2025-26 Semester 2
Upcoming Events
Check below to find details about the latest 'one-off' and infrequent events happening in the Global Study Lounge, on campus, and in the wider community on, for, and around, global, international, cultural and intercultural themes as well as different communities, groups, and voices.
For an overview of the events and activities taking place in, and associated with, the Global Study Lounge, see 'Activities and Events' and the 'Event Notices' landing page.
Events are listed below in reverse chronological order, with the most recently announced event(s) appearing at the top. NB: You may need to scroll down for the current date.
Semester Two 2025/26
--------------------------------------------------
Week 1
--------------------------------------------------
Reading Trans Peers – Monthly Meet-Up
We are a new, community-led, peer support group for trans adults in Reading, Berkshire and beyond. We are run exclusively by trans volunteers who organise monthly peer-to-peer support meetings for anyone under the trans umbrella. We welcome transgender, non-binary, genderqueer, gender-questioning people and all other trans identities. Our goal is to bring trans people together to share experiences, comfort and support.
Every meeting starts with a chosen discussion theme announced in advance. The group can expand on this theme, use it as a conversation starter, or talk about anything else they’d like. Everyone can share their experiences, or stay and listen to others' experiences without the obligation to share.
For more info, and to sign up to attend, head to our Linktree.
Date: Sunday 15th February 2026
Time: 16:30 - 18:30
Venue: The Rising Sun Arts Centre, 30 Silver Street, Reading, RG1 2ST.
Price: FREE
--------------------------------------------------
Reading Symphony Orchestra Valentine’s Concert
Join Reading Symphony Orchestra this Valentine's Day for a programme filled with romance and optimism featuring Charlie Lovell-Jones.
Date: Saturday 14th February 2026
Time: From 19:30
Venue: Great Hall, Reading University, London Road, RG1 5AQ
Price: £19.80 / £8.30 students
--------------------------------------------------
Fall head over heels at our Valentine’s Silent Disco! Step into a love-filled wonderland and dance under glowing lights to the beats you love. For just £5, grab your headphones and join the feel-good dance floor.
Bring your date, your friends, or come along solo and soak up the Valentine’s vibes. Make it a night Cupid would love.
Date: Saturday 14th February 2026
Time: From 19:00
Venue: Market House, 1 & 2 Market Place, Reading, RG1 2EQ
Price: £5.00
--------------------------------------------------
Join us for a magical evening at GLOW Reading Lantern Parade to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a touch of enchantment! The event will bring colour and light to the dark February night sky and the choir, drumming troupe, large sculptural lanterns and projections are ready to go!
Bring your friends and loved ones and experience the magic of hundreds of beautifully crafted lanterns glowing in the night. The parade will be lead by a batterie of drummers and large sculptural lanterns finishing in Town Hall Square, moving at a slow walking pace suitable for all ages.
Date: Saturday 14th February 2026
Time: From 17:30
Venue: Outside the Broad Street Mall
Price: FREE - Just turn up!
--------------------------------------------------
A fun and welcoming creative writing workshop for writers aged 18-30. Fresh writing prompts, a writing sprint with materials for inspo, space to share your work in a supportive workshop circle and optional detailed notes on your work sent to you after the session.
Tickets available online.
Date: Saturday 14th February 2026
Time: 16:00 - 17:00
Venue: The Rising Sun Arts Centre, 30 Silver Street, Reading, RG1 2ST.
Price: £5.00
--------------------------------------------------
Reading Alternative Valentine's Day Market
We know that not all craft fayres are the same and there are loads of you out there that like to make and buy slightly unusual or 'out there' goodies. So we decided to set up an outlet for this in Reading. And we're coming to the Broad Street Mall for a Valentine's Day treat with a difference!
A selection of weird, wonderful & unusual stuff for sale from 18 local makers. We have Gothic Art, horror greetings cards, alternative clothes, dragons, crystals, skulls, alternative t-shirts, witches hats... the list goes on! Come and be inspired.
Date: Saturday 14th February 2026
Time: 10:30 - 17:00
Venue: Broad Street Mall, Reading, RG1 7QE.
Price: FREE Entry
--------------------------------------------------
This Valentines day, forget soppy poems and flowers, it's time to grab your pals and head to 3SIXTY for a night to remember with the iconic Sum Ting Wong. Bring your 365 party crew and get ready to dance the night away with the DJ spinning your favourite pop anthems all night long!
Expect to hear the best in new pop and LGBTQ icons – Chappell Roan, Lady Gaga, Troye Sivan, Charli XCX, FLETCHER, Ethel Cain, Renee Rapp, Katy Perry, MUNA, Remi Wolf, Taylor Swift, SZA, Ariana Grande, Dua Lipa and LOADS MORE!
Experience the vibrant energy and infectious rhythms of queer music culture. PLUS the first few through the door will get a freebie surprise!
Date: Friday 13th February 2026
Time: 22:00 - 02:00
Venue: 3SIXTY, Reading SU, Whiteknights
Price: From £2.00
--------------------------------------------------
Join as our Reading University Music (RUM) Jazz band take to Mojos Stage with 3 sets throughout the night. Grab a juice, gather your mates, and get ready to unwind in the best bar on campus.
Date: Friday 13th February 2026
Time: 20:00 - 01:00
Venue: Mojos Bar and Kitchen, Reading SU, Whiteknights
--------------------------------------------------
Hosted by Vic Pickup & Katherine Meehan, Reading’s Poets’ Café LIVE brings the very best guests from around the UK alongside an open mic section for local poets to read their work in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Taking place on the 2nd Friday of every month, twenty open mic slots are available to seasoned poets and newcomers alike on a first-come-first-served basis. We welcome poets to read one A4 page or equivalent (approximately 2 minutes) of their best work.
All welcome. This session features James Womack.
Date: Friday 13th February 2026
Time: From 20:00
Venue: South Street, 21 South Street, Reading, RG1 4QU
Price: £4.00 - £5.00
--------------------------------------------------
Pascal Rogé & Elena Font, Piano
Pascal Rogé and Elena Font recently formed a duo by uniting their common passion for sharing music and emotions.
Often side by side, sometimes face to face, they like to use their complicity to explore the different facets of their instrument and the richness of this intimate and poetic French repertoire as well as, the colourful and harmonious Spanish music, two worlds that correspond perfectly with their sensitivity... and with their origins!
Sharing the keyboard of a piano is a very special musical experience, which requires great intimacy between the performers and a deep knowledge of the two personalities, but it is also an intense pleasure to exchange ideas, sounds and emotions to transmit them to the public thanks to two hearts and four hands.
FREE pre-concert talk from 18:30.
Date: Thursday 12th February 2026
Time: From 19:30
Venue: Town Hall - Concert Hall, Blagrave Street, Reading, RG1 1QH
Price: £6.00 students
--------------------------------------------------
The Centre For Autism Wellbeing Hub is delighted to welcome artist and geologist Jon Adams for our February Webinar. Jon's talk is titled "A Conversation with Sparrows- Tales of autistic experience, trauma and wellbeing seen from within a personal creative narrative".
Jon will give a live introduction to the recording of his July 2025 talk, and will hold a live Q&A session afterwards. Jon is both a contemporary artist and researcher. He works in many differing media including sound, drawing and performance, often referencing his autism, synaesthesia and dyslexia, all interwoven with history, science, time and his past experiences.
Date: Thursday 12th February 2026
Time: 19:00 - 21:00
Venue: ONLINE
--------------------------------------------------
Creative Connection - Through A Different Lens
At Through A Different Lens we love film and we love to bring people together. We host film screening events with a focus on underrepresented stories and talent. Our experience includes running film festivals, working on film sets, developing films and outreach and engagement for the creative industries. We believe in great communication, creating immersive experiences and helping everyone to connect with stories and each other.
We will always champion and showcase diversity on screen and behind the camera to as wide and diverse an audience as possible, showcasing storytelling from filmmakers and creatives.
We are an open and inclusive space so even if you are not a creative but just want to watch films you will be welcome. We'll be showing some short films with plenty of time to mingle and chat in the foyer afterwards.
We have some incredible films lined up along with Q+A discussion with the filmmakers.
Date: Thursday 12th February 2026
Time: 18:00 - 21:00
Venue: Reading Biscuit Factory, 1 Queens Walk, Reading, RG1 7QE
Price: £7.75
--------------------------------------------------
Reading Internship Scheme information session
Find out how the Reading Internship Scheme can help you gain valuable, hands-on experience alongside your studies. This session will explain how the scheme works, what roles are available, and how to apply.
Date: Thursday 12th February 2026
Time: 18:00 - 19:00
Venue: Given upon registration
--------------------------------------------------
LGBTQ+ History Month Quiz with LGBT+ Society
Join the LGBT+ Society in Lounge Room 2 for a Kahoot quiz - with prizes for the winners!
Date: Thursday 12th February 2026
Time: 13:00 - 14:00
Venue: Students' Union Lounge Room 2, Whiteknights
--------------------------------------------------
Join your guide for a walking tour that will feature examples of amongst many other things, some buildings from Reading’s 5 world famous Architects and much more.
BOOKING ESSENTIAL. See the website for details or message Terry on 07505351517 or email terry.dixon89@virginmedia.com.
Starting point given upon booking.
Date: Thursday 12th February 2026
Time: 09:50 - 12:15
Price: £5.00 or £10.00 donation of your choice for the guide's charitable causes.
--------------------------------------------------
Valentine's: IKEA Family Sip and Paint
Bring date night to IKEA Reading and join us with a loved one, pals or solo for an evening of painting and non-alcoholic bubbles. Sip our sparkling drink while you spend some quality time painting for date night or as a gift for a loved one this Valentine's Day! Each booked attendee will be given 1 canvas. Frames available to shop in our home decoration department!
Join us in the restaurant, we will provide the drinks, paint and canvas' you bring the creativity! Adults can also eat before or after their slot from £3!
Date: Wednesday 11th February 2026
Time: 16:30 - 18:00
Venue: IKEA Reading, Pincents Kiln Industrial Park, RG31 7SD
Price: FREE
--------------------------------------------------
Mature Student Society - Life tools and Professional Development for Mature (International) Students
If you're a mature international student, join the mature student society to find out more about and discover life tools and opportunities for professional development.
Its also a chance for society members to meet each other and find our more about the society and its activities. If you're not currently a member, but are interested in the society, stop by and speak to one of the committee members to find out more.
Date: Wednesday 11th February 2026
Time: 16:00 - 18:00
Venue: Global Study Lounge, 230, Edith Morley Building, Whiteknights
--------------------------------------------------
Sustainable Action Award: living systems workshop
Learn how to take meaningful, practical action for sustainability through this interactive Living Systems workshop, part of the University of Reading’s RED Sustainable Action Award. You’ll explore how systems thinking can strengthen your employability while making a positive environmental and social impact.
Date: Wednesday 11th February 2026
Time: 15:00 - 16:00
Venue: Given upon registration
--------------------------------------------------
Neurodivergence: navigating the recruitment process
This session explores how neurodivergent students can navigate recruitment with confidence, from applications to interviews and workplace adjustments. You’ll gain practical strategies and hear tips for finding employers who value different ways of thinking.
Date: Wednesday 11th February 2026
Time: 14:00 - 15:00
Venue: Given upon registration
--------------------------------------------------
Feeling anxious about your career? Easy steps to get you started
Feeling stuck or overwhelmed about your future? This session breaks career planning into simple, manageable steps, helping you build clarity, confidence and momentum, no matter where you’re starting from.
Date: Wednesday 11th February 2026
Time: 13:00 - 14:00
Venue: Given upon registration
--------------------------------------------------
Reading Geek and Quiz Night - Odd European Borders
Join Richard Stephenson for fascinating exploration into the strangest geopolitical anomalies across Europe and beyond, where history and geography collide in unexpected ways. You will discover the light-hearted "Whiskey War" over Hans Island, a peaceful "conflict" where Canada and Denmark have spent decades taking turns "invading" the land to exchange bottles of spirits...and much more!
The talk will be following by networking and a Quiz!
Date: Tuesday 10th February 2026
Time: 19:00 - 21:00
Venue: Zerodegrees, 9 Bridge Street, Reading, RG1 2LR
Price: FREE
--------------------------------------------------
South Street Youth Theatre bring some light to deepest, darkest February, showcasing their devising talents with two brand new pieces of original work.
The Seniors 1 group perform ‘Genie’, set in 1206 and the present day, one thing we can say for certain is that no AI was used in the making of this piece, whether the same can be said for some of the characters is left to be discovered…
Seniors 2 bring ‘Into the Light’, diving into the meaning and purpose of existence, told through scenes of myth and legend, we arrive at a heart-warming and life affirming conclusion.
Date: Tuesday 10th & Wednesday 11th February 2026
Time: 18:00 - 21:00
Venue: South Street - Theatre, 21 South Street, Reading, RG1 4QU
Price: £7.00 / £5.00 concessions
--------------------------------------------------
RSU Effective Altruism Society 'GIVE IT A GO!' Event
A chance for society members to meet each other and find our more about the society and its activities at this talk and discussion on their weekly topic.
If you're not currently a member, but are interested in the society, stop by and speak to one of the committee members to find out more.
Date: Tuesday 10th February 2026
Time: 18:00 - 21:00
Venue: Global Study Lounge, 230, Edith Morley Building, Whiteknights
--------------------------------------------------
Explore careers in charities, NGOs and not-for-profits
Discover how you can turn your values into a career by working with charities, NGOs and not-for-profits tackling real-world challenges. This session will explore the wide range of roles available, the skills employers look for, and practical tips for getting started in purpose-driven work.
Date: Tuesday 10th February 2026
Time: 17:00 - 18:00
Venue: Given upon registration
--------------------------------------------------
Inside the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
How Global Science Supports Our Future Climate: The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change brings together expert scientists from around the world to make assessments of climate change its implications and future risks.
The regular assessments that it makes form the scientific basis for international negotiations and national policies to tackle climate change. In this lecture, linked to an IPCC Expert Workshop taking place at the University of Reading, the IPCC Chair, Prof. Jim Skea will give an introduction to how IPCC works and what it does.
Following this introduction a panel of experts from the University of Reading, the Met Office and government will answer your questions about the IPCC and climate change more broadly.
Date: Monday 9th February 2026
Time: 18:30 - 20:00
Venue: G10, Palmer Building, Whiteknights
--------------------------------------------------
At the start of Semester 2, LOADS of Sports Clubs, Society Groups and Volunteering initiatives are doing FREE taster sessions of their specific interest group to give you a chance to try something new, and if you like it, you can join for the rest of the academic year!
Find the full calendar of events here.
If you have questions, we recommend reaching out to the club directly, their details will be in their club page or you can find them on social media to keep up to date with all their activities!
Date: Monday 9th February 2026
Time: From 12:00 on 9/2/26 until 20:00 on 16/2/26
Venue: Various across campus
--------------------------------------------------
Join us in the SU building for a chance to reconnect with your SU and learn about upcoming events, campaigns, and initiatives. Re-discover all the sports, societies, and volunteering opportunities you didn't get round to joining last semester. Sign up for "give it a go" sessions to try out clubs that interest you! Re-charge your wallet with exclusive discounts from external companies like Dominos and Goose and Gander - yes there will be free Pizza!
Date: Monday 9th February 2026
Time: 11:00 - 16:00
Venue: Reading Students' Union, Whiteknights
--------------------------------------------------