Returning Student Checklist

At Reading, we are committed to creating a safe, fun and respectful environment where we can all thrive in a community where we all look out for one another.

In accordance with this commitment we are requesting all students undertake the Tackling Harassment and Consent Training courses.  

The courses will empower you with the skills and knowledge to prevent, identify, and respond to harassment, hate and sexual misconduct. By taking the course you are contributing to a more respectful environment for everyone within the university community.

Register on the Epigeum website: using the following access code: e0d0659c  (use in the token code field) and select 'My Courses'. 

This course is updated each year, so even if you completed this training in your first year, you might want to retake it this year as a refresher.

Getting your personal finances in order allows you to concentrate on your studies and enjoy student life once the semester begins.

Budgeting is a normal part of life for most students. The Student Financial Support Team are always on hand to offer advice on funding, student bank accounts, budgeting for living expenses and paying your fees.

All students have free access to the Blackbullion app. Blackbullion offers courses and advice to help you understand and better manage your finances while at University.

Create an account, or login to access Blackbullion.

We are continuing to make campus more affordable by freezing costs and making it possible for students to make savings wherever possible. We work closely with the Students’ Union to reduce the cost of living on campus and to offer financial assistance where possible for those in need. Read more on the ways we are supporting the cost-of-living.

If you are interested in earning some extra money while you are studying, you can find a role through Campus Jobs, the on site recruitment service just for University of Reading students. Campus Jobs matches you with part-time work opportunities on campus, whether you are interested in working in the bars, catering, at the Open Days or even in your department.

The Careers team can also help you to find a part-time job or placement to compliment your studies. 

If you haven’t yet arranged your accommodation for the upcoming semester, now is the time to get it sorted.

For last minute applications to apply for University accommodation, visit the how to apply section of the accommodation website. 

For further information on finding private accommodation in the UK please see the Reading Students' Union housing advice.

Once you have successfully registered in University accommodation or, sourced private accommodation, you’ll need to update your address details on the University’s Student Records System (RISIS). It can take up to 24 hours for your new contact information to be updated in RISIS. 

RISIS is home to your student records and is where you store and update your personal information. It is important that you keep your details up-to-date on RISIS - so if you have moved house, changed email address or phone number make sure to update it now.

Ensure your vaccinations are up-to-date before leaving for university, or as soon as you can after starting the new semester.

- MMR (measles, mumps and rubella vaccine)
- MenACWY vaccine (protecting against four types of meningococcal disease)
- HPV vaccine for protection against cancers caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Td/IPV booster vaccine protecting against tetanus, diphtheria and polio
- Meningococcal B (MenB) vaccine protects against one of the bacteria which can cause meningococcal disease, which can be very serious and can cause severe illness including meningitis and septicaemia. This vaccine is now available to those starting university in the 2026/27 academic year. Find out more about the MenB vaccine on the NHS website.

Speak to your GP to check which vaccinations you have already had, or to book in to receive any you have not already received. Students from overseas are also eligible for these routine vaccines.

If you are not already registered with medical or dental care, use the links below to register:
- NHS Find a GP service
- NHS Find a Sexual Health Clinic 
- NHS Find a Dentist service

Your new and improved official University of Reading Student app is launching in September 2026, which means it’s time to say goodbye to the previous app.

Switch in three easy steps:
1. Delete the old UoR Student app from your phone
2. Search UoReading in app stores
3. Download the app and sign-in with your University of Reading username and password

The app makes accessing all the essential information you need for student life at Reading as easy as possible, including access to your timetable and email, latest news, opportunities and events, and quick links to important services and support.

Find out more and download the new app

Access your timetable and university email on the UoReading student app and plan for your semester ahead. 

The Semester 1 timetable will be available on 2 September 2026 and the Semester 2 timetable on 9 December 2026.

You can also keep an eye on your university student email account via the Outlook icon on the app. We recommend you check your student email account daily for important updates.

To connect your personal devices to the University of Reading free campus Wi-Fi you now need to download the Marvis Client app.

The new Marvis Client app, which is an update from our existing Wi-Fi provider Juniper Networks, makes connecting to Eduroam faster, easier, and more secure. Once installed, your devices will connect automatically – no more logging in or selecting networks every time.

Search 'Marvis Client' in your app store and visit reading.ac.uk/wifi for full installation details.   

You will need to: 
- Download the Marvis Client app 
- Remove the old “Get Eduroam” app (if you have it) and forget the Eduroam network  
- Install the UoR Network Profile on the Marvis Client app 
- Connect to Eduroam to finish setup

The University of Reading Security Team are introducing the SafeZone app to help keep campus as safe a place as possible for you to live and study in. This new app replaces the CallMy app used for mass notifications, but also goes even further in keeping you safe.

Key features:
- Users can call for emergency or non-emergency help, or request first aid support
- Users can share their location to receive quick responses in emergency situations
- Users can receive alerts in the case of an incident

Switch in three easy steps from 14 September:
1. Delete the CallMy app from your phone
2. Download the new SafeZone app from your app store
3. Sign-in with your University of Reading single sign-on

If you watch live TV or BBC iPlayer whilst at university, you need a TV licence.

Check out how it works for your living situation:
- Living in halls: you will need to be covered by a licence for your room. You will be able to watch TV in shared areas too.
- House or flat shares: you will need your own licence if where you live is self-contained, such as a separate flat or annex, or if you have a separate contract for your room.
- Property with joint tenancy: you will need one licence for the address. Ask your landlord if you're already covered.
- Living at home: if you commute to university from home, that property must have a licence.

Find out more on the TV Licence website.

Council Tax is a local tax on a residential property based on the property's value. They money goes towards local community services such as Police and Fire Authorities, waste collection, parks and libraries. A Council Tax Bill is automatically sent out to each property every year.

To be exempt from paying Council Tax, a student needs to be enrolled for the purpose of undertaking a "full-time course or education" for at least 24 weeks in an academic year. If in doubt, ask your School if your course is a "full-time course of education". 

Find out more about Council Tax as a student.

We encourage students not to bring their car to university and to opt for more sustainable travel options where possible. However, if you are bringing your car onto campus or to halls you will need to apply for a parking permit.

Find out more about University of Reading parking permits.

If you haven’t registered to vote since starting at the University of Reading, we recommend you update your address on the electoral register now, even if the next big elections aren’t imminent. 

It’s quick and free – and it means you’ll be ready to have your say whenever an election is called.

Register at both your home and university address - as a student, you can register at two addresses (for example, your family home and your university address). You can only vote once in a general election, but you may be able to vote in local elections at both places if they’re in different areas.

Head to the Electoral Commission website to register - it only takes five minutes online.