The University of Birmingham Guild of Students is the students’ union for more than 28,000 students. It represents students to the University and other organisations and is the voice on the issues that matter most to students.
The Guild is also here to help students develop skills outside of study, have fun, meet people and make sure their time at Birmingham is special.
You can follow the Guild on Twitter at @guildofstudents
Alternatively you can find the Guild of Students on Facebook at www.facebook.com/guildofstudents
Guild Council
Guild Council is a democratic voice, the Guild’s parliament, for all students at Birmingham. It meets regularly to agree Guild policy and holds the Officer Team to account. Any student can turn up, speak and submit motions.
Student Representation Scheme
If a student has an idea or an issue about your course, the Student Representation Scheme can help. Working alongside University staff to find solutions to the problems students raise, Student Reps are here to make sure students have the best possible academic experience.
Contact: studentreps@guild.bham.ac.uk
Advice and Representation Centre (ARC)
The Advice and Representation Centre (ARC) is an independent, free, and confidential service for all students at the University. They specialise in five main areas: academic, employment, finance, housing, and immigration. You can access support via the ARC’s weekday drop-in service, an online enquiry service, or from the website resources.
Contact: www.guildofstudents.com/thearc
Job Zone
Students may need to work to cover their living expenses while they study. The Job Zone gives students access to hundreds of part-time vacancies – locally, within the Guild, and vacation work all over the UK and overseas as well as employment information and advice, including drop-ins and workshops.
Visit: www.guildofstudents.com/jobzone
Worklink
The University has its own dedicated internal recruitment agency based in the Guild. Worklink will connect students to on campus casual work opportunities.
Visit: www.birmingham.ac.uk/worklink
Student Mentor Scheme
The Student Mentor Scheme provides advice and guidance to all students living in University accommodation. The scheme can help with a variety of issues relating to: shared living and accommodation, academic courses, financial matters, and general wellbeing whilst studying at the university.
Contact: mentorwelfare@guild.bham.ac.uk
Community Warden Scheme
The Community Wardens aim to make the local area safer, cleaner and greener for all residents. The team of Wardens work in places where students live in significant numbers, helping to tackle crime, helping with neighbour and refuse disposal problems and to encourage a sense of responsibility and pride in the area.
Ben, Community Warden "As a Community Warden, I work alongside local police, council and community groups to ensure that students and residents in Selly Oak live in a safer, greener, cleaner environment. We complete patrols in Selly Oak identifying the key issues on waste, recycling and safety and advise students on ways to prevent any potential problems arising. We get involved with a number of local community groups and projects that bring all the residents of Selly Oak together; a challenge that is extremely rewarding"
Contact: community@guild.bham.ac.uk
SHAC
The SHAC is a dedicated lettings agency for students at Birmingham. They provide high quality student accommodation from reputable landlords. And unlike other lettings agencies, they won’t charge administration fees.
Contact: shac@guild.bham.ac.uk
Entertainment
Throughout the year the Guild provides entertainment just for students at Birmingham – from regular weekly events such as Fab ‘n’ Fresh, to Sports Night and live music, to annual events such as the Grad Ball and Vale Fireworks. The student groups also host and deliver events, which include comedy nights, theatre productions, dance classes, trips abroad and festivals such as Vale Fest.
Visit: www.guildtickets.co.uk
Groups and societies
With more than 170 student groups, there really is something for everyone. With societies such as Bhangra, Tea Appreciation, and Battle Re-enactment, there are lots of opportunities to get involved. And if students can’t find the group they want, the Guild can help students set one up.
Contact: studentgroups@guild.bham.ac.uk
Volunteering
The Guild also has a wide range of volunteering opportunities to suit all interests, passions and timetables. Students can volunteer on a regular or one-off basis, choosing from a range of roles – from teaching sports to local children to organising fundraising events.
Contact: volunteering@guild.bham.ac.uk
Postgraduate and Mature Students Association (PGMSA)
There is an association of postgraduate and mature students, where specific issues can be discussed. There is also a Postgraduate and Mature Students’ Officer (PMSO) to represent these views and offer support.