Brum Bulletin: There's so much happening on campus
The Brum Bulletin - your student news
In this issue...
- Your summer term timetable is here.
- It's LGBTQ+ History Month. Check out student Caitlin's blog on finding her identity and the importance of community.
- You could get funding for postgraduate study.
- Bag up to £2,000 funding to make your student project come to life.
- Santander are giving away ten MacBook Air laptops.
- New competition: Five students can win a pair of tickets to Mockingbird Cinema, drinks included!
News
Happy Lunar New Year!
Lunar New Year celebrates the beginning of a new year on the traditional lunisolar calendar used in Chinese, East and Southeast Asian communities, and will take place on Saturday 10 February this year. This year marks the ‘Year of the Dragon’, a symbol of good luck, strength, and health.
Undergrads, have you had your say?
It’s time to share your views through the NSS and UKES – two national surveys. Don’t miss out on this chance to reflect and feedback on your course and experience. As a thank you for your time, you could win £150! Read more.
Keeping your homes and valuables safe
We care about your safety and want you to have an enjoyable living experience. Whether you're living alone or with housemates, check out some important safety information to help you protect your homes and look after your valuables. Keep safe.
Your Summer Term timetable has landed
Check out your June timetable to see summer classes you’re expected to attend. The sessions will help you with the transition to next year, and make you stand out as a UoB graduate. Find out more.
Student Caitlin on LGBTQ+ History Month
As LGBTQ+ History Month continues, Student Content Shaper Caitlin reflects on the significance of this month, sharing her story on finding her identity as well as the ongoing struggle many LGBTQ+ people face for acceptance. Read blog.
Looking for funding to study at postgraduate level?
The university have launched over fifty scholarships for home students from underrepresented backgrounds to make postgraduate study more accessible. Find out more.
Get cash to make your project a reality
Applications for the Alumni Impact Fund are open. If you have an idea for a project that would positively impact your student community, you can apply for up to £2,000 funding. Applications close Monday 19 February. Learn more.
New year, new MacBook?
Santander Universities are giving away ten MacBook Air laptops to support students with their studies. All students can enter and you don’t need to bank with Santander to get involved. Enter by Thursday 29 February! Enter now.
What do you think of your uni experience so far?
From this month, share your views through either the National Student Survey (NSS), the UK Engagement Survey (UKES) or the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES). And as a bonus, you could win £150! Find out more.
PG Corner
Welcome to the latest updates from the University Graduate School (UGS) specifically for taught (PGT) and research (PGR) postgraduates
UGS Talks: Inspiration from International Alumni
Tuesday 20 February, 13:00-14:00
Bramall Music Building, Elgar Concert Hall
Hear fascinating insights into life after postgraduate study, including reflections on how our alumni navigated the UK job market as former international students. Book a ticket for free.
Researcher Virtual Consultancy Challenge 2024 (for PGRs)
Wednesday 14 February - Wednesday 15 May
Online
Powered by HSBC, this is a fantastic opportunity for PGR students to remotely participate in a challenge which will give you an insight into the world of consultancy, enabling you to develop your employability and entrepreneurial skills. Apply by Sunday 11 February.
Register for PGT Essentials
Don’t forget to register for ‘Understanding Your Feedback’, ‘Finding and Using Information’, and ‘Managing Your Research Project’. Browse our ‘PGT Essentials’ Eventbrite collection.
UGS Awards: Open for Nominations
Nominate your supervisor for the Excellence in Doctoral Research Supervision Award or talk to your supervisors about nominating your research for the Michael K. O'Rourke Best Publication Award.
Enquiring Minds: PGR Exhibition training
Monday 20 - Friday 31 May
On campus
Enquiring Minds is a new exhibition spotlighting the work of PGRs for children aged 7-11. Interested in taking part? Find out more about taking part, including a visit to the Birmingham ThinkTank for inspiration.
DAAD Short-term Research Grants in Germany
Are you a PGR wishing to conduct research stays of up to six months in Germany? Then you may be eligible to apply for the DAAD's grants. Apply by Thursday 15 February.
Our diary picks
Lunar New Year Celebrations
Thursday 8 February, 10:00-17:00
The Guild Reception
Celebrate Lunar New Year with a collaborative craft - add your section to the dragon! The Hong Kong PASS Society will also be there with traditional food, and there will be decorations and music. More info.
Chinese Spring Festival Gala
Friday 9 February, from 18:30
Elgar Concert Hall, Bramall Music Building
The Chinese Student Society have organised a Chinese Spring Festival Gala. Please contact Man Chan for more details and to book your ticket at mtc103@student.bham.ac.uk.
Discover Islam Week continues
Until Friday 9 February
Marquee, outside Old Joe, Chancellor's Court
Check out UoB Islamic Society's 'Discover Islam Week' for talks, free food, stalls and more. Open to all regardless of faith or background. Find out more.
Language Café x Valentine's Day
Wednesday 14 February, 13:00-16:00
Mermaid Bar, Guild of Students
Join the Guild's International Officer Alice to find language partners and make new friends in a relaxing environment with snacks and music. In this special edition, you can make cards to your loved ones. Join the free event.
Drag Queen Lecture
Thursday 15 February, 12:00-13:00
Aston Webb, WG12
A talk, delivered in drag, exploring drag teaching and queer representation in higher education. The session will reflect on teaching in drag and how this creates an immersive and authentic experience. Sign up.
UoB Aquathlon 2024
Saturday 17 February, from 11:15
UoB's Sport & Fitness Centre
Organised by the University of Birmingham Triathlon Club, the event consists of a 400m pool swim followed by a 5km run around campus. The first 100 entries will receive a tote bag with triathlon goodies and prizes will be awarded for the top three male and female athletes. Entry costs £30.
Barber Evening Concert: Steven Osborne – piano
Saturday 17 February, 19:30-21:30
Elgar Concert Hall, Bramall Music Building
Internationally acclaimed pianist Steven Osborne will be performing in the first Barber Evening Concert of this term. You can see one of the finest British pianists perform for just £5! Register now.
Visit our What's On page for the latest student events.
Celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month with us at UoB
We're committed to celebrate and increase visibility of LGBTQ+ people, their histories and lived experiences. Join our exciting programme of events, open to all, to celebrate and commemorate LGBTQ+ history. Browse events.
Films, snacks and drinks. What more could you want?
Five lucky students have the chance to win a pair of tickets to Mockingbird Cinema by answering a simple question - drinks are included. Quick, enter now!
And finally
Changes to student parking
To promote sustainability on campus, charges for student parking have increased for the first time in years. These changes will be implemented from 1 April and parking hours are 08:00-18:00. Please note, Blue Badge users can still get free parking. Find out more.
Are you passionate about your local community NHS services?
At Birmingham Community Healthcare, governors are crucial and valued partners, whose expertise, enthusiasm, challenge, and support help shape our Trust. Apply as a governor, no prior experience needed; only a passion for improving health. Nominations close on Tuesday 13 February.
Win £5,000!
B-enterprising and Careers Network are launching a competition where you can win £5,000 and other exciting prizes! The competition is open to all students. To be the first to find out when the competition launches, sign up.
25% discount for students off rider passes
Getting to lectures on time, meeting friends off campus, a quick dash across town to your work shift...it's all a lot less stressful with Beryl e-scooters! And you can get 25% off by using your university email address and student ID. More info.
For only £5, enjoy concerts at City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
From classics to crowd pleasers, symphonies to soundtracks, heavy metal to smash hits. 360 surround sound from Birmingham’s powerful and unmissable live orchestra. Browse the 2024 lineup.
Win a £300 Lidl gift-card every week
Running until Friday 16 February, answer a simple question and you have a chance to win. Enter now.
Postgrad LIVE Birmingham reminder
Wednesday 14 February, 12:00-15:00
Great Hall, Aston Webb Building
The study fair gives you the chance to find out what postgraduate opportunities are on offer at a number of top universities and how to secure your place on them. You can discuss your options, get personalised funding advice and find out what PG study is really like. Book your place.
Have you seen our brand-new train station?
The University train station is now open. Please note, the former station building is now exit-only. You can enter the new station via the plaza (opposite the Medical School on the corner of Vincent Road and Westgate) or via stairs/ ramp to the entrance on Westgate (next to Molecular Sciences Building). Find out more.
Vice-Chancellor's Student Open Office
Chat to Professor Adam Tickell about anything to do with the University - it could be something you care about, or something you wish would start, stop, change, or happen more. Next sessions are 20 February, 15:00-16:00 and 19 March, 11:00-12:00. Sign up.
If you have any suggestions for the student newsletter please email: studentcommunications@contacts.bham.ac.uk.