Brum Bulletin: Welcome back; ready for a new term?
The Brum Bulletin - your student news
In this issue...
- Happy New Year and welcome back!
- Get assessment-ready with study tips, resources and advice.
- Graduate Rebecca reflects on her experience making friends at university.
- Tell us what you think and you could win a £500 Amazon voucher.
- Malaysian PhD student Michelle talks studying at UoB as a distance learner.
- You said, we did: How your feedback has delivered changes
- Need something to look forward to at the end of assessments? Enter our competition to win a £15 voucher to spend at The Exchange's Café!
News
Welcome back to Brum
It's the start of a new year and a fresh term, and we hope you're excited to be back. With the January assessments here, find out how you can get UoBe Ready with study spaces, revision resources, wellbeing support and more. Good luck, you've got this! Find out more.
How I met my friends at UoB
During your time at university, you'll meet lots of new people. But is making friends as easy as people say? History graduate Rebecca reflects on her journey on finding her people during her four-year course. Read Rebecca's blog.
Feedback to win a £500 voucher
The Student Digital Experience Insights survey is now open. Share your views on digital services at UoB by Friday 19 January and you could win a £500 Amazon voucher or two runners up prizes of £100 Amazon vouchers. Take the survey.
Boost your at-home revision with student tips
From shortening your TV time to creating the ideal working environment, Student Ruaidhri shares advice (backed by facts) on making the most of your study at home this assessment season. Explore Ruaidhri's tips.
Going the distance
What's it like being a distance learner studying at UoB but based in another country? PhD student Michelle gives us an insight into what it's been like completing her first semester from Malaysia. Read Michelle's blog.
You Said, We Did: academic changes
We’ve made changes to the structure of exams, teaching, and extra-curricular activities in response to your feedback. Check out some of the things we’ve already done, and how we're continuing to make improvements. Find out more.
Improving accessibility at UoB
We've launched a new programme to improve accessibility on campus including installing new lifts, ensuring toilet-facilities are accessible and providing more step-free access. Find out more and how you can offer your feedback on accessibility. More info.
Make your voice heard with Whatuni
The UK’s largest source of student reviews, Whatuni, are coming onto campus on Tuesday 30 January to collect your opinions about UoB and help future students choose where to study. You can also submit your review online.
PG Corner
Welcome to the latest updates from the University Graduate School (UGS) specifically for taught (PGT) and research (PGR) postgraduates.
What’s happening in January?
The University Graduate School has lots of fun events this month. See our events for PGTs, and our events for PGRs.
PGTs – get ready for Semester Two with the PGT Hub
The PGT Hub is a canvas course containing information about academic support, student community, wellbeing, and employability.
Launching ‘Grad School Journeys’, a UGS Podcast
The podcast launches this year with a short pilot series, in which the UGS will talk with current PGRs about their journeys as researchers. Want to appear on the podcast? Express your interest.
UGS Talks: 'Inspiration from our International Postgraduate Alumni' - Save the date!
The event will take place on the afternoon of Tuesday 20 February in the Bramall Music Building (R12 on the campus map). Follow our Eventbrite page for the full announcement coming soon.
PGRs: New ethics review platform
A new online research ethics review platform, Ethics Review Manager (ERM), is being rolled out from Monday 15 January for all PGR student ethics applications. Find out more and access training materials.
Our diary picks
Wellbeing Café
Monday 15 January, 16:00-19:00
Battery Park (for all UoB & Partner accommodation sites)
Blow off some steam during assessment season by joining the FREE Wellbeing Café to cuddle the Pets as Therapy dogs, engage in wellbeing crafts, enjoy a hot drink, meet others and chat with your Student Mentor.
PGCE Open Evening
Tuesday 16 January, 17:00-18:15
School of Education, Pritchatts Road (building R19 on map)
Come along to get an overview of both Secondary and Primary PGCE courses available alongside an informal Q&A with primary and secondary academics from the University. Light refreshments will also be provided. Book your place.
Go Global Summer Fair
Wednesday 17 January, 12:00-16:00
Debating Hall, the Guild of Students
Love to travel and see the world? Looking for ways to develop new skills? Want to make a difference in the world? Come to the Fair and find out about summer opportunities to study or volunteer across the globe. Enrol for more details and how to apply by Friday 2 February.
Lunch with a Leader: Fouzia Younis MBE – British Consol General to Toronto
Wednesday 24 January, from 14:15
On campus
Lunch with a Leader gives small groups of students the chance to sit down with one of our leading alumni. The next session is with Fouzia who is Britain's first Muslim woman appointed as a head of a Diplomatic post and oversees a range of political and policy work including on climate, trade and tech. Find out more and apply by Thursday 18 January.
Visit our What's On page for the latest student events.
Unwind at the Bullring's 3-day wellness event
From Fri 26 - Sun 28 Jan, the Bullring and Grand Central will be offering talks, workshops and activities tackling everything that affects our mood. From financial health and working life, to family, relationships, and self-care, take time out for you. Find out more.
Treat yourself with £15 Café voucher giveaway
What better way to celebrate getting through assessment season than with a hot drink and sweet goods? Answer a simple question and you could win a £15 voucher to spend at The Exchange's Café for you and a pal. Enter now.
And finally
Students travel for up to 50% less!
Get ready for Spring Term and opt for hassle-free travel and savvy savings with West Midland Railway's Student Season Ticket – the budget-friendly choice for train travel to university.
Living pillars, reusable cups, travel scheme or tech swap?
Vote for the project you'd like to see the Sustainability team explore and potentially develop over the next 12 months. Find out about the projects and cast your vote by Wednesday 31 January.
Keeping our streets clean together
Find out how the Guild of Students tackle student waste behaviours with their Junkbusters events which allows students to bring items they no longer need. Plus, the support available during move in/out season so we can keep our city clean. Find out more.
If you have any suggestions for the student newsletter please email: studentcommunications@contacts.bham.ac.uk.