International Foundation Pathways induction

Your induction week will start on:

Monday 21 September 2026 on Whiteknights Campus

9:30 - 10:00 Room 230, Global Study Lounge, Edith Morley Building
10:00 - 12:00 Room G02, Chancellor's Building

View a map of our Whiteknights campus (PDF)

What is an induction and how will it take place?

Your first induction day provides you with all the essential information you need to prepare for studying at the University of Reading.

On Monday 21 September, you will join members of staff and meet other new International Foundation Pathways' students. Your induction week will continue on Tuesday 22, Wednesday 23, and Thursday 24 September, when you will take part in sessions and activities with other students on the programmes.

Key features of these sessions include:

• instructions on how to complete the registration process
• where to find help and support on campus
• meeting your Academic Tutor
• learning about the modules you will study
• meeting your module tutors
• learning about Blackboard, our Virtual Learning Environment
• participating in social and team-building events with other students on the same pathway.

More information is available on the Welcome App

• Welcome Week: 21 - 25 September 2026
• Semester 1: 28 September 2026 - 29 January 2027
• Semester 2: 1 February 2027 - 28 May 2027

What if I need assistance?

If you have any questions relating to your enrolment, induction or programme, please get in touch with the International Foundation Pathways team at ifp@reading.ac.uk.

International student checklist

Check the things you need to do before and after you arrive in the UK to ensure you can begin your studies.

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
• 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 Global Academy staff.

Important: cash declaration rules

If you are travelling to the UK 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

Here's a useful guide of what to bring with you

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, cleaning 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, which includes essential  items such as plates, cutlery, pots and pans. 

Catering

The University offers four types of meal 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 Clever Cuisine’s website to find out 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 Pathways Team, Global Academy

Email: ifp@reading.ac.uk

Telephone: +44 118 378 6985

Student Services Helpdesk

Email: studenthelp@reading.ac.uk

Telephone: +44 118 378 5555

Global Student Recruitment Team

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

Telephone: +44 118 378 8038