Welcome to your December Student Newsletter! In this issue we’ll be sharing festive events on campus, and advice and support for the winter break and into the new year, including staying active, finding support, and things to do if you're staying in Reading.
Wishing you a joyful holiday season, filled with support, connection, and cheer.
Your Student Communications Team
Finding Support
Over the vacation period, the opening hours of our services will be changing. The University closure days will be taking place from the 23 December 2024 to the 3 January 2025. Check out our Student Services over Winter webpage, so you know how and when you can access the support you need.
If you are experiencing any personal worries or concerns throughout the vacation period our 24-hour support line and Wisdom: Learn, grow, thrive app are here for you. You can access the Support Line 24hrs a day, 365 days a year. You can speak to someone on the phone, or live chat via the app. Moreover, the app offers high quality interpreters and translation services in over 240 languages!
Winter break offers a chance to relax and recharge, but it's important to prioritise your mental and physical well-being, whether you're staying in Reading, visiting family, or traveling. Head to Me@Reading for some advice for taking care of yourself over the winter break.
Festive Fun & Celebrations on Campus
If you’re staying in Reading this holiday season, there’s plenty to make campus feel like home. Gather with friends (or make new ones!) at our festive Christmas dinners. There’s no need to pre-book, you can turn up on the day, scan your meal swipe if you are on a meal plan, or pay the student drop-in price (£9.86):
- St Patrick’s Dining Hall – Monday ,16 December, 17:00 – 20:30
- Wantage Dining Hall – Tuesday, 17 December, 17:00 – 20:30
- Park Eat – Wednesday, 18 December, 17:00 – 21:00
- Chaplaincy – festive dinners with local families, to find out more email chaplaincy@reading.ac.uk
You can also find the catering opening times on our winter break opening times webpage.
December is a wonderful time to connect with new friends or groups on campus during Student Life Events and other festive events. Together, we’ll help you make this winter break feel welcoming and connected.
If you’ll be spending the vacation in Reading, or solo - our Student Local Guides have created a blog filled with ideas on things to do, to help you connect with you local Reading community and activities to do if you don't celebrate Christmas. Additionally, Corinne from Student Services has a message for you, whether you celebrate or not.
Stay Active This Winter
Looking for ways to stay energised and active during the winter months? Whether it's a brisk walk, a sports activity, or something new, there are plenty of ways to keep your body and mind healthy this season.
Celebrating our graduates
As we head into December, we’re cheering on our graduates! Winter Graduations are right around the corner (w/c 9 Dec), and we couldn’t be prouder. It’s a time to celebrate hard work, perseverance, and new beginnings. Still exploring your post-graduation options or thinking ahead about your career? Check out our blog for tips and ideas to plan your next steps, and take the opportunity to connect with your new alumni community!
Exam and revision support available to you
Our teams are here to support you as you prepare for your January assessments, check Me@Reading for advice on preparing for the winter break. There are also study resources and upcoming webinars to help you get ready:
- Study Advice will be offering appointments up until Friday, 20 December and then again from Tuesday, 7 January. Book a session to get support with assignments and exam revision strategies.
- Join the Study Advice Preparing for Your Exams webinar on Wednesday, 18 December, 13:00–14:00, where you'll get guidance on creating an effective revision plan, including when, where, and what to study. Book your place
- Need help practicing and developing your mathematical and statistical skills? The Library’s new Maths Support guide provides links to an extensive range of interactive e-resources and video tutorials which you can access at any time to practise and develop your mathematical and statistical skills.
- Also, make sure you’re familiar with the recent changes to examination regulations.
- If you’re not sure how to submit your exam, you can practice it on Blackboard in the ‘Online Exam practice area’
- Check out our student blog with top tips for managing exam stress.
- Reading Students' Union will be relaunching their 'Take a break' sessions in January, offering activities such as crafting, mindful colouring, yoga, to offer you a break from your studies in a relaxed and supportive environment. You can find out more about these events on the Reading Students' Union website.
Before you leave for your winter break
Safety is key, whether you’re on or off campus. From personal safety tips to useful contacts, our Me@Reading article got you covered. And if you’re leaving campus for the break, make sure your space is secure before you go.
Consider donating any leftover non-perishable food to a local foodbank (for instance ReadiFood or Whitley Community Development Association) to reduce waste and help those in need during the holidays. Read more about sustainability over Christmas. Let’s all help make campus a safer and more caring place this winter.
Getting Ready for Semester 2
The holiday season is also a great time to get organised for next semester. Your Semester 2 timetable will shortly be available to you in your Outlook calendar and via the Student App. Schools have been making final tweaks to your timetable, and the Semester 2 timetable will be live to you on Wednesday 11th December.
Please, take a minute to update your contact and bank info on RISIS. This helps us provide the best support, including campaigns like Hello Neighbour, which offers advice for a positive and safe off-campus experience.
Blackboard will be carrying out planned essential maintenance on 6 January 2025 19:00 to 7 January 2025 01:00 (GMT). Everything in Blackboard including Turnitin will not be available during this time
Hopefully, the break will get you motived to be more proactive and take control of your learning, personal and professional development. Why not sign up for one of the new Life Tools talks in the New Year? To get a taste of them, check out the 'getting back into study mode' video for advice on settling into your studies and developing a routine when you return from the winter break.
January/February Life Tool's Talks:
- 22.1.25 Sleep
- 23.1.25 Preparing for exams
- 23.1.24 Learner's mindset
- 29.1.24 Feedback
- 30.1.25 Under pressure?
- 05.2.25 Dealing with setbacks
Stay warm! To keep up-to-date on things happening at the University, follow us on Instagram and download the Student App.