IFP induction

Your induction sessions will take place on:

• Monday 18 September, from 10:30 to 14:30, in Palmer 109 (there will be a lunch break between 12-1 with refreshments served).
  and
• Tuesday 19 September, 10:00 to 11:00, in Chancellors G06.

View a map of our Whiteknights campus (PDF)

What is an induction and how will it take place?

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

Starting on Monday 18 September, 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.

Welcome activities

Your induction will be spread over multiple talks, meetings and module taster sessions throughout Welcome Week (18 to 22 September 2023). Please check the UoR Welcome App for your timetable.

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.

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
• a mask or face covering if required by your airline or country of origin
• 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 United Kingdom 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.

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 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 from the University.

A kitchen pack includes essential kitchen items such as plates, cutlery, pots and pans. You can order a kitchen pack online.

Catering

The University offers three eating 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 the University hospitality website to find out about the foods on offer.

If you have any questions, the support teams at the University of Reading are ready to help. Your most useful contacts include: 

International Foundation Programme Team

Email: ifp@reading.ac.uk

Telephone: +44 118 378 6985

Student Services Helpdesk

Email: studenthelp@reading.ac.uk

Telephone: +44 118 378 5555

Global Recruitment Team (International)

Email: international@reading.ac.uk

Telephone: +44 118 378 3838

IFP Admissions Team

Email: ifpadmissions@reading.ac.uk

Telephone +44 118 378 8372

International Advisory Team

Email: int.adv@reading.ac.uk