Birkbeck Student Guide 2018–2019 3 WELCOME FROM THE MASTER

I am delighted you have chosen to study at Birkbeck and it gives me great pleasure to welcome you. I want you to enjoy your studies, be successful during your time here and for your learning to enrich your life. You will find Birkbeck enables you to choose as much or as little of the standard university experience as you like. You might work during the day, study in one of Bloomsbury’s world-famous libraries, undertake an internship or do something completely different. Many people are drawn to Birkbeck because we support and enable diverse life choices. Our unique approach to higher education enables and encourages ambitious students of all ages and from a huge range of backgrounds and cultures to study. Many bring these experiences to the classroom providing unrivalled opportunities to network and collaborate. Our approach also allows our Please use this book to explore the academics to combine their ground- wide range of facilities, support and breaking research with teaching. advice available to you. The combination of dedicated, I encourage you to engage actively experienced students and committed, in your studies and make the most influential academics makes studying of the opportunities open to you in at Birkbeck an intense, intellectually London. I hope you will be challenged challenging and enjoyable experience. and will grow as your studies progress. I am sure you will enjoy your Each year, I thoroughly enjoy hearing time here while achieving great results students’ success stories at graduation in your studies, building networks and I am looking forward to yours. to enhance your career and making friendships which will last for the Professor David Latchman CBE, rest of your life. Master of Birkbeck 4 Birkbeck Student Guide 2018–2019

WELCOME FROM THE STUDENTS’ UNION

We would like to congratulate you on joining us as a student at Birkbeck. We We encourage you to make the most hope that you have a fantastic, fulfilling of your time as a student at Birkbeck and engaging experience here. and one of the best ways you can do As Birkbeck’s elected student leaders, so is by becoming involved with the we look forward to representing and Students’ Union and the activities championing your interests, alongside run by our members. those of all Birkbeck’s students. We look forward to meeting you As well as organising and supporting at the Freshers’ Fayre or seeing you a range of activities, campaigns and around the campus. events, which you can read more about in this booklet, as your representatives, Nicholas Baker and Sara Hurley, we act as the voice of students at Student Leaders Birkbeck, ensuring your interests are Read more about the Students’ Union represented in decision-making. on page 24. Birkbeck Student Guide 2018–2019 5

THE UNIVERSITY OF LONDON

By joining Birkbeck you have become a student at the prestigious University of London. Made up of 19 self- governing colleges and a further nine smaller, specialist research centres, the University of London includes University College London (UCL), King’s College London (KCL), the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) and the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) among others. You have joined one of the largest, most highly-regarded and diverse universities in the UK with over 120,000 students in London, and a further 50,000 studying across 180 countries for a University of London degree. Established for the public benefit in 1836 by Royal Charter and recognised globally, the University of London has pioneered change in Higher Education. It was the first university to admit students regardless of their gender, race or religion and the first to admit women to degree programmes. Birkbeck joined the University of London in 1920. 6 Birkbeck Student Guide 2018–2019

BIRKBECK The College comprises five academic schools: • the School of Arts which comprises the departments of: English The College has been enabling and Humanities; Cultures and people to access higher education Languages; History of Art; Film, and transform their lives since it was Media and Cultural Studies founded nearly 200 years ago. • the School of Business, Today it hosts around 10,000 Economics and Informatics which students and its focus – providing comprises the departments of: flexible, full-time and part-time higher Economics, Mathematics and education and maintaining and Statistics; Computer Science and developing excellence in research – Information Systems; Management; remains close to that of its founder, Organizational Psychology George Birkbeck, whose vision in • the School of Law, which comprises establishing the College which went the departments of: Criminology on to bear his name was to educate and Law the working people of London. • the School of Science which Birkbeck is unique among UK comprises the departments higher education institutions in that of: Biological Sciences; Earth the vast majority of our teaching takes and Planetary Sciences; place in the evening from 6–9pm. This Psychological Sciences allows our students to choose as much • the School of Social Sciences, or as little of the standard university History and Philosophy which experience as they like. Many, but comprises the departments not all, combine university with work of: Applied Linguistics and advancing their career as they study, Communication; Geography; whilst others pursue a huge range of History, Classics and Archaeology; diverse life choices. Our students tell Philosophy; Politics; us that the variety of life experiences Psychosocial Studies. that students bring to classes enriches the learning experience and provides Find out more about our schools and excellent opportunities for networking. departments at bbk.ac.uk/departments Birkbeck Student Guide 2018–2019 7

“I REALLY FELL IN LOVE WITH THE CAMPUS AND THE UNIVERSITY’S VALUES. I KNEW THAT BIRKBECK WAS WHERE I BELONGED.”

Madeline BA Creative Writing and English 8 Birkbeck Student Guide 2018–2019

COMPLETE ENROLMENT Go to My Birkbeck and complete your enrolment to become an official Birkbeck student. GETTING bbk.ac.uk/mybirkbeck

STARTED ORDER A STUDENT ID CARD Upload a photo and update your details via My Birkbeck. Show To help you settle in at the your friends and family you are now studying for a prestigious beginning of your first term, University of London degree. here is your checklist. SET UP YOUR EMAIL Confirm your Birkbeck email account via My Birkbeck. Use your Birkbeck email address to spread the word you are at Birkbeck.

VIEW YOUR TIMETABLE Once you’ve enrolled, log in to My Birkbeck to see your class timetable.

EXPLORE THE CAMPUS Find the locations and facilities you think you’ll use such as the Student Advice Centre, Library, the Students Union, , your classrooms and the best places for refreshments.

ATTEND A STUDY SKILLS WORKSHOP Check out the academic skills support and development available online and face-to-face. Start to plan your future success! bbk.ac.uk/study-skills Birkbeck Student Guide 2018–2019 9

GET TO KNOW MOODLE AND MY BIRKBECK Moodle provides your course- related information such as your programme handbook, reading lists and assessments online. Check out your key dates and put them in your calendar. moodle.bbk.ac.uk

Your online portal ‘My Birkbeck’ EXPLORE BLOOMSBURY includes your student information Visit an exhibition at the British and is your home for accessing Museum, find the house where Birkbeck’s online services – it’s vital Vladimir Lenin lived, hang out at you check it regularly. one of the delightful independent bbk.ac.uk/mybirkbeck cafés or search the volumes at a specialist bookshop and once GET TO KNOW YOUR CLASSMATES you’ve explored Bloomsbury, take Enhance your studies by sharing a trip to Stratford where you can your thoughts on the course with also use the facilities. the other students. Join a club or society and get to know other FIND OUT WHAT’S ON students from across the College. Keep updated on news and Start networking. events by following Birkbeck on social media: MEET YOUR PERSONAL Twitter: TUTOR AND PROGRAMME @BirkbeckNews ADMINISTRATOR Instagram: These are key contacts throughout @birkbeckuni your time at Birkbeck. Get Facebook: to know them during your @BirkbeckUniversityofLondon programme induction sessions. and read the monthly Birkbeck Find out who your subject Bulletin e-newsletter which will be librarian is and your department’s sent to your Birkbeck email address. learning development tutor. LET YOUR FRIENDS KNOW YOU’RE JOIN A CLUB OR SOCIETY A BIRKBECK STUDENT Meet like-minded people, explore Make an announcement on social a new interest and augment your media – tell your friends you’ve student social life. You can join joined Birkbeck. clubs at Birkbeck, Student Central and SOAS through a reciprocal Find out more: agreement we have arranged for you. bbk.ac.uk/student-services/orientation 10 Birkbeck Student Guide 2018–2019

ENROLMENT HOW TO ENROL AS A NEW STUDENT You’ll receive an email inviting you to If you haven’t enrolled already, it is enrol online when: essential that you do so as soon as • you’ve been formally accepted on a possible and definitely before your programme of study teaching begins. • you’ve accepted your offer of If you need support with admission enrolment, visit the Student Advice • there are no outstanding offer Centre at or go to Ask: conditions. bbk.ac.uk/ask bbk.ac.uk/mybirkbeck

Once you have enrolled, you will be The email will contain your username a Birkbeck student and able to: and password. You will need to enrol • choose your modules by logging into My Birkbeck. • view your timetable on My Birkbeck During enrolment you may be • attend your lectures and seminars asked to upload an identity document • access student loan funding and (ID). This is usually a valid passport. financial support You will not be able to complete • access your module information enrolment until your ID document on Moodle (where reading lists has been verified. and course-related information are posted) • use Birkbeck Library • order your student card and use it to gain discounts • join the Students’ Union • use the College support services such as the Careers and Employability Service • progress applications for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA).

If you’re studying for a direct- enrolment short course or a modular Certificate of Higher Education, you don’t need to complete the online enrolment process. You will have enrolled onto the course when you applied to do it and paid the fee online. Birkbeck Student Guide 2018–2019 11

2018–2019 TERM DATES

AUTUMN TERM DATES Monday 1 October 2018– Friday 14 December 2018. EASTER CLOSURE Thursday 18 April 2019– CHRISTMAS CLOSURE Tuesday 23 April 2019. Saturday 22 December 2018– Tuesday 1 January 2019. SUMMER TERM DATES Monday 29 April 2019– SPRING TERM DATES Friday 12 July 2019. Monday 14 January 2019– Term dates for the next three years can Friday 29 March 2019. be found at: bbk.ac.uk/about-us/term-dates 12 Birkbeck Student Guide 2018–2019

GETTING ONLINE AND DIGITAL RESOURCES

We offer excellent IT facilities to students. These include technical support and assistive technologies to help with specific disabilities. For help with IT questions, use the ASK service: bbk.ac.uk/ask or visit the IT Helpdesk in the Student OPEN-ACCESS COMPUTERS Advice Service from 10.30am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday. A large number of PCs are provided for you to use during your studies. These are located in the library and in 11 workstation rooms in the main WIFI building of Malet Street. You can connect to wifi at Birkbeck View live availability at: through Eduroam, a worldwide bbk.ac.uk/its/timetables education roaming service available in nearly 90 countries. Once your wireless EMAIL device is set up for use at Birkbeck, it will work at thousands of educational You need to have a valid email address and research institutions in London in order for us to contact you. You and around the world. can also use this email address as To set up your device, download your username for My Birkbeck. To an installer before you connect to update your email address, go to the the Eduroam network at Birkbeck. ‘My Birkbeck user and email account’ Installers for numerous operating option in My Birkbeck, where you can systems are available in My Software also opt to create a Birkbeck email in My Birkbeck. address (Birkbeck Gmail – powered Go to: My Birkbeck > My Software by Google). Birkbeck Student Guide 2018–2019 13

MOODLE Moodle, an online learning system, will be an important resource for you. You’ll find all of your course resources in Moodle and you’ll need to use it to submit assessments online. You will find details of the help available to improve your learning skills, as well as a number of interactive learning BIRKBECK LIBRARY activities created to support your study. You can access Moodle on desktop, Birkbeck Library gives you access to laptop and mobile devices. a wealth of online resources including journals, eBooks and databases. See page 21 for more details, or visit ASK bbk.ac.uk/library Ask is our online query system and the best way for you to ask us a question. MY BIRKBECK By using Ask, you will be able to track your query and get a quick response. My Birkbeck is your online Birkbeck Go to My Birkbeck and click Ask. portal and it is important that you Any question? just Ask! access it regularly. My Birkbeck bbk.ac.uk/ask includes your student information and is your home for accessing Birkbeck services online. FREE MICROSOFT OFFICE

On My Birkbeck you can: Microsoft Office 365, which includes • log in to Moodle Word, Excel, PowerPoint and • see your class and exam timetable OneNote software is available free for • find contact details for your personal Birkbeck students. You can also save tutor and learning development tutor your coursework in OneDrive. Get • enrol and confirm funding your free version of Office by going to arrangements My Software in My Birkbeck. • order your student card • view your registered modules – LYNDA ONLINE RESOURCES your programme administrator is responsible for adding you Lynda.com, an extensive library of to a module video-based training resources is • view your approved assessment available free to all Birkbeck students. results Get log-in details via ‘My Software’ in • check your print balance ‘My Birkbeck’. Lynda allows you to • view your attendance history. access ‘how to …’ help anytime of the bbk.ac.uk/mybirkbeck day or night. 14 Birkbeck Student Guide 2018–2019

ACADEMIC STUDY SKILLS SUPPORT Study Skills offer online and face-to- face guidance to help students develop the skills they need for academic success. You may be stuck on a Whether you are joining us particular problem, need a confidence straight from another education boost or want to push yourself further. The Study Skills web page has provider or returning to learning everything you need to develop your after a period away, we know academic skills with online study study is challenging. We want resources, workshops and one-to- ones with our specialist learning you to fulfil your potential and development staff. achieve your best so we provide a bbk.ac.uk/studyskills range of high quality support to help you. If you find things get too LEARNING DEVELOPMENT TUTORS difficult, talk to us! Each school has a learning development tutor who runs study PERSONAL TUTORS skills workshops, specifically designed for the school. Learning development Every student is assigned a personal tutors may also be available for tutor who will contact you during one-to-one help. Your learning your first few weeks of term. Personal development tutor will send you tutors provide advice and respond to an introductory email. concerns, whether they relate to your personal circumstances or academic STUDY CLINICS performance. They can help with optional module choices, study skills Come along to one of our solution- or direct you to other support services, focused Study Clinics which are all to help you achieve your goals. held weekly during the spring and Find your personal tutor’s contact autumn terms. For details, visit details on My Birkbeck. bbk.ac.uk/study-skills Birkbeck Student Guide 2018–2019 15

Study Clinics are open to all students who need timely support with their studies. They can help you to: • identify your preferred study strategies • identify skills to develop to help FREE WORKSHOPS you stay ‘on track’ • plan ahead to make assignments Our learning development staff run more successful and less stressful themed workshops each term including • find out about other helpful academic writing, academic English, resources and workshops computing and IT skills, note taking • locate further specialist support and presentation skills. Find upcoming e.g. dyslexia/ADHD workshops at bbk.ac.uk/studyskills 16 Birkbeck Student Guide 2018–2019

LEARNING AND TEACHING

ASSESSMENT AND FEEDBACK A tutor’s assessment of your work and the feedback they give is intended to help you understand how you did, TEACHING hone your academic skills and indicate how you can improve. Remember to Your classroom experience is critical to use the feedback, as well as the mark, your learning at Birkbeck. During your to reflect on how you can develop. studies you will experience a range of Before you submit your next piece of teaching methods including lectures, work, review the assessment criteria seminars, practical classes and group and feedback from other assignments. work. Moodle will be vital to your Feedback comes in various forms – learning and you must use it to access verbal as well as written; to groups and a range of online resources related individually; formal or informal. You to your study. We also use Panopto, will be provided with clear marking a video system to record lectures, criteria and you should expect to allowing you to review past classes. receive feedback on your coursework within four weeks of the submission ATTENDANCE deadline. Marking schemes can be found on each Moodle homepage. We recognise students have many To learn more and get the most demands on their time but the out of your assessment and feedback Birkbeck experience is about face-to- visit here: bbk.ac.uk/student-services/ face teaching, so it is important you exams/marking attend classes. Birkbeck Student Guide 2018–2019 17

ACADEMIC SUPPORT We offer online and face-to-face advice, guidance and support to help you develop the study skills you need for academic success. Make use of your personal tutor, study skills sessions, You are far more likely to do well in learning development tutors, study and your studies, feel fulfilled and enjoy the resources on the Birkbeck website your learning experience if you attend to get the most from your course. your lectures regularly. bbk.ac.uk/study-skills All students are issued with student cards and you should make sure PAST EXAM PAPERS that you ‘tap’ into each learning and teaching session so you appear on the Past exam papers are available e-register. You can find an e-register in the library. They can help you at each of our teaching rooms. We prepare for forthcoming exams. will contact you and offer support if bbk.ac.uk/library/exam-papers our records show that you have not attended regularly nor engaged with your studies. POLICIES AND REGULATIONS Our policies and regulations describe important information about your studies. You can find our policies at bbk.ac.uk/registry/policies

ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT If you have difficulty completing an essay or assignment for any reason, talk to us. Please don’t be persuaded to use someone else to complete an assessment for you. We use the Turnitin system to check all submitted work and we also undertake spot checks of work to maintain academic standards. 18 Birkbeck Student Guide 2018–2019

COURSE REPRESENTATIVES Departments have student course representatives tasked with representing students’ views, opinions and experiences to the department to help it improve. You can volunteer to be a course representative or provide feedback through your nominated YOUR VOICE rep. Any student can be a rep and they are elected at the beginning of each term to represent their course- mates. Full details of the Course Rep There are a number of ways role and elections will be available on in which we consult with and birkbeckunion.org in October. students to ensure that you can input into courses and shape STUDENTS’ UNION your learning. The Students’ Union is led by students, for students. The SU will ask you for feedback regularly so your views are represented.

STUDENT SURVEYS Your feedback helps us to improve your student experience. During your course, we will ask you to share your views in a number of ways including: staff-student liaison meetings; module surveys; an annual satisfaction survey; and, sometimes, focus groups. Your feedback makes a difference to the services we offer you, so we encourage you to tell us what you think Please take the time to provide your feedback and contribute to further developments at Birkbeck. See here for more information: bbk.ac.uk/survey-feedback Birkbeck Student Guide 2018–2019 19

“Y OU WON’T GET A LEARNING EXPERIENCE LIKE THIS ANYWHERE ELSE: A PLETHORA OF DIFFERENT OPINIONS AND PERSPECTIVES. EVERYONE, FROM LECTURERS TO CLASSMATES, IS WILLING TO SHARE.”

Edwin MA Text and Performance 20 Birkbeck Student Guide 2018–2019

BLOOMSBURY

The majority of Birkbeck’s teaching, learning and leisure facilities are CAMPUS located in and around the Bloomsbury Campus. Our main building in FACILITIES Malet Street is home to a number of classrooms, the library, the Student Advice Service, the Students’ Union and a café, alongside other facilities. Birkbeck provides a huge range of onsite facilities and services STUDENT ADVICE SERVICE from its campuses in Bloomsbury The Student Advice Service offers and Stratford. Located in in-depth advice and guidance on central London and Stratford financial support and many other areas respectively, there is a huge range of university life. Based in the main within easy reach. building, students can use the self- service terminals to access information or speak to support staff. The team can also refer you for more in-depth specialist advice and support. Drop in to see the advisers or get in touch through the online Ask form. Submit an Ask query: bbk.ac.uk/ask Call: 020 3907 0700 (Mon to Thurs noon to 6pm, Fri noon to 5pm).

G20, which is located on the ground floor of the main Malet Street building, offers a range of student facing services and resources. These include the Students’ Union, career sessions, support for international students and graduate students. To find out what’s available, visit: bbk.ac.uk/student-services/student-advice- service Birkbeck Student Guide 2018–2019 21

LIBRARY There are specialist library services The Library is located in the main and facilities for students with building on and is disabilities and dyslexia: open seven days a week, late into the bbk.ac.uk/library/disability-service evening. It offers a range of study areas As a Birkbeck student you can for different study needs, including PC access other University of London desks, quiet study spaces and group libraries – and other university study areas. Screens in the Library and libraries generally – through the a dedicated live web page show you SCONUL Access scheme, as well as which desks are available. Find out being able to make use of the rich more about the library at bbk.ac.uk/ cultural centres in Bloomsbury. library and its opening hours at bbk.ac.uk/library/opening-hours FOOD AND DRINK Your student ID card gives you access to the Library and all of its Located in the Malet Street building, services and facilities, while your the Fifth Floor Eatery offers a Birkbeck username and password wide selection of meals as well as unlock online resources, such as online sandwiches, soups, pasties, cakes, journals, eBooks and databases. confectionery and hot and cold drinks Subject librarians designated from 8am to 8pm. to your academic department are There’s also a Costa café in Malet available to support you. You can Street, a shop and vending machines in also book an appointment for one-to- the basement and the Birkbeck bar, the one support in researching a topic or George, is on the fourth floor. using a particular database or online There are cafés serving hot and cold resource. The individual checking drinks and snacks in 43 availability link below will show an and 30 Russell Square. online calendar of times and dates your Our restaurants and cafes cater subject librarian is available, otherwise, for a range of dietary requirements email your subject librarian with some including religious dietary restrictions, information about what you need help food intolerances and allergies. with and two or three times and dates A farmers’ market is held on that would be convenient for you. Find Thursdays in Torrington Square out who your subject librarian is at offering a range of freshly cooked foods bbk.ac.uk/library/contact-us from a vibrant collection of stalls. 22 Birkbeck Student Guide 2018–2019

CINEMA AND THE PELTZ GALLERY Our School of Arts at 43 Gordon ACCOMMODATION Square houses a cinema which While the majority of our students live frequently screens films open to all in private accommodation, we offer a students, and the Peltz Gallery, which wide range of student accommodation. hosts exhibitions for students and This includes places in University of the wider public. London intercollegiate halls, run by specialist provider UNITE, and we can STUDENT CENTRAL assist with renting privately. Contact the accommodation service: Located next to the main Malet bbk.ac.uk/accommodation Street building, Student Central provides a huge range of facilities and opportunities for all of the University of London’s 120,000 students. These STRATFORD include shops, a cafe, bars, a gym, fitness classes and the largest indoor pool in central London. It’s a great University Square Stratford (USS), our place to hang out and meet friends campus in east London shared with the and it’s also where Birkbeck Futures University of East London, is located is located. a few minutes’ walk from Stratford Membership is free to all. See International Station, Westfield page 25 for further details, or visit Stratford City shopping centre and studentcentral.london the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Boasting purpose-built state-of- NURSERY the-art teaching facilities, some of you will have all or part of your Our dedicated evening nursery for course taught at USS. children aged two to six enables you You can use the study facilities to study safe in the knowledge your and access the advice and guidance children are in the care of an affordable services at USS even if your modules and professional evening nursery. are not delivered there. Students who Based on our Bloomsbury campus, are taught at Stratford can use the the nursery has a large playroom and University of East London Library, a secure garden, and offers up to 20 and all others can join UEL Library places. The fee is £15 per child, per through the SCONUL Access scheme: evening: bbk.ac.uk/nursery bbk.ac.uk/stratford Birkbeck Student Guide 2018–2019 23

THE ALUMNI COMMUNITY Birkbeck’s Development and Alumni Team will invite you to public lectures, Graduation will be here before you school events and other activities. know it. Upon graduating, you will As we approach Birkbeck’s 200th automatically become a member of an anniversary in 2023, you will be able active network of over 50,000 alumni to support the College’s future by worldwide and will be able to take volunteering your time and helping advantage of a number of benefits our current and prospective students: and services. bbk.ac.uk/alumni 24 Birkbeck Student Guide 2018–2019

THE STUDENTS’ UNION

Birkbeck Students’ Union is here for you and led by you, representing and supporting the diverse population of students. You automatically become a member of the Students’ Union, giving you access to a range of extra-curricular activities enabling you to make friends and have fun. The Union works to build a DEMOCRACY community through events, clubs, Birkbeck Students’ Union is a societies and campaigns and props democratically run organisation, led up your university experience. by Student Leaders and Liberation Come and see us on the fourth Officers who are elected each spring. We campaign on issues that will floor of the Malet Street building. improve the student experience at Birkbeck. And there’s loads of ways GET INVOLVED to get involved, such as submitting motions to Student Council, voting in You can see what we’re about and what the elections, standing as a candidate we’re up to through birkbeckunion.org for an officer role or simply filling out or search for Birkbeck Students’ Union the Student Life Survey, so we know on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. what’s important to you. Birkbeck Student Guide 2018–2019 25

CLUBS AND SOCIETIES Clubs and societies are a vital part of socialising, getting to know your STUDENT CENTRAL fellow students and meeting new people. There are many to join Student Central is the home for all including Big Band, archery and the University of London students and is ten-pin bowling club to name a few. conveniently located next door to the A full list is on our website. main Birkbeck building. As a Birkbeck Don’t see what you’re looking student, you automatically become a for? Do you want a society for your member. Use the gym or swimming course? You can easily start your pool, join a wide range of pan-London own through our website. societies and sports clubs or simply use the bars. studentcentral.london COURSE REPS

Student course reps help relay DISCOUNTS students’ opinions to lecturers. We want to give students the opportunity TOTUM, the new name for the to provide input to courses and National Union of Students (NUS) shape their learning. Any student can extra card, allows you to access over be a rep and they are elected at the 200 UK student discounts on food, beginning of each term to represent clothes, travel, technology and more. their course-mates. Keep your eyes Buy a card from just £12 through peeled at the beginning of term for the Birkbeck Students’ Union at details of your course elections. birkbeckunion.org 26 Birkbeck Student Guide 2018–2019

INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY ACCOMMODATION We can help you find accommodation London is one of the world’s most if you have not already done so. international cities and Birkbeck Contact the accommodation service: bbk.ac.uk/accommodation is ranked as one of the most See page 22 for further details. international universities in the world. Studying in a new country VISA ADVICE is exciting and you will have We have an immigration expert who is lots of fun exploring the city and available for appointments to discuss meeting other students. But we any aspect of living in the UK as an know it can also be challenging, international student. bbk.ac.uk/international/visa so we provide special support for international students, tailored to your needs. STUDY SKILLS Studying in the UK may be very different to the studies you have done ADVICE previously. We provide online and face- If you have a query about any aspect of to-face Study Skills to ensure you are your course, you should speak to your prepared: bbk.ac.uk/study-skills personal tutor in the first instance. See page 14 for further details Each school also has an assistant dean and an assistant school manager EMPLOYMENT responsible for developing our offer to international students. Many of our international students Staff in the Student Advice Service work part-time during the day, are trained in and experienced at gaining experience of the UK providing help to students from workplace and working practices. overseas and can provide more general You will need to be aware of the work advice about all aspects of student life. restrictions if you have a Tier 4 visa. See page 27 for further details about Check our website for more details. the Student Advice Service. bbk.ac.uk/international/workinggraduates Birkbeck Student Guide 2018–2019 27

Student Advice Centre every week in Malet Street. To book an appointment, FINANCE AND go to the Student Advice Service or MONEY bbk.ac.uk/financial-support BLACKBULLION Blackbullion is an online tool that To ensure you can make the can help you budget and plan your expenditure. Birkbeck provides students most of your time at university, with free access to the service. Access it will be important for you to through: bbk.ac.uk/financial-support manage your money effectively. We provide financial advice and SUPPLEMENTING YOUR INCOME guidance to help you do this. Most students at Birkbeck work during their studies. See the careers section on STUDENT ADVICE SERVICE page 28 for details of the Careers team who can help you find work during The Student Advice Service can your studies and strengthen your career. provide advice on all aspects of finance and funding, including student loans and bursaries. TEAM BIRKBECK We employ current students who FINANCIAL SUPPORT are passionate about Birkbeck to represent, promote and enhance the We have a range of financial support College at a variety of events and services. This includes a hardship fund activities such as open evenings. for students who are on a low income or Become part of Team Birkbeck to earn who have faced an unforeseen change money, gain experience and develop of circumstances. For details, contact new friendships. Find out more at the Student Advice Service or get help bbk.ac.uk/team-birkbeck online at: bbk.ac.uk/financial-support FEES AND PAYMENT CITIZENS ADVICE If you are having difficulty paying Free advice and information on debt, your fees, or would like to discuss your housing, employment, benefits, payment plan, please call the Income consumer issues and other legal team on 020 3907 0700. You can also problems is available to all students. speak to one of our team in person, The service is impartial and confidential by visiting the Cash Office, based in and is provided by Citizens Advice the Student Centre. For more about Camden, exclusively for Birkbeck. tuition fees and payment options visit Appointments are available at the bbk.ac.uk/student-services/fee-payment 28 Birkbeck Student Guide 2018–2019

BIRKBECK FUTURES

Birkbeck Futures is your go-to service for everything career- related. From inspiring workshops with employers and one-to-one careers support, to snapping up your ideal job and enhancing your skills, we support you to achieve your future ambitions.

CAREERS We run a host of programmes that will help you excel in your career, be it with your current organisation, a new business or working for yourself. UpSkill organises employer-led events with exciting employers and individuals, designed to empower you to pursue the work you love. Enterprise Pathways will help you on your journey starting a business, freelancing or developing enterprise skills. Complete an invaluable extracurricular short course, participate in bootcamps and hear from inspiring entrepreneurial speakers. Visit us and sign up to our services at: bbk.ac.uk/careers-service/service Birkbeck Student Guide 2018–2019 29

“THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE ONE-TO- ONE SESSION! I AM TAKING IT ALL INTO CONSIDERATION AND WILL TALENT AMEND MY CV AS Birkbeck Talent is the College’s own SUGGESTED.” in-house professional recruitment service. The service helps students to LLB Law student find work while studying and after graduation. We match your unique skillset with exciting paid internships “IT’S REALLY and roles with London’s top employers, GOOD TO helping you gain relevant work KNOW WHAT experience to launch your career. IS OUT THERE, Sign up and view all of our live AND TO HEAR roles on your My Birkbeck profile. DIRECT FROM bbk.ac.uk/talent [email protected]; ENTREPRENEURS; 020 3073 8100 THE NETWORKING WAS REALLY USEFUL TOO.” CAREERS FAIR Book your place at the Birkbeck MSc Educational Careers Fair 2018: Neuroscience student Saturday 3 November 2018 (11am to 3pm), Senate House. The Careers Fair is a chance to get “THANKS SO great advice and build your network. MUCH FOR The event includes: ORGANISING THE • exhibition hall with a host of WORKSHOP. IT organisations and selection of hubs WAS INFORMATIVE including graduate hires, experienced AND THE hire roles, start-ups, work-and-learn ACTIVITIES WERE and voluntary opportunities ENGAGING.” • speed-interviewing sessions • workshops and seminars with MSc Management guest speakers. Consultancy and Organisational To book your place, visit: Change student bit.ly/BBKcareersfair18 30 Birkbeck Student Guide 2018–2019

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

We are committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive environment at Birkbeck and COUNSELLING SERVICE to supporting the health and We offer a non-judgmental and wellbeing of our students. Our confidential Counselling Service Counselling Service, Mental to support students. If you are Health Advisory Service and experiencing emotional distress and Disability and Dyslexia Service psychological difficulties that are adversely impacting your life and offer discreet and welcoming your studies, you may find services. Come to see us and counselling helpful. explore how we might be able to We offer therapeutic consultations, short-term counselling, self-help help make your time as a student resources and workshops: a little easier and more fulfilling. bbk.ac.uk/counselling Birkbeck Student Guide 2018–2019 31

DISABILITY AND DYSLEXIA SERVICE If you tell us that you are disabled, we will ask you to complete a Study Support Plan (SSP) and to provide medical evidence of your disability or dyslexia. By completing the Study Support Plan, you will give us a clearer MENTAL HEALTH ADVISORY SERVICE understanding of how we can support The Mental Health Advisory Service you during your studies. provides specialist advice and We are committed to helping support in a safe, non-judgmental you meet the challenges and seize environment. Like the Counselling the opportunities that studying at Service, we are here to help you when Birkbeck presents, providing you with you are going through emotional or a study environment that enables you psychological difficulties. to participate fully in your course. Our The Mental Health Advisory Disability and Dyslexia Service works Service emphasises practical support with all departments of the College to enable you to progress through your to make reasonable adjustments studies, while the Counselling Service to ensure you are not substantially focuses on therapeutic interventions. disadvantaged as a result of any We offer a tailored programme of disability. It will also help you to apply support that spans the first year of for external support, including the study to build the resilience and skills Disabled Students’ Allowance. Find needed to successfully participate in out more at bbk.ac.uk/disability all aspects of university life. Mental Dyslexia Awareness Week is from health/disability support sessions are Monday 1 to Sunday 7 October. Pick run on Saturdays during term time. up an Adult Dyslexia Checklist at the bbk.ac.uk/mentalhealth Disability Stand to explore whether you may have dyslexia.

DEPRESSED OR ANXIOUS? CONTACT WELLBEING SERVICES The Counselling and Mental Health Services have teamed up with the Call: 020 3907 0700 nearby YMCA Club in order to offer Monday to Thursday, 11am to 4pm, eight-week gym memberships to some Friday 11am to 2pm students who suffer from depression Email: [email protected] and anxiety. You will need to meet bbk.ac.uk/disability certain criteria and as this will be part of a research project, we would like WELLBEING SERVICES DROP-IN to monitor your progress. Email us at [email protected] quoting Student Advice Service, Monday ‘Mind Body Matters’ (conditions apply to Thursday, 4pm to 6.30pm and limited spaces are available). (4pm to 6pm out of term). 32 Birkbeck Student Guide 2018–2019

STAYING SAFE AT BIRKBECK • Be aware of anyone trying to ‘tailgate’ you, such as someone trying to gain access to a secure area We all work together to ensure by closely following you as you enter. Birkbeck is a safe place to study. • Consider carrying a personal Here are some tips to help you panic alarm. stay safe while living, working and studying in London. PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY • Try not to carry personal valuables REPORT IT with you and never leave valuables unattended. • Report all security-related incidents • Beware of thieves on mopeds or suspicions on Birkbeck premises stealing mobile phones. to reception. In Bloomsbury, call • Keep all valuables separate and take 6031 from the phones in Birkbeck a note of card details so you can rooms or in an emergency call 555. cancel them quickly. In Stratford call extension 7888 • Use cash machines during the for security. day where possible – never write • If safe to do so, challenge those down your PIN. who do not appear to have any right to be where they are or who are acting suspiciously. REGISTER YOUR VALUABLES • Never put yourself at risk. In an • Protect yourself with insurance – Emergency call 999 or if you need keep lists of the make, model and to report a crime that is not an serial numbers of your electronic emergency call 101. items to help the police track them • You can also report an incident of down if they are stolen. violence, harassment or hate crime • When locking bikes, use a good online at bbk.ac.uk/ask and select quality D-lock and remember to ‘Reporting an incident’. lock your wheels as well as the frame. Register your bike on the BE AWARE OF WHAT IS AROUND YOU ‘immobilise’ register (immobilise. com) and find a bike marking event • Avoid wearing headphones – your (bikeregister.com). ability to hear traffic, strangers or • Be vigilant when using your mobile potential trouble is severely restricted. phone. If your phone is stolen call • Walk facing traffic so no one can pull your network, or to immobilise it call up behind you. 08701 123123.