A statement from your Guild Officer Team.
Over the past week, ongoing geopolitical conflict across the world have understandably caused concern and distress within in our community. As an international university with a diverse student body and a campus in Dubai, we recognise that many students in Birmingham have personal, family, and cultural ties to these regions.
You are not alone. As your Guild of Students Officer team, our priority is to ensure that every student feels supported, safe, and cared for during times like these. Many may be worried about loved ones, uncertain about the situation, or overwhelmed by what they are seeing and hearing. It’s completely understandable to feel this way.
The University of Birmingham is proud to be a global community. In moments like these, it is important that we continue to show care, compassion, and respect for one another, remembering that many members of our community may be experiencing fear, concern for family and friends, or uncertainty about the future.
Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the ongoing events, including our students and staff in Dubai, those across all the affected regions, and anyone in Birmingham who has personal connections to these regions.
Support for students
If you are feeling affected by the current situation, support is available and there are people here who want to listen and help.
You may find it helpful to talk with friends or family, but you can also access support services through the University and the Guild:
• Speak with the Wellbeing Officer in your School or College for guidance and support.
• Access UBHeard, a confidential listening and support service available 24/7.
• Visit the Multifaith Chaplaincy if you would like to speak confidentially with someone or spend time in a quiet reflective space.
• Contact Guild Advice for independent and confidential support at guildadvice@guild.bham.ac.uk.
If you are worried about travel or have family in the region, please refer to official guidance from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and your relevant Embassy at Diplomatic Posts (your embassy) in the UK. For any Students or British Nationals in the conflicted region notify the government via the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office registration service.
Support for students in Dubai
Students at the Dubai campus have been contacted directly by UoB. In line with guidance from the UAE Government, the campus has been temporarily closed and teaching has moved online. Students have been advised to follow guidance issued by their respective embassies.
Your Guild Officer Team is here for you
As your elected student representatives, our door is always open. If you are worried or want someone to talk to, please reach out. We are here student-to-student, and we will always do our best to support you or help connect you with the right services.
You can email the Full-Time Officers (Officers-25-26-FT@guild.bham.ac.uk) or visit the Guild offices for a drop-in conversation. We are here to listen and help in any way we can.
Please continue to look out for one another as a community and take care of yourselves and those around you. Remember that support is always available.
With care and solidarity,
Your Guild Officer Team
Guild of Students, University of Birmingham