First year students

Attend your introductory subject talks - We understand that with the combination of your arrival and immersion into student life there is a lot going on. Remember that you don't need to do everything. It is however important that you attend the School welcome sessions and introductions from your Head of Schools, to help you to gain an overview and understanding of your course. These sessions are marked as compulsory on the Welcome app.

Get to know your Academic Tutor - All undergraduate and postgraduate taught students are assigned an Academic Tutor—an academic staff member in your School or Department who serves as your key contact throughout your degree. Academic Tutors work in partnership with students and the University’s support services to enhance your academic, personal and professional development. You can find out more about your Academic Tutors, and how to make the most out of your academic tutor meetings, on Essentials. You should meet with your Academic Tutor at least three times a year to discuss your progress.

Download the UoR Welcome app and UoR student app – Download the Welcome app to keep track of the exciting events, fairs and introductory talks that take place during the University’s Welcome period. Once you have enrolled as a student, make sure to download the UoR Student app to help you stay organised as a student, access your timetable, the keep up to date with latest university news and updates.

Arrived late? Do not worry, out Late Arrivers webpage on Essentials has lots of information on enrolment and also extended Welcome events for late arrivals, relaxed social events with refreshments and games to help you settle in and meet fellow new students.

Get to know your STaR mentor – All undergraduate students and International Foundation Programme students automatically receive a STAR mentor. You should have an email in your inbox (personal and/or student) just before your start at Reading from your very own STaR mentor. They will have been matched with you based on what you are studying or the department you are studying in. A STaR Mentor is a current student who helps new students with their start at university. A bit like a buddy service, your mentor is there to answer any questions you may have and to provide you with an insight into what university is all about.

Get settled into student life with Life Tools - The Life Tools programme is a series of free talks designed by experts to help you transition into university life and enhance your student experience. Attend the Welcome Week talks to learn more about preparing for university life, getting to know others, living and studying in the UK, studying in a second language, living on a student budget and more. You can view the full schedule of Welcome week talks, as well as the programme for the Academic year, on Essentials. 

New to university study guide – the Study Advice Team’s new to university guide is here to help you to understand what you can expect of your university studies, what will be expected of you, and how to develop your existing study techniques to meet these expectations.

Study Smart - To give you the best possible start to your course, we encourage you to complete Study Smart – a free online course that we’ve created especially for all of our new undergraduate students. 

Help yourself to a better degree with Study Advice – The Study Advice Team are here to help you develop academic skills for university level study. To help you get started, check out their upcoming training and events for new students. 

Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) -  is an academic study scheme offered in modules that are known to be difficult and where students struggle to gain good results or understanding of tough concepts. In academic PAL sessions, students are guided through course concepts by their PAL Leader, a fellow student who has been trained in group-facilitation techniques. 

Support Centres – The Support Centres are a great point of contact for all questions, help or advice throughout your time at the University, providing you with the support you need to be successful in your studies and beyond. If you need help navigating your timetable in the first few weeks, or have any questions related to your studies throughout your degree, our Student Support Coordinators are here to help.

Wellbeing guide for settling into university life – When you arrive at university it can feel exciting and overwhelming, our wellbeing guide for settling into university life is here to help you help you navigate the start of your new journey. You can also check out our YouTube video for advice from fellow students on settling into university life.

Looking after yourself at university - our Student Wellbeing teams are here to support you throughout your time at university. Head to our Mental Health and Wellbeing webpages to find out about the support available to you, as well as weekly wellbeing events and self-help guides to help you to take time to invest in your wellbeing.

Talk to someone day or night – our Student Wellbeing Teams are here to help you navigate any problems or worries you experience as a student. As a University of Reading student you also have access to the 24hr Student Support Helpline and Wisdom app, where you can call or live chat with trained professionals for free, confidential, in-the-moment advice 24hrs a day, 365 days a year.

The Disability Advisory Service (DAS) provides information, advice and guidance to current students and applicants who register with our service due to a disability, specific learning difference, long term medical or mental health condition.

We encourage students to register with DAS as early as possible so we are aware of your needs so that necessary support adjustments can be arranged for you. Please register with DAS via RISIS if you have not done so already.

For more information about DAS, and the advice and support available to you, check out Essentials, or you can email disability@reading.ac.uk with any questions you may have.

Student events – attending social events are a great way to connect with new people, and take time out from your studies and invest in your wellbeing. Our weekly wellbeing events webpage highlights weekly free events taking place on and off campus during semester time. You can also check out the Me@Reading events portal for the full calendar of one-off and regular student events taking place on campus and within the local community. 

Joining societies – societies are a great way to stay active and connect with people with similar interests. There are loads of different societies that you can get involved with, check out the Reading Students’ Union website for an A-Z of all the societies at the university. 

Support and advice when living off campus – you may decide to live in off campus private or rented accommodation. 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 living in private accommodation. You can check out the living off campus webpages for advice and support throughout your time in private accommodation.

Support and advice when living in university accommodation - 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 living in halls webpages have advice, support and information to help you make the most of your time in halls.