Advice and helpful resources to support your final year of undergraduate studies
The final year of your undergraduate course is both a busy and exciting time. You are likely to be occupied with your studies and final year projects. You may also be preparing for your next steps after your final year, whether that is exploring career options or further study. To help you feel prepared for your final year, and to ensure you have all the support to enable you to thrive, we have put together a guide with key information and helpful signposts you might need...
Supporting your final year at university:
If you have returned from a Placement Year, you might find yourself having to readjust back into student life and your studies. The Placements Team's managing your Placement Year webpage has some helpful advice and practical tips to help you prepare for your return to university.
It can sometimes be challenging to adjust back to university life, after being on placement for a year. Your Academic Tutor and Placement Tutor will remain in touch during the placement year, updating you on any changes to your course, dissertations and module selections, and a placement returners session will be organised by your department for your first weeks back to university life. If you feel you need any specific study support before you return, you can use the online resources available to you through our Study Advice Team or contact them for an online appointment.
Get study support throughout your final year from Study Advice - The Study Advice Team are here to help you develop the skills to achieve the academic success you deserve. The Study Advice team run webinars throughout the year to support you with all aspects of your study. From revising for your exams to preparing for your dissertations, these friendly webinars are designed for you to get some tips from the experts and put your studies on track for success.
Make the most of the Library - The Library offers a variety of study spaces and a huge range of digital and print resources. Each subject has an Academic Liaison Librarian to guide you to the best resources to support your studies.
Support Centres – The Support Centres are a great point of contact for all questions, help or advice throughout your time at the University, providing you with the support you need to be successful in your studies and beyond. They can help with module and programme advice, timetable queries, coursework and exams queries as well as a range of academic and non-academic issues.
Looking after yourself at university - our Student Wellbeing teams are here to support you throughout your time at university. Head to our Mental Health and Wellbeing webpages to find out about the support available to you, as well as weekly wellbeing events and self-help guides to help you to take time to invest in your wellbeing.
Talk to someone day or night – our Student Wellbeing Teams are here to help you navigate any problems or worries you experience as a student. As a University of Reading student you also have access to the 24hr Student Support Helpline and Wisdom app, where you can call or live chat with trained professionals for free, confidential, in-the-moment advice 24hrs a day, 365 days a year.
Life Tools - the Life Tools programme is here to support you throughout your studies, with mental health mini-series, talks on study specific topics such as procrastination and getting into the learners mindset, as well as mindfulness, sleep and confidence. Throughout your time at the University of Reading Life Tools is here to help you navigate university life, with talks in person, online and available on demand. There are also talks specifically for final year students that take place towards the end of the academic year, on topics such as managing change and looking ahead towards the workplace.
Getting the most of your money at university - Balancing a budget at university can be challenging. The University of Reading and Reading Students’ Union (Reading SU) have put together a helpful guide to help you get the most out of your student budget.
Money Matters webpages - our Money Matters webpages on Essentials are filled with advice and support, information about bursaries and scholarships, tuition fees, and contact information for the Student Financial Support Team.
Get confident with your finances - as a University of Reading student you have free access to the online learning platform Blackbullion. Blackbullion offers courses and advice to help you understand and better manage your finances while at University. Create an account and get started with the Money Ready Course.
Talk to someone about your money worries - As a University of Reading student you have access to financial advice and support throughout your time at university. The University’s Student Financial Support Team are able to advise you on how best to manage your money at university based on your personal circumstances. Book an appointment online, or head to Essentials for more information. Reading Students' Union specialist money advisers are trained and experienced in offering free, confidential, independent advice and information on all money related matters. Complete the online form to access support from the Reading SU Money Advice Team.
Do not worry if you have not had the opportunity to form friendships or friendship groups so far, there is no time limit or pressure when it comes to forming friendships, throughout your time at university there are plenty of opportunities to make friends and connect with others. Here are some examples:
Student events – attending social events are a great way to connect with new people, and take time out from your studies and invest in your wellbeing. Our weekly wellbeing events webpage highlights weekly free events taking place on and off campus during semester time. You can also check out the Me@Reading events portal for the full calendar of one-off and regular student events taking place on campus and within the local community.
Joining societies – societies are a great way to stay active and connect with people with similar interests. There are loads of different societies that you can get involved with, check out the Reading Students’ Union website for an A-Z of all the societies at the university.
You may discover over the course of your studies, that you have a disability, specific learning difference, long term medical or mental health condition. If you do, we encourage you to register with the Disability Advisory Service (DAS), they will be able to provide you with information, advice and guidance. It's never too late to register with DAS, and you can register via RISIS.
For more information about DAS, and the advice and support available to you, check out Essentials, or you can email disability@reading.ac.uk with any questions you may have.
Support and advice when living off campus – you may decide to live in off campus private or rented accommodation for your final year. Our Community Teams and Reading Students’ Union Advice Teams are here to help you connect with your local community, and make the most out of your time living in private accommodation. You can check out the living off campus webpages for advice and support throughout your time in private accommodation.
Support and advice when living in university accommodation - Our University Halls are a supportive and welcoming community, whether you lived in halls during your first year, or living in Halls for your first time in your second year our living in halls webpages have advice, support and information to help you make the most of your time in halls. The team of dedicated Hall Wardens and Mentors are also here to support you with your wellbeing, and help create a positive residential experience for students living in halls.
Moving out and council tax – The summer period (end of semester) after you complete your course as a final year student, you will then be eligible for paying council tax. Council Tax is a local tax on a residential property based on the property's value. Check out our understanding council tax webpage for more information. You may also be moving out of your student accommodation once you have finished your studies, head to our living off campus webpages for advice on moving out and the best ways to dispose of your waste and recycle unwanted items.
Building your careers experience in your final year - Head to the Careers webpages on Essentials to find out about about how to book an appointment with a careers advisor, gaining experience through part-time work and internship schemes, Thrive Mentoring opportunities for final year students, completing your RED Award, volunteering opportunities, and upcoming careers events.
Planning for your next steps after university – our Finalist Futures is the University’s careers programme designed specifically for final year students. Throughout your final year you have access to Finalist Futures careers workshops, our brand new Careers Club and Careers Pop-ups and a the Finalist Futures online course. Explore a range of options for life after university.
Adjusting to life beyond university – check out wellbeing video playlist for advice from fellow University of Reading students on preparing for life after university.
Alumni careers support – Our Careers Team are here to help you navigate life after graduation. Career support is available for an additional 2 years after your course ends. Head to the alumni careers support webpages to find out how to book an appointment with a careers consultant, upcoming alumni webinars and events, and resources.
Once Reading, always Reading – As you complete your studies and move onto the next stage of your journey, we are proud to welcome you to into a vibrant global community of over 300,000 Reading alumni in more than 150 countries. As a University of Reading alumni you’ll have access to a number of benefits, including exclusive alumni events, opportunities and discounts. Stay connected with your alumni community by making sure that your details are up to date.