Once you have decided to study at the University of Reading and have been accepted onto your course, there are a number of steps you need to take before you begin your studies.

The new starter checklist specifically for our International community, includes everything you need to know before joining the University.

As well as the admin relating to your course, there are also important considerations before you travel including your health and wellbeing, how you are preparing for your studies and plans for travelling to campus.  It will be your priority to also find somewhere to live before you arrive in the UK. All important information is detail in the new starter checklist for International arrivers. 

Enrolment is officially joining the University.  To be full enrolled, you need to complete 2 stages of the enrolment process.  The first part of enrolment takes place online via the student record system - RISIS. Online enrolment is open for all new students with a confirmed place. It is important to do this as soon as possible.

Read more about enrolment and completing Stage 1 & Stage to become a student.

During online enrolment, you will need to pay your fees or let us know how you intend to pay, e.g., with a student loan or scholarship. International payments can take several days to be received by the university so please allow sufficient time for this as enrolment cannot be completed until fee payment is received by the University. We advise payment is made before you travel to the UK. Find out more about how to pay your tuition fees.

Enrolment in Person  
Once you have checked into your accommodation, head to the Palmer building to complete enrolment.  This is the first step in officially joining the University and once enrolment is complete you will have access to your IT accounts and services and all other online and in-person services.  You will not be able to commence your studies until enrolment has been completed. If you cannot enrol during the Welcome Week, please complete your in-person enrolment as soon as you can once you have arrived on campus. For late enrolment, this will be done in the Miller Building. You must arrive and complete your in-person enrolment by the latest enrolment date specified on your CAS.

Finances
You can open a bank account before or when you arrive in the UK.  Read out advice on getting the most from your account.

Your wellbeing
If you have paid the IHS (International Health Surcharge), you will be entitled to free healthcare, which includes visiting a doctor, hospital visits/treatment and emergency health support. However, this does exclude prescriptions, opticians and dental care. You will then need to register with a GP surgery. 

Register with the University Medical Group - Staff from the surgery will also be on campus and in Palmer Building during Welcome Week 10.00am - 4.00pm from 14 - 20 September to take your registrations and answer your questions. Please look out for our purple tops and hoodies.  You should also register with a local dentist for dental care during your study years.

Making the most of Welcome Week
Welcome week is all about settling in, and meeting your academic leads.  The welcome app is your guide to making the most of your arrival week.  The app will allow you to create a personalised schedule of important introduction sessions and any social events you might like to attend.  The Welcome app will be available to download in app stores from September.

For most students, your academic timetable will be issued during welcome week, for lectures commencing 25 September.  You will be able to view this in the student app which will be your companion throughout your study years.  The student app is only available once you have enrolled.  Use the student app to access the latest news, support information and contacts as well as your timetable.


Maximising your University experience and outcomes
We understand there is a lot to take in, but when you have time to read, take a looks at some highlights of support and opportunities that you have access to as a student:

Opportunities as a UoR student and much more...

• Life Tools Programme
• Reading students union advice service
• Welfare and counselling services
• RED Award
• Academic English Programme
• Study advice
• How to use Blackboard
• Joining and how to use the library
• Student life events

External social and cultural support programmes

The Host UK programme: Host families from all over the UK are eager to welcome you to their homes for a day trip, a weekend or a short term stay to learn more about British culture and see a different place outside of Reading.

The Newcomers group is a group that is dedicated to supporting your dependents with making friends, learning English and being part of a supportive community. Join the Facebook group.