VC?
  • Last chance to win with Mockingbird Cinema!

News

It's Men's Health Awareness Month

November is Men’s Health Awareness month, which focuses on promoting both physical and mental wellbeing among men.

Student Content Shaper Alex shares his thoughts on the importance of normalising speaking up and reaching out for help. Read Alex's blog

How to make friends at uni

Starting university is a big change, so it's normal to be nervous about making friends. Third-year student Hanna shares her advice on building friendships during your time at UoB. Read Hanna's blog.

Writing a good essay

Writing essays can be a challenge, but with the right approach, you can showcase your academic skills. Final-year English student Alex takes you through his top tips to nail your next piece of work. Alex's essay tips.

Finding support

University can present a lot of challenges, so it's important that you look after your mental health. Student Content Shaper Caitlin shares her experiences and recommendations on getting help. Hear from Caitlin.

There's still time to win £1,000

Santander Universities are giving ten lucky UoB students the chance to win one £1,000 (cash award) each. All students are eligible to enter, including undergraduates, postgraduates, part-time and full-time students, and you don’t need to bank with Santander to apply. How to enter.

Have a chat with our Vice-Chancellor

Professor Adam Tickell, UoB's Vice-Chancellor, is hosting student open sessions later this month and early next year.

These are opportunities for you to meet him and talk about anything you like. From chatting about a passion of yours, to discussing how your experience of the University could be improved, he's here to listen. Book a slot to attend an open office session.

Summer in Seoul

Psychology student Carys talks of her love of Korean baseball games, stepping out of her comfort zone, and absorbing a new culture. Could you Go Global too? Hear from Carys.

Win a tasty voucher

Complete the Eating Habits & Preferences Survey and you can win a £100 voucher to spend at Food Fellows outlets, or a £50 runner-up voucher. Closes Wed 27 November. Fill in the survey.

My fave food spots

You'll find a wide range of food options on campus. If you need some inspiration on where to go, Student Content Shaper Nataliia shares her top places to try. Read Nataliia's blog.

PG Corner

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

PGT Hub is live

The PGT Hub is an information hub for postgraduate taught students (PGTs), available throughout the year. Find out more about your PGT services at UoB, including academic skills development, wellbeing support, and careers opportunities. All PGT students are now enrolled - access PGT Hub on Canvas.

Academic Writing Month (AcWriMo)

November is Academic Writing Month, also known as #AcWriMo. It's a great opportunity for PGRs to set a writing goal, such as a word count, writing hours, or project milestones, and to think about developing your writing. Find resources, workshops, and support sessions from the Research Skills Team.

PGR Online Group Coaching

For support with wellbeing and work/life balance, PGRs can join regular online group coaching for PGRs on Tuesdays at 10:00 and 17:00. Wednesdays at 16:00, and extra monthly Thursday workshops on common researcher wellbeing issues. See all dates and joining information.

Secrets of the Main Library

You're bound to have explored the Main Library by now. It's one of our most popular study spots, but we bet you didn’t know these things… Watch video.

Sustainability at UoB

Green Week is back

Join us from Monday 25 - Friday 29 November to sample sustainable food of the future, take a VR tour of our BIFoR facility, discover innovative campus research, and hear from teams dedicated to embedding sustainability throughout everything we do.

There are also two student-specific panels where you can find out more about how we're tackling sustainability at UoB, and hear from a range of speakers reflecting on COP29. Check out the full event list.

Our diary picks

Transgender Day of Remembrance Service
Wednesday 20 November, 12:00-13:00
Multi-Faith Chaplaincy, St Francis Hall

You are warmly invited to gather with us in remembrance of those who have lost their lives in anti-Trans violence this past year.

Rebecca Wing presents: Heritage
Wednesday 20 November, 17:00-19:00
The Foyer, Bramall Music Building

Drawing inspiration from her childhood memories, this suite of original music will take you through a journey of memory and understanding of what makes us whole. Browse the free event.

Bread & Belief for November
Thursday 21 November, 13:00-15:00
Multi-Faith Chaplaincy, St Francis Hall

As autumn sets in, bake tasty bread and share stories as we eat bread together around the table. People of all beliefs, and none, are welcomed. More on the event.

Comfort Zone with Pause
Thursday 21 November, 14:00-15:00
No 1 Lodge, North Gate

Enjoy a space to meet others, create, play and relax - or enjoy a free snack and a drink! Pause drop ins.

Postgraduate Open Day
Saturday 23 November
On campus

Considering a Masters or PhD? Join us to find out more about our postgraduate courses and funding opportunities. Register your place to refocus your future at Birmingham.

Crafting Portraits with Marley Starskey Butler
Wednesday 27 November, 14:00-16:00
Barber Institute of Fine Arts

Step into the world of photo portraiture with award-winning artist Marley Starskey Butler. Uncover the tips and tricks for capturing stunning portraits. Get ready to experiment and explore composition, angles, lighting and more in this hands-on, playful workshop. Tickets are only £3.

Christmas is coming to campus...
Wednesday 4 December

Santa's sleigh arrives to campus soon. Join us for our light switch-on, stalls and our wonderful festive fair. Watch this space, details coming soon.

Scent and the Art of the Pre-Raphaelites
Until January 26 2025
Barber Institute of Fine Arts

Ever wondered what a painting smells like? For the first time ever, you can experience the unseen scents of Pre-Raphaelite art. This ground-breaking exhibition features iconic paintings on loan from major collections such as Tate, the Ashmolean and Birmingham Museums.

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

The iconic Christmas market

The festive period is now upon us! Visit the authentic Frankfurt Christmas Market to experience Christmas in Birmingham, the proper way. Open now until Tuesday 24 December. Tell me more.

Films, snacks and drinks. Interested?

Last chance for two lucky students to win a pair of tickets to Mockingbird Cinema - drinks included! All you have to do is answer a simple question... Quick, enter now!

And finally

Got items to sell?

Whether it’s unwanted gems from your uni room or wardrobe, or your very own side hustle you’d like to promote, Hazaar are here to help. You can sign up for a free stand alone or with a friend.

WhatUni are coming to campus

On Thursday 21 November, WhatUni are visiting our campus, giving you the opportunity to review the University of Birmingham. During this survey, you'll be asked to a series of questions on the university, your accommodation and your course. This is a great opportunity to reimagine what's next for UoB and let us know what we can improve on. Complete the survey.

Earn rewards for your feedback

Help us make improvements to our online services. Participation is flexible and you'll be compensated for each session you attend. Sign up to take part in Digital User Research.

Wi-Fi certificate renewal

We'll issue a new certificate for our wireless network on Thursday 14 November. This is a regular process that we do every year. As part of this renewal, the first time you access the Wi-Fi on your device from 14 November onwards you may be prompted to accept the new certificate. If you encounter any issues, please contact the IT Service Desk.

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

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