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June 25 Newsletter

Your Summer Student Newsletter

Make the most of your summer – whether you're coming back or moving on.

Key dates for your diary

 
 

Summer Vacation - 16 June - 28 September

Welcome Week - 22-26 September

Semester 1 starts - 29 September

Check out the Academic Year Planner for week-by-week details.

Hey, we know you're thinking about summer...

Whether you’re returning next year or graduating, summer could be a great time to rest, reflect, and explore new possibilities. We’ve pulled together everything you need to know - from support services to travel ideas, and what to expect next.

If you're coming back next year...

After a full-on year, you deserve a proper break. Whether you’re travelling, working, or staying in Reading, here’s how to make the most of your time:

  • Reflect and reset: Take a moment to check in with yourself using our new goal-setting and reflection tool- a great way to look ahead without pressure.
  • Boost your CV: Discover extracurricual oportunites curated for your level of studies through Opportunities Timeline, and see how Careers can support you over the summer.
  • Learn something new: Browse free, flexible courses with LinkedIn Learning or FutureLearn - ideal if you’re curious or building skills for the future.
  • Wondering about next year’s timetable? For the majority of students, your semester 1 timetable for the 2025/6 academic year will be published on 3 September 2025. For students on programmes with early start dates, your semester 1 timetable will be published on 20 August 2025. Visit the Timatable section on Essentials for more information.
  • Take part in a study on academic stress: Help researchers understand how students experience stress by completing two short online surveys. It’s anonymous, open to students aged 18+, and you’ll be entered into a prize draw for Amazon vouchers. Find out more about the survey and take part.

On campus or exploring this summer?

Wherever you spend your summer, there’s plenty to get involved in or explore:

Staying in Reading?

  • Check Student Services opening times to see what’s available on campus.
  • Discover day trips from Reading.
  • Keep an eye out for summer events on campus and around town.

Exploring?

  • The Wisdom app gives you 24/7 access to mental health and wellbeing support, no matter where you are.
  • Learn how to travel sustainably and save money.

If you're graduating...

 

Big congratulations — you’ve made it to the finish line! Here’s what to keep in mind for your next steps:

  • Graduation details: Everything you need to know about your ceremony, from booking to what to wear.
  • Careers support continues: You’ll still have access to Careers for up to two years — see what’s available to graduates.
  • Tie up loose ends: Before you leave, make sure to:
    • Return any library books
    • Save important files from OneDrive
    • Download useful resources (especially if you’re considering further study)

    Check the full graduation checklist

  • Not sure what’s next? It’s totally normal to feel uncertain after finishing university. Whether you're job hunting, taking a break, or just figuring things out — that’s okay. Keep in mind that it’s not too late to apply for a Master’s, and our 20% Alumni Discount can help.
  • Stay connected: Keep in touch by updating your contact details, and explore the benefits of joining our alumni community, including events and exclusive opportunities.
  • Share your best memories with us: as a part of the UoR centenary celebrations we're inviting students and alumni to share their fondest memories of the University. The submissions will form a core of a programme of immersive activities to be delivered in 2026.
 

Talk to us about the newsletter 

 
The student newsletter is for you! If there anything you want to share with us and fellow students, please let us know using the forms below. We can't wait to hear from you!  

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Refugee Week. Community as a Superpower. A drawing of a Mooming, Little Mi and Snufkin running.

Refugee Week 16-22 June

Refugee Week is the world’s largest arts & culture festival celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary. This year, the theme is 'community as a superpower.'

To celebrate, the University hosts an array of events on an off campus, from film screening and performances to football turnaments and yoga sessions - check the programme to find something for you.

Refugee Week Events Programme

As the Refugee Week website states, 'since their debut, the Moomin books have inspired generations worldwide with their timeless messages of inclusivity, kindness, and belonging.' 

If you want to explore how Moomintroll’s adventures touch on ideas of belonging, change and identity, check out this thought-provoking blog post by Sue Walsh, lecturer in our Dertment of English Literature.

...but what do Moomins have to do with it?

Recently on the Student Blog

  • Finding a shared house on a budget: my journey to off-campus living
  • From Solo to Social: How Reading (and Other Hobbies) Can Bring People Together
  • How faith can help you find a community - UoR students explain
  • Green move-out tips for the Sustainability Team

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