Brum Bulletin: Let's talk money, safety and surveys
The Brum Bulletin - your student news
Have you noticed we've had a makeover? Don't worry it's still your Brum Bulletin packed with student stories, the latest updates and opportunities.
In this issue...
- It's National Student Money Week; have your money questions answered, plus hear financial advice from mature student Robin on what he wishes he would've known.
- What is it like to meet a Queen? We sent one of our Student Content Shapers to find out.
- Have you had your say yet? If you do, you could win £150.
- Download our free safety app for peace of mind while on campus.
- Student Content Shaper May shares her go-to meal that won't break the bank.
- Two lucky students can win a pair of tickets to the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra's event by answering a simple question.
News
Ramadan Mubarak
"Ramadan Mubarak" (or "Ramadan Kareem") to those observing the month. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and will be celebrated by thousands of staff and students. We hope this is a blessed and peaceful time for you. Learn more about Ramadan.
It's National Student Money Week!
Running until Friday 8 March, National Student Money Week is an annual campaign that raises awareness about the money advice and support available to students. Find out more.
Clearing up your questions on financial support at university
As part of National Student Money Week, Hannah from our Funding, Graduation & Awards (FGA) team answers some of your common questions from scholarships and bursaries to help with managing your money. Tell me more.
5 things I wish I’d known about managing my money
Now in his 60s, Doctoral Student Content Shaper Robin shares five pieces of advice he would have given his younger self on navigating finances at university like a pro. Explore advice.
Blog: The Queen and I
We recently celebrated LGBTQ+ History Month. As part of our celebrations, Student Content Shaper Robin spills on the tea on what it was like to interview and film lecturer and drag artist Phil Harper. For more student blogs on LGBTQ+ themes, explore the student intranet. Read Robin's blog.
Taught students, tell us what you think
Whether you’ve been invited to complete the NSS, UKES or PTES, share your views on your course and be in with the chance to win one of fifteen £150 cash prizes. Have your say.
SafeZone at UoB, your free safety app
Available to all students, SafeZone connects you to our security team. It's also monitored 24/7 so if you find yourself studying late on campus, download it for your peace of mind. Learn more.
Do you know the symptoms of mumps?
Mumps is on the rise in the region and although it isn't usually serious, it's sensible to be aware of the main signs and symptoms as it is easily spread. Find out more.
What I eat in a day as a student
Cooking can feel tedious, especially while juggling other things as a student, but don't worry, our Student Content Shaper May is here to help by sharing her fave, quick and nutritious dishes that won't break the bank! Get inspired.
PG Corner
Welcome to the latest updates from the University Graduate School (UGS) specifically for taught (PGT) and research (PGR) postgraduates
Take Part in the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey
This is your opportunity to make your voice heard about your course and university experience - tell us what what we’re doing well and what can be improved. Five lucky students will win £150 in cash for taking part. Take the survey.
Looking for a new challenge?
The Three Minute Thesis gives PGRs the opportunity to share your research in an international competition and win a cash prize. Find out more.
IT for Research Survey: Win £500 Amazon Voucher!
Shape the future of computational services and tools on offer at the university in the IT Needs of Active Research Survey. It'll take no longer than 15 mins, and closes on Monday 18 March.
Introducing the PGT Gallery
The competition is designed to develop your creativity and communication skills, all the while competing for a cash prize. Read more to find out how you can get involved.
BRIDGE Academic Poster Session (for PGRs)
Wednesday 10 April, 11:00-12:30
Main Library, Top Floor
For more information and to book a limited space, email Mary Alliston.
Our diary picks
Academic Skills Centre (ASC) sessions
Throughout March
Main Library and online
The ASC are running several online workshops to help you prepare for assessments. These are covering topics such as critical thinking, reading and notetaking, writing effective paragraphs, editing and proofreading your work, and preparing for exams. Suitable for undergraduates and postgraduates. Book your place.
Rebellion - Basketball Super Series
Saturday 9 March, from 15:00
Munrow Arena, Sport & Fitness Centre
An action-packed day of basketball as Loughborough 4’s return to campus to take on our Women’s 1, who are looking to come out victorious after losing to Loughborough in the cup. Men’s 1 welcome local rivals Warwick to the arena in the second game of the day and will look to chase down the leaders of the league, Wolves.
Touring exhibition: You Say Jewish, I Say British
Monday 11 - Thursday 14 March, 12:00-18:00
Chancellor's Court, Green Heart
Hosted by the National Holocaust Centre and Museum in partnership with the Jewish Museum London, this exhibition will explore dual identity and the diversity of Jewish identities in the UK today. You can explore remarkable objects and roam around in this interactive virtual environment. Challenging content will be explored, including anti-Jewish stereotypes and prejudices. Find out more.
Multi-Faith Chaplaincy: Take time together in Lent
Wednesday 13 March, from 13:00
St Francis Hall, Multi-Faith Chaplaincy
Take time together in Lent, for sacred stories, stillness and silence. Open to all.
University Mental Health Day
Tuesday 14 March
No student should ever feel alone with their mental health. We're observing University Mental Health Day which normalises the conversations around mental health, so we can create a space where students feel more supported to speak openly and honestly. Browse our wellbeing and mental health support services at UoB.
Community Wardens: Coffee & Clean Up
Thursday 14 March, 13:00-15:00
Meet outside Bournbrook Pavilion
Join your Community Wardens in cleaning up the streets of Selly Oak with a litter pick! Enjoy a free drink from Starbucks at the end as a thank you for your hard work.
AI Futures: Brain Awareness Week
Saturday 16 March, 11:00-15:00,
The Exchange, Birmingham
Join researchers from UoB's Centre for Human Brain Health (CHBH) to celebrate Brain Awareness Week 2024. Drop in for brain-boosting activities. Sculpt your very own brain model from clay, decorate a brain-shaped hat, and wrap your head around illusions designed to play tricks on your brain!
Careers Network: Insight into Charities
Wednesday 20 March, 16:00-17:30
Online
Featuring a panel discussion and Q&A, explore the different roles our speakers work in, what they did after graduation, how they found their first job and tips for getting your foot in the door. Learn what skills are needed in the industry to plan your career goals and make your applications stand out. Register now.
Postgraduate Open Day
Wednesday 20 March, 13:00-17:00
Edgbaston Campus
Considering postgraduate study? Join us on campus to hear first-hand about our Masters and PhD opportunities here at Birmingham. Book your place.
Visit our What's On page for the latest student events.
ABBA feat Dinosaurs?
Immerse yourself in a unique evening on Friday 12 March (18:00-21:00) at Lapworth Museum where the timeless hits of ABBA meet the awe-inspiring world of the prehistoric. With Interstellar projections lighting up the night, you'll be serenaded, making it impossible not to sing your heart out. Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!
Enjoy an evening of classical music from Brum’s orchestra
Two lucky students can win a pair of tickets to the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra's Classic FM Hall of Fame by answering a simple question. From Nimrod to The Lark Ascending you’ll be humming along to tunes you didn’t even know you knew! Enter now.
And finally
Guild Officer Elections - voting is open
From wellbeing support to activities and academia - the Officers are here to work on the things that matter most to you. So, make sure you get to know each candidate and cast your vote. Voting closes at 16:00 on Thursday 14 March.
Join in with the 2024 BRIT Challenge
UoB’s Sport & Fitness team invite you to take on activities that help improve physical and mental health. Using the ‘24’ theme, there’s a bunch of themed challenges and activities to get you involved, including guided meditation, a variety of free classes or enjoy free Social Sport taster sessions. All activities are beginner-friendly. Get involved.
Changes to bus stops along Moor Street Queensway
Midland Metro Alliance will begin a project on Sunday 7 April to install tram tracks on Moor Street Queensway in Birmingham City Centre. Some bus services will still serve Moor Street Queensway and others may be relocated around Carrs Lane. Plan ahead and check new bus stop locations in the City Centre. Find out more.
If you have any suggestions for the student newsletter please email: studentcommunications@contacts.bham.ac.uk.