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What support is available?

We want you to have an enjoyable time at university, to succeed in your studies and to prepare Library at night, Whiteknights for your life after university. You are chiefly responsible for managing your time and your studies but we will provide help and guidance whenever we can. The main difference between studying at school or college and studying at university is that at university you are expected to undertake so much more on your own. However, you will find plenty of people and resources that are available to support you during your time here. 

Start off by helping yourself: try and get yourself into good study habits and practices. Rushing to the Library to find books the day before your essay is due to be handed in is definitely not the best study strategy! Similarly, register at the University Medical Practice before you are ill. It'll save you time in the longer term.

School-based support

Your School or Department will often be the first place that you go to for support. You will be introduced to key members of staff in your School during Freshers' Week.

You will be assigned a personal tutor (see About the Personal Tutorial System) within your School and s/he will be an important point of contact and support. Your Personal Tutor should be the primary source of support within your School.

Student Services Centre Helpdesk

There is a Helpdesk in the Carrington Building on campus that you can visit if you need help or support.  There is also an online Helpdesk.  See our website:  Student Helpdesk website>>>

Support services and opportunities

There are many opportunities for you to access services and opportunities that will enhance your student experience and ease the transition into university. 

Hall-based support

For students living in any of the 11 University Halls of Residence, welfare and pastoral support is available via the Senior Resident Tutors and Resident Tutors. For students living in the 2 privately owned Halls the support is provided by Senior Academic Residents. These are all members of academic staff, one of whom is resident in each hall. They can be contacted via the relevant hall (see Halls Booklet).

Each hall also has an independent student society - the Junior Common Room or JCR.  The JCR Committee members are all 'experienced' students and are therefore well placed to offer informal support and advice to Freshers.

Reading University Students' Union (RUSU) Student Advice Team

Need information, advice or support? The Students' Union has a team of professional advisors who are able to offer independent and non-judgemental advice on a variety of matters, such as

  • Money and debt
  • Housing
  • Immigration and nationality
  • Academic matters
  • Consumer rights
  • Employment rights

This service is confidential and information will not be shared with the University without your permission. If you have a problem and don't know who to ask for help, visit The Hub in your Students' Union building and ask to speak with an advisor.

Drop-in sessions take place every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, from 10am until 1pm and on Wednesdays, from 2pm until 5pm. Just come along to The Hub - you do not need an appointment during these times.

Freshers' Angels

Freshers' Angels are student volunteers who are available during Freshers' Week to answer questions, provide help and support and generally help you to settle in at Reading. Angels are funded and coordinated by the Students' Union. They will be around campus all week during Freshers' Week - you'll find them wearing blue T Shirts with the Freshers' Angels logo.

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