Once you're here

Connecting to University Wi-Fi

In University halls, you will be able to access wifi on a temporary basis until after you have completed enrolment.  Once you have enrolled you get then set up your full University of Reading IT account to access all University IT services. Instructions on how to do this will be in your room on arrival or can be found under useful information on the home at halls app.

Once you have completed enrolment and collected your username and set your password, you will be able to connect to the University’s Wi-Fi network, Eduroam.

 

To connect to Wi-Fi on any device:

1. Go to your networks and select Eduroam
2. Enter your username (format: ab123456@reading.ac.uk) and password you set.
3. You may be asked to confirm some further details before you can connect. Further instructions available from the DTS webpages. 

On accessing your email for the first time, you will be asked to complete set up for Multi-Factor Authentication. We take the safety and security of our staff and students very seriously, and this works in much the same way as two-factor authentication in online banking and social media.

This would generally involve either saying ‘Approve’ to a login notification on your smartphone or entering a unique code available on your phone. We recommend that you download the Microsoft Authenticator App on your smartphone to help you do this.

For more information view our full student IT Guide.

Students need to formally enrol with the University before they can be fully registered. You need to enrol to access your University of Reading email, teaching timetable, Blackboard, MS Teams, Me@Reading and RISIS Portal. When you are enrolling you will need to tell us whether you will be starting ‘on campus’ or ‘at a distance’.

This year, we have two enrolment statuses:

1. ‘On-campus’ – for students attending face-to-face sessions on campus
2. ‘At a distance’ – for students studying remotely

You can change your status if, for example, you select ‘at a distance’ at the start of term but are able to attend ‘on campus’ later in the autumn.

'On campus' enrolment – how to enrol:

• Log in to RISIS to start enrolment - you will need to have some personal details about yourself. Use your Reading ID number as the username and your date of birth in the format DDMMYYYY as the password.
• Pay half of your fees or indicate how your fees will be paid (i.e. Student Loan Company, sponsor).
• Your enrolment will be fully completed once you have arrived on campus and collected your Campus Card. Collect your Campus Card from Monday 18th to Friday 22nd January in the Carrington Building (Ground Floor reception) from 11am until 1pm & 2pm until 4pm each day.
• Remember, if you are travelling from outside the UK you can only collect your campus card once you’ve arrived and have completed self-isolation per Government guidelines. Make sure you leave enough time to complete this and collect your card.
• Remember to bring appropriate photo ID (Passport, Driving Licence, Military ID) with you, or if no photo ID, you should bring two forms of letters such as birth certificate, bank or utility service letter with your name and address on.
• Please note you must not visit campus to collect your Campus Card if you have symptoms of COVID-19, or you are required to self-isolate for another reason (for example, if you have arrived in the UK from overseas and you need to complete 14 days of ‘quarantine’).

'At a distance' enrolment – how to enrol:

• Log in to RISIS to start enrolment - you will need to have some personal details about yourself. Use your Reading ID number as the username and your date of birth in the format DDMMYYYY as the password.
• Pay half of your fees or indicate how your fees will be paid (i.e. Student Loan Company, sponsor).
• If you tell us you will be ‘at a distance’ you will need to tell us when you expect to arrive and the cause of your delay.
• Once we have checked your uploaded documents and completed the next stage of the process on your behalf, you Will be notified and your enrolment is complete

IMPORTANT: Current students who need to collect a campus card due to studying via distance in the Autumn term can collect can also do so at the above time and place.

NEWS & INFORMATION

- For information about your time at the University of Reading, important updates and details about your studies, you will have access to our Student Portal, Me@Reading; This will be available to you up to 24 hours after completing your enrolment and collecting your university username and password.

- Our Student Essentials pages are a brilliant resource, with information about every part of your University life. A great first point of reference for any questions or issues you might have.

COMMUNICATIONS

- To keep in touch with your University academic staff, support services and peers, you will be provided with access to Outlook via Me@Reading and Office365. Your email account comes with a calendar, and standard Outlook functionality. It's important that you use your Outlook email account to check for invitations to meetings and sessions from your department. These will be sent to your University email address and whilst we operate online may contain important links to join virtually.

- There is chat functionality available in Microsoft Teams that you might find useful for "live" conversations with other members of the University; Depending on your department, you may be invited to meetings with members of staff on Microsoft Teams. These are easy to join, just click the link in your invitation email.

BLENDED LEARNING

- Your school will be in touch with you to confirm how you will receive teaching this year, it is likely that your online sessions will be delivered via Blackboard Collaborate and Microsoft Teams.

- There are mobile apps available for both systems and you may wish to download these in advance of term, with MS Teams app available through O365.

MODULE INFORMATION AND ASSESSMENTS

- Blackboard is a vital tool in your student journey. You can use the Blackboard app, or via your smartphone or device. You will be asked to submit assignments through Turnitin. A great video explaining how to use Blackboard can be found on our Student Essentials webpages; Our Teaching & Learning teams have put together lots of resources on using Blackboard.

Blackboard Ally is an add-on to Blackboard Learn, which focuses on making digital course content more accessible to all students. You will be able to download your course content in the format that fits best with your learning needs. PDF, HTML, .EPUB and Audio files are now available for most content items

For specific questions about online course content, please contact your lecturer/tutor. For general queries (e.g. enrolment in Blackboard courses) contact your Student Support Centre.

STUDENT RECORDS

The RISIS portal provides access to your student records. This is essential information you will need throughout your studies and gives access to important services such as enrolment, viewing your exam timetables and paying your University fees.

TEACHING TIMETABLE

To view your teaching timetable, and for more information, visit this page.

International students are also being asked to upload copies of their ID and Immigration documents before arrival. Pre-arrival immigration checks will then take place. Therefore, on arrival international students should follow the normal campus card collection process. 

Campus Card collection is open from Monday 11 to Friday 22 January in the Palmer Building (room G01/02) on Whiteknights Campus from 10am – 3pm each day.

Remember: if you are travelling from outside the UK you can only collect your campus card once you’ve arrived and completed self-isolation per Government guidelines. Make sure you leave enough time to complete this to collect your Campus Card.

For those that need to collect their BRP, further information is available on these dedicated pages. For students who have difficulties uploading their immigration evidence, the Admissions team will be present in the Palmer building during the above times.

If you are applying outside of the UK to study for longer than 6 months or extending your stay to study at the University of Reading, then you will be issued with a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).

Your BRP is a credit card sized card that is issued by the Home Office as evidence of your immigration permission.

You will need to collect this within 10 days of arriving in the UK (if you are not required to quarantine), or within 10 days of completing any required period of quarantine.

For more information, visit our webpages on your BRP.

Once you've completed enrolment, your University username and password gives you access to important things like your email, timetable, and other online resources. Follow the steps below to get your details.

1. Log into the RISIS portal at: risisweb.reading.ac.uk 
2. Follow the link titled ‘Click here to collect your University username’ 
3. Make a note of your username and set your password. 

If you forget your password you can get a reminder at password re-set.  You can also use this service to change your password to something more memorable (but still secure). Keep your details safe (and don’t share them) as they are your key to our facilities and services.

How to access the University Wi-Fi network

 

Once you have completed enrolment and collected your username and set your password, you will be able to connect to the University’s Wi-Fi network, Eduroam with the following steps on any device:

1. Go to your networks and select Eduroam
2. Enter your username (format: ab123456@reading.ac.uk) and password you set.
3. You may be asked to confirm some further details before you can connect. Further instructions available from the DTS webpages. 

Having problems?

If you're on campus, visit the Library DTS helpdesk. If you're not on campus, contact +44 (0) 118 378 6262. You can also check the Student IT guide. 

You may have used the Me@Reading applicant portal before joining, but now you’re a fully enrolled student you have access to the Me@Reading student portal.
Me@Reading gives you easy access to everything you need during your time here, including:

• your email inbox
• your academic timetable 
• quick links to useful resources like Blackboard and the RISIS portal
• personalised news, articles and events
• reminders.

Use your University username and password to log in at: reading.ac.uk/student

Once you've fully enrolled, you will have your university username and password. This will give you access to a number of important systems, including your University of Reading email account. It's very important that you check your university email account on a regular basis as this is where you will receive emails from your School or Department, as well as other services and departments around the university.

Your email account is provided through Office 365. Go to https://outlook.office.com and login using your University username and password.

Selection of modules for some years of study takes place in January. If this applies to you, you will receive an email to your University account with instructions about how to complete this process.

Compulsory modules for your programme of study will be assigned to your record automatically. You then need to select your optional modules and let the module selection team know this so that they can add these to your RISIS record. Do this as soon as possible to help avoid:

• timetable clashes (where timetables have already been scheduled);
• missing any lectures, practicals or assessments (if term has started);
• missing out on places for modules which have restricted numbers.

 

STEP 1

Check to see what optional modules are available on your programme of study. You can find the list of optional modules by logging into your RISIS portal. 

Select > Information > Programmes and Modules > Your modules selection information 2020/21

STEP 2

View all information about modules here Module Descriptions.

STEP 3

You can view modules which are now full on our excel spreadsheet.

STEP 4

Select your optional modules from the list on RISIS. Please make sure that you follow any of the pre or co-requisites for any modules you have selected, as well as the Programme Specifications.

STEP 5

You can speak to your Programme Director or Academic Tutor for guidance on which modules to choose.

STEP 6

Check your timetable to make sure there are no timetable clashes for your selected modules.

STEP 7

Email moduleselection@reading.ac.uk using your university email account and give us the module codes and titles of modules you have selected.

STEP 8

The module selection teams will process your request and will email you to confirm that your selection has been added to your RISIS record.

You’ll be spending a lot of time in Reading over the next few years, so it's important to sign up with a doctor’s surgery (GP) and dentist in the local area. Also, students are considered a higher risk group for contracting meningitis, so if you haven't already had the MenACWY vaccine to protect against meningitis, make sure to request this from your new GP shortly after arriving.

- University Medical Practice 0118 987 4551

- Chancellor House Surgery 0118 931 0006

- Green Road Surgery (Parkside Family Practice) 0118 926 0026 

To find out about local doctors in the area, visit: reading.ac.uk/doctors

For information on choosing a doctor, please see the NHS choices website.

University Dental Surgery

The University Dental Surgery provides a comprehensive dental service under the terms of the National Health Service. The Dental Surgery is open to staff, students and members of the public. The Dental surgery will undertake NHS and private work.

Visiting the surgery and booking an appointment:
9 Northcourt Avenue (behind the University Medical Practice) 
Telephone: +44 (0)118 975 9660 
Opening Hours: 09:00-13:00 and 13:30pm -17:00 Monday to Friday

International students

EU students

EU students are entitled to use the National Health Service - however you must have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), otherwise you could be charged.

Non-EU students

When you applied for the Tier 4 visa you most likely would have paid the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) which entitles you to use the National Health Service (NHS). When you are accessing healthcare, it is important to take your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) with you just in case they ask to see it.

If you have not paid the IHS because you have a visa to study, work or join family in the UK for less than 6 months, you are still allowed to use healthcare services. However, you will be charged for using them. In these case we recommend that you consider purchasing insurance before your arrival.

Every student at Reading is allocated an Academic Tutor – a member of academic staff in your school or department who acts as a key point of contact throughout your degree.

Academic Tutors work in partnership with students and the University’s wider support services to support your academic, personal and professional development. 

Your Academic Tutor can help you to: 

• make decisions in relation to your course 
• work on a plan to support your academic and personal development 
• connect you with other academics in your field of study 
• make the most of the wide range of development opportunities on offer 
• refer you to other University support services as appropriate. 

You should meet with your Academic Tutor at least once a term to discuss your academic progress and development. For more information, visit: reading.ac.uk/academic-tutors

You can see who your Academic Tutor is on the RISIS portal. Log into RISIS and select ‘Programme and Modules’, then ‘Programme Information’. Alternatively you can contact your Support Centre.

Library 

Find out about the books and resources you need for your studies. With thousands of print and digital resources, including a wide range of e-books, e-journals and key databases that are easily accessible via our catalogue, we’re sure you’ll find what you need in no time.

• Information for new Library users
• Information for international students: More specific information for international students about how the Library can help 
• Subject  guides: Written by Academic Liaison Librarians, these guides will help you to explore key resources in your subject area.
• Library services: Find out what services are available from the Library and how they are being delivered
  
   

Blackboard

Blackboard is our online Virtual Learning Environment, where you will find lecture notes, reading lists, and other course materials.

Find out more about Blackboard

Whiteknights campus 

Download our map of Whiteknights campus.

Our main campus is set in 130 hectares of beautiful parkland, so you'll find plenty of places to relax during the day.

The campus is a thriving community and features the Students' Union, Library, places to eat and one of the UK's best student clubs.

It also boasts two on-site museums - the Cole and Ure Museums.

You have everything you need right on your doorstep.

 

London Road campus

Our London Road campus has recently undergone a £30 million transformation. 

This historic site, one of the University's original campuses, is home to the Institute of Education and the new School of Architecture. 

It features the Great Hall, which is used for concerts and graduation ceremonies, and a bar/cafe that serves hot and cold food.

Download our map of London Road campus.

It is also neighbour to the renowned Museum of English Rural Life.

 

Greenlands campus

Home to one of Europe's top business schools, our stunning Greenlands campus is situated on the banks of the River Thames near Henley.

It features a fully equipped fitness centre, business facilities, a conference centre, accommodation and dining room. Greenlands is used by the University's Henley Business School as a base for its MBA and corporate learning.

Download our map of Greenlands campus.

Have a look at the dedicated section on facilities and socialising on campus and in Reading under the current conditions. To find out which venues are open in Reading check the livingreading map.

The Reading Borough Council website has further information on travel, social distancing routes and safety measures, and the latest information on shops and the high street.

The Support Centre, Henley Helpdesk or ISLI Helpdesk is your first port of call for help with any questions or issues.

Dedicated Student Support Co-ordinators based in the Support Centres are there to help you with a range of both Teaching and Learning related and non-academic issues, including coursework, timetabling, placements and welfare support.

There are five Support Centres located across our Whiteknights and London Road campuses, so you’re never far from help and advice: 

• Edith Morley building
• JJ Thomson building
• Earley Gate Agriculture building
• London Road building L016
• Foxhill House.

You’re free to use any of the Support Centres across the University depending on which is most convenient for you. You may be referred to another specialist support service to help you with your query if appropriate.

You can visit the Support Centres in person, or you can call or ask a question online. Find out more at: reading.ac.uk/support-centres

Life Tools is a programme of free talks open to all students which aims to increase your knowledge and learn practical skills to help you achieve your potential. Life Tools helps you to:

• manage academic demands effectively
• improve your resilience when life becomes challenging
• enhance your personal wellbeing.
• achieve a certificate of attainment for your CV

Find out more at: reading.ac.uk/life-tools

Blackbullion offers courses and advice to help students understand and better manage their finances while at University.

As a University of Reading student this service is free to you.Create an account, or login at blackbullion.com.

Studying abroad is great way to challenge yourself and grow. We offer our students a range of international opportunities, depending on your course. You could spend two weeks, a semester, or an academic year abroad. This can be an integrated part of your degree, or shorter lengths of time abroad on opportunities such as field trips or summer schools at our partner universities. We have links with universities across Europe, the Americas, Asia and Australia.

Wherever you want to go, start your journey at: studyabroad.reading.ac.uk.

 

How to view your timetable. The University uses a system called CMISGo to display student timetables. To view your timetable, go to timetable.reading.ac.uk and log in using your University username and password.

Once logged in, you can select to view your timetable by day, week or month, using the Timetables drop-down in the top right of the page. More information is available on our Your Timetable page.

Timetables will be available to view from Monday 21 September.

Transition to Higher Education

Our Study Advice team have put together some resources to help prepare you for studying at university:

• Study tips for students new to university
• Master's students
• International students

 

At the University of Reading, we want to make sure that your transition to higher education is as smooth as possible, so you can make the most out of your time here. Here are a few suggestions on ways to make sure you settle in well to university, as well as some of the services we can offer to help you get the best start to your studies.

Tips for settling in

Have a look at the dedicated section on facilities and socialising on campus and in Reading under the current conditions.

• Introduce yourself to others 

Introducing yourself to new people can feel a little daunting, but remember that everyone is probably just as nervous when starting university. A good idea is to bring a door-stop to prop the door open when you’re moving in; the chances are that someone will walk past your room which is an opportune moment to say hello. Another approach is to arrive prepared with some cake or biscuits to offer and share with your new housemates.

• Make your room a ‘home away from home’

As for many students starting university, it will be your first time living away from home. Why not put up some posters, buy a house plant or a rug to make your accommodation a nice and welcoming environment, and put up some pictures of friends and family.

• Give it a go 

Moving to university is a big step, but is also the start of an exciting new chapter in your life. Be brave and take advantage of the opportunities on offer, which might lead to new friendships and even develop new interests or hobbies that you might not have thought to get involved with before!

• Give yourself time 

Do not worry if you haven’t made your new life-long best friend on your first day. Friendships can take a while to form and bear in mind that during the first couple of days you will only have had the chance to meet a small group of people. Make sure you introduce yourself to course mates, neighbours and friends from societies or clubs as well as your housemates. 

• Homesick?

If you’re struggling to adjust to university life and are missing home, don’t panic as there is plenty of support out there to help you.

Support from your peers

Counselling and wellbeing

Support for international students

Religious and spiritual care

For hints, tips and advice from other students, take a look at our Student Life blog. To read about practical wellbeing and health advice, check out the Life Tools blog. 

Making the most of your time in Reading

You can take part in the Reading Experience and Development (RED) Award, which formally recognises the extra things you do outside your studies, including:

• Work experience
• Paid work
• Volunteering
• Training and development

Other University initiatives and events offer great development and experience opportunities and can also count towards the RED Award such as:

• Reading Internship Scheme
• Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programme
• Thrive Mentoring Programme
• Careers Events Programme
• Placements in the curriculum
• Students in Schools
• STaR Mentoring

RUSU - Representing you!

Reading University Students' Union (RUSU) is run by and for students. RUSU runs a wide range of sports clubs, societies, volunteering and social events for you to take part in. Getting involved in a club or society is great way to make new friends and develop new skills as well as existing ones. Check out the RUSU website for more information on what is on offer, as well as more information on the union-run events that happen throughout the year.

RUSU also coordinates and provides diverse opportunities for students to get involved in representation. Academic Reps work to ensure students on every Undergraduate and Postgraduate course are represented and receive the best possible education experience. Becoming an Academic Rep enables you to make positive changes to your course and to build skills in communication, networking and leadership.