Supporting international students
Become part of an international community
The Global Study Lounge supports our international student community through its Events and Activities, Conversation Cafés, Global Opportunities, Language Learning and Resources, as well as hosting services, directorates, and academic school and departmental activities from across the University.
Download the WELCOME TO READING INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE to assist you with your arrival in Reading.
You can find further useful information for international students on the following pages:
Find a wide range of support, advice, and useful contacts to make your time in the UK happy and productive. The International Student Advice Team often run sessions and events in the Global Study Lounge. See the video below where some current Reading international students share advice about arriving in the UK to study.
The following video focuses on advice from current Reading International postgraduate students.
Wellbeing Guidance and Support
Find out about the personal support available including learning support, physical and mental health services, disability support, and spiritual care. See the video below where current Reading International students share advice on wellbeing and mental health.
Discover what the University is doing to improve representation, champion diversity, and enhance support for underrepresented groups. You can even choose to get involved! See the video below to watch Reading student Jem talk about her experiences around 'Inclusion'.
Listen to Reading student Ryan talk about his experiences of 'Community' whilst at Reading.
Discover how to get the most from your studies and your leisure time on and off campus, including campus maps and where to eat and drink. NB: the nearest cafés to the Global Study Lounge are The Breakfast Box, Henley Business School Café, and Library Café. See the videos below for an introduction to Reading and tours of the Whiteknights and London Road campuses.
It’s never too early to start thinking about your career, especially if you wish to work in a different country.
Learn more about yourself, discover your options, and find the career that's right for you. Student activities and events can enhance your career ambitions, e.g., participating in the Global Study Lounge’s Conversation Cafés contribute towards the RED Awards. See the video below where Jeff from Reading's careers team outlines the support offered to international students.
Make the most of your time at Reading by expanding your horizons, undertaking additional learning, developing new interests, and having fun! See the video below for some sport opportunities to explore at Reading!
A place to find upcoming student events from across the university, including diversity, academic, creative low-alcohol, international, lifestyle, networking, social events. See the videos below where current Reading international students talk generally about their experiences of student life in Reading.
Watch the video below to find out about some of the Student Life events on offer to you.
Discover your Students' Union. There is more to university life than just work. With over 150 sports clubs and societies, there is something for everyone to get involved in, meet friends, and try something new! Many clubs and societies also choose to run their events in the Global Study Lounge. See a video below for an idea of the sort of event organised by your Students' Union.
A supportive and welcoming community where family members of UK and international students and staff at the University of Reading can meet informally.
The Life Tools programme is a series of free talks to help you transition into university life and enhance your student experience. The programme allows you to be proactive and take control of your learning, personal and professional development.
Buddy Up! is a student-led volunteering group designed to help students make friends, find sports buddies, study buddies, or language buddies. Find out more: Reading Students' Union Buddy Up! page, Instagram, and Buddy Up interest form.
Peer Assisted Learning (PAL)
PAL is an academic study scheme offered in modules that are known to be difficult, where students are guided through course concepts by their PAL Leader, who has been trained in group-facilitation techniques.