IFP induction information - International Study and Language Institute, University of Reading

We look forward to welcoming you to the International Foundation Programme (IFP) at the University of Reading.

Whether you’re on a one-year IFP or a four-year integrated programme with International Foundation Year (IFY), you will join us for the IFP welcome induction.

Enrolment

Online enrolment is open now to IFP January 2025 students with a confirmed place. However, please note online enrolment will be unavailable on 7 and 8 January.

To find out how to complete enrolment, please visit and follow the steps on our enrolment webpage.

Induction

Your induction (welcome sessions) will be held on:

Friday 10 January on Whiteknights Campus

9:00-15:00 Global Study Lounge, Room 230, Edith Morley Building, Whiteknights Campus

View a map of our Whiteknights campus (PDF)

What is an induction and how will it take place?

Your International Foundation Programme (IFP) induction day provides you with all the essential information you need to prepare for studying at the University of Reading.

On Friday 10 January, you will join members of staff and other new IFP students and take part in induction sessions and activities.

Key features of these sessions include:

instructions on how to complete the registration process
where to find help and support on campus
meeting your tutors
learning about the possible modules to study
registering for the modules you will study
learning about Blackboard, our virtual learning platform
meeting other students on the IFP.

Semester dates

Semester 1: 30 September 2024 - 7 February 2025

Semester 2: 10 February 2025 - 13 June 2025

What if I need assistance?

If you have any questions relating to your enrolment, induction or programme, please get in touch with the IFP team at ifp@reading.ac.uk.

International student checklist

Check the things you need to do before and after you arrive in the UK to ensure you can begin your studies.

What to bring with you to the UK

Make sure you carry the following items in your hand luggage when you arrive in the UK:

passport
any offer letters you have from the University of Reading
academic transcripts and original or certified copies of qualifications
evidence of financial support, for example, bank statements or details of scholarships or awards
the address of your accommodation in Reading
please note, the food outlets on campus are cashless and only accept bank cards.
money – we suggest you check that your bank card will work in the UK and that you obtain a pre-paid contactless card with UK currency on it up to the value of £250.

Do you have a disability that affects your studies?

This may be a physical disability or a learning disability (e.g. dyslexia). If so, then you may be entitled to special help and support and should do the following:

bring certificates or records from home as proof of diagnosis of your disability
ensure these are in English or get them translated prior to arrival
take your documents to the Disability Advisory Service in the Carrington Building on campus, preferably in your first week at the University. You can also seek advice from IFP staff.

Important: cash declaration rules

If you are travelling to the UK there are rules regarding how much money you can carry with you.

For more information, please see the UK government advice on cash allowances.

Your luggage

It is illegal to import many food items (especially meat or dairy products) into the UK. Many of the foods you usually eat at home can easily be found in UK shops.

For more information, please see the UK government advice on travelling with food products.

Check if you need to bring an adaptor and/or voltage converter for electrical equipment.

Accommodation

For students who have a confirmed place in halls

You are required to provide your own towels and bed linen. If you have applied for accommodation and received an offer for a room, you can order your bedding, cleaning or kitchen packs online.

Please remember to purchase a pack before you arrive. Alternatively, there are several shops in Reading town centre where you can buy towels and bedding.

Self-catering

In self-catering accommodation you are responsible for buying and cooking your own food, this includes providing your own cooking utensils. Rather than travelling to the UK with these items, you can purchase a kitchen pack, which includes essential items such as plates, cutlery, pots and pans. The kitchen pack costs £70.04 for a standard hob pack and £105.81 for an induction hob pack.

Catering

The University offers four types of meal plans that are available for students with both catered and self-catered accommodation. With 13 catering outlets spread across the University, there’s a large selection of food for you to choose from. Visit Clever Cuisine’s website to find out the foods on offer.