Student support
You can access a wide range of academic, administrative and welfare support for the duration of your studies to help you have an amazing international experience whilst in the UK. These include:
- A dedicated and experienced Study Abroad Office which works with academic and support services networks to ensure that you maximise your experience and available opportunities
- A full orientation programme for all Study Abroad Programme students designed to help you integrate and settle into your new surroundings
- Study Advisers who run dedicated workshops to help you adapt to UK academic culture
- Access to a full range of online and face-to- face study support whilst at Reading, to help you stay happy and healthy, including:
Student Wellbeing
While studying here you have access to our multi-disciplinary team of counsellors and mental health advisers. They offer confidential and specialist support free of charge to all students. Whether you are suffering from anxiety, homesickness, low mood, depression, bereavement or a mental health issue, you are encouraged to seek support.
Study Advice
Our expert Study Advice team offers one-to-one tutorials, in addition to online guides and videos.
Immigration and visa advice
The University of Reading has a dedicated team to support all students with visa and immigration advice before and while they are studying at the University.
Students with disabilities
The University’s policy of equal access to courses and facilities seeks to ensure that students with disabilities will be able to participate in both the academic and social life on campus.
It is the policy of the University not to reject a student on the grounds of disability, disabling conditions (e.g. ME or Diabetes) and/or specific learning difficulties such as Dyslexia.
We are guided by your knowledge of your disability in seeking to help ensure that the necessary facilities and support are in place for you to be able to participate fully.
If you would like to join our Study Abroad Programme and you have a disability which means you need additional support, we ask that your home university writes to the Erasmus & Study Abroad Office prior to nomination indicating the nature of your disability and general area of study in which you are interested. You can also let us know about your disability in general terms via our Study Abroad Programme application form. The Erasmus & Study Abroad Office will pass on your details to the Disability Office who will be able to liaise directly with you in order to provide comprehensive information and support, where appropriate. Please note that your home university or relevant authorities will be responsible for covering additional extra costs.
The Disability Office website can be found at: www.reading.ac.uk/disability
Faith Provision
The University recognises that religion or belief is an important component of many students’ lives and we offer a welcoming community for people of all faiths and none. For full details on support we offer at Reading, visit our Religious and Spiritual care pages.
The Chaplaincy
The Chaplaincy Centre is a central point on campus, providing a good place to go for a quiet coffee and a listening ear.
The Chaplains can provide sign-posting for faith and well-being needs, whatever your religious beliefs. Feel free to call, email or just drop in to see them. The Centre is open Mondays to Fridays, 08.30-17.30 and has a programme of Weekly Events (often including food) as well as one-off termly activities.
The Muslim Centre
Our Muslim Centre on the Whiteknights Campus serves students and the local community by offering congregation prayers, Friday prayers, facilities for meetings, faith education and various activities.
The five daily prayers are performed at the Centre in addition to Friday and Eid Prayers.
Wudu facilities are available for both brothers and sisters.
The Muslim Centre is run by the Reading Islamic Society
There is an additional small prayer room available on the London Road campus.
LGBT+
Reading has an active LGBT+ society run for and by LGBT+ students and welcomes anyone who identifies with sexual and/or gender minority. This inclusive, intersectional society is open to all University of Reading students, and aims to create an LGBT+ safe space and a community where everyone is accommodating and understanding.
Together RUSU and the LGBT+ society won ‘LGBT Event of the Year 2018′ at the National Union of Students LGBT+ Conference.
Find out more about the LGBT+ Society and visit their LGBT+ Society web page.
Study Abroad Ambassadors
Our office works with Reading students who have studied abroad, but who want to give back and support incoming students with their study abroad experience here in the UK.
Our ambassadors help on a range of activities – from orientation and welcome events. to organising social events, answering questions, acting as study abroad mentors and being a point of contact for students starting their study abroad journeys at Reading.
Details regarding our Study Abroad Ambassadors will be shared with successful applicants.
Language support
If English is not your first language, we offer ways to enhance your ability to work and study in an English speaking environment:
- IL1GSA English for Study Abroad Programme Students
