BCUSU would like to raise awareness to the available services at BCU and wider for students impacted by ongoing attacks in Iran and Israel.

Our thoughts are with all affected by the ongoing attacks in Iran and Israel, especially students who may have family or friends in the two countries, or in the Middle East. 

At BCU we pride ourselves on having a diverse community, with a large proportion of our students living in and around Birmingham and West Midlands, but a number of international students from across the world. It's important for us to acknowledge global issues, like the devastating incidents in Gaza, Iran and Israel the last few weeks, as it may impact any number of BCU students.

Travel to affected countries

Iran - The UK Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to Iran, with British and British-Iranian dual nationals being at significant risk of arrest, questioning or detention. 

Israel - The FCDO continues to advise against all travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. 

Visit gov.uk for travel advice, before visiting any areas in Middle East 

Emotional support and safety

• BCU’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Team – is available for appointments. Contact wellbeing@bcu.ac.uk or call 0121 331 5188.

• Chaplaincy – for spiritual and religious support, BCU’s Chaplain service are available. There are dedicated Faith Spaces on campus too

• Report and Support Tool - you can log incidents of harassment, bullying, sexual assault/misconduct, discrimination and hate crime using the University's Report and Support Tool. If you witness or are a victim of antisemitism or islamophobia, please report through here.

Academic Support

It is uncertain when conflict in the Middle East will end and if you think this will impact your ability to study, consider making a claim for extenuating circumstances. This is for when unforeseen or unpreventable events outside of your control can affect your academic performance.

A claim could provide you with deadline extensions or another assessment attempt.

You can apply through mySRS, but make sure you check our Advice Team’s guidance so you supply all the required information.

For help submitting a claim

Join the humanitarian effort

• UNICEF – international charity that works in over 190 countries to save children’s lives and protect their rights. Make a donation to help provide medical equipment, food, fuel and access to safe drinking water to affected areas.

• British Red Cross – charity which helps people around the UK and the world during crisis. Staff and volunteers have been on the ground since violence broke out and have been providing urgent medical aid, ambulance support and first aid.