Some International students are now required to isolate on arrival to Birmingham. This may be a worrying time for many, but don't worry. We're Isolating With You!
by Runcie Chidibe, your VP Student Voice
Your Students’ Union is aware that arriving in a different country is a difficult moment for our International Students, even more so with the Government’s policy for a 14-day self-isolation upon arrival to the UK.
It may sound worrying, however, BCUSU is here for you. We’ve got your back! Your Students’ Union will be isolating with you!
Once you enrol at BCU, you automatically become a member of BCUSU. A family of over 24,000 students from over 80 countries, a multi-cultural community and a loving home for all. Welcome!
Do I need to self-isolate?
To manage the spread of COVID-19, the UK government has mandated that everyone arriving in the UK will not be allowed to leave their declared accommodation for the first 14 days, unless the person(s) arrive from an exempt country. See the full list of countries.
It takes 14 days for coronavirus symptoms to appear, hence, when you self-isolate you help to reduce the chances of passing it to others.
Your Students’ Union will be isolating with you, we will be informing, engaging and supporting you in diverse ways. We are one click away! Check our What's On page regularly to find out about our online events.
Also, be on the lookout for the delivery of BCUSU’s Welcome bag and care package (including some treats) to your accommodation.
If you get coronavirus symptoms during your self-isolation, please follow government regulations and get tested. Learn more here.
It is your personal responsibility to self-isolate and you can be fined by the UK Government. A new track and trace app has been introduced too – download it here.
If you’re ever unsure on what to do if you see a Health & Safety breach on-campus or in your accommodation, or if you think you have Coronavirus symptoms. The University’s Notify app is your go to!
The safety and security of our students is our priority. BCU has put measures in place to ensure that staff and students remain safe while on campus. Part of those measures include taking action if you see someone acting in a way that puts our community at risk.
Using Notify, you can report COVID-19 cases and Health and Safety breaches, helping us control a spread of coronavirus and keeping our campuses safe.
It is important to register with a local doctor while you're at University and in a new country. More information on how to register can be found at Student Affairs services. Check out their guide to accessing healthcare in the UK.
There is NHS health care service for our current students, at Handsworth Wood Medical Centre (part of the Modality Partnership). To register with them, complete the new patient registration. There are medical consulting rooms at Curzon Building, City Centre Campus and City South Campus.
If you would prefer to register with a different practice you can visit the NHS website and search for a doctor in your area by simply typing in your postcode. You'll also find dentists, opticians and pharmacists in your area using the same website, plus a wide selection of health care advice.
Mental Health
Taking care of your mental health is just as important as your physical health. The Mental Health and Wellbeing team are there for you.
"You don’t have to get to crisis point before you talk to us. Every year, we see many students who have a range of wellbeing concerns or mental health support needs, so you are not alone in what you are experiencing."
You can also acces 24/7 Mental Health support at Togetherall. You can join the annonymous community for free. Just sign-up!
In partnership with International Office, we are hosting a range of activities especially for you from 18th January - 12th March.
Getting involved with societies is the perfect time to try something different and meet new people.
Whatever you are passionate about, you may find societies that are alike. Join any of the BCUSU’s 100+ societies or create one of your own. As part of Give it a Go month, you can try any society for free till 12th October.
Your Students’ Union is here to improve your student experience, learn all about what BCUSU does in the Union Guide.
Our Advice Centre is here for you. During your self-isolation, if you’ve got questions related to academia, money, health, international, or housing, the Advice Centre can help you!
Our Advice Centre is an independent support channel for you, just log an enquiry to speak to them.
Where to Buy Food?
Birmingham is multi-cultural city, wherever you are from, there is probably somewhere you can get your everyday essentials. Here are some useful food stores that can deliver to you:
Here are some food stores that you can get to after your isolation period:
Many people believe that music has no language barrier, connecting with other BCU students by tuning in to Scratch Radio - our student radio station.If you would like to share your experience, please email: Union.Voice@bcu.ac.uk.
Student Voice
BCUSU provides you with a platform to ensure that your voice is heard in the university. Have you got feedback? Or have a fantastic idea that would change your student exvperience? Submit it to your ideas board.
We're here for you!
As a BCU International Student, you should never face any challenge alone. Your Students' Union is here for you.
Make sure you stay connected on our social media channels and make sure you keep an eye on your emails as all important information will be sent to you through your inbox!