FAQ | RUSU

What’s happening with Freshers?

At the moment we are looking at a number of different scenarios for Freshers Week / Welcome events. The most likely outcome that we have identified at the moment is for some events to be taking place but with capacity limits and social distancing measures in place. We will be taking a lead on this from the University as well as adhering the government advice and restrictions.

I have a question about teaching and learning in autumn term, who should I speak to?

Please contact your Academic Tutor or the Programme Director for your course and they will be able to help. Alternatively, get in touch with the RUSU Advice Service.

I want a refund on my fees, what do I do?

Contact the RUSU Money Advisers through the online form.

Will sports matches still happen?

We are following BUCS guidelines but contact student.activities@rusu.co.uk for more information.

Is RUSU Open?

The Merch Store is open online. Please note, however, that we are currently processing orders once a week. This may result in longer than usual order and delivery times.

The RUSU building and outlets (including the nursery) are closed, but we are still here for you digitally. RUSU staff are working remotely to ensure we can continue to support you during this challenging time. Please note the online merch store is currently closed.

Can I still contact RUSU Officers?

Yes, your Full-Time Officers are all contactable digitally and are continuing to work normal hours. You can contact them via email or their Facebook pages, details of which you can find on the Full-time Officer pages.

Can I access RUSU Advice Service?

The advice team continues to offer support for students with academic, housing or money issues. If you feel you need support, in the first instance contact them through the online form. Although they are not able to offer face to face advice, Advisors will be happy to provide support by email, phone or skype during usual office hours (10:00-17:00, Monday-Friday).

The advice team have compiled a comprehensive document with information about the effects of COVID-19 on students in regards to finance and housing.

Is Summer Ball cancelled?

We are really sad to not be able to bring you Summer Ball this year. The event is without a doubt our favourite event of the year and loads of work had already gone into it, from designing artwork and wristbands, to bookings acts and infrastructure.

In light of the current situation and without knowing when we’ll be able to run an event of this size, coupled with the amount of time it takes to organise the event, we aren’t going to be able to postpone the event until later in the year as we had first hoped.

We are continuing to explore options to enable celebrations to take place including looking at some virtual events in the near future, options for a Graduation Ball event in mid-December, and also how we can make Summer Ball 2021 bigger and better than ever to enable recent graduates to return the Reading and have a reunion/delayed celebration.

Stay tuned for updates and we’ll be reaching out to you all over the next few weeks for feedback/ideas to ensure whatever we do is what you want. Our 'Suggest an Event' survey is also a good way to let us know about events ideas you may have.

What is happening with exams?

Exams are being run as take home, 23 hour, open book exams. You will have received specific information about these exams from the university and your school, sent to your student email address.

What is RUSU’s stance on the No Detriment Policy?

RUSU has held an all students vote on the no detriment policy, to inform its position. After considerable student feedback on the existing university policy, RUSU has written an open letter to the university, calling for the University to ensure that their grade safety net covers as many students as possible.

I have left Reading. Do I still have to pay for University of Reading accommodation?

The University has communicated that given the current exceptional circumstances, those in University Halls accommodation, operated by their partner UPP, will not be charged for the third term if you will not be living in Halls for the rest of the academic year.

They will contact students in University Halls directly to let you know how to trigger this. There is no need to contact the University or UPP in the first instance, and they will make contact with you as soon as they are able. In the meantime, you can assist the Accommodation Office by completing the online departure form, if you have not already done so, if you have left.

For those in Kendrick Hall, the owner Unite Students has also confirmed that it will release students from their contracts if they wish to return home or have already done so. All students in Kendrick Hall who wish to cancel the third term must inform Unite Students by the strict deadline of Friday 10 April by emailing cancellations@unitestudents.com.

For welfare and safety reasons, the University needs to know who is remaining in Halls. If you are unable to return to your home and intend staying in Halls please let them know by completing the staying on in Halls form.

Where can I find additional information?