Hello, exams are coming but we've got your back!
Whether you’re deep in revision or just getting started, we’re here to help you prep, stay calm, and maybe even enjoy a few moments of creativity or community along the way. Here’s what’s on this month:
Exams & Study Support
Key exam info
- Check the What You Need to Know exam guide.
- Wondering when results come out? Check the Publication of Results page.
Practice your online exams
Got online exams? Make sure your tech setup works and practise submitting your answers using the Online Exam Practice Area on Blackboard.
Just go to “Courses” and search for online exam practice area.
Check your course page to find out what kind of exam you’ll be sitting. If you’re not sure, ask your Support Centre or Module Convenor.
Study your way with Blackboard & the Library
Blackboard lets you access course materials in different formats — whether you prefer audio, large text, or ePub for reading on the go.
Struggling to reach books on the shelves or find printed items hard to use? The Library is here to help. Email library@reading.ac.uk to request accessible formats or help retrieving materials. Some requests can take time — so don’t leave it too late!
Explore the Library’s Support for users with disabilities guide for more info.
It’s all about studying in a way that works for you. A great reminder ahead of Global Accessibility Awareness Day.
Study Advice: tips, webinars, and retreats
We know revision can feel overwhelming — but you’re not alone.
- Read our quick revision tips on Me@Reading.
- Join the Preparing for Exams webinar – 14 May
- Make studying social at the Revision Retreat – 21 May
Fuel your study sessions – exams meal plan from Clever Cuisine
With the special Star Meal Plan available from 19 May to 13 June you can be sure you’ll stay fuelled up for your exams and assignments without a pressure of planning your meals, shopping and cooking for yourself.
Price: from £6.10 per meal.
Buy at the concierge desk at Park Eats.
Read more about support available to you pre- and during exams.
Community & connection: support and events to help you through exams season (and beyond!)
It’s Mental Health Awareness Week (12–18 May), and this year’s theme is community. With exams and deadlines approaching, it’s more important than ever to look after your mental health and stay connected.
Check out our Mental Health Awareness Week webpage for a plethora of resources and personal stories on mental health and community.
Take a break, meet new people & get creative – free events
- Conversation Cafés – 14 & 28 May | 11 & 25 June | Global Study Lounge, Edith Morley Building, Room 230, or online.
Friendly, informal chats with students from all over the world. Great if you’re feeling a bit isolated or want a change of pace. No sign-up needed
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Community Festival - 17 May | Whiteknights Campus |
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Pet & Paint - 19 May, Flex, Students' Union Meet Yvie, Tilly, Herbie and Toffee, or participate in a free dog painting session! |
- Friday Get-togethers – 23 May | 6 & 20 June | Global Study Lounge, Edith Morley Building, 2nd Floor
Meet up, unwind, and enjoy time away from your desk. Everyone welcome.
- Green Zine Workshop – 21 May, 13:00–16:00, Meadow Suite
A fun, hands-on workshop exploring your experiences with sustainability and green spaces. Think calligraphy, painting, printing and working with natural materials. Free lunch provided! Email Corinne at c.brookes@reading.ac.uk to sign up – hurry up, spaces are limited!
Life Tools to the rescue!
In need of tips and tricks for dealing with procrastination, perfectionism, concentration or something else? Check out pre-recorded webinars from Life Tools on a range of topics full of science-based advice target for the UoR students.
- Jump-starting your brain (procrastination)
- Focusing or forgetting? (concentration and memory)
- Imperfect perfectionism
- Motivation and productivity
- Feedback: Food for thought
- Stress and health
We’re always here for you
The Wellbeing Team and other support services are always here for you. And if you need to talk to someone right now, you can call the 24h Support Line or use Wisdom app to live chat.
And remember that it won’t last forever! In a few weeks you’ll be able to sigh with relief and move on.
And if you decide to celebrate the end of the exam season on campus, don’t forget to do it responsibly. We hope you're enjoying the warm weather and spending some time in our campus’s lovely outdoor green spaces. Please remember that the use of disposable BBQ's is strictly prohibited on our sports fields/university grounds.
We also kindly request that you take responsibility to dispose of your own rubbish in the many bins and recycling points provided. We thank you for helping us to look after our sports facilities and campus.
Bursaries, jobs, internships & starting your own business
Apply for Student Support Funds
Applications for the Student Support Funds, which assist students with living costs and unexpected financial difficulties, will remain open to continuing students until 1:00 PM on Monday, 30 June 2025. More information is available on our Student Support Fund webpage.
Work with us – become a Student Life Content Creator
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| The Student Communications Team - that’s the team behind this newsletter, Essentials, Me@Reading, the Student App, student blog and @uor_student on Instagram - are recruiting for next year's team of Student Life Content Creators. This exciting role will involve creating blog and video content, assisting with outreach events, and helping to promote our digital communications channels. |
There are also additional opportunities to work with teams across the University, capture content from events taking place on campus and within the local community, as well as opportunities for students who are interested in photography to capture photography of events.
Apply for the role via Campus Jobs.
Apply by 12 June.
Help others while earning money – become a DAS mentor
The Disability Advisory Service is recruiting mentors to offer one-to-one academic or social support. Open to second years and above.
Apply by 17 July.
Send your CV to dasmentors@reading.ac.uk
PAL Leader Roles – Law & Pharmacy Students Only
Are you a Part 1 Law or Part 3 Pharmacy student? Become a PAL Leader next year and support incoming first-year students. As a PAL Leader, you'll work with other leaders to run weekly sessions, helping first years settle in and learn from each other. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop leadership skills and gain valuable experience.
Find out more about PAL and sign-up for the role.
Graduate Recruitment & Internship Festival
Wednesday 21 May, 3Sixty, 14:00–16:00 (13:30–14:00 quiet time)
Looking for a grad job or summer opportunity? Chat to employers, explore internships, and visit the Careers Expert Bar for tailored advice.
More about the Festival.
Summer Start-up Boot Camp
16–20 June | 10:00–16:00 | Henley Business School
Got a business idea? The free, week-long Start-up Boot Camp is your chance to turn it into reality! Learn how to build a website, find customers, and make your first sale — all with little to no budget. Open to all students and alumni.
Limited spaces! Sign up now to get started.
Final note: We’re rooting for you — take breaks, get support when you need it, and celebrate the wins (big or small). You’ve got this.
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