The Guild of Students

‘Your Ideas’ is an online democratic platform led by the Guild where students can have their voice heard and really make a change. Any student can submit an idea; from earplugs on nights out, to a shuttle bus for safe transport between the Library and Halls - no suggestion is too big or small. These ideas could range from local to national issues, and be about anything that you want the Guild to do, change or believe in.

Learn more about ‘Your Ideas’ and how you can change things

Looking to Change Things on your course or in your school? The Student Rep System is run in partnership with the University and the Guild, where an elected student will represent your school or college and help you to make a real difference on your course. If something is bothering you about your teaching and learning at Birmingham, don’t be afraid to speak up, your designated Student Rep is there to put your view across.

Guild Advice is a free, impartial and confidential advice service for students at the University of Birmingham. The Education and Welfare Advisors specialise in Academia, Housing, Finance, International Support and Wellbeing. Guild Advice are always on hand if you need someone to talk to and offer weekday drop-in sessions available to all students.

If you need to cover your living expenses whilst you study, Jobs gives you access to hundreds of part-time vacancies to fit around your degree. Whether you want to work at the Guild, within the local area or are looking for vacation work overseas, the Guild’s Jobs Service will be able to help. They even offer employment information and advice, including drop-ins or workshops.

The Student Mentor Scheme provides support and advice to all students living in University accommodation. Student Mentors are available to support you with any issues relating to: shared living and accommodation, academic courses, finance and general wellbeing whilst studying at University.

The Community Wardens aim to make the local community safer, cleaner and greener for all residents. The team of Wardens work in partnership with the University of Birmingham and local organisations (like the Council, Police and Fire Service) to tackle crime, problems with neighbours and refuse disposal issues; encouraging social responsibility and making the local area a fantastic community to live in.

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 to find out more. 

The Guild is the social hub on campus providing a range of entertainment for all students at Birmingham, many of which are hosted at Joe’s Bar; the students’ bar. Joe’s is the setting for regular weekly parties like Fab ‘n’ Fresh and Sports Night, as well as annual events such as GradBall. The Student Groups also host and deliver events, which include comedy nights, theatre productions, trips abroad and festivals, including the famous ValeFest.

There are 300+ Student Groups, Societies and Associations available to join. Whether you're interested in academic assistance, campaigning, volunteering, food & drink, religion, music, performance or media, there's bound to be something for you. Joining a student group is a great way to try something new, make new friends, explore your favourite activities, and discover what you love. You might just find the activity – or the people – that will define your time at University!

Check out all Student Groups

The Guild also has a wide range of volunteering opportunities and had a total of 6567 student volunteers in the 2017/18 academic year. There are so many volunteering options to suit all interests, passions and timetables; from getting involved with charities in the local community, to being part of one of our many student-led volunteering groups to help fundraise for a great cause. So be sure to check out the volunteering opportunities.

Specifically aimed at Postgraduate and Mature Students; PGMSA is a great student-led association for you to join. The PGMSA put on a range of events for Postgraduates throughout the year and discuss issues particular to you as a Postgraduate student. The Postgraduate Officer is also on hand to represent you and your perspective to the University, as well as organising regular social events for all Masters and PhD students to enjoy.

The International Students’ Association is responsible for the representation, welfare and social needs of international students, and also co-ordinates various cultural events throughout the year. The International Officer is also dedicated to supporting international students, raising issues facing the international community, looking out for students studying on their year abroad and encouraging international students to get involved in Guild social events.