Newcomers Group celebrate 50 years

The University’s Newcomers’ Group celebrated their 50^th anniversary at The Meadow Suite on Saturday 25 September. A special afternoon tea was provided for past and present newcomers and supporters, organised by the Newcomers’ team and supported by the Events team, Vice Chancellor’s Office and the University Women’s Club. 

Newcomers has been welcoming partners and children of international and UK staff and students since 1971, as a branch of the University’s Women’s Club. Many hundreds have been helped by the Newcomers’ activities over the years. Their weekly meetings during term-time are designed to enable attendees to make new connections, build long-lasting and supportive friendships, and for some, to practise their English. 

By supporting the families particularly of international students, family members have, in turn, been better able to support those studying. An added bonus is that the whole family has become more integrated into the university community and been helped to settle into life in Reading. 

Vice-Chancellor Robert Van de Noort attended the celebrations and said, “Newcomers is an outstanding example of our vibrant community spirit here at the University of Reading, and our long-held commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for our international colleagues and students.” 

Weekly Meetings 

The Newcomers' Group  is currently meeting on Zoom every Thursday during term time, 10:30-12:00. Face-to-face meetings will resume in the Chaplaincy Centre as soon as possible. It is an excellent opportunity for the partners of our UK and international students and staff to meet with one another and improve their conversational English. Children are also very welcome. 

 Please email w.newcomers-group@reading.ac.uk for more details.