One of the most important aspects of university life is giving time and thought to looking after yourself. Here at Reading we have many different support teams and tools to help you if the need arises throughout the year. In this guide you will find tips to enable you to settle in and make the most of your time at University.
Welcome to Your Wellbeing Journey at University
Starting university is an exciting time filled with new experiences, opportunities, and challenges. At the University of Reading, your wellbeing is just as important as your academic success. We understand that adjusting to a new environment—especially one as vibrant and diverse as ours—can sometimes feel overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Our Counselling, Welfare, Disability Advisory Service and Hall teams are all dedicated to helping you thrive—emotionally, mentally, and physically. Whether you’re looking for someone to talk to, need practical advice, or want to explore strategies for managing stress and staying balanced, we’ve got you covered.
We also offer a 24-hour support line and a mental health app, so help is always available—day or night. And through our Life Tools programme, you can attend talks, webinars, and live presentations designed to empower you with skills for personal growth, resilience, and academic success.
Supporting you
The support line can help you with any personal questions, worries or advice you might need as a student at the University of Reading.
Access all services via the Wisdom app or call 0800 023 2466 for in the moment advice with a qualified mental health professional.
The service provides:
- Unlimited access to this free and confidential support service all year round wherever you are
- Access to Legal information services and signposting for concerns such as landlord and tenant queries
- Debt and financial advice including access to long term support via Stepchange
- Family advice line on topics such as childcare or eldercare
- High quality interpreters and translators to talk with you in your preferred language - services in over 240 languages
Download the app or head to Essentials for more information about this service.
Use the Wisdom app to access the service exactly how you want, via live chat, phone or video call.
Trained professionals are available to support you with any personal questions or worries, and on the app you will also find a wealth of wellbeing resources and tools, such as mini-health checks, breathing exercises, recipes and helpful podcasts.
Download the Wisdom app for free on the apple and Google Play stores.
To login to the app:
- Wellbeing Wisdom app unique code: MHA268185
- Username: reading
- Password: university
Support in your preferred language
The support service is available in 240 languages. You can talk on the phone or live chat and video call via the app with trained mental health professionals in your preferred language. High quality interpreters and translation services are here to help you access the support you need.
The Life Tools programme is open to all students. Access talks, webinars and live presentations designed by experts to facilitate your transition into university and enhance your personal, academic and professional development throughout your time at University.
Students tell us they value the talks as they are informative, interactive and appreciate hearing stories from other students, in a safe and welcoming environment.
“Life Tools has helped with practical advice on how I can become more organised, motivated and successful”. - Student Quote
You can enrol on the Life Tools Blackboard module to access resources and receive weekly emails with the details of upcoming events.
There are no assessments, and you are free to join any of the webinars you are interested in, or watch them later whenever you want.
Work towards the earning the Life Tools certificate and attend the sessions to contribute towards the training element of the RED Award.
Find out more about the programme on the Life Tools page on Essentials.
Our amazing teams support students through every aspect of University life and the challenges it can bring.
Our experts provide wellbeing support for any student in need. The teams are particularly committed to ensuring our services are inclusive and accessible and can support students from a range of backgrounds and communities.
Welfare
The Student Welfare team is here to help you with any personal difficulties. We know university can be a challenging time, and that you may experience a range of issues when you are here. You are not alone, and you don’t have to get through it by yourself.
The team are able to support you on a wide range of personal and wellbeing issues that may impact your studies and day-to-day life. This could include - Settling in and adjusting to university life, challenges with flat/housemates, family or relationship issues, incidents of bullying, harassment and violence, drug or alcohol issues, manging carer responsibilities, concerns about coping with studies and university life, concerns about a friend.
Email the team studentwelfare@reading.ac.uk to book an appointment or come along to the daily drop-in service between 1-4pm in the Carrington Building, check with the front desk on availability.
Counselling
Our team of qualified Counsellors, CBT Therapists, Social Workers and Mental Health Nurses are equipped to deal with the diverse needs of our student population.
The Mental Health team specialise in a range of conditions, and can advise on pathways to NHS or other local support. They also provide one-to-one support, and practical skills and guidance to help manage day-to-day life at university.
The team offer flexible pre-booked appointments, available through online registration.
Disability
The Disability Advisory Service comprises a diverse team of Advisors and Support Coordinators passionate about equity for disabled students, many having lived experience of disability themselves.
The team are fully committed to enabling students with disabilities, and believe that every student with a disability, Specific Learning Difference, long-term medical or mental health condition should be able to reach their full potential at University.
The team support students with physical disabilities and long term medical conditions e.g. mobility, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, diabetes, Sensory disabilities e.g. visual impairments, Mental health difficulties e.g. anxiety (including medically recognised mental health difficulties such as depression or anxiety disorder) and also Specific learning differences (SpLDs) e.g. dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, ADD as well as developmental conditions such as Autistic Spectrum Condition.
Email the team disability@reading.ac.uk and drop in for advice on the ground floor of Carrington building.
Our University Halls are a supportive and welcoming community. The team of dedicated Hall Wardens and Mentors are here to support you with your wellbeing, and help create a positive residential experience for students living in halls. Our webpages have advice, support and information to help you make the most of your time in halls.
It’s important to look after your medical and general health whilst at university. Check out the Essentials webpages covering access to local health services, registering with a GP, dealing with student life with an allergy, signs and symptoms to be aware of, and emergency help contacts.
Registering with a local GP and dentist
You will probably be spending most of your time in Reading over the next few years, so it's important to have a local doctor available to you. That way you can receive emergency care if you need it, and access health services quickly and easily – something that is especially important if you have an ongoing health condition.
The NHS Low Income Scheme has been introduced for anyone aged 19 or under earning less than £16,000 per year and/or claiming benefits.
The scheme can support you with NHS prescriptions, dental treatment, vision tests and the cost of additional medical requirements.
Getting a good nights sleep
A good night’s sleep is essential for your physical and mental health, and can help make you more energetic and productive when you’re awake. It’s just as important as getting enough exercise and keeping a balanced diet. Poor sleep will also affect your performance the next day, preventing you from concentrating.
Check out Life Tool’s guide to getting a good nights sleep.
Food at university
Good nutrition is essential. Improving your diet can give you more energy and aid cognition making it easier to study.
At the University of Reading we offer fixed-price Clever Cuisine meal plans. With a meal plan you can benefit from nutritious all-you-can-eat options as well as free hot drinks. Meal plans can be used flexibility across our two campuses, with multiple dining venues available. Find out more about Clever Cuisine.
If you’d rather cook for yourself then there are fun and affordable ways you can do so. Head to the @uor_student Instagram for some recipe inspiration from fellow University of Reading students.
Whether you are eating on campus, or cooking for yourself, we recommend making time to sit down and have your meal. This aids digestion and it can be a relaxing activity. When there is the opportunity, it can be a fun activity to prepare a meal with other students and housemates and enjoy it together.
Take time to be active at university
Taking time to look after our active wellbeing provides opportunities to make new friends, challenge ourselves, practise self-care, and is linked to academic success.
The University of Reading offers a ranges of ways you can be active in a safe and inclusive environment.
The University of Reading SportsPark is based on Whiteknights campus, and provides a gym, over 100 group exercise classes a week, sports halls, playing fields and three purpose-built floodlit 5-a-side football pitches. There are a range of membership options, and a student discount.
Reading Students’ Union offers over 50 different student-led sports clubs, for complete beginners to experienced athletes. Whether you are looking to try a new sport, type of dance, or activity, or continue developing your skills.
The University of Reading also has beautiful green campuses, with lots of walking and running routes for you to explore.
Whether you are a regular participant, or exploring sport for the first time, the most important thing is that you find a form of activity that you enjoy.
Managing academic pressure
Part of your support network includes a number of Support Centres that are available to help with a range of academic and non-academic issues, including help with your programme and modules, timetable queries, advice on coursework, exams queries, applications for Exceptional Circumstances, along with referral to specialist support services. Discover your Support Centre.
Academic Tutors are also available to assist with all academic and study questions. Working with your tutor can enhance your academic, personal and professional development. Speak to your Academic Tutor about any academic or personal matter which may be impacting your ability to study. View your tutor information on RISIS and arrange a check-in.
The Study Advice team is based within Library and offer a wealth of guidance to help improve your study skills – access personal appointments along with resources in the form of guides, videos and webinars covering all aspect of succeeding with your studies including support with exams, dissertations and projects, study skills, time management and group work.
Not sure where to start? Assess your strengths, receive tailored feedback and specifically selected resources chosen to support your individual needs: Access the Self Reflective app.
New students also have access to Study Smart an online course offering essential insights into what will be expected of you as a student so you can start your studies with confidence.
Your study or revision environment can have a big impact on your experience. At Reading you have a large choice of different spaces and places to get some quiet time or participate in group debate and discussion. Don’t just limit your study to the Library - discover the many designated study spaces across campus
All students also have access to the Laptop loan service offering free short term loan of laptops. Check them out in the lockers in the Library and around campus.
We have a dedicated security team who keep the campus safe for the University community.
If you feel threatened or vulnerable or wish to report something, the Security team can be found in their 24/7 control room in Whiteknights House. Alternatively, you can call them or simply stop any member of the team out and about on the University estate.
Save these numbers in your phone in case you ever need to call Security:
- 0118 378 7799
- 0118 378 6300 (emergency only)
Email: security@reading.ac.uk
Callmy Alert is an emergency messaging app that enables you to receive urgent messages from the UoR security team. Download Callmy Alert app
The MyWay app has several features to help you feel safer walking home.
Being at university provides a wonderful opportunity to meet people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Give yourself time to get used to being in a new setting, and remember that making friends takes time.
At the University of Reading there are opportunities to make new friends and connect with likeminded individuals. Head to the Me@Reading events portal for the full list of events taking place on campus, as well as events taking place within the local community.
Our Weekly Wellbeing events webpage also has wellbeing events taking place every day during Semester time, so you can get your daily dose of wellbeing whilst meeting new people.
Reading Students’ Union has over 80 student led societies, 50 sports clubs and plenty of volunteering opportunities. These are a great chance to meet people and try something new.
International Students can also sign up to the mailing list to keep up to date with exciting events and day trips, and opportunities to connect with fellow International Students.
Living in halls
Our University Halls are a supportive and welcoming community. There are weekly Home at Halls and Hall Mentor events for you to meet fellow students living in halls.
There is a team of dedicated Hall Wardens and Mentors who act as a point of contact for students living within our halls of residence. The team offers support and guidance on personal and accommodation matters, helping students settle into university life. They provide help with homesickness, mental health concerns, and general wellbeing, and can also point students in the right direction if any academic concerns come up.
You can email wardens@reading.ac.uk or hallmentors@reading.ac.uk to contact the team.
We suggest saving the Halls Hotline number (0800 029 1984) and the emergency number for Security (0118 378 6300) in your phone in case you need urgent support at any point during your time in halls. The Security Team can also make contact with the Warden team for ‘in the moment’ support requests.
Living off campus
If you are living off campus at home or in private or shared accommodation, support is available to you from the University. Our Community Teams and Reading Students’ Union Advice Teams are here to help you settle in, connect with your local community, and make the most out of your time away from campus.
A commuter student is a student who chooses to live in the local area either independently or with family and commute to university. If you are a commuter student, our living off campus webpage has lots of information about travelling to the university, spaces to relax on campus, useful resources, and commuter student networks.
As well as being a member of the University of Reading’s community, you also are a member of the wider community. Your wider community has lots of exciting opportunities for you to explore, including shopping, food, events, volunteering and more.
Connecting with your new local area can also help you get settled into University life. Find your new favourite places and activities, and make the local area your home away from home.
At Reading, we are committed to creating a safe, fun and respectful environment - where we can all thrive and a community where we all look out for one another. University can bring exciting new opportunities for you to develop relationships and explore personal opportunities of self-development.
Sexual health is an important part of physical and mental health as well as your emotional and social wellbeing. It's important to take care of your sexual health and we want you to be safe, feel good about yourself, feel comfortable and accepted in your sexual preference and be confident to make healthy relationship choices regardless of your gender.
If you are sexually active, take the time to time to understand the facts and issues surrounding contraceptives and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
For more advice, information or to discuss your contraceptive options, pregnancy or STI’s you can talk to a doctor or nurse at your local GP surgery, the University Welfare team or the local sexual health service: Safe Sex Berkshire
Get free condoms and lube packs through the C-Card scheme if you’re aged between 13 and 24.
Consent Matters - Boundaries, respect, and positive intervention
Talking about sex and consent can be difficult, but it is so important that we all build a shared understanding of what consent is, how to respect boundaries, tackle harassment and positively intervene in a situation to help others. Consent is agreeing by choice and having the freedom and capacity to choose.
We expect all students to complete the Consent and tackling harassment training programme.
The course is all online, so you can work through the material privately and at your own pace.
Sexual violence, harassment and hate crime are #NeverOK and reporting of incidents via Report + Support is encouraged.
At the University of Reading, we are committed to creating a safe, fun and respectful environment for all where we can all thrive and a community where we all look out for one another.
Report and Support
Sexual violence, harassment and hate crime are #NeverOK and reporting of incidents via Report + Support is encouraged.
Report and Support is an online tool for staff, students and visitors to report issues of harassment, bullying, sexual misconduct, hate crimes, and other problematic behaviours. Users can either report with their name and details to receive support from the University, or they can report anonymously.
We expect all students to behave respectfully and look out for the safety and wellbeing of each other online, on campus and in the local area.
Looking after our friends, calling out behaviour that makes others feel unsafe or worried, and reporting problematic behaviours helps us to keep the University a safe and inclusive environment where everyone feels able to be themselves and enjoy university life.
People use alcohol and drugs for many reasons - some to have fun and socialise, some to fit in, some to experiment and others to escape feelings.
It’s important to stay informed about the decisions you are making and always consider the impact of your actions. Drugs and alcohol can negatively effect your mental and physical health, they can lead you to do things you would not do sober, they are expensive, addictive and in many cases illegal. Throw in the mix that illegal substances are completely unregulated and you cannot be sure what you are consuming or mixing proves a really dangerous gamble.
At no point should you ever feel pressured into using drugs or alcohol. Be firm on your choice and remove yourself from the situation if your decisions aren’t being respected.
Any student involved in antisocial or criminal behaviour, including using or supplying illegal drugs, will face disciplinary action from the University. You also may be referred to the Police. A drug conviction, or even a caution, could get you expelled from the University and seriously restrict your eligibility for certain careers.
If you are concerned about your drinking, drug use, smoking or vaping, you can speak confidentially to the welfare team. Someone is always available to listen and suggest ways to make things better.
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Knowing your units will help you stay in control of your drinking. With so many different drinks and glass sizes, from shots to pints – not to mention bottles – it's easy to get confused about how many units are in your drink. Alcohol change
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Advice for someone else - Talking about drug and alcohol use
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You can find out more about different drugs on the Drugs A to Z or call FRANK on 0300 123 6600 at any time, day or night.
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See emergency help on the back page if you are someone
Most students find themselves on a tight budget, so managing your money can help alleviate worries allowing you to focus on your studies.
Budgeting is all about knowing what money is coming in and going out over a set period. Planning ahead can help you take control of your money and feel confident with your spending.
With the rising cost-of-living there has never been a more important time to manage your money to help it go as far as possible. With the cost of essentials like rent, utility bills and food along with the non-essential you’ll want money left for having fun.
The Student Financial Support Team can support on money related matters, whether its regarding your tuition fee or maintenance loan, Bursaries and Awards or if you are experiencing unexpected financial difficulties. The team can help you best manage your money at university based on your personal circumstances.
Email the team at studentfunding@reading.ac.uk
You can also book an appointment with a member of the team, and find advice and resources and information on funding and bursaries, on the Money Matters website
Reading SU also offer free and independent money advice and support with welfare benefit applications. Reading SU money advisors are also qualified to offer debt advice.
Book an appointment with a member of the Student Advice Team
Blackbullion
As a University of Reading student you have free access to the financial learning platform, Blackbullion.
Blackbullion offers courses, tools and practical advice to help you understand and better manage your finances while at University.
Find out more and create your free account
Get the most of your money at university
The University and Reading SU’s guide to making the most of your money at university has advice on managing all aspects of living costs whilst you are studying as well as opportunities to earn while you learn with part-time roles.
Earn while you learn
Campus Jobs advertise part-time roles for paid opportunities on campus. Gain valuable experience and some extra cash to support your studies.
Weekly Wellbeing Events
Spending time relaxing and connecting with fellow students is an investment in your wellbeing. There are wellbeing events taking place across our campuses every day of the week.
Take some time out from your studies and join us at one of our weekly wellbeing events!
At the University of Reading there are opportunities to make new friends and connect with likeminded individuals. Head to the Me@Reading events portal for the full list of events taking place on campus, as well as events taking place within the local community.
Weekly Wellbeing Events
Spending time relaxing and connecting with fellow students is an investment in your wellbeing. There are wellbeing events taking place across our campuses every day of the week.
Take some time out from your studies and join us at one of our weekly wellbeing events!
Access at your leisure, these guides and videos have been produced to support your understanding and offer a path to improvement on challenges you might be facing at University.
Listen to other students share advice on settling in, managing anxiety and stress, getting a good nights sleep and preparing to graduate.
Make the most of your time at Reading by expanding your horizons, undertaking additional learning, developing new interests and having fun. Create your own bespoke student journey. Enhance your degree and University experience by participating in the many extracurricular opportunities available to you while you are a student.
Someone to talk to 24 hours a day
All students have access to the 24HR support line – Call, live chat or video call confidentially with our experts day or night.
Call 0800 023 2466 or download the Wisdom app for free on the apple and Google Play stores to access all services for free.
Supporting you, it’s what we do
Ask us a Question - Let us signpost you to the right support.
Drop into Carrington Building during opening hours to access:
The Reading Students’ Union Advice Teams are also on-hand to discuss all aspects of University life The Advice Service is free, confidential, non-judgemental, independent and non-discriminatory. No information will be shared with the University or anyone else without your permission.
Keep up to date with the Student app and receive weekly wellbeing app notifications, as well as a place you can find all the university news and updates in one place
Emergencies
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Call 999 for emergency services (fire, ambulance, police) If you find yourself in an emergency. This is when you or someone else is seriously ill or injured and a life is at risk.
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You can also visit the Royal Berkshire A&E department 24 hours a day with any medical emergencies
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Call 0118 378 6300 in the case of an emergency on campus. The University Security Team will be able to assist you in contacting the emergency services if necessary.
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Call free 116 123 to contact the Samaritans 24 hours a day. Whatever you're going through, a Samaritan will face it with you.
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Call 0800 129 9999 to contact the NHS Mental Health Crisis Team. If you need urgent mental health support.
Less Urgent situations
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Call 111 (NHS) or your GP If you have an urgent medical problem and need advice.
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Contact Your doctor/GP practice.
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For help on campus Call 0118 378 7799 for non-emergency campus security concerns.
If you're worried about someone
If you are concerned about someone’s welfare and think they need support, please encourage them to use the Student Wellness Check or come in to see the Welfare team. You can call them on 0118 378 4777. If they are living in halls, you can also contact the relevant Hall Warden. We will always act upon concerns raised although sometimes we are unable to speak to you about concerns you have raised due to confidentiality.
Take a look at our section Medical and general health for more information on local GP's, signs and symptoms to be aware of, and information in relation to your health at university