International Student Support at the University of Reading

Apply for a UK Scholarship with Expert Guidance:Contact SGE Today

Starting university in another country can bring new challenges, from understanding a different education system to managing personal wellbeing. International Student Support at the University of Reading helps students find guidance for immigration questions, academic development, personal difficulties and university life.

For Bangladeshi students, knowing which services are available and how to access them can make it easier to seek help when needed.

What International Student Services Are Available at Reading?

The University of Reading provides several support services for students from different backgrounds. These include specialist international advice, academic skills development, wellbeing services, disability support and careers guidance.

The right service depends on the problem you need to solve. For example, immigration questions should go to the International Student Advisory Team, while difficulties with assignments may be better addressed by Study Advice or your Academic Tutor.

International Student Advisory Team

The International Student Advisory Team (ISAT) provides specialist guidance for international students and applicants. It is the University's team authorised to provide UK visa and immigration advice to its international students and applicants.

Its services cover several important areas, including:

• Visa and immigration guidance: Understand Student visa conditions and relevant immigration requirements.

• Visa application checking: Request a check of your visa application form and supporting documents before submitting your application.

• Changes during study: Ask about possible visa implications if you change your course, suspend your studies or need an extension for your dissertation.

• Working during and after study: Understand relevant Student visa work conditions and information about Graduate route eligibility.

• eVisa queries: Seek advice if you find an error with your eVisa.

• Settling into the UK: Get guidance on practical matters, cultural understanding and connecting with the local community.

The team also signposts students to other services when they need help with wellbeing, money concerns or personal difficulties.

How to access it: General enquiries can be sent to int.adv@reading.ac.uk. For immigration and visa enquiries, email immigration@reading.ac.uk. You can also request an appointment in person or online through Microsoft Teams.

Do not assume that a friend, education agent or general student adviser can replace specialist immigration advice. For questions about your individual visa conditions, contact the University's authorised team.

Student Services and Support Centres

If you are unsure which department can help, the University's Student Services reception is a useful starting point.

Student Services is based in the Carrington Building on Whiteknights Campus. It brings together several teams that deal with academic administration, personal wellbeing, disability support, international advice and financial concerns.

Students can use the University's Ask a Question service to be directed to the appropriate team. This is useful when a problem involves more than one area or you do not know which service to contact.

Support Centres also help students find advice about academic and non-academic issues. Depending on your concern, staff can direct you towards the relevant specialist service.

For international students, this means you do not have to work out the University's entire support system on your own. Explain your concern clearly and ask where to go next.

Academic Skills, Wellbeing and Accessibility Support

Academic Skills and Study Advice

Studying at a UK university may require you to develop new approaches to essays, research, referencing, presentations and independent learning. Even students with strong previous academic results can need time to adjust.

The University of Reading's Study Advice Service helps students improve their study methods and manage academic responsibilities.

Support includes guidance on:

• Essay and report writing.

• Reading, research and note-taking.

• Time management and planning.

• Exam revision and preparation.

• Dissertations, projects and assignments.

• Effective independent study.

Students can access self-help guides and video resources, attend drop-in sessions or arrange individual appointments.

How to access it: Study Advice is based on the ground floor of the Library. The University lists studyadvice@reading.ac.uk for enquiries. Check the current service information for appointment availability and opening times.

International students can also explore the Academic English Programme (AEP). This programme is free for fee-paying international students and supports academic language and study skills alongside their degree.

Depending on the available provision, support includes online learning, spoken-language courses, academic language webinars and individual consultations about writing or presenting in English.

This can be particularly useful if you understand English well but want to improve your academic writing, presentation style or confidence when communicating in seminars.

Counselling, Wellbeing and Personal Support

University life can bring academic pressure, loneliness, family concerns and other personal challenges. These issues can affect concentration, attendance and overall wellbeing.

The University's Counselling and Wellbeing Service offers free support to registered undergraduate and postgraduate students. Its team includes counsellors, wellbeing advisers and mental health professionals who help students understand their needs and access appropriate support.

Depending on your circumstances, support may include an initial assessment, short-term counselling, wellbeing advice, group support or referrals to other services.

The Student Welfare Team focuses on personal difficulties that may affect your studies or daily life. These can include:

• Adjusting to university life.

• Difficulties with housemates or accommodation.

• Family or relationship concerns.

• Bullying, harassment or experiences of violence.

• Problems managing personal responsibilities.

• Concerns about your own wellbeing or a friend's situation.

How to access it: You can register online for the Counselling and Wellbeing Service. For general enquiries, email counselling@reading.ac.uk. The Student Welfare Team can be contacted at studentwelfare@reading.ac.uk.

The University also provides a 24-hour support line for students who need confidential support outside normal service hours. Check the University's current wellbeing information for the correct contact details and access instructions.

Asking for help is not a sign that you cannot manage university life. Seeking support early may help you address a difficulty before it begins to affect your studies more seriously.

Disability and Accessibility Support

The University's Disability Advisory Service provides advice and guidance for students with disabilities, mental health conditions or specific learning difficulties.

You do not need to wait until a problem becomes serious before asking about support. If a condition may affect your learning, attendance, examinations or access to campus facilities, contact the service to discuss your requirements.

Depending on individual needs and eligibility, possible support arrangements include:

• Adjustments to teaching and learning.

• Assessment arrangements, such as extra time or rest breaks where approved.

• Academic mentoring for organisation and time management.

• Social mentoring to help with campus orientation and joining student activities.

• Advice about accessible accommodation and other relevant services.

The exact support offered depends on the student's circumstances, supporting evidence and discussion with a Disability Adviser. Not every adjustment is automatically available to every student.

How to access it: Contact the Disability Advisory Service at disability@reading.ac.uk or telephone 0118 378 4202. The service is based in the Carrington Building on Whiteknights Campus.

If you think you may need adjustments, contact the team early and ask what documentation is required. This gives you more time to discuss arrangements before assessments or other important academic activities.

Careers, Student Communities and Social Integration

Careers and Employability Support

International students may want to gain relevant experience, improve their CV or understand the skills employers expect. The University's Careers and Placements team supports students with career planning and employability.

Students can seek guidance on career choices, job applications, CVs, interviews, work experience and placements where relevant to their course.

The team also provides careers appointments, workshops and employer-related events. Students can use MyJobsOnline to explore vacancies, find events and book careers appointments.

How to access it: Careers support is available through the Careers Centre on the first floor of the Carrington Building. You can email careers@reading.ac.uk or telephone 0118 378 8359. Current students can also use MyJobsOnline to book appointments and explore opportunities.

Remember that career guidance does not guarantee a job or placement. It helps you prepare, understand opportunities and make informed decisions about your professional development.

International students should also check the conditions of their immigration permission before undertaking employment or a placement. Where visa conditions are involved, consult the International Student Advisory Team.

Global Study Lounge and Student Communities

Making connections is an important part of adjusting to university life. The University of Reading's Global Study Lounge provides a space for studying, socialising, language development and intercultural activities.

The Lounge welcomes students from different backgrounds and offers opportunities to engage with the wider University community.

Its activities include conversation cafés, language-learning resources and social or cultural events. These can help international students practise communication, meet other students and become more comfortable in a multicultural environment.

The Lounge is located in room 230 on the second floor of the Edith Morley Building. The University lists regular weekday opening hours, but students should check its current information before visiting.

The Reading Students' Union also provides opportunities to take part in clubs, societies and student activities. These can help you meet people with similar interests, develop skills and build friendships beyond your course.

How to get involved: Visit the Global Study Lounge, check its event information and explore student activities through Reading Students' Union. You can also ask your department about relevant academic groups, peer-support opportunities or student networks.

You do not need to join every activity. Choose opportunities that fit your interests and timetable, and give yourself time to become comfortable in a new environment.

How to Find the Right Support

Different problems require different types of help. Use the following guide to identify a suitable starting point.

Service arrangements and contact details may change, so check the University's current information before making an appointment.

When contacting a team, explain your concern clearly, include relevant dates or deadlines and ask what you should do next. If your issue is urgent, state that clearly rather than waiting for a routine appointment.

Need guidance on choosing a UK university or preparing an application?Contact Shabuj Global Education to discuss your academic background, course options and application plans.

Support for Bangladeshi Students Through SGE

Shabuj Global Education (SGE) helps Bangladeshi students understand the steps involved in applying to UK universities.

Our guidance can include course selection, checking application requirements, preparing documents, exploring scholarship opportunities and understanding the next stages after receiving an offer.

SGE can also help students identify questions they should raise with the University, including questions about international student services and visa guidance.

However, university services remain responsible for their own policies and support decisions. The University of Reading's International Student Advisory Team should be your contact for official advice about your individual Student visa conditions.

Before applying, consider your academic background, intended course, available budget and long-term goals. Preparing these details can make discussions with an education adviser more focused.

Ready to plan your UK study journey?Submit an enquiry to SGE to discuss your options and the next steps for your application.

Get the Right Support at Reading

International Student Support at the University of Reading covers more than immigration advice. Students can access academic guidance, wellbeing services, disability support, careers advice and opportunities to connect with the wider University community. Understanding where to go and contacting the right team early can help you manage challenges more effectively throughout your studies.

Explore your options with Shabuj Global Education and take the next step towards studying in the UK.

Contact SGE Today

Further Reading

Explore our parent guide to the University of Reading, including its campuses, student services, accommodation considerations and the main points international applicants should understand before starting their studies.

Read the parent guide:International Students at Reading: Essential Information

FutureLearn provides online learning opportunities that can help students develop useful academic and communication skills before or during university.

Explore relevant learning opportunities atFutureLearn.