International Advisory Team how we can help

How we can help

The International Student Advisory team are dedicated to supporting international students at Reading. We offer information and advice for all international students, providing professional and confidential support on:

Settling into the UK when you (and your family, if applicable) arrive
Understanding UK culture and developing integration skills
Understanding the resources and facilities available at the University to enable you to make the most of your time at Reading, including information about the local area and places of interest.
Visa and immigration advice and guidance on UK study routes (and for your dependants, if applicable)
Updates on Immigration Rule changes
Information on working during and after your studies
Understanding your visa conditions
Getting a UK sim card for your phone
Fraud awareness and support
EU Settlement Scheme
BRP collection (ground floor of the Carrington Building)

Get in touch

General enquiries, please email int.adv@reading.ac.uk
Immigration and visa enquiries, please email immigration@reading.ac.uk
Telephone: +44(0)118 378 8038
Appointments/set drop ins in the Carrington Building
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for further advice and information

Can I drive in the UK?

Can I receive any scholarships, bursaries, or funding?

Information on University scholarships and how to apply can be found on our International Scholarships webpage. Bursaries and Awards maybe limited to UK residency, further information on these can be found on our Bursaries & Awards webpages.

The Student Support fund

The Student Support fund is generated by the generosity of alumni donations, to help any student who unexpectedly find themselves in financial crisis. If you are experiencing unexpected financial hardship, you can find out more from the Student Financial Support Team, they will be able to advise you on your options and what support may be available.

Can I work in the UK?

This will depend on the type of visa you have. You can work in the UK if your visa states you can, but your visa may restrict the number of hours you can work each week. If you look at your BRP, it will state how many hours you can week per week, this includes paid and unpaid work and volunteering hours. If you work, you will need to get a National Insurance number. For further information on working in the UK please see our visa webpages.

How do I use the buses?

It is best to download the Reading Buses app. Here you can find live departure times and buy tickets. As a student, you can get discounted tickets if you show your campus card or UniDays ID to the bus driver.

Visit Reading Buses for other information on money saving as a student, ticket packages and night buses.

How do I use the trains?

To find out about timetables, live departure times and to buy tickets, visit Trainline or download the app.

There are many ways to save money when it comes to trains. For more information on how you might be able to save money visit the Trainline.

If you are going to be commuting into Reading by train, visit the Season Ticket Calculator or the Season Ticket Calculator on the Trainline for information on season tickets.

I am struggling with opening a bank account in the UK, what should I do?

Visit 'Opening a bank account in the UK' on Essentials for information on banks available in Reading, online accounts and what you need to do in order to open a bank account as an international student.

Visit 'Payment of Fees' If issues with bank accounts are affecting your ability to pay your fees on time.

I want to use a bike to get around. What do I need to know?

Cycling is a great way to get fit and save money at the same time. The Whiteknights campus offers an ideal green environment for cyclists to explore the natural beauty the campus has to offer. We welcome responsible cyclists who follow our guidelines for sharing the space safely with other cyclists, pedestrians and drivers.

Dr Bike is mobile bicycle repair and maintenance service that holds sessions on campus every Wednesday in the Palmer Quad (during term time). Mechanics check and fix your bicycle for free, charging only for any parts that might be needed.Alongside maintenance Dr Bike also offers free cycle courses to improve your skills. Courses are available for complete beginners to more advanced commuting tips.

To find out more about these cycling initiatives, visit ‘Cycling to the University’ webpages.

Reading Students’ Union offer discounted bike hire at Reading ‘Uni Bikes’. Bikes can be hired for £80 per academic year + a £100 deposit (includes a lock and lights).

To find information on safe cycling, visit the University’s Safe cycling webpages which offer you advice on bicycle security, the law and cycling, and more. You can also find information on getting a ‘bike passport’ which is advised so your bike is trackable if it is ever stolen.

If you do decide to bike to campus there are showers available to you. Download or view the Whiteknights shower map or London Road Shower Map to find the nearest shower to you.

I’m going to arrive late to campus, what should I do?

I’m struggling with money, what should I do?

I’ve lost my passport/BRP, what should I do?

You will need to report your lost/stolen passport to your embassy. Delivery times may differ depending on the country. For more information about what to do when you have lost your passport visit 'Cancel a lost or stolen passport' on the gov.uk website.

For your BRP, you will first need to report your BRP as lost/stolen. You will then need to apply for a replacement. This is a two-step process. For more information visit 'Biometric residence permits (BRPs) on the gov.uk website.

Upgrade, update, replace, transfer or switch your immigration document

What happens outside of university term time?

Many university students who live in the UK will go home during the holidays. This means the University campus will be fairly quiet outside of term time, especially during Christmas and the summer break. However, there will still be events and activities going on to get involved in and we will still be here to help you. Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you need support. There will still be groups and events running in the local community. Find events and groups across Reading on Meetup.

Do I need to pay council tax?

The property is exempt from council tax when it is wholly occupied by full time students, however, the council may ask you to provide a letter confirming you are a full-time student as evidence. You are only exempt as a full-time student as per your programme dates. If you move into accommodation before starting your studies, and the period after your programme has finished, you will be liable to a Council Tax charge.

You will get a Council Tax bill by post if someone is living in your house who isn’t a full-time student, however they may qualify for a discount. Children under the age of 18 do not need to pay for council tax. For more information on who is exempt from paying council tax visit our pages dedicated to Council Tax.

For advice on council tax and other housing related matters, students can refer to RSU housing advice.

Do I need to pay for a TV licence?

You are required to pay for a TV licence if you:

• watch or record live TV on any channel or service
• use BBC iPlayer

This applies, regardless of what device you use including tv, laptop/tablet/ game console/ mobile phone/ other devices. Find out more about TV licences on the Gov website. UKCISA also have some useful information for International students.

Where can I get food from my country?

How do I register with a GP?

How can I get the National Insurance Number?

You will need to apply for a National Insurance number (NI number) to be able to work in the UK. You can start working without a NI number, but you must apply and let your employer know your NI number as soon as you receive it. The NI number is free, and you can apply yourself. You can also apply for an NI number before getting a job. For information on how to apply, please see the gov.uk website.

I want to live in private accommodation, but I don’t have a UK guarantor what should I do?

If you don’t have a UK guarantor, the landlord or letting agency may ask students to pay six to twelve months’ rent upfront. This situation may not be feasible for all students.

The University and Reading Students' Union have created a partnership with ‘YourGuarantor', where they will act as your UK guarantor. Check to see if you are eligible for this scheme.

Make an appointment