Welcome Week: 18th - 22nd September 2023

Postgrad

Hello,Postgraduates

Hello, we’re your Guild of Students. We’re the Students’ Union at the University of Birmingham and it’s our job to support and represent all Postgraduate Taught (PGT) and Postgraduate Research (PGR) students throughout your time at university.

As a postgrad we know networking is really important, so we also host lots of events and opportunities for you to get to know your Postgrad and wider student community.

We know you must have a lot of questions, so we’ve compiled lots of useful information below. If you don’t find the answers you’re looking for, you can learn more by viewing our Welcome homepage and browsing through the University's Welcome pages.

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Meet Ben

Ben Lockley Postgraduate Officer

Hi, I’m Ben and I’m your Postgraduate Officer, here to raise the voice of all Postgrads at UoB.

From providing better mental health support, to supporting with specific careers advice, there’s so much I’m hoping to focus on this year, so I can ensure that you have the best possible experience.

All questions and ideas are welcome, so please do get in contact if you’d like to chat:

  Email
  Instagram
  Officer Blog

FrequentlyAsked Questions

If your question isn't answered below, please message us on our social medias and we'll be happy to help!

Where can I study?

Well, we have a fantastic study space right here at the Guild which is open to all students and researchers.

Alongside this, you can visit the main library and explore the numerous other spaces on campus via the University’s website.


Can I provide feedback about my course?

Yes! The Student Reps Scheme is a fantastic way to share any feedback you may have about your course. Students Reps (at Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught level) and Postgraduate Research Reps are fellow students and researchers who have volunteered or have been elected to represent you at course, school, college or senate (university) level. They gather feedback on academic issues and work with staff to find solutions.

And if you’d like to volunteer to become a Rep, you absolutely can.

You can also speak to your Education Officer about any academic issues and ask any questions.


I’m a PGT, when will I get my timetable?

We don’t have an exact date, but the University is working hard to ensure that you get your timetable as soon as possible before the start of semester one.

I have questions about moving into halls

That’s great! Explore our accommodation hub to learn all about where you’ll be living and check out the local shops and amenities.

The University have also provided lots of information about accommodation on their website, including booking your arrival time slots.


How can I stay safe in halls?

There are a number of measures in place to keep you safe. You can view more information on the University’s website.

I need academic support

Our Guild Advice service offers confidential, one-to-one support across a range of areas including academia. From referencing, to extenuating circumstances and academic appeals, Guild Advice will be happy to help you or point you in the right direction.


I need support with housing and contracts

You can speak to Guild Advice, as they can offer housing advice, contract checks, support with landlords and so much more.


Where can I access wellbeing support?

Alongside Guild Advice, the University offers a number of different support services, including Wellbeing Officers. However there are lots of different ways to access support, which you can view in our Support Along The Way section.

Meeting fellow students online

There are a number of places where you can interact with your fellow students and researchers and see the latest updates from the Guild, including:

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.

You can also meet your new neighbours via our Accommodation Facebook groups:

Pritchatts Park Village, Selly Oak Village and The Vale Village.


Where can I go to socialise?

There are so many spaces on campus where you can hang out and a big one is Joe's Bar - our student bar based in the Guild building. Joe’s offers a menu of treats to get you through those study sessions and is the perfect place to stop by for a drink with friends. Our famous Fab N’ Fresh club nights are hosted here on Saturdays.

Alongside Joe’s there are a number of campus eateries and coffee shops including: Costa, Starbucks, The Food Court in University Centre on campus and Food Fellows.

Learn more about making friends and settling in.


Join a group, association or medical society

We’re home to over 300 student groups which cover an array of different areas, from sports to art and everything in between. So we’d certainly suggest that you explore all groups.

Examples of groups that you might like to check out are our liberation associations and our media groups.


Guild Events

Throughout the year the Guild hosts a number of events. Kick start the year by exploring our Welcome event programme.


The Graduate School

The Graduate School supports Postgraduate Taught Students and Researchers. They provide advice as well as hosting networking opportunities to build the Postgrad community.


Making Friends in Halls

If you’re living in halls, then make sure you check out the range of events and activities that the Hall Reps deliver.

The Hall Reps are a team of students who are here to ensure you have the best possible time living in halls. Each hall has a dedicated Rep who will plan and host events, giving you the opportunity to network, make friends and relax.

Learn more about making friends and settling in.

What is the Guild of Students?

The Guild is your Students’ Union here at Birmingham. We’re here to represent you, support you, entertain you and above all ensure you have a best in class student experience! Visit our website to learn more about us.


How can Postgrads engage with the Guild?

Great question! The Guild represents the voices of all students, which includes Postgraduates. We achieve this in large part through the work of the Officer Team and in particular the Postgraduate Officer who raises your voice and communicates your perspectives to the University and the Guild.

Our democratic system also provides Postgraduates with the opportunity to feed into meetings and highlight key issues for discussion.


How do I become a member of the Guild?

All registered students and researchers are automatically members of the Guild of Students. As a member you’ll receive regular emails and updates from us and your Postgraduate Officer, Ben, throughout the year – so be sure to keep checking your Uni emails for the latest news!


Who are the Officer Team?

The Guild is run by a Team of elected student Officers who represent all students and researchers across so many areas of Uni life. From sports to societies and even student democracy - your Officer Team are here to support and represent YOU.

What is Welcome 2023?

Each September we welcome students to Birmingham, by hosting a variety of fun events and activities including our AMAZING Welcome Wristband! This allows you the chance to get to know your fellow students, the campus and the Guild.


What events are planned for Welcome?

We’re excited to be hosting a range of events giving you the opportunity to meet your student community, get to know campus and have fun! A few key events which we’re really excited about are: our Welcome Fair, Societies Fair and Welcome club nights.

But it doesn’t stop there, we have so much more planned which will be posted right here on our welcome site and our social media.


Can returners attend events?

100%, so be sure to scroll through the events we’ll be hosting.

When does Welcome start?

Welcome Week starts on 18th September!


How can I buy official tickets?

Welcome Stamp

We have noticed lots of unofficial events, Facebook groups and Whatsapp chats popping up across social media asking you to part with your money. Please be aware that these groups are not associated with the Guild or University, in any way!

We can guarantee that all events hosted by us are tailored for University of Birmingham students, and will be held either at the Guild, or at Guild approved venues.

So, we ask you to only purchase tickets for official events available through our website. To make things easier we’ve added an official stamp to all of our events, so you know they’re legit!


Will student groups be running events?

They will! The best way to find out about their upcoming events is to explore our student groups and check out their social media.

 

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