Welcome Week: 18th - 22nd September 2023

Undergrad

Hello,Undergraduates

We wanted to say a huge WELCOME to all new starters and WELCOME BACK to our returners who are getting ready to arrive on campus!

We know you probably have lots of questions about university, what your studies are going to look like this year and what fantastic events we have planned for Welcome Week. You are in the right place to find out!

We’re sure that there’s lots you want to know, so check out our frequently asked questions below and explore our welcome website to find out about your new home, how you can make friends and settle in and ultimately how we can support you while you’re at university.

Undergraduate Events

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All of our Welcome events are open to all students. Use our search function to look for specific events!

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MeetAmira

Alice International Officer

Hi, I’m Amira, your Guild President.

As President, my job is to work closely with the entire Officer Team to make sure you get the best from the Guild of Students and the University of Birmingham. We'll be working together to deliver meaningful improvements and lasting change for Birmingham students in the coming year.

So, please do follow my social media accounts for regular updates. If you have any concerns, my inbox and office door are always open to students.

  Email
  Instagram
  Officer Blog

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What study spaces are available to me?

There are a number of study spaces available on campus, including the Main Library, the Teaching and Learning Building and even right here at the Guild. Explore all study spaces on the University’s website.


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! Make sure you explore our Accommodation Hub to familiarise yourselves with your new home.

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


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 shops and facilities are near my hall?

This will depend on the hall you’ll be living in. It’s a great idea to familiarise yourselves with this now, so you know what to expect when you get here.

To make this easier we have created an accommodation hub listing local shops, eateries, banks and more!


I have Meal Plan where can I use this?

A number of eateries on campus accept Meal Plan. Visit the University’s website to view a full list.

Where can I go for academic advice?

If ever you’re struggling and need some academic support, Guild Advice are here to help. They offer confidential one-to-one advice on a range of subjects including: workload, revision tips, appeals and extenuating circumstances.

However there are lots of different ways to access support, which you can view in our Support Along The Way section.


I need budgeting or housing support

If you’re a new student living in halls and you’re worried about budgeting, the Student Mentors can offer you some practical tips.

The Mentors are current students who’ve been through it all themselves and have lots of great advice about shared living, looking after yourselves while you’re in halls and managing your money.

For any support with housing or contracts you can speak to Guild Advice, who should be able to help or point you in the right direction. They also offer money management tips should you need any budgeting adcvice.


Where can I go for mental health support?

If you’re a new starter in halls who’s feeling homesick or struggling to adjust to University life, you can always speak to the Student Mentors.

Guild Advice are also available to support all students from all years. They offer confidential one-to-one support across a range of areas i.e. if you’re feeling stressed about deadlines, need some academic advice, if you’re feeling homesick or just need someone to chat to.

How can I join a group?

You can join a student group online via our website, but if you're not sure which groups you'd like to join, here are a few ways that you can get to know all 300 of them: 

  • Firstly, you can explore them all in the student groups section of our website.
  • We’ll also be sharing information all about student groups on our social media so be sure to follow us:

FacebookTwitterInstagram and TikTok.

  • We’ll be hosting a Societies Fair, MedSoc Fair and Give It A Go activities during Welcome Week, giving you the chance to meet our groups, try out new activities and become a member.

How can I volunteer at the Guild?

Great question! We have a number of volunteering student groups that you can join, plus, as the home of student democracy, we’re regularly running elections giving students like you the chance to run for a position.

From becoming a member of our Officer team, to representing students as a College or School Rep – there are SO MANY opportunities!

You can even volunteer to become a Student Rep and be the person responsible for representing your fellow students’ academic interests, ensuring they have the best experience on their course.


How can I find sports updates?

You can take a look at University of Birmingham Sport’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for all the latest information about sports clubs, fitness opportunities and more!

For information about available gym facilities and memberships, have a look at the University of Birmingham Sport and Fitness’ website.


Where can I socialise with my friends?

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.


How do I get a job on campus?

The Guild offers a range of flexibile part-time jobs to fit around your studies. Want to try your hand at marketing, working in Joe’s Bar or on Reception? Keep checking our Student Staff page and social media for any upcoming vacancies.

You can also contact Worklink about part-time vacancies within the Univeristy.


How do I get a student discount?

As a student at Birmingham, you can apply for a TOTUM card. TOTUM (formerly NUS Extra card) gives you access to a number of discounts on food, fashion, technology and more! You can purchase a year-long TOTUM card online, or you can even opt for a multiple year card, to keep on bagging those bargains.

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 do I become a member of the Guild?

All registered students are automatically members of the Guild of Students. As a member you’ll receive regular emails and updates from us throughout the year – so be sure to keep checking your student 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 across so many areas of student life. From sports to societies and even student democracy - your Officer Team are here to support and represent YOU.

Meet your Officers.


How can I interact with my fellow students?

There are a number of places where you can interact with your fellow students, find out about fantastic upcoming events and get the latest updates from your Guild. Firstly, by following us on:

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.


How can I meet my flatmates?

Each accommodation village has its own Facebook group, which is a great place to find your flatmates and get to know them ahead of starting University.

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

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.


How many events will there be?

There will be a full programme of events, from small scale socials to fabulous parties. You won't want to miss out, so make sure you explore them all on our events page.


Are any club nights planned for Welcome?

Yes! We have a fantastic range of club nights, including our Welcome Party, UV Full Moon Party, Glitter Ball and our infamous Fab Nights!

All of these events are available to purchase within our Welcome Wristband, giving you priority access from just £25! Our events are very popular, so get your tickets soon to avoid disappointment!

Fab is our weekly student club night which takes place each Saturday right here at the Guild, featuring various fantastic DJs, live acts and themes across the year, this night out is a MUST.


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.

 

Undergraduate News

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