There are so many different opportunities to get involved in when you join university, it can be difficult to know where to start looking for them. In this blog, we will highlight 4 different ways you can get involved in the University of Reading student community to help you get started.
Learn a new language!
The University offers language modules on the Institution Wide Language Programmes (IWLP) to everyone within the University community. There are 10 different languages on offer, and they’re taught at up to four different levels, from absolute beginner to intermediate. The course may be taken as part of your degree as a 20-credit optional module, or for personal development.
Get involved with the RED Awards
The Reading Experience and Development (RED) Awards are the University of Reading’s Official Skills Awards. They will help you to enhance your experience at the university whilst developing your skills and will give employers key examples of where you have put these skills into action.
What is the difference between the three RED Awards?
RED Award – The RED Award is here to help you make the most of extra-curricular actives and experiences on offer outside of your degree. The award involves 40 hours of activity, including gaining 35 hours of Experience (through activity such as part-time jobs, internships, volunteering etc.) and 5 hours of training and development (through workshops to help aid your development outside of your course).
RED Global Engagement Award – It is an opportunity for those currently studying at the University of Reading to gain awareness of the wider world, with the purpose of becoming more globally engaged. On achieving this award, you will be able to demonstrate your awareness of being globally engaged, which many companies are actively seeking, whilst committing to making the world a better place for all.
RED Sustainable Action Award – Linked to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the award will challenge you to think about the wide-ranging opportunities you can undertake to support the development of a sustainable world. In doing so you will gain an award that will demonstrate your sustainability awareness and understanding to future employers, evidencing some of the skills that many companies are actively seeking, whilst committing to making the world a better place for all.
Become a STaR Mentor
A STaR Mentor is a current student who helps new students with their start at university. Like a buddy service, your mentor is there to answer any questions you may have and to provide you with an insight into what university is all about. The Student Transition at Reading (or STaR) scheme is made up of volunteer students who have received training from the university on how they can help other students get the best out of your experience.
Find out more about how to get involved and become a STaR Mentor.
Get a part-time job through Campus Jobs
Campus Jobs is the centralised service that provides part-time work opportunities across the Reading campuses. There is a range of different jobs available for you from bar work, to helping on Open Days to becoming a Student Life Content Creator.
Learn more about Campus Jobs and the opportunities available for you.
What are the benefits of getting involved with these opportunities?
- They are enjoyable experiences which give you the opportunity to make friends with people from around the world.
- You are able to learn and develop new skills, which help to improve your CV for future employers.
- You will be able to build your confidence.
- By learning a language, you open yourself up to a large number of new people and new experiences as 75% of the world’s population don’t speak any English.
- You will be able to build your time-management skills and organisation, which can help you within your degree.
- You are able to network with people who share similar interests as you.
- If you get a paid-job, you’ll have some extra money on the side to help you throughout your studies.