Brum Bulletin: welcome back!

The Brum Bulletin - your student news

In this issue...

Welcome back to Brum!
We've got a jam-packed schedule for Welcome 2023; check out what to expect on campus.
Get set for the year ahead with essential tasks to do before uni properly starts.
Aston Webb Student Hub reception closures and where to go instead.

Welcome back!

We're so excited to have you back, and we hope you're rearing to go.

Teaching officially starts on Monday 25 September but don't forget that Welcome Week runs the week before (Monday 18 - Friday 22 September). This isn't just for new students, there's lots on campus for you to get stuck into!

Here are a couple of things to help you get settled back in...

Your teaching timetable is almost here

Your personalised teaching timetable will be available soon on MyUoB. Keep an eye on your app notifications for an update. More on MyUoB app.

Key dates

To help you plan for the year ahead, check out the key dates page to find out when you’re expected to be on campus, vacation days and assessment periods. View key dates.

News

Aston Webb Student Hub closures

The Student Hub reception will be closed from Monday 18 September-Thursday 5 October due to refurbishments. But you can still access key services by visiting the Welcome Registration Hub marquee or going online. Find out more.

New AppsAnywhere service

The University has launched AppsAnywhere, a new centralised software portal which lets you stream University study software applications on your device, wherever you are, without having to download and install them first. Explore the portal.

The latest University password rules

If you need to change your student password, make sure you’re up to speed on the University’s new password rules so you don’t get stuck when choosing a new one. Check out rules.

Get ready for Welcome 2023

We know there's a lot to remember when you return to uni, so our Student Content Shaper Srushti has put together a handy checklist of the key things you need to do as soon as possible. Prepare for your return.

PG Corner

Welcome to our Postgraduate section. Here you can find the latest updates specifically for taught (PGT) and research (PGR) postgraduates!

PGT Dissertation Survey: win a £50 Amazon voucher!

The PGT Dissertation Survey allows you to share with the University how you found writing your PGT dissertation. All responses are anonymous, and your input will allow the University to understand and improve how postgraduate taught students experience writing their dissertations.

As a thank you for completing the survey, you’ll be entered into a prize draw to win one of three £50 Amazon vouchers, courtesy of the University Graduate School! Fill in the PGT Dissertation Survey before the 29 September.

Postgraduate Welcome Events 23-24

If you’re continuing your postgraduate studies in the 2023-24 academic year, the University Graduate School has a range of Welcome events to get you meeting new people, exploring campus and online support, and settling back in to the year ahead. View the full programme and book now via our Eventbrite.

Our PG Social in the Aston Webb Great Hall on 19 September 15:00-19:00 is the perfect opportunity to meet your fellow postgraduates. Come along and build your community and celebrate the new academic year while enjoying snacks, soft drinks, and activities to get the conversation flowing! All postgraduates can also join visits to Winterbourne Garden and the Lapworth Museum, and wellbeing workshops led by Bloomwise.

PGR Wellbeing: Online Workshops with the PhD Life Coach and Weekly Online Group Coaching

The University Graduate School’s online group coaching programme for PGRshttps://intranet.birmingham.ac.uk/student/graduateschool/pgr/skills/online-group-coaching-for-pgrs.aspxis designed to support you through the common challenges of research life. Run by the PhD Life Coach, Dr Vikki Burns, sessions take place at 10:00 on Tuesdays and 14:00 on Thursdays every week (excluding the main vacation periods).

Dr Vikki Burns is also running online monthly coaching workshops throughout 2023-24, starting with 'How to Start Your Year as You Mean to Go On' on Monday 11 September 14:30-16:30. Find out more about online group coaching and workshops, and sign up.

Our diary picks

There's so much happening during Welcome Week. Check out a few events on campus to look forward to...

Welcome Fair
Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 September, 10:00-16:00
Great Hall, Aston Webb

The Welcome Fair isn't just for new students - come along and remind yourself of the teams and services here to support you as a student.

Wellbeing Marquee
Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 September, 10:00-16:00
Marquee next to Old Joe

A relaxed space to ease yourself into the new academic year. Try some activities, chat to our Wellbeing teams, or just find a place to be for a while.

Meet the Banks
Monday 18 September, 11:00-15:00
Bramall Atrium, Bramall Music Building

Bank of China, HSBC, Lloyds, Nationwide and Santander are here to engage with you, provide you with information about how to open an account, promote any student incentives and more.

Sport & Fitness Fair
Tuesday 19 September, 10:00-17:00
Sport & Fitness Centre

From pro-player to absolute beginner, there are loads of different ways to get involved in sport at UoB, as well as looking after your own fitness and wellbeing. Head to the Sport & Fitness Fair to find out everything you need to know.

Societies Fair
Wednesday 20 - Thursday 21 Sep, 11:00-16:00
Welcome Marquee, Guild Lawn

Ready to check out a new society? Whether you're interested in activities and games, academic assistance, campaigning, volunteering, food & drink, religious beliefs, music, performance or media, there's bound to be something that will appeal to you - and if there isn’t, we can give you the help you need to set up a group that matters to you.

Free Drop-in Collage-Making Workshops
Friday 22 September, 11:00-15:00
The Barber Institute of Fine Arts

Jazz up the bare walls of your new room or house share with Barber - your art gallery on campus - by visiting their free, drop-in collage-making workshops. Find out more. (https://barber.org.uk/learning/students-2/?utm_source=brumbulletin&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=barber-autumn-2023)

For the above events and more, visit our What's On page.

Birmingham Heritage Week 2023

What a better way to return to Brum than by learning more about the city’s rich history and heritage? Running from Friday 8-Sunday 17 Sept, check out Birmingham Heritage Week where you can learn new skills, get active, join a tour and more. Tell me more.

If you have any suggestions for the student newsletter please email: studentcommunications@contacts.bham.ac.uk.