Resource hub

Explore our huge range of resources to get all the information you need on choosing and applying to university as well as discovering more about our courses.

Going to university is big choice and there is a lot to consider. Let us walk you through the key topics you should explore when considering your higher education options. For each topic you will find webinars, podcasts, vlogs, blogs and informational booklets so you can digest information in a way most comfortable for you. If you have any questions left unanswered, please get in touch or contact one of our students on UniBuddy.

Why go to Uni?

It seems like a basic question, but your motivation to going to university must be a clear one. Is it for a career? Social life? To study something new? To move to a new place? Read on to find out our students’ motivations and our list of major benefits.

Introduction to university

CHOOSING A COURSE AND A UNI

You might already be set on university but have no idea how to pick what and where you will study. Don’t worry, we have got you covered! Our advisors will give you step by step guide to choosing your university and course.

Subject taster sessions

You can also listen to our Discover Reading podcast where we regularly post interview with lecturer about topical discussions and their research.

To sign up for future taster days, visit our subject tasters page.

Choosing a university and course

Quick guide: Choosing a university and a course

Applying to university

Unless you have a sibling or parent who has recently gone to university, you might have a lot of questions about the process of applying. Whether you are applying in the autumn or after a difficult results day, our students and staff will advise you of the steps to take in these recordings.

WRITING YOUR PERSONAL STATEMENTS

One of the biggest parts of applying to university will be your personal statement. Many of you may never have written anything like a personal statement before so to help you start see our advice below.

The UCAS application process

STUDENT FINANCE AND BUDGETING

Student finance at first seems like a controversial part of going to university. In our events we discuss how it works, how it affects students and how you will eventually repay it. Students will also give you advice on how to make the most of your student loan when budgeting from day to day.

Student Finance works differently for Welsh students so here is our summary.

For more information on fees and funding for UK students, download our guide:

Student Fees and Funding (English) (PDF)
Student Fees and Funding (Urdu) (PDF)
Student Fees and Funding (Punjabi) (PDF)
Student Fees and Funding (Polish) (PDF)
Student Fees and Funding (Arabic) - available soon
Student Fees and Funding for Welsh Students (English language) - available soon
Student Fees and Funding for Welsh Students (Welsh language) - available soon

BTEC to university

Are you studying BTEC and thinking about progressing to university? The University of Reading welcomes applicants from a BTEC background on many of our courses. Check out our resources to start your research and prepare for university study:

Download our college to university quick guide handout
Explore our advice and guidance video playlist all about the transition from BTEC to university
Find out more about entry requirements and admissions
Listen to our podcast episode “Things I wish I’d known… about transitioning from BTEC to uni”
Check out blog posts from our students: How a BTEC set up me up to study BSc Ecology and Wildlife Conservation, and My route to university: BTEC to BSc Zoology.

Quick guide: Living away while at university

The student experience

No student experience is the same, but we have students from all over the UK with specific advice for people from their region. Our YouTube playlists have help top tips from students from:

Wales, including Welsh student finance
West Midlands
South Coast, including advice for students from Peter Symonds, Barton Peveril and Richard Taunton colleges.

We also have blogs, videos, and podcasts from our student ambassador on what it is like to study and live at the University of Reading

A day in the life of a student

Moving to university

Why I choose Reading

“Things I wish I had known…” podcast

INFORMATION FOR PARENTS AND SUPPORTERS

Find all our advice for parents and supporter on our dedicated page. This include things such as:

To hear regular updates for parents and supporters, join our newsletter.

Our community

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Recorded Events and Advice