The Brum Bulletin - Your student newsletter
Welcome to your fortnightly update of everything you need to know about the University, all in one handy e-newsletter!
Campus is buzzing and it’s great to have so many students back! As the nights get darker we also want you to feel safe on campus and this issue features some advice around drink spiking, bike theft and the return of the famous Selly Express! First, let’s talk bike safety…
Cycling is an increasingly popular way of getting about but unfortunately bicycles are a popular target for thieves on campus. Check out these top tips to keep your wheels safe.
Read our top tips
Introducing 'Making it Happen'
Coming soon! A new campaign which shines a spotlight on how your views can shape your student experience. From more study spaces to increased wellbeing and assessment support, your feedback can make it happen!
Become a Student Rep
Education Officer, Jules Singh shares what being a Student Rep is about and why you should get involved.
Watch now
UoB students rise to University Challenge
Last week we witnessed an epic win from UoB on University Challenge. Congratulations to Michael Jœl Bartelle (captain), Jaimy Sajit, Mark McParlan and John Robinson on their superb performance. We look forward to the next round!
Watch the episode
Protect your drinks from being spiked
For many students, going on a night out is a big part of uni life, so it’s important to be aware of the potential risks to help keep you safe. Here’s how you can protect yourself and others from the dangers of drink spiking.
Read our top tips
Student Spotlight: Ethan Thompson
Congratulations to Mathematics student Ethan Thompson who recently completed the London Marathon. Ethan raised thousands of pounds for his friend who recently overcome a brain tumour.
Read the full story
Student Social: Old Joe is back!
This is not a wind up; Old Joe is back and chiming on campus again. Have you ever wondered what it’s like inside the 113-year-old clock? Wonder no more…
See inside Old Joe
The Selly Express returns
Hop on to the Guild’s free shuttle bus service in the evenings to get dropped off to your door. You don’t need a ticket to ride – just show up outside the main Library with your student ID.
Find out more
Dates for your diary
Black History Month Quiz
Thursday 21 October 2021, 1-2pm via Zoom
Join us for this quiz with a twist! Test your knowledge on famous black individuals which feature in the archive and rare book collections held at the Cadbury Research Library. Book your place.
Book Launch: Jimmy Packham's Gothic Utterance and Hannah Murray's Liminal Whiteness in Early US Fiction
Wednesday 27 October, 4-5pm via Zoom
Join CSNA and the Nineteenth-Century Centre for a Halloween-themed launch of two brilliant new books; Jimmy Packham's Gothic Utterance: Voice, Speech and Death in the American Gothic and Hannah Murray's Liminal Whiteness in Early US Fiction. Register your place.
The Comedy Chain - stand up comedy night for students
Wednesday 27 November, 8pm, Tap and Spile pub, Broad Street
The Comedy Chain is a comedy club run by UoB students. Join them for a hilarious and highly enjoyable comedy evening. Performers include Rik Carranza and Sachin Kumarendran. Get your ticket.
The Baggs Memorial Happiness Lecture with Charles Hazlewood
Monday 1 November, 6-7pm, Elgar Concert Hall
Join us on campus for the return of the Baggs Memorial Happiness Lecture. Hear from world renowned conductor, Charles Hazlewood, as he shares his personal insight into the subject of Happiness, how it can be achieved, and the role music plays in this. Book your place.
ESRC Festival of Social Science 2021
Monday 1 - Tuesday 30 November
This November, come and explore the world of social science, from how our behaviour can help fight climate change to the effects of the pandemic on society. We have events across the UK, both virtually and in person. See the full programme.
PG corner
Careers Network PG Skills Canvas Course
Starting to think about your career after you graduate? Join the Careers Network's PG Skills Canvas site, and learn about the top skills employers are looking for, what they think of postgraduates, and how you can adapt to a changing post-COVID world. Join the Canvas course.
Shut Up and Work
Our Shut Up and Work sessions for PGT students are starting up again. This programme of exciting activities can help you gain skills and enhance your CV, with monthly in-person days and fortnightly online afternoons of group working where you can focus, meet other PGTs, and tick off your to-do list! See the full list of sessions for PGT students and visit the Teams site.
PGT Ambassador Scheme
Are you a PGT looking for funding and HE experience? The University Graduate School is launching its inaugural PGT Ambassador scheme, where you can support flagship events and run community-building activities within your College in exchange for a £1,000 scholarship. Find out more and apply.
What's on in Brum: Express your selfie
Fill up your camera roll with you and your friends at the #Expressyourselfie pop-up in the Bullring & Grand Central this month. Up your Instagram game and take advantage of some ace student offers.
Explore the Bullring
And finally...
- Face masks on campus. The wearing of face coverings is no longer required by law, but a personal choice. We continue to encourage and support the wearing of face coverings, particularly indoors and in busy areas, and in some settings it may be expected as part of Covid risk assessments. We should also continue to support and respect those colleagues and students who choose to wear a face covering and to be mindful that some staff, students and regular visitors will feel anxious about being on campus and around other people.
- Staying healthy at university. If you haven't already, you should ensure you are registered with a local GP (General Practitioner) to make sure you are able to access healthcare when you need to. Register with a GP.
- 10,000 Black Interns – applications open now! Applications are now open for the 10,000 Black Interns programme which aims to place 2,000 black students on paid internships every year for the next five years. Find out more and apply.
- Travelling around campus. Did you know you can now rent a bike or scooter to get around campus and Birmingham? You can also benefit from a 20% student discount when renting Voi scooters. Find out more.
- Stay active, join a team and meet new people. UoB Sport & Fitness offer a range of gym memberships which are flexible and can be tailored to your interests. Find out more and join.
- Get some fresh air and explore Winterbourne House and Gardens. A recent survey has revealed that Winterbourne’s Botanic Garden on campus is among the most popular places to ‘take a breath’. This makes it the perfect place to relax in between lectures. Read the full story.
- Postgraduate Open Day. Come along to our next Postgraduate Open Day on Saturday 20 November. You will be able to talk with subject and support staff and explore your postgraduate options with us. Book your place.