Brum Bulletin - 16 November 2022

The Brum Bulletin - Your student newsletter

In this issue...

  • Taking time to talk about mental health
  • How you can help hedgehogs on campus
  • An update on Industrial Action
  • Hear the latest from your Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Tickell
  • Save money with top tips from students

Got an exciting story to share? Find out how you can send in your suggestions and our publishing dates 

News

It's okay to not be okay

"Hi, I’m Gracie, a third-year student. University can be an exciting time for many, but also a very lonely time too. I have definitely felt both of these things during my time at university. And that’s okay..."
Read Gracie's story

A message from the Vice-Chancellor

"I hope you have settled into the academic year and are enjoying your course. It is fantastic to see so many of you on campus...". Read more 

Notice of Industrial Action

You may have heard that the Universities and Colleges Union (UCU), which represents some academic and academic-related staff at the University, has announced its intention to hold a national period of industrial action. This includes proposed national strike days this month on Thursday 24, Friday 25 and Wednesday 30 November. In addition, UCU have confirmed that they will commence Action Short Of a Strike (ASOS) commencing 23 November. More information 

Making campus hedgehog friendly

The UoB Hedgehog Friendly campus team are currently raising awareness around hedgehog healthy habits. They invite you to help make the University a home for hedgehogs. Volunteer to help to spot evidence of hedgehogs on campus and look after their habitat. Find out how you can help 

Get your Personal Skills Award

Supported by employers, the Personal Skills Award enables you to develop professional skills in preparation for graduate employment. To complete the award you can gain points for opportunities outside of your studies, such as part-time work on campus. Apply by 30 November

PG Corner

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

  • UGS Talks: Postgrads Driving Sustainability. The University Graduate School is thrilled to announce the return of ‘UGS Talks’ for the 2022-23 academic year. PGRs and PGTs are invited to join us online on Wednesday 23 November to hear about how postgrads from multiple disciplines at UoB are driving sustainability research and impact. Book your place

  • PGT Essentials. Places are still available on PGT Essentials workshops until Christmas: perfect your academic writing, reading, researching, and critical thinking in time for your PGT assignments and exams. More information

  • Academic Writing Month. There are still plenty of ways for PGRs to join us for Academic Writing Month in November, with writing workshops and co-working sessions all available here 

  • PGR Film Club! If you're looking for a way to take a break, PGRs are welcome to join us for The Imitation Game, directed by Morten Tyldum, on Thursday 24 November, 6.00pm. Sign up here 

  • Money savers. Students Mimi and Katrina share their top tips on how to budget and save money at University. Watch the video

Our diary picks

You can find more about all upcoming student events by visiting the What’s on for students page 

  • Sustainability Town Hall

Tuesday 6 December, 12.00-1.00pm, Law LT2, Edgbaston Campus and Online

Learn about the University's latest Sustainability work. You will hear from our new Interim Head of Sustainability, Chloë Owen, the Guild of Students, the Business School’s Centre for Responsible Business, and the Estates Department, Followed by an opportunity to ask questions. Visit the Eventbrite page to learn more and to register.

  • Late night exchange: Designing for joy

Thursday 17 November, 7.00-9.00pm, The Exchange, city centre

Richard O’Gorman is a Birmingham-based interior stylist and mural artist. His Instagram account, @househomo, reflects his aesthetic of joyful colour and playful paint concepts and has 60,000 following his house renovation. Join Richard for an interior design masterclass. You’ll hear about his inspirations and have a go at designing and drawing your own magical murals and special spaces. Student tickets cost £3 - book your place 

  • Civic Leadership to improve Social Well-Being

Wednesday 23 November, 1.00-2.30pm, Online

Discover more about a new collaborative platform that aims to help students become active citizens in their surrounding communities. The platform highlights civic engagement opportunities and short courses, as well as internship and mentoring opportunities across the EUniWell network. Register to attend 

What's on in Brum

You have not experienced Christmas in Birmingham until you have been to the authentic Frankfurt Christmas Market, running until 23 December. Find out more 


And finally...

Help with academic skills

It is now easier to book 1-1 appointments, find workshops, or explore online resources to help develop your academic and digital skills. Visit the Academic Skills webpages 

Student Evaluation of Learning and Teaching survey

There will soon be an opportunity to evaluate your teaching and learning as the Semester 1 Student Evaluation of Learning and Teaching survey launches on 28 November on MyUoB and Canvas. Your feedback will help shape your course and lead to changes to support your studies.

Fancy winning £1,000?

Santander Universities UK are giving UoB students (undergraduate and postgraduate) 10 chances to win £1,000 each to boost your student experience. Good luck! Apply now 


Win a Chocolatey Day out to Cadbury World

To celebrate their £10 student offer Cadbury World are offering two of you a pair of tickets to the attraction. Enter Now 

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

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