International Student survival guide

An informal booklet of useful information and guidance to help you get the most out of living in the UK 3 Introduction Contents

Welcome and congratulations on It is the hope that you keep this guide 4 When you first arrive 37 Student Support choosing the University of Reading for throughout the year as a reference for 4 Arrival – top tips in the first week 37 Welfare support your studies. Within this guide you will relevant advice and contact information 5 7 facts about Reading 39 Academic support find lots of useful information on getting to help you with any problems you may 6 Crossword 40 The cultural adjustment cycle the most out of your stay here. There encounter or to find out about how to get 41 Where are you in the process is plenty of support available at the involved in extra-curricular activities and 8 Daily Life of adjustment University for all aspects of student life make the best use of your time in Reading. 8 Getting around Reading 42 Ask Aggie including study, accommodation, finance, The guide has a mix of information and 10 Reading revealed 43 Getting support when you need it visa issues, health and careers. In this activities to both inform and entertain 14 Consumer rights 44 International Students’ Officer of RUSU guide you will find the names, contact you. Use the contents opposite to quickly 15 Shopping and eating out in Reading details and web links needed to access find the relevant information you need 18 Technology communication and media 45 Opportunities at University this support. or browse at your leisure trying the 20 Communicating internationally 45 Extra-curricular activities You will also find out how to get involved activities within. 21 Places to visit 46 RED in clubs and societies, integrate with UK 24 The package day out – Oxford 47 Getting a job We wish you all the best! students and understand UK customs and 48 What’s it like to work and study? Mark, Liz and Clare culture. You can also learn about Reading 26 Game of academic life 49 Careers and work experience and the UK, including the best things to do and places to go in and around 28 Daily life – continued 50 Looking Ahead Reading. The guide has advice both from 28 Integrating with UK students 50 Graduation and beyond experts within the University and current 29 Learning to cook international students, who having become 31 British customs and manners 51 Map settled into life at University are able to 33 Please, thank you, sorry share their ­experience. 34 Names 35 UK Celebrations 4 5 Arrival – top tips in the first week Seven facts about Reading Having arrived in Reading and moved into You will need to sign in with your • Attend the Hall Fire Safety Talks your new accommodation it is time to get username and password, which you All hall residents are required to attend eading is the largest town in England. n the ruins Reading Abbey, the remains of Henry I lie. set up as a student at the University. can retrieve from RISIS once you have a talk about fire safety in halls of residence. ROf course there are larger cities, but Reading IHenry was King of England from 1100 to 1135. completed both online registration and This includes how to prevent fires and what • Registration: You will first need to has not been granted city status despite being ot as long as the Nile (4132 miles), the River have your visa/passport scanned in the had your visa scanned, whilst obtaining to do in the event of a fire. These talks are larger than many cities. Miller Building by the Admissions Team. your Campus Card. Further information compulsory and you are required to attend, NThames flows through Reading on its way to Following this, you will receive help to can be found by clicking on the help link so do not ignore the request and make sure njoy listening to music at Reading Festival, one London. At 215 miles it is the UK’s second longest river. enrol online and receive your university on the Reading Live web page including you attend. More information is given in of the largest and most famous music festivals in how to access your university e-mail on the Halls survival guide. E o and watch a Championship league football user name and password. When you have the UK. It plays host to top bands from the UK and the done this, you can collect your campus your smartphone or pc. • Freshers’ Fayre Gmatch at Reading’s Madjeski stadium, named card, and you can use this to access • Finding class rooms: When you get your All of the student sports clubs and societies world. Previous bands that have played are Nirvana, after Sir John Madjeski, the chairman of Reading FC the University of Reading computers timetable take some time before your in the University show the new students Guns n Roses, Metallica, The Killers, The Red Hot Chilli and Chancellor of the University of Reading. and your email account. To access this lectures to find where the classrooms or (‘freshers’) what they have to offer in Peppers, Blur and Eminem to name but a few. information you must log into RISIS, the lecture theatres are. Some classrooms are the Freshers’ Fair held in RUSU (Reading The festival is usually held in August. Universities online information system. not obvious to find and you risk missing University Students Union) during freshers’ Ensure you do this as soon as possible part of the lecture if you struggle finding week. This is your opportunity to meet uthor Jane Austen studied at the Abbey school in to receive important announcements the room. those running the clubs and societies, see Reading. Jane wrote Pride and Prejudice and other from the University. The importance what sports, activities and interests are A of checking your university e-mail on offer, ask questions and sign up to join classics such as Emma. account is described on p11. them. Don’t miss out, it’s the easiest time iCaprio’s co-star Kate Winslett in the blockbuster to join up and great fun seeing all the • Accessing your e-mail account: Titanic was born and raised in Reading. Her family You can access your University e-mail different clubs and societies. D still lives here. account from the Reading Live web page: https://live.auth.reading.ac.uk/

One of the stars of the hit movie Fire safety is taken very seriously in hall and Titanic was born in Reading the safety talks and test are compulsory 6 7

Across Down 1 2 International 3. A group of students that share 1. Activities outside of studying. 3 4 a common interest. 2. A title awarded to an academic with puzzle 5 5. An assessment to test a candidate’s a PhD by a University. knowledge. 3. A lesson by the tutor with considerable Terms found at university 7. To achieve an undergraduate degree. student involvement. 6 7 8. This building houses Student Services. 4. Examination by interview. Usually 9. An abbreviation of the name of the main associated with postgraduate studies. 8 9 student organisation at the University. 6. The University of Reading’s 11. The place to go to borrow books and main campus. journals. 10. The term for new students at university. 10 11

12. The academic year is divided into these. 14. A lesson by the tutor with no or limited

Summative

12 13. Copying a piece of work of another student participation. 19.

Deadline

without reference. 15. Assessment that does not count 18.

Resit

16. The road on campus from where you towards your final grade. 17.

13 14 15

Chancellorsway

can catch a bus into town. 16.

Formative 15. Plagiarism

17. A second attempt at passing a course. 13.

Lecture 14. Terms

16 18. Coursework must be handed in by this 12.

Freshers 10. Library

set time. 11.

Whiteknights 6. RUSU 9. 19. Assessment where the marks contribute

17

Viva 4. Carrington 8. to your final grade.

Seminar 3. Graduate 7.

Professor 2. Examination 5. 18

Extracurricular 1. Society 3.

Down:

19 Across: Solutions 8 9 Getting around Reading

Reading has an extensive network of buses Easysaver 10 – £16 Cycling ‘To travel in Travel into London Travel into London linking the different areas. They are relatively This is a 10 trip smartcard that gives you At the University of Reading students are Reading I use Trains regularly go from Reading Railway London Underground (LU), or The Tube, inexpensive and a quick way of travelling. It 10 single journeys for better than the price encouraged to cycle. Whiteknights Campus a bicycle. It’s Station to London Paddington. If you are carries more than one billion passengers is therefore worth getting to know the bus of 9! Pay just £16 and you get a smartcard is ideal for cycling and cycling can save you quite easy and planning to spend a day in London you a year, as many as the entire National Rail routes that are of most use to you. The main with 10 single journeys pre-loaded onto time getting to and from lectures. There are convenient to go are probably going to use the London network. With around three and a half buses that service the University of Reading it. They are stored until you need them – bicycle racks at hall and on the main campus, to everywhere Underground. It is sensible to purchase million journeys made each day, on 11 lines are the 20, 20a and 21. These can be caught if you don’t use them, they don’t disappear! so there’s always somewhere to lock your bike. around Reading’ a return ticket to London that includes a serving 270 stations, they are now running on campus on Chancellors Way as well as Reading buses has a new online top-up Cycling in Reading town is more challenging Sujittra Tejakhod day travel card. Off-peak travel is cheapest, more services than ever before on the near the Main Entrance on Shinfield Road facility, so its even easier to use the bus! and requires a good knowledge of road traffic but from Monday to Friday off-peak tickets 150-year-old network. arriving approximately every 10 minutes and You can read about these discounts at rules and conventions. If you are unsure it are only available for trains that arrive in If you are going to London and want to going to both the town centre and the large www.reading-buses.co.uk is best to go with someone who has more London after 10.00 am. At the weekend travel on the underground as well, you supermarket, ASDA, in Lower Earley. It takes experience before venturing out on your own. off-peak prices apply at all times. To get can buy a combined ticket from the ticket approximately 15 minutes to get into town Cycle helmets should always be worn when further discounts on off-peak fares you office at Reading. There are also bus services and only 10 minutes to get to Campus from cycling and when cycling at night and on dull can consider a 16–25 railcard. For more around London, which are good on a fine Reading Railway station on theses buses. overcast days, lights should be used and bright, information about the railcard or to buy day as you can do some sightseeing en The cost into town or back from town onto preferably reflective, clothes should be worn. a railcard online and have it sent to you route to your destination. campus is currently £1.80 for an adult or see this site: www.16-25railcard.co.uk £1.30 if you are 19 years old or younger and New bicycles can be bought from a number You can find a map of the underground you have obtained a free ­Readi-id card. of shops in Reading including Halfords, Argos here: www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloads/ and Berkshire Cycle Centre on Wokingham standard-tube-map.pdf The No.20 Road. You can also buy bicycles second hand for a lot cheaper from websites such Walking as Gumtree.com. Whiteknights campus is approximately 25 minutes walk from the centre of town or Cycling is 35 min walk to the train station. Walking is recommended in a healthy way of getting around, but when it Reading, but make sure you learn the There are a number of ways of travelling in Reading. Reading Station where trains leave for London is dark or late it is not recommended to walk highway code Some are better than others! Paddington Station. alone. Buses and taxis are a safer option. 10 11 Madjeski Stadium Shows, concerts Reading revealed 3 Reading Football Club plays in 5 and entertainment the Championship League. Other Reading has a number of venues, Top 10 Things to do and see Championship League teams will be coming the largest of which is The Hexagon. It is in Reading (Secret Reading) to Reading to play at the Madejski Stadium close to the Council Offices on Queens Walk against Reading Football Club. The stadium and hosts many big name comedy acts as Oracle Shopping Centre is also home to Reading’s Rugby club, well as concerts of both pop and classical 1 The Oracle Shopping Centre is London Irish. To see sport on your doorstep, music and theatrical shows. Other venues perhaps the favourite place for there’s no better place in Reading than in Reading include the Concert Hall at the students to visit in Reading. With lots Madejski Stadium. www.readingfc.co.uk Town Hall and 21 South Street each hosting of shops inside the Oracle and bars and www.london-irish.com One of the art galleries in Reading Museum an array of different events. To see what’s on restaurants on the riverside, it’s a must for and to book tickets look at the Reading Arts those who enjoy browsing, spending and Reading Museum and Abbey – web site: www.readingarts.com 4 See the latest movies at one of Reading’s two cinemas relaxing. There’s more to Reading though The meadow in the Harris Gardens on learn about Reading’s heritage. than the Oracle as you’ll find out here. Whiteknights Campus Reading Town Hall houses the Cinema Reading Museum, with 12 galleries of 6 The cinema most students visit University of Reading artefacts, exhibits and displays chronicling is Vue at the Oracle. However, 2 Whitknights campus the history of Reading from back in the ice Showcase Cinema at Loddon Bridge is Reading is fortunate among age, when the main inhabitants of Reading another cinema in Reading and is bigger universities in having such a large and were gigantic woolly mammoths, through with 14 screens and often a larger selection green campus. The campus has all different to the important industries that shaped of films. If you or a friend have an Orange natural landscapes from lake and woodland modern Reading, such as biscuit making mobile on Wednesdays there is a 2-for- to meadow and garden. Take 20 minutes and brick making. Art exhibits are also 1 promotion at either cinema and as a to walk beyond the Students’ Union and housed here, it’s free to enter and after teenager you can get 20% off at any time at explore the wild campus and the Harris Inside the impressive Madjeski Stadium browsing at your leisure there’s also a café. Vue cinema. See web sites for more details: Gardens. You will find yourself in classic In the museum you can learn about Reading www.showcasecinemas.co.uk/ unspoilt English countryside where you Abbey in which the remains of King Henry locations/reading can forget about the demands of being I are buried. It is then only a short walk www.myvue.com/cinemas/ a student and just enjoy the nature Oracle shopping centre at the canal side past Forbury Gardens to the remains of the about-vue-cinemas/cinema/reading and scenery. Abbey in the Abbey ruins. Reading Abbey 12 13 The Reading wind turbine Readings parks and garden 7 With blades reaching 123 m high, 8 The most famous of Reading’s the wind turbine at Green Park that public parks and gardens is Forbury generates electricity is perhaps the most Gardens with the large cast iron lion, locally famous wind turbine in the UK and is seen called the Forbury Lion, standing proud and by millions each year who pass Reading on weighing a massive 16 tons. Other parks the M4 motorway. It is also seen by many and gardens in Reading include Caversham as a symbol of the move towards greener Court Gardens on the bank of the Thames, forms of energy production. You can get up Palmer Park and Prospect park. These are all close to the gigantic wind turbine in Green free and a great place to play sports, relax Park and find out more about it from the and unwind. information boards at the visitor centre near The River Thames the foot of the turbine. 9 Past the town centre on the north side of Reading is the River Thames. Caversham Court Gardens on the banks of the Thames River Reading Station provides links to the whole of the UK This can often be missed by students with the University situated to the south of 10 Reading Station Reading. Students who explore Reading Reading is fortunate to have though will know how delightful the river excellent travel links to the rest is. If you enjoy walking there are fantastic of the UK. Make the most of these links by scenic walks along the river to Sonning ­arranging trips to towns, cities and sites of to the East of Reading and Mapledurham interest within the UK many of which are and Pangbourne to the west. If you don’t accessible by train from Reading ­Station. like walking then take a boat cruise from Plan your journeys using National Rail Thameside Promenade near Caversham ­Enquiries: www.nationalrail.co.uk bridge to Mapledurham with cruises See p25 for ideas of places to visit, running every Saturday. See p30 for a trip to Oxford and p13 for www.thamesrivercruise.co.uk for details. information on discounted travel.

The Forbury Lion in Forbury Park Reading’s iconic wind turbine at Green Park The Caversham Princess goes from Thameside Promenade in Reading to Mapledurham every Saturday 14 15 Consumer rights Shopping and eating out in Reading Whether shopping on the high street or • If your item develops a fault in the first Warranties The Oracle is often the first place that Food shopping online you should be aware of your rights as six months the seller should refund or • Often if you buy electrical goods you will be people head to when they think of shopping The closest supermarkets to the a consumer in the UK. In each case it is very replace the item unless they can prove given the option of purchasing an extended and eating out in Reading. We recommend University of Reading are ASDA on Chalfont important to keep all records of the transaction that the fault wasn’t there at the time of warranty. Be careful though, because your that you visit the Oracle and see for yourself. Way, which is 7 minutes away by bus on the including e-mails, product descriptions and purchase. item is likely to already have a 1 year free Here are some alternatives to the Oracle 20 and 20a busses leaving Whiteknights especially receipts. The following are some manufacturers guarantee and it may be that as places you may wish to visit to explore Campus, and Morrisons off Rose Kiln Lane. useful facts about consumer rights. High street shopping if you are paying for contents insurance you different parts of Reading for ­shopping and Close to Morrisons at the end of Cradock • If you buy an item from a shop and change already have some of the benefits that an eating out. road is the Chinese supermarket Seewoo Internet and Distance shopping your mind and there is nothing wrong extended warranty may offer. www.seewooreading.co.uk) (This refers to any purchase of goods made with it, you have no legal right to return If you have an issue with an item you have Reading has lots of smaller shops selling that is not face to face with the seller it. However, some shops offer a returns purchased and the retailer refuses to help different foods that can be cheaper and may and includes buying over the telephone, policy. For instance they may enable you resolve the matter you can contact consumer have what you’re looking for if you can’t find online and mail order, for instance from a to return an item 14 or 28 days after the direct for helpful advice on 08454 04 05 06. it in a supermarket. Interesting places to catalogue.) date of purchase. Always ask the shop More information is available online at shop for food in Reading are Union Street, • You have a 7-day cooling off period which what their returns policy is. www.consumerdirect.gov.uk known by locals as ‘Smelly Ally’ because of is a 7-day period from the day after you • If an item is found to be faulty or not as the fish on sale, the open market on Hosier have received your item, where you can To conclude, take up issues with the seller described you can return it to the shop and Street (from Wednesday to Saturday 9:00 to send it back and the seller is required to (the shop) and keep all your receipts as they are obliged to either refund, replace, 16:00) and roads such as Wokingham Road give you a full refund. proof of purchase. If you lose a receipt, then or repair the item. Up to six months after and Oxford Road, where local stores often a bank statement showing the purchase • If you have not received your item 30 days purchase the shop must treat a faulty item cater for particular nationalities. after you have paid for the item, then you as sold in that state, unless they can prove may be sufficient. can cancel your order and claim a full refund. otherwise, and therefore repair, refund or replace the item. • If your item is faulty, not as described or of unsatisfactory quality you can reject it, get When internet your money back and be refunded the cost shopping you have of returning it. 7 days to return an The Oracle is Reading’s main shopping centre with item if you change all the major high street stores in one place and lots From the top: Morrisons Super Market off Rose Kiln your mind of restaurants Lane, Smelly Alley and Oxford Road 16 17 Shopping malls and arcades Cafés and bars Restaurants Broad Street is the main pedestrian A popular friendly place for students is Everyone has their own tastes when it comes shopping street with a large JD Sports, Global Café on London Street. On Fridays to eating out and so it’s good try a variety of Waterstones, John Lewis and Marks and and Saturdays they are open until 1.00a.m. places. To get you started what follows are Spencer. Friar Street and the roads that link with DJs and live music. www.risc.org.uk/ some restaurants recommended by students Friar Street and Broad Street also have a globalcafe/ and staff in Reading. For good Indian food great many shops. The Broad Street Mall at try the Royal Tandoori Restaurant on Duke Close to the Oracle where Broad Street the top of Broad Street near Oxford Road Street, for Chinese there is China Palace on meets King Street is a quirky court yard that is the second largest shopping centre in Oxford Road near Broad Street Mall, for Thai is reminiscent of old Victorian England with Reading with shops such as TK Maxx with food there is Thai Corner on West Street and stone paving and black painted wooden shop its extensive range of discounted clothes. Thai 9 on Queens Walk near the Hexagon, fronts. You can get a drink here in the bar of The Harris Arcade off Friar Street has a which also does Japanese sushi. For English the George Hotel and it makes for a lovely somewhat limited range of shops but lots food recommended­ places are the London place to sit out in the sun or the shade. of character and is worth visiting to take in Street Brassiere on London Street, Loch Fyne the Victorian charm of this traditional old For something completely different go to on Fobney Street, which specialises in fish and shopping arcade. Pipers Island off Caversham Bridge. This is Bel and the Dragon at Blakes Lock, where you a bar and restaurant in the middle of the can eat on a barge. There are plenty of other Top: Reading open market on Hosier Street Thames where you can watch the boats go restaurants in Reading including Yo Sushi, Bottom: Harris Arcade of Friar Street past as you enjoy a cool drink or some food. Nandos, Pizza Express, Zero Degrees and Bella Top: London Street Brasserie on London Street Italia, all of which also come ­recommended. Middle: China Palace on Oxford Road

Venture beyond the Oracle and discover the many Top: Thai 9 on Queens Walk streets and malls in Reading dedicated to shopping Middle: Royal Tandoori Restaurant on Duke Street and leisure Global Café on London Street The George Hotel court off Kings Street Pipers Island Bar and Restaurant off Caversham Bridge Bottom: Bell and the Dragon at Blakes Lock 18 19 Technology communication and media In the UK significant changes have E-mail TV Newspapers Radios happened in technology, communication Accessing your university e-mail account is It is now possible to watch a lot of television Newspapers in the UK typically fall in to One of the most popular ways of keeping and media recently such as a switch from described on p8. You should be checking programmes online; however most people two types. These are the broadsheets up with world events and news in the UK analogue to digital tv, a move towards your University e-mail account every day. in the UK still watch television on a TV. (the Times, the Independent, the Guardian, is by listening to the radio. For world news digital radio reception and the greater Notifications about changes to class rooms, You can have a television in some halls, for the Financial Times, the Observer) and the and current affairs BBC World Service is use of e-mails and the internet over other meetings, coursework deadlines, social instance in St. Georges, rooms with ensuite tabloids (the Sun, Daily Mail, Daily Express, recommended. This is best listened to on a forms of communication and media. activities and a whole host of other matters showers have a TV aerial socket, however , Star, Daily Mirror). Tabloid newspapers are DAB radio. DAB radios are more expensive What follows is information on technology will be sent by e-mail to your University rooms with just a wash basin do not. half the size of the broadsheets and while than analogue radios, but have many more communication and media relevant to both account. E-mail is the main way in which both types cover the leading news stories radio stations and higher quality reception. In the Reading area TVs must have a study and personal life. the University will communicate with of the day, tabloids tend to include more digital box or a built in digital TV box to Although e-mail has arguably taken over postal mail, you and it is your responsibility to check stories about celebrities, in particular letters are still an important form of communication show programmes. You can then watch Postal mail your University e-mail account. Failure to scandals they are reported to be involved Freeview, which is the free digital service E-mail has meant people are sending fewer are sent from. To send letters or postcards do so can have serious consequences. For in, while the broadsheets will include more in the UK and has about 40 channels that letters in the post and the extra cost and stamps can be purchased in the Students example, if the room or time of an exam stories about world news and politics. vary at different times of the day. The effort required for postal mail can be off- Union shop on Whiteknights campus and were changed (with the change e-mailed Newspapers cost around 50p for a tabloid five main channels in the UK are BBC 1, putting. Actually, sending a letter can have most newsagents or convenience stores. to students) and you missed it because you and over a pound for a broadsheet. They BBC 2, ITV 1, Channel 4 and Channel 5. If a bigger impact than an e-mail. In formal You can send mail using the University post didn’t check your e-mail you would get a can be politically biased, but in the UK you have a television or watch TV online matters such as making a complaint, asking room in Whiteknights House. Alternatively mark of zero for the exam with no grounds newspapers are considered a reliable and you are required to pay for a TV licence a company for work experience or agreeing use a Post Office and the nearest to for appeal. When e-mailing University staff accurate source of news and despite the which costs £145.50 for a colour licence the terms of a tenancy agreement, a written Campus is on Whitely Street at the end It is important to keep checking your and professionals be aware of the e-mail internet are still very popular. letter may be preferable. of Christchurch Road. There is also a Post University e-mail account (see www.tvlicensing.co.uk). conventions on p36. Office in ASDA in Lower Earley and in the However, you should make sure it is town centre in Market Place. addressed to a specific person and always keep a copy. Also, sending a letter in the post to family and friends can be a real treat for those receiving it. Post cards are a simple way of sending a hand written message and There’s lots of ways of watching programmes and can have lovely pictures of the place they videos, but the most popular is still on a television Tabloids and broadsheets can often present news stories very differently 20 21 Communicating internationally Top places to visit As an international student you may be Communicating with is better and it depends on the individual London Places outside London a great many miles from home, but with family and friends and their use. The companies listed above modern technology staying in touch with offer a variety of contracts and tariffs, some London is one of the world’s top tourist There are many wonderful attractions Students use both the internet and mobile home has never been easier. The only of which include a certain number of free destinations, and it’s easy to reach by train outside London for day trips from Reading. phones to communicate with family and difficulty is choosing which of the many minutes of international calls a month. If you from Reading, so don’t miss out on its Visiting them can be a way to relax, have fun friends. Skype is particularly popular, options to use. We will look at some of go over these minutes or never use them, amazing attractions. There are too many and learn a bit more about British history enabling students to communicate with these here. then these contracts may not suit you. Where to list here, but some of the most popular or culture. family and friends back home for free. Similar international calls are not included as free include: services used by students are Facetime on Henley ‘I stay in touch with minutes the cost can be expensive from Apple devices, MSN and oovoo all of which • The London Eye – an unforgettable way my family and friends some mobile phone companies. However, is a small town located right on the river offer video chat facilities. Viber for the to see views of all the London sites by using social students recommend companies like Lebara, Thames. This lovely, historic town is ideal for iphone and Android phones enables free calls • Buckingham Palace – see the Changing networking sites like Lycamobile, Giffgaff and Delight Mobile for river walks, boating and of course shopping. from your phone if the person you are calling of the Guard at the royal palace facebook and twitter, cheap international calls. When comparing, Henley is best known for the annual Royal also has the programme. For messaging, I even Skype my parents everyday. look at the particular cost of calling your home • Madame Tussaud’s – have your photo Regatta and attracts some of the best most students use Facebook, but e-mailing Internet connection is always country as this can vary between companies. taken with some of the world’s most rowers in the world. Distance from Reading: is still popular and those with Blackberry available in students halls and it’s famous figures 10 miles (travel by train). phones will also use BBM messaging. easy to get Skype on your PC. You • The British Museum – London’s world- famous museum has millions of exhibits can also use mobile phones as there Mobile phones are special sim cards in the UK for and it is free. There are many mobile phone companies international calls, which is cheaper • The Tower of London – prison, palace, in the UK and students rated Vodaphone, than other UK companies.’ jewel house and armoury 3 and O2 as their top recommendations for Jinan Shabeer Mustafa contracts. There are two main approaches www.visitlondon.com suggests many more to paying for a mobile phone, there is buying a mobile phone and getting a ‘pay as you go’ contract or getting onto a monthly contract, which generally includes a free International communication is easier than ever with phone. Students were split as to which option the internet. However, some people still prefer more traditional ways. Big Ben and the London Eye at Westminster in London Windsor Castle, home of Queen Elizabeth II 22 23 Windsor Castle Oxford Stratford upon Avon is an official residence of Queen Elizabeth is the ‘city of dreaming spires.‘ It is home to is the birthplace of William Shakespeare and II. Windsor is the largest inhabited castle in the oldest university in the English-speaking is one of the UK’s major tourist destinations. the world. It is almost 1000 years old and world. Any visit here should include a tour You can see some wonderful examples of the Queen often spends her weekends here. of some of the beautiful college buildings; Elizabethan architecture, visit the house Visit the magnificent State Apartments, St for example Christchurch College, which where Shakespeare was born in 1564, and George’s Chapel, and Queen Mary’s dolls’ contains the Harry Potter dining hall. On even see a play at the Royal Shakespeare house. See how royalty lives! Distance from a nice day you can also try punting on the Theatre. Distance from Reading: 70 miles Reading: 20 miles (travel by coach or train). river – a real Oxford tradition. Distance from (travel by train). Reading: 30 miles (travel by train). Thorpe Park is a theme park for people who want thrills. Stonehenge The famous Oxford skyline is made up of many spires, If you like rollercoasters and you aren’t is a prehistoric monument in the English known affectionately as the ‘dreaming spires’ afraid of rides with names like The Swarm, countryside, composed of a circle of a ­mystery – was it a burial ground or a huge Saw, Colossus, or Nemesis Inferno, then enormous standing stones. It is one of the solar calendar? No-one is sure. Distance Thorpe Park is the place for you! Distance most famous sites in England and a UNESCO from Reading: 50 miles (travel by car). from Reading: 25 miles (travel by train). world heritage site. Its age is uncertain, but estimates suggest it was built in Bath 2000 – 3000 BC. What it was built for is still ‘For a person who is has some of the most beautiful architecture coming to the UK for in the UK, including the world-famous Royal Arguably the most famous English writer of all time the first time in their Crescent. You can also visit the amazing William Shakespeare, was born in Stratford upon Avon. Roman Baths, built almost 2000 years ago He wrote plays such as Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth lives, they should and Hamlet. definitely visit the around Britain’s only hot spring. If you want to know more about Bath’s most famous London Eye, Big Ben, Harrods and For more ideas, visit resident, stop by the Jane Austen Centre Leicester Square when they get the www.visitbritain.com chance as it is an experience they and have tea in the Regency Team Rooms. International Focus organises tours will love’ Distance from Reading: 70 miles (travel to some of these locations from the Haider Seyed by train). ­University campus. www.internationalfocus.org.uk The UK has many historic buildings and sites, which are well worth visiting 24 25 • Having spent time sight-seeing, it’s The package day time for some retail therapy, so head to Oxford’s Covered Market between Market out – Oxford Street and the High Street. • Leave the Covered Market by 17:10 and What follows is a step-by-step guide head back to the train station to catch the for a Saturday day trip to Oxford. You 17:31 back to Reading to arrive in Reading can choose to follow the instructions as at 17:55. closely as you like, or use it as an example to then plan your own day trip, possibly to • From Reading Station catch the No.21 at somewhere completely different – see all 18:10 to be back on campus at 18:22. the suggestions of places to visit on p25. This step-by-step guide is, however, a great Natural History Museum and Pitt Rivers Museum Radcliffe Camera way of gaining experience of travelling outside of Reading to give you the • Walk up George Street and follow signs to Church of St. Mary the Virgin. At this confidence to visit some of the famous sites the Visitor Information Centre. Once there church you can climb the massive tower to and attractions of England. book a guided tour of Oxford to begin at be rewarded by breath-taking views of the 14:00. Pick up a map of Oxford along with historic spires and skyline of Oxford. • Starting from the University Campus on any guides and brochures of interest. • If you like museums there is the world- Chancellors Way, catch the No.20 bus at Prehistoric Iguanadon Skeleton in the Natural History Museum 09:16. to Reading Station, this will drop • The time is about 10:45 and you now have famous Ashmolean Museum of Art and you off at 09:34. a couple of hours to see the historic and Archeology on Beaumont Street or travel Costs Return train fare: £8.30 impressive sights of Oxford University up Parks Road to the Museum of Natural Return bus fare: £3.40. (Note: If four of you • In the station buy a day return train ticket (Save 1/3 by using a 16–25 Railcard.) which are located throughout the city History and the Pitt Rivers Museums, two are travelling together the cost is £2 each to Oxford. Catch the 09:54 train to Oxford, centre. of the highlights of Oxford. by requesting ‘4 Go Together’ single tickets Guided Tour: £7.50 which leaves from Platform 2 and arrives Admission to the tour of The University • The Bodleian Library with the beautiful • Before the guided tour, grab a bite on both journeys at a cost of £5 per trip for in Oxford at 10:19. Church of St. Mary the Virgin: £3.00 Divinity School is only a short walk from to eat at one of the many cafés or four. This is only applicable on weekends • Having left the station, walk along Hythe the Visitor Information Centre. restaurants ensuring to be back to the and bank holidays.) Bridge Street over the bridge and towards Visitor Information Centre for 13:50 the city centre. • You can also walk down Catte Street taking in Radcliffe Square and Radcliffe for the guided tour that begins at 14:00. Camera before arriving at The University The guided tour finishes at 16:00. Ashmolean Museum 26 27

Start Achievement: You form a Achievement: You have revision study group for the Welcome to the Achievement: Well done, moved into a shared house final exams. Sharing ideas and University of Reading. you have joined a sports with some friends. It is quieter knowledge really helps your We hope you make it to club after enquiring in the than hall, you find it easy to understanding and you are HUB in RUSU and have study and are saving money. feeling much more confident graduation achieving as made the team. Reading is feeling like home. about the exams. much as possible and avoiding setbacks. Setback: Your family ask if they can visit you when you should be revising for your final exams. You Setback: You didn’t plan your Achievement: Having miss a week of revision causing time and were late finishing a successfully entered the final year of studies you get you to fail an important exam, Achievement: You made piece of assessed work. You to do a major project. You which you now have to resit. the effort to go to a social then waited over a week after prepare well and put in lots evening organised by your hall the deadline before handing of hard work resulting in high of residence. You made new it in and so got zero. coursework marks. friends and feel more at home.

Setback: Winter comes and Achievement: You and some Finish the weather turns bad. You friends visit the city of Bath Congratulations on persist in wearing thin clothes in the weekend. You learn Achievement: Having Setback: Noisy neighbours in graduating from the that do not keep you warm. about UK history and refresh struggled with the maths in hall keep you up and stop you University of Reading! But did This causes you to catch a cold yourself for the next week and miss some lectures. your course you go to Maths studying. You don’t call security you achieve all that you could of classes. or the hall and so the situation Support in the library for help have and were you careful to and pass the first year exams does not improve and your studies are affected. avoid setbacks? 28 29 Cooking and entertaining Integrating with If you are in hall with UK students you may Learning to cook get to know them eventually. However, UK students you can speed up the process by inviting Favourite recipe from home Getting started them to socialise with you. The same is true Home cooking is one of the things that While at the University, you will meet Four techniques to master students from all over the world. As an for other international students. If other you can miss when being away from home. 1 Frying: Try a stir fry. You can buy stir fry international student you may feel you have students have not made an effort to get to To get a taste of home, why not try some packs from the supermarket that come more in common with other international know you, ask yourself if you have made home cooking right here in the UK and start with the vegetables, meat and noodles and students, but there are some simple steps an effort. UK students are often away from with your favourite dish. You are likely to also a sauce. Follow the instructions on the to make it easy to meet and make friends home for the first time and may be just as be able to get all the ingredients you need pack and usually within 10 minutes you will with UK students. shy or nervous about meeting new people in Reading and all you have to bring is the have a delicious hot stir fry. Students getting to know each other in a hall kitchen as you. Inviting someone to eat with you will know-how. So before coming to the UK Join a club or society in most circumstances be keenly welcomed. think about what your favourite dish is and Hall activities The University of Reading Students’ Union then get the person who makes it to show (RUSU) has many clubs and societies to Your hall will have a Junior Common ‘Since I came to the It’s a good idea to think of your favorite food from you how. You’ll then be able to prepare home and prepare to make it here in the UK cater for a wide variety of interests from Room (JCR) with a JCR committee that UK I honestly had no it yourself whenever you fancy a taste sports to culture and music. Joining a organises social events. Take an interest in trouble interacting of home. your JCR and find out what events they are club or society is a great way to meet UK with UK Students. Cooking is also a great way of making organising. When there is an event that is of students and make friends because you all Social interactions friends. You can make your favourite dish interest to you make an effort to go along. share the same interest and immediately should not be awkward. What I from home for your hall mates and let Find out who your JCR representatives are have something in common. Taking part did was kept an open mind with them sample the great food that you enjoy. and if the events that are organised do not in the events they organise also gives you everyone I met and found people Cooking techniques learnt in cooking one appeal to you, let the JCR representatives 2 Boiling: When buying packaged shared experiences and again this very also appreciate if you’re nice. That’s dish can also be used in cooking similar know what kind of event you would like and vegetables, rice and pasta, all of which naturally makes it easy to mix. To join a club how I got to interact with a lot of UK other dishes with little effort. You can perhaps help them to organise it. These need boiling, follow the instructions or society go along to the Students Union students both in hall and on campus. then start being creative and cook all events will be open to all students and so on the packets about cooking times. during Freshers Week (see p49) and look at One thing to keep in mind though, be sorts of things! Remember to have the water boiling first the societies pages on the RUSU web site: hall events are another good way of mixing yourself and don’t let people judge before adding the ingredients and starting www.rusu.co.uk/activities/ with UK students. you for who you are.’ the timer. Use a colander when draining, Nasouh Ascha being careful not to burn yourself. 30 31 3 Baking: Baking things usually takes a long 4 Microwaving: This is often the quickest ‘My favorite dish Table manners time, but the results can be delicious. way to heat up food. Make sure to always is salmon with British customs ‘Table manners’ refers to how to conduct Baking is particularly good for pies, pizzas use plastic containers when heating plantains, and sweet yourself at meal times when eating around and potatoes. up food. Never use metal containers potato mash with and manners a table in a social environment. In a nutshell or containers that contain metal in a roasted vegetables. the approach the English take to eating is to microwave. As well as heating you can The British people are on the whole open- To prepare: Season the salmon with make as little noise associated with eating cook vegetables in the microwave, minded and perfectly willing to accept sesame oil, honey, lemon, pepper and as possible. This means: however meat is better cooked with people’s own national cultures, customs herbs. Cut the plantains and fry them • Put small amounts of food in your mouth other methods. and habits. Nevertheless it is worth being in a pan (available at the corner store aware of the social expectations and at a time. or afro/caribbean food store). Gently manners that have become UK culture, so • Keep your mouth closed when eating. fry the salmon till it’s pink and cooked that you can understand why some actions • Do not speak with your mouth full. So through. Peel and boil the sweet People queuing for the train at Reading station may cause a negative response from some finish your mouthful and then speak – this potatoes, mash them. I buy a pack of UK people. Be warned, you may find some is why you should not put too much food ‘roast veg’ from Sainsburys or Tesco Queuing of these expectations unreasonable and in your mouth at once. and just pop them into the oven till we are not saying that you must conform The British tend to form queues whenever • Talking is encouraged, but as stated not ready. And Voila. Serve hot. I’ve learnt to UK manners (indeed many UK people do a group of people are waiting for the same with your mouth full. to cook in bulk and freeze! Saves time not), but we are presenting thing. Examples are at the check-out of a and money!’ them nonetheless for your • When the food is shop, at the entrance to a club or cinema Vicki-Ann Malenga information. Equally a lot of served wait until and waiting for a bus. It is considered very these are not unique to the everyone on the bad manners to push in, so look out for UK and so you may consider table has their queues and join them at the back to avoid it obvious or patronising to food until you offending the others in the queue. state them here, but again start eating. they are just here for those • Offer dishes to who are interested. What others before follows are some or the helping yourself. more common manners and cultural norms in the UK and by no means a It can be useful to be aware of UK table manners, comprehensive guide. especially when eating out 32 33 For instance asking them where they are Please and Thank you from and what degree they are doing if they When asking for something it is always Please, Thank you, Sorry are a student. It will not be seen as being polite to use ‘please’. You can use ‘please’ Take this quiz to see if you know where nosey, but will be seen as making an effort at the beginning of the statement or at the and when to use the above words! to socialise and on the whole will be well end. For instance ‘please can you tell me received. In a group of unfamiliar people it the time’ or ‘can you tell me the time please’ 1 Someone stands on your foot by is not considered good manners to talk too are both polite ways of asking for the time. accident while you are waiting in a much about yourself without showing an Avoid using ‘thank you’ before you have a queue at the cinema. interest in others. response from someone. If someone gives A You say sorry you something or does something for you B They say sorry People in the UK are well known for their tendency E-mail conventions then say ‘thank you’. For instance if the to form queues C You both say sorry When e-mailing University staff or people person tells you the time thank them for it D No-one says sorry ‘Ladies first’ you don’t know it is polite to address them by saying ‘thank you’. A mistake that some using ‘Dear’ followed by their title (e.g. Mr, international students make is to get these There is a tradition in the UK that men will 2 You should put please in the following Mrs, Ms, Dr) and then their surname. For the wrong way round or to use both ‘please’ let ladies do something before themselves. place when requesting something in example Dear Ms Nukui or Dear Dr Peace. and ‘thank you’ when asking for something. For instance when opening taxi or building a shop: It is inappropriate to begin e-mails to For instance saying ‘can I have the time door, the man will say ‘ladies first’ and A Please could I see these in a size 5 professionals and academics with the same thank you’ or ‘can I have the time thank you allow the lady to go in front of him through familiarity as your friends. For example please’ are both wrong. Neither are rude, B Could I please see these in a size 5? the door. He may also hold the door open beginning ‘Hey’, ‘Alright’ or ‘Hi there’ is but they highlight a lack of knowledge of C Could I see these in a size 5 please? for the lady. ‘Ladies first’ applies to other inappropriate. Incorrectly addressing English and so should be avoided. D All of the above are acceptable situations, for instance taking seats in people you do not know in e-mails and mail a restaurant. can actually hinder you in applying for jobs, 3 In which of the following situations should courses and in being taken seriously by the you say thank you? Socialising recipient. Examples of the correct way of A Your tutor gives a lecture When meeting new people it can signing off an e-mail is saying either ‘yours’, B Your tutor gives you a hand-out be awkward to know how to begin a ‘best regards’ or ‘best wishes’ followed by

conversation. However, in the UK as your name. For example ‘Best Regards, C Your tutor calls your name

3 B 3 D 2 B 1 with many other countries it is always What’s the correct way to ask a sales person Answers: Miao Tian’. D All of the above to show you something in your size? appreciated if you show an interest in the person and ask them about themselves. 34 35 The ‘first footer’ often brings symbolic gifts Names UK celebrations like coal to keep the house warm or baked goods such as shortbread, oat cakes, and a ‘What’s in a name? That which we call A person in service encounters Order of names in the UK fruit cake called black bun, to make sure the a rose by any other name would smell (shops/banks/stations etc.): No name 1 January First/Christian/Given household always has food. as sweet.’ + Middle * Titles include: Doctor (Dr), Professor, The Annual New Year’s Day Parade in People often make resolutions in the New William Shakespeare + Last/­Surname/Family Mr, Mrs, Miss, Ms and many more! London begins outside the Ritz Hotel and finishes on Parliament Street. Thousands Year such as to be a better student! For example: Catherine Elizabeth Middleton Note: The title Dr can be used for academics­ Most popular boys’ Most popular girls’ of performers from all over the world take as well as medical professionals but if it is an names 2011 names 2011 Note: if you put the last name first, you must part in the New Year’s Day Parade, including 14 February There is a tradition of decorating hard boiled or academic, you must use the last name too! chocolate eggs at Easter to give as gifts Oliver Lily use a comma marching bands, dancers and puppeteers.­ Many people send Valentine’s Day cards, For example: Middleton, Catherine ­Elizabeth gifts or text messages to their partner or Jack Emily In Scotland, where New Year’s is called early as 22 March or as late as 25 April. For What does Ms stand for? somebody for whom they have romantic Hogmanay, there is a tradition called “first this reason Easter is called a movable feast. Harry Isabella Answer: Ms doesn’t mean anything. It is a feelings. Cards and gifts are traditionally How to address people footing,” in which the first person to enter a title a woman may use when she does not sent anonymously in the UK so that you Eggs are very important at Easter and Charlie Sophia Your tutors: Title * and last name unless they home after the New Year determines what want to indicate that she is either married have to guess who loves you! Popular have always thought to be special because James Isabelle tell you to use their first name. kind of year the residents will have. He or or single. It is the female equivalent of Mr. ­Valentine’s Day gifts include: although they do not seem alive, they have For example: Good morning Professor she should have black hair to bring good Joshua Sophie • chocolates and other sweets Harcourt­ or Good morning Stephen Which student is addressing the luck so if you have black hair you will be very 31 October Alfie Olivia popular in Scotland! • red roses or bunches of flowers Note: Don’t use title and first name! academic correctly? ‘During Hallowe’en Thomas Ava • champagne or other sparkling wines Your friends: First/nick name Miguel: Doctor, can I make an appointment a couple of friends Jacob Chloe For example: Hi Brigitte to discuss my essay? • a surprise meal in a restaurant or night and I went down in a hotel. to Leicester Square Ethan Isla Medical doctors: Doctor and last name or Ting Ting: Doctor Liz, can I make an in London and were amazed to see just Doctor ­appointment to discuss my essay? March/April 20 people dressed as zombies on For example: Dr Smith, have you got my Adedapo: Doctor Wilding, can I make an Easter Day is always on a Sunday, but the roller skates!’ results yet? or Doctor, have you got my appointment to discuss my essay? date varies from year to year. Many years ago Adam Umar results yet? Christians decided that Easter Day should ‘Hallowe’en was really good. We

always be on the Sunday following the first dressed up with friends and went out.’

Adedapo is correct is Adedapo Answer: Answer: full moon after the first day of Spring on A popular gift on Valentines day is taking the Haider Seyed person you love out for a meal 21 March. This means that Easter can be as 36 37 life within them especially at springtime To celebrate the fact that the king had and restaurants decorated beautifully with when chicks hatch out. survived the attempt on his life, people up lights and decorations. Student support and down the country lit bonfires – an act Long ago people gave gifts of eggs carved Churches and Cathedrals all over the There are a number of ways of getting which soon became an annual event. from wood or precious stones. Since then country hold masses, with many people ­welfare and academic support at chocolate eggs have become popular They still do this and also light fireworks attending the Midnight Mass on Christmas the University. and these are given on Easter Sunday. to imitate what would have happened Eve, or a service on Christmas morning. Sometimes chocolate eggs are hidden in if the explosives had gone off! In England the day after Christmas is Welfare support the garden and children hunt for them. called Boxing Day, named so because (Covering personal issues such as 25 December young boys used to go around on this homesickness, health, accommodation, 5 November Beautiful Christmas Trees are an essential day collecting money in clay boxes. The visa issues and finance) ‘Remember, remember the Fifth of November, part of Christmas. In England, the decorating boxes were smashed open, when they were • Personal Tutors: The role of the personal gunpowder treason and plot.’ of Christmas trees has been widely popular full. Boxing Day is still celebrated in the UK. tutor is to take an interest in both your since around the 1850s when Prince Albert Bonfire night in the UK is a night of firework It is a bank holiday in England. If it happens academic life and your welfare here at had a Christmas tree set up in Windsor Castle displays, toffee apples and the traditional to fall on a weekend, then a special Bank University. You will see your personal for his wife Queen Victoria and their children. burning of the Guy, an effigy of Guy Fawkes. Holiday is declared on Monday. tutor each term for a meeting and can This is a tradition that relates back to a The traditional Christmas dinner in England contact them outside this time for help failed plot to assassinate King James the 1st is a main dish of roasted turkey with stuffing, and support. During your meeting you will of England on 5 November 1605. The plan roast potatoes, vegetables and sauces. discuss mostly your academic progress was foiled when The dessert is usually a Christmas pudding but also issues of welfare such as your life a member of the with brandy sauce and cream. in hall, sickness or other issues that affect Top: Carrington Building, home of Student services plot, Guy Fawkes, your life. It is important to keep your English children receive gifts from Father houses the Accommodation Office, the queries, you can contact the Student was found guarding Personal Tutor informed of any illness you Christmas who leaves presents for them Counselling and Wellbeing service, the Services Centre either by calling in to the explosives have or problems that affect your studies in their stockings (or pillowcases that they Student Employment, Experience and the help desk on the ground floor of the beneath the Houses so that they can provide you with the best hang at the end of their bed) on Christmas Careers Centre and provides student Carrington Building or by telephone or of Parliament advice and look after your interests. Eve. The gifts are usually opened on support and advice on a host of other e-mail: and immediately Christmas Day. • Student Services: The Carrington issues such as debt, financial support, tel +44 (0) 118 378 5555 arrested. Building on Whitknights Campus next tuition fees, withdrawals and suspensions e-mail [email protected] The Christmas spirit can be seen all over In the UK it is traditional to pull crackers at Christmas to RUSU is home to the Student Services amongst others. Whatever your query, Britain with most public places such as 5 November is a great time for fireworks. dinner on Christmas day. The person with the longer Centre. The Student Services Centre be it accommodation problems or visa department stores, gift shops, town halls end when the cracker breaks keeps the gifts inside. 38 39 You can now also get international student ‘Come and see me Academic support advice on the International Advice Twitter in the Carrington (Covering study skills, language and writing account @UniRdg_IntStu for the latest Building, I have plenty problems, and achieving academically) news and information for international and of experience and • Module Tutors: Your course tutors deliver EU students on improving your student each year help lots lectures, set assignments and provide experience while studying at the University of international students resolve you with feedback. They are also available of Reading. problems and get the most out of life to help you outside of class with any here at the University.’ • Reading University Students’ Union problems you may have with your course Matt Daley International Student (RUSU): The Students’ Union here at material. The best way to get extra help is Advisor Reading (RUSU) is an organisation run to e-mail your course tutor and arrange a by students and organises the clubs time to see them. In some cases an e-mail Student Services help desk in the ­Carrington Building and societies at the university as well response from them may be all you need. • International Student Advisor: as providing student support. On their –– Welfare Support: Issues such as health, • Study Advice: There is excellent study Matt Daley is the International Student web site you can find advice about wellbeing, personal safety and security, advice available online from the University Adviser for the University of Reading. issues such as: culture shock and homesickness, web site and is presented in the form of It is his role to provide professional and –– Academic Advice: Exam survival, bullying and harassment. study guides focussed on specific topics. confidential support to all international disabled students information, Areas covered in the guides are essays, and EU students on a host of issues assessments, results appeals and For advice on any of these issues look online reports and dissertations, managing your such as living in the UK, welfare and extenuating circumstances. at: www.rusu.co.uk/advice/ time, academic writing, preparing for studying in the UK and getting involved –– Housing Advice: Housing law, moving • Drop-in sessions: If you would prefer to exams, research and referencing. In all in extracurricular activities such as joining out of Halls to private accommodation, speak to someone in person, RUSU offers there are 47 guides covering a range of sports clubs, societies, volunteering and finding housemates and rental issues. drop-in sessions where you can go and study topics and they can all be accessed the RED awards. To contact Matt you can –– Money Advice: Loans, debts, consumer speak to one of their advisors on any of from: www.reading.ac.uk/internal/ ask for him in the Carrington Building rights, obtaining additional funding and the issues above and any other issues you studyadvice Student Services Help Desk or e-mail managing your money. may have. or phone him: –– International Advice: Immigration and Study Advice also offer free study Times for these are: Monday, Tuesday, tel +44 (0) 118 378 6185 nationality advice, visa extensions and workshops that you can find information Thursday and Friday 10:00 – 13:00 and e-mail [email protected] essential information about working in about on their website as well as individual Wednesdays 14:00 – 17:00. www.reading.ac.uk/student/ the UK during your studies. study advice sessions that you can book international either by calling 0118 378 4242 or emailing [email protected]. 40 41 • Exercise. By finding an activity that you some people suffer from what is called The cultural enjoy, you will be able to reduce your re-entry shock. Symptoms include: Where are you in the process of adjusting to a new feelings of stress and anxiety. • Changes in sleeping or eating habits adjustment cycle • Get involved in community activities such • tiredness culture? Take this quiz and find out! as volunteering or singing in a choir for Living in a different culture can be a bit • irritation 1 I usually: 4 I spend most of my time with: example. ‘I was really of a roller coaster as you can see in the • problems with concentration (mentally a only get a few hours’ sleep as I am a British friends only, avoiding people • Work on your English so that you feel homesick when graph below. wandering abroad) having so much fun from my country more confident. I first came to the Take the quiz on the opposite page to see • feelings of isolation b sleep well and feel refreshed in the b A mixture of people UK and I really • Introduce yourself to other international where you are on the graph at the moment. morning c A small group of people from home missed my little students. They may be experiencing the • and even depression. c need lots of sleep and feel very tired all 5 Everything in the UK is so: sister. Now I feel If you find that you are in the midst of same problems that you are. By talking These feelings can often be dealt with the time much more at culture shock, help is at hand: to them, you can find out how they are in the same way as Culture Shock. a different and exciting 2 Since coming to the UK I have: home.’ • Get out of your room and experience coping with their problems. Nevertheless, the experience of living in b normal for me now a tried to learn how to cook British foods

what life in the UK is like. • Be patient. Give yourself time to get over a new culture will have changed you forever c inferior to my country b added new foods to my home diet Adviser. Student International

• Make friends from the UK and ask about culture shock. It will pass. Honest! – in a positive way! c gained weight because I am always the see, bad really get things if and

their culture. If you need help in adjustment there is You might be surprised to see that going snacking page opposite the on advice the follow

plenty of support available at the University back to your own country after your studies Please shock. culture from suffering

as is presented in the following section. 3 I phone home: Oh no, you appear to be be to appear you no, Oh have finished can also cause problems and Cs: Mostly

a rarely because I am so busy

b once a week on average UK. the in

c every day when I have some news time your enjoy and relax can you done

to share Well stage. integration and acceptance

You appear to be in the the in be to appear You Bs: Mostly

shock and try and avoid it if you can. you if it avoid and try and shock

may not last. Watch out for culture culture for out Watch last. not may

honeymoon stage which is great but but great is which stage honeymoon

You appear to be in the the in be to appear You As: Mostly When suffering culture shock it can feel like you are Answers out of place. The feelings will go and you will soon feel comfortable in your new environment. 42 43 Ask Aggie Getting support when you need it You are not Aggie answers the concerns expected to Angel has got lots of questions and is a bit confused but help is at hand! spend all your sent to her by international time studying. students. Hopefully her advice Pursuing outside will be useful to you also. interests is also important. The Students’ Union can help with The university will pair you with Dear Aggie, Dear Aggie, Dear Aggie, visa applications, financial issues a personal tutor who can help with I got on the bus the other day and only I have 9 o’clock classes every day and I am I am here to study! British students seem had a £5.00 note in my pocket. The fare to always there by about 9.10. I was really to waste a lot of time playing sports and and put you in touch with clubs matters academic or pastoral. town is £1.80 but the bus driver wouldn’t let surprised last week when the tutor told me socialising. They are always having parties and societies. me on because he said I had to have the exact I couldn’t join the class because I have been or going to the gym. Why aren’t they Connect can help you money. I was so mad! I had to go to a shop late too many times. I felt so upset. I make serious students like me? The University has a Study make friends with British and get some change and I was an hour late a real effort to get up for my classes even Emmanuel. meeting my friends. This wouldn’t happen if I am feeling tired. What’s 10 minutes? Support Centre and a students as well as other in my country! Justine Dear Emmanuel, Maths Support Centre. international students. Paolo We have a saying in the UK ; ‘All work and Dear Justine, no play makes Jack a dull boy.’ We believe The Counselling Service can Dear Paolo, It’s hard having 9 o’clock classes everyday that it’s important to work hard but to have I know how you feel. This happened to me isn’t it, especially if you stay up late the fun too. Doing sports and socialising can help you deal with issues once too. Don’t be mad. It’s just that bus night before. In the UK we have quite a strict help you to concentrate better on your such as homesickness and companies want to be very efficient and attitude towards time. Classes start on the studies. Of course too much socialising culture shock. giving change takes a lot of time. Try to think hour and finish at 10 to the hour allowing isn’t good. We need a balance in everything. of it positively! Your trip to town will be you time to get to your next class. By So keep working hard Emmanuel but have much quicker. Why don’t you buy a bus pass coming 10 minutes late you are disrupting some fun too! from the Travel Centre in the Broad Street the class and missing important teaching Aggie Mall and then you won’t need to worry time too! Just set your alarm clock 10 about change at all. Happy travelling! minute earlier Justine! Aggie Aggie 44 45 International Extra-curricular activities Students’ Officer With good time management you can Sport Societies achieve well in your studies and take part To get involved in sports you can join Societies bring students with the same in extra-curricular activities including a RUSU sports club or go along to the interest together. This might be debating, of RUSU sports and activities run by the many SportsPark on Whitknights campus: painting, computer gaming, walking, playing clubs and societies at University. Having Orsan Arsal is the International ­Students’ Orsan will also be looking at inviting UK www.sport.reading.ac.uk an instrument or a cultural society. Being a interests outside of study often develops member of a society enables you to join in Officer of RUSU for 2012/13. This is a new students to get involved in the national Popular activities at the sports park are transferrable skills, such as social skills, the activities and go to social events. You can role created to provide representation and and cultural societies to promote greater 5-a-side football on the all-weather floodlit that are valued by future employers. It also meet people with the same interests as you support for international students at the integration of home UK students with pitches and fitness, martial arts and dance indicates self-motivation, which is again and make new friends. Go to the HUB in the University. In representing international internationals students. classes in their specialist studios. They valued by employers. students Orsan will be campaigning within Students Union or search their website You can contact Orsan about a whole also have a 95-station fitness studio, four the University for changes that ­benefit www.rusu.co.uk for a list of societies. host of issues here at University including squash courts, floodlit tennis courts and a international students. accommodation, academic and personal, large sports hall for badminton, volleyball, The University recognises the importance You too can be involved in supporting but in particular any crisis you may 5-a-side, basketball, netball, table tennis of extra-curricular activities in the student international students at University and be having. Orsan will either help directly and more besides. experience and now rewards students who get involved in worthwhile activities with a helping Ushana by joining one of the many or ensure you are connected to the Sports clubs national and cultural societies within RUSU. appropriate body for the support you RED Award. RUSU has over 50 sports clubs utilising Orsan works closely with these societies need. To ­contact Orsan: facilities on campus and in the local area. promoting greater collaboration, so that e-mail [email protected] Whatever sport you are into or fancy trying, together, as a more united ‘International Orsan Arsal the International Students’ Officer of or drop a written note for Orsan at the chances are there is a club for it. Take RUSU 2012/13 offering advice and support student Association’ they can pursue more the RUSU hub. a look at the RUSU web site or go to the funds and action for international student HUB in the Students Union building and issues. One example of the benefit of enquire at the reception. www.rusu.co.uk/ joining a national or cultural society is to be activities/sports_home involved in the International Week to be run at the University and organised by Orsan. Organizing extra-curricular activities with your friends Joining a club or society makes it easy to meet UK and and hall mates, for instance cooking or sport helps to other international students because you all share develop social and group skills valued by future employers a common interest 46 47 RED Award The Reading Experience and Getting a job Development (RED) Award is a new Some international students choose to get Permission to work How to find a job ­university scheme which recognises and a part-time job while studying, although International students are usually eligible If you decide that you do want to find part- awards students that get involved in extra- many find that being a student takes all of to work part time while in the UK. If you are time work, the JobShop in the Carrington curricular activities whilst at university and their time. If you want to get a part-time from outside the European Union, you can Building on campus is the best place to start. facilitates the involvement of others who job while you are a student, there are some work for a maximum of 20 hours per week The JobShop helps Reading students find part- wish to get involved. To obtain the award you things you should know. in term time and up to 40 hours during time and vacation work. It advertises student must complete 50 hours of activity, which vacations, provided that the stamp in your friendly positions from around campus and is made up of three different elements: passport does not include a prohibition on with local businesses, and therefore there is a 35 hours of either paid work, volunteering, working. The United Kingdom Council for range of part time work on offer. Their website work experience or internship, 10 hours International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has has more information: www.reading.ac.uk/ of either involvement in a RUSU club or more information on its website about the seecc/jobs/jobshop.asp society, local community volunteering, peer rules for part-time work in the UK while you support or student tutoring and 5 hours Reading University Students Union also has are studying. of training courses at RUSU, the Headstart a job vacancy section on its website: http:// programme or Living Positively programme. It is also important to be realistic and rusu.co.uk/jobvacancies/studentjobs Once completed, the RED Award will be make sure that you have enough time for The Careers Centre also runs a weekly recorded on your degree transcript and can both your studies and a job. Also, be sure Student Employment drop in clinic every be used on your CV. This can demonstrate to look for a job that you can fit in around Wednesday afternoon in the Carrington to a potential employer motivation and time your timetable and doesn’t interfere with With good time management it is possible to do Building between 14:00 – 15:00, which can management as well as communication skills some paid work and achieve academically classes. Balancing a job and your studies provide you with some useful advice. and interpersonal skills. Taking part in extra- can be quite challenging, so good time curricular activities at University is rewarding management is essential. The advantages of working and worthwhile. You can find out more Having a part-time job can be a source of about the RED Awards online: extra cash. You will also be able to add work www.reading.ac.uk/internal/reading experience to your CV. It is clear that having a experienceanddevelopmentaward/ job can help you to gain confidence, develop reda-home.aspx valuable skills and obtain experience which Student volunteering in local schools can contribute towards the RED award. may help you in the future. 48 49 What’s it like to work and study? Careers and work Case study: Binod Pun 27 experience Binod Pun from Nepal is studying on the IFP and has a part-time job working in the One of the major motivations for studying bar area of a local hotel. He is managing to in higher education is to become qualified both work and achieve well in his studies. to pursue a chosen career path. In many Binod has previous work experience and cases this is the deciding factor in selecting this has helped him in finding work in the a degree programme. competitive jobs market. Finding a job is not Qualifying academically is important, but easy, but you can use job finding sites on the in a competitive international market internet and search for available positions. with many graduates competing for the Networking is powerful tool in finding work same jobs, it is equally important to make and asking in places like the Students Union yourself stand out from the crowd with and Campus shop for available positions qualities and experience beyond purely along with having a good CV and preferably academic. Work experience, for example Taking part in work experience whilst at University can greatly enhance your CV some previous work experience will can be invaluable in demonstrating to a Employment and Careers Centre (SEECC) in The chances are that you already have a increase your chances. potential employer your commitment the Carrington building at the University of chosen career in mind, however you may International student Binod Pun, who has been working to help finance his studies. to a particular career or profession. The Reading. You can also gain help and advice still be unsure as to which career you would contacts and knowledge gained through ‘I found it hard at first to get work, but the money I earn towards my education. from your personal tutors and course like to pursue. Either way you should still work experience can also prove useful in I have previous experience in hotels and I have to work hard, but I find as long tutors as well as doing your own research. keep learning more about the options getting started in your career. Involvement that experience along with knowing as I attend the lectures and complete This could mean finding companies you available and how to be in a strong position in activities outside of study, such as someone within the hotel helped get me assignments on time my work doesn’t are interested in and reading about them for work when you leave university. To find university clubs and societies can also help the job. I enjoy the casual atmosphere of interfere with my studies.’ online. You could also try contacting them out more about University resources for to broaden your CV and further strengthen my work and the satisfaction of putting to see if they would accept you for work careers see the SEECC website: your appeal to a future employer. experience. A great place to start is the www.reading.ac.uk/seecc/ To find out more about different careers, SEECC web site with lists of companies to your chosen career or how to prepare contact directly and web sites with further yourself for finding work, visit the Student contacts and information. 50 51 Graduation Reading town map

Reading & The University and beyond C A V Halls of residence Updated September 2011. E OxfordR S © Copyright The University of Reading H Train station A

Graduation marks an important milestone M

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D N ROAD as students move on to new challenges Useful links D One-way system University campus maps Reading Station

such as work or post-graduate degrees. www.reading.ac.uk/maps I

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R ION ROA However, this is not the end as far as HILL ON Route information F ND ORBU LO Transport Direct RY R O STREET BLAGRAVE ST E Reading is concerned and all students A www.transportdirect.info FRIAR N D A L Market Pl. S AA Route Planner T T are encouraged to stay in contact. After STREE T AD D I www.theaa.com/travelwatch BRO P U KINGS ROAD OAD I K R DR N E O D students leave the University of Reading RAC Route Planner The S N T KIN LO GS T Q RO Oracle AD route.rac.co.uk U S E L EENS ROAD Palmer Park TL O Woodley they become alumni. All alumni are able to S N A IDR D AD Rail information ROA A C O N DO L W 3 N ON O DLANDS AVENUE The Trainline L E E K 2 O O S London X IN W stay in touch with the University and with S A 9 O T C G A S H www.thetrainline.com C R ( R A Main Entrance U RD N T M N OWN PL Road A M Bulmershe DR O E E I T D K R A V LE D R ) H LON E IG R 3 E H O each other through the alumni network. N E First Great Western Railways A H RO N 2 N R AD A D M 7 o D T A Bulmershe www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk R R s R R E P S V E I p D T I E O R L C E O V D i The University has an international network ST K t A N AD E L a C N D R O L R U Local Bus information L R A l ESCENT R PE O S E UE S N A VEN T A 4 BERKELEY A T Reading Buses R R D D NGTON ROAD D of alumni and there are currently more than O E S I A S E ADD www.reading-buses.co.uk/university R E T O O K Wells R I A L D 150,000 Reading alumni worldwide. Alumni N ALLCROFT RD D REDLA OA WH H Airport Information R NDS R C L PE IT

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Heathrow Airport Wantage I U M4 Junction 10 E Hillside Childs G

receptions take place around the world, so A3 St George's H H A www.heathrowairport.com 27 C MacKinder T C 3 HRIS S 29 TCHU R (M RCH Stenton O ) Gatwick Airport ROA A you may have the chance to meet up with D Wessex D www.gatwick-airport-guide.co.uk Windsor Earley Station WO Shin eld Road Bridges D KIN

former and prospective students back in D G Coach Information S A HA D A Health Centre H M O R STATION RD O I OA National Express Coaches N R D R Whiteknights A F 32 your own country. Alumni can also show For more information, visit the Alumni The International Student Survival Guide E St Patrick's I Earley Gate S 9 www.nationalexpress.com K E S N L O D E T O M4 Junction 10 Student Village N S R R Rail Air (coach service from Heathrow R their support for the University by acting website: www.reading.ac.uk/alumni. 2013 was made possible by a grant from G T O E H N A RELIEF ROA Shereld D I C and Gatwick airports to Reading Railway D L 3 S I O

3 A W Station) U A as University ambassadors. This involves You can find out more about Connected, the Annual Fund, which is supported by B R Pepper Lane T www.railair.com P A E V PP talking to prospective undergraduates the annual University of Reading magazine, generous donations from Alumni and A33 E ER N LA U NE 0 800m E ROSE KILN L A ANE about being a student, and giving a first- and how to stay connected through the friends of the University. 3 B 2 E 7 EC S H 0 M 2400ft

D H hand account of life at the University and online community. L

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I D R n O E TCH E c L A A in the UK. As an ambassador, you can help R H t D K D D

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I n T O T L E Sibly S O E 1 L someone in your country prepare for the A D M G R 1 C D

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A L E international student experience that A E N B E you have just survived! International Student survival guide For more information, please contact: ISLC University of Reading Whiteknights Reading RG6 6AA United Kingdom [email protected] Tel (0118) 378 6983 www.reading.ac.uk/islc