Brum Bulletin: Funding for you and your big ideas
Spoilers ahead! Here's a small selection of what's inside:
- Get assignment-ready with the Academic Skills Centre.
- Two chances to win money with funding for student projects and a £1,000 grant.
- Could your recipe make it onto our campus menu?
- Complete the Travel Survey for a chance to win a £30 voucher.
- Stay safe online with our cyber security tips.
- Last chance to win the most huggable plushie on campus!
News
The latest news (what you should know)
How is your assignment prep going?
The Academic Skills Centre (ASC) are running online workshops to help you develop key academic skills needed to excel in your assignments. Ever wondered how to plan effectively? Or how to write convincingly about the evidence? Join a workshop for practical tips to boost your assignments.
For more tips on learning and assessments at university, check out this helpful guide to understand how to succeed academically, what to expect in your studies, and where to find support along the way.
£2,000 funding for student projects
Do you have an idea that could make a lasting impact on students at UoB? You can apply on your own, in a group, or with a society. Apply for the Alumni Impact Fund by 25 October to receive up to £2,000 of funding.
Have a recipe to share?
Share a recipe that reminds you of home and the story behind it. The winning recipe will be featured on a campus menu and the winner will receive a prize package. Submit your photo, recipe and story by 30 October.
Your chance to win a grand
Student life can be expensive and that's why we’ve teamed up with Santander to offer ten lucky UoB students a grant of £1,000 each to be used on anything from rent to a new laptop. Anyone can apply.
Help shape the future of travel to campus
Take part in the Travel Survey and help us improve your travel options. It’s quick and easy to complete and you have the chance to win one of twenty £30 vouchers!
It's Cyber Security Awareness Month
October marks Cyber Security Awareness Month and we are sharing different tips to help you stay safe online. We are starting with how to spot and avoid cyber scams at university.
Dates for your diary (things to do)
Bread and Belief: Making bread, exploring authenticity
Thursday 15 October, 13:00-15:00
Oasis Lounge, Multifaith Chaplaincy
What is real and not 'performed'? Bread & Belief ponders the value of authenticity power as we bake, eat bread, and take bread home. All people and perspectives are welcome at our regular Bread & Belief sessions. Spaces are limited.
Coffee and Careers with Teach First
Monday 19 October, 10:00-14:00
Under the Law arches
Join Teach First for a free coffee and careers chat! They'll be on hand with their free hot drinks cart, ready to discuss theirr opportunities and top tips for applying to their Times Top 20 graduate scheme and Taster Programme.
What I Wish I Knew: Advice on Starting University Webinar
Monday 19 October, 18:00-19:00
Online
Starting university brings lots of new opportunities and plenty of questions. Join Professor Tom Harrison, Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education), and current and former students for firsthand advice on making the most of your time at Birmingham.
Get UK work experience for international students
Tuesday 20 October, 12:00-13:00
Online
Want to find a part-time job, internship, or placement while you study? In this online workshop, you'll learn what work experience you could do in the UK and how to find the right opportunity for you.
Go Global Fair
Friday 23 October, 10:00-16:00
Aston Webb Great Hall
Take part in an international opportunity during your time at UoB. From two weeks to a full academic year, see what opportunities interest you at our annual Go Global Fair.
Guild of Students: Poetry Workshop
Friday 23 October, 18:00-20:30
Teaching and Learning Building
An introduction to Africanize, a University of Birmingham project led by Artist-In-Residence Sipho Eric Ndlovu. This will be an introductory, engaging and accessible poetry workshop inspired by live artifacts and artworks.
Student jazz sessions
Wednesday 28 October, 13:15-14:00
Mezzanine, Bramall Music Building
Join us on your lunch break for an informal jazz performance from a selection of our student jazz musicians.
Shop local at the Artisan Market
Find tasty food, handmade gifts, and more as the bustling Artisan Market comes to campus on Tuesday 27 October from 10:00-16:00 in University Square. Meet local favourites and discover new traders from across the West Midlands.
PGR Corner
Work for the UDS: Apply to be a PGR Ambassador
Applications are open for paid University Doctoral School PGR Ambassador roles. Working alongside the UDS team, you will help deliver key events, support researcher development activities, and contribute to the wider PGR experience. This is a fantastic opportunity to build confidence, gain practical experience while supporting Birmingham’s PGR community.
Discover funding for PGR-Led Activities 22 October (13:00-17:00)
If you would like to organise an event, activity or initiative for your PGR community, attend the PGR-Led Activities Fund drop-in on Thursday 22 October (13:00-17:00) to explore how the Fund can help. Meet the team, ask questions, receive application guidance, and find out how your ideas can make an impact.
PGR Career Mentoring Scheme applications are now open
Careers Network’s PGR Career Mentoring Scheme is now open for applications. This is your opportunity to receive professional guidance from experienced mentors across a range of sectors and research areas. Discover different career pathways, gain practical advice, and build confidence as you prepare for the next stage of your career.
PGR Group Coaching: Reclaim your PhD, 19-23 October
Free for Birmingham PGRs, Reclaim Your PhD provides an opportunity to develop practical strategies for your success. Alongside a professional coach, you will explore productivity, wellbeing and staying motivated throughout your research. To join, first sign up for PGR Online Coaching, then use your designated login to enrol.
PGT Corner
Register for the 2027 Implementation Science Conference
Registration is now open for the 2027 Implementation Science Conference on Friday 29 January 2027. The Conference will convene leading experts in Implementation Science for a one-day event featuring keynotes, interactive discussions and expert panels, and provide opportunities to build valuable connections by networking with speakers and delegates.
Careers Network’s first PGT Employability Masterclass
Thursday 22 October, 13:00
Join Careers Network’s first PGT Employability Masterclass of the year, What can I do with a Masters degree? to explore your options, build your confidence, and discover where your degree could take you. Plus, attendance counts towards the Birmingham Award with Distinction - Postgraduate.
PGT Essentials: Finding and using information
Wednesday 28 October, 14:00-15:30
What is the best way to begin your research, how can you make sure you find the information you need, and how do you make the most of library resources? Book to join the Academic Skills Centre for this online workshop, followed by a Q&A.
Do you want to get your hands on £1,000?
Students Ishika and Robert explain how you can apply for the Santander Brighter Futures Grant, available to ten lucky UoB students to spend on anything that helps you with your studies!
Congrats, you've unlocked a freebie
Last chance: Win the most huggable plushie on campus
Our Old Joe soft toy has already racked up a bunch of adoring fans on Instagram. To celebrate that you can now order your very own from the UoB gift shop, we're giving one away for free! But you'll have to be quick. Final chance to enter the giveaway.
And finally (any other random bits)
Want to share your mental health experience?
As part of our Time to Talk? campaign, we're looking for students to share their lived experience of mental health during your time at university. Topics could include managing anxiety or depression, coping with loneliness, homesickness, academic pressure, or any other mental health challenge you've experienced as a student.
Whether you prefer to write a blog or record a short video, your story could help other students feel less alone and encourage them to seek support when they need it. As a thank you, you'll receive a £20 Amazon voucher for your story. Email studentcommunications@contacts.bham.ac.uk to pitch your idea.
Help create a safer campus
Take some time out of your day to complete our ‘Lead the Change’ course on Canvas. We all have a role to play in creating a community where everyone feels safe, respected and supported. The course explores healthy relationships, sexual health and consent, helping to build a positive culture on campus for everyone, whether you're in a relationship or not.
Looking for a Career Mentor?
Whether you're seeking sector-specific guidance, mentorship from a sector-leading alum, or a connection with someone who can share their lived experience, apply for the Careers Network Mentoring to find your match.
Edgbaston Park Road tree works
On Saturday 17 October, Edgbaston Park Road will be closed between the Pritchatts Road and Somerset Road junctions while essential tree works are carried out. Following an inspection, two trees identified as being in decline and posing a significant safety risk will be removed ahead of the winter season. These works will help ensure the continued safety of pedestrians and the campus community.
Join the Next Gen family at Edgbaston Stadium
Get closer to the action with a Next Gen Membership, built exclusively for students who don't want to miss a moment of the Bears action just down the road at Edgbaston Stadium. With incredible value for money, you'll get access to top-class cricket for less than you might expect.
If you have any suggestions for the student newsletter please email: studentcommunications@contacts.bham.ac.uk.