Second year students

Get study support from the Study Advice Team - 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.

Do not worry if you have not had the opportunity to form friendships or friendship groups in your first year, 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 in the second year of your studies, or over the course of your degree, 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.

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. 

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.

Support and advice when living off campus – you may decide to live in off campus private or rented accommodation for your second 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.

Your second year of university can be a great opportunity to develop your experience and start exploring future career options. The University of Reading's Careers Service has lots of opportunities and support available to help you grow your knowledge and professional skills:

Thrive Mentoring - Thrive is a career and future focused mentoring programme that matches you with a successful professional mentor in an industry of your choosing. The scheme is open to all second year and final year undergraduate and taught postgraduate students. You can sign up to the scheme from September to December by attending a Mentee Preparation Session, bookable on MyJobsOnline. These sessions run regularly while the scheme is open. You can find out more about Thrive Mentoring on Essentials.

Building your careers experience - 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, completing your RED Award, volunteering opportunities, and upcoming careers events. 

If you’re planning to undertake a Professional Placement Year, or a shorter credit-bearing placement, the Placement Team is here to help you. They can support you when applying for your Placement, and also with preparing for your Placement Year once your placement has been secured. 

Check out the Placements webpages for advice on applying for a Placement, booking an appointment with your Placement Coordinator, useful resources, upcoming events and workshops, and advice on next steps once you have secured a Placement.