Sleepover initiative helps new students feel at home

A weekend stay gave incoming Mathematics and Statistics undergraduates an early taste of life at Reading to build their confidence and support their long term wellbeing, thanks to backing from the Vice-Chancellor's Surgery scheme.

In September, Claire Newbold, Student Experience and Employability Lead in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, organised a residential weekend to immerse four new students and their families in campus life ahead of term.

Participants toured Whiteknights campus and joined University Chaplain Mark Laynesmith for a walk into Reading town, before staying overnight in Ipsden Hall. Families could cook for themselves or explore Reading's food options to really get a feel for university life.

At breakfast on Sunday, Mathematics and Statistics staff and students met with families to answer questions and share advice on making the most of their visit to Reading.

Students reported less apprehension about starting at Reading after experiencing campus first-hand, alongside their supporters, with friendships already beginning to form over the visit. 

Parents, especially those whose young person was the first generation to go to university, also benefited from the reassurance the weekend offered. One supporter said the weekend "helped immensely in so many ways, not only for [my child] but for us as parents”.

Help came from Venue Reading, the Events team, the Chaplaincy, and Department staff and students. Funding was provided by the Vice-Chancellor’s Endowment fund, the STaR Mentoring team, with B&B costs covered by participants themselves.

Claire now plans to offer the programme to all new undergraduates next year across the School of Mathematical, Physical and Computational Sciences, after the successful pilot.

Opening doors

Making the weekend affordable and accessible to families was a priority for Claire. She sought funding from a range of sources before someone suggested she pitch the idea at one of the Vice-Chancellor Professor Robert Van de Noort’s monthly surgery sessions. 

Robert saw potential in the idea and provided financial backing and logistical support to pilot the programme.

Claire said: "What was invaluable was being able to talk to the people the VC put me in contact with. He opened doors, which enabled this weekend to be so successful." 

Her advice to staff with ideas: "Book in and present your concept. The VC's questioning helps cement your ideas."

Pitch your ideas to the VC

The monthly VC surgery sessions offer a chance to improve life at the University. In the 15-minute sessions, Robert invites colleagues to share practical ideas to improve life at the University, ideally linked to our University Strategy.

November’s surgery is fully booked, colleagues can book for Thursday 14 December (09:30-11:00).