Alumni and supporters

Frequently Asked Questions

1) Benefits

2) Giving to Reading

3) Events

4) Communications

5) Online Community

6) Our Alumni

7) Get Involved

1) Benefits

Am I entitled to any discounts or benefits as an alumnus of the University?

Alumni at the University of Reading have access to a range of special benefits including:

  1. Discounts on further academic study at the University of Reading. Click here for more details.
  2. A range of discounts on campus, such as reduced gym membership, discounted library membership, and savings on accomodation at the Cedar's Hotel on campus. Click here for more details.
  3. Services to help with your future, including 1 year free one-to-one careers advice and offers on banking services with Santander. Click here for more details.

How do I get a replacement degree certificate, transcript, or proof of attendance?

To get a replacement degree or transcript, please contact the Graduations Office here.

To get a diploma supplement, please contact the Examinations office here.

To get proof of attendance, please contact Student Services at studenthelp@reading.ac.uk. 

How can I buy University of Reading merchandise? 

You can either shop online at www.store.rusu.co.uk or you can visit Campus Central, the Reading University Students' Union shop, situated in the heart of Whiteknights campus, next door to the Students Union. 

Opening hours during term time:
Monday to Friday 8.30am-8.00pm
Saturdays 10.00am-6.00pm

Opening hours during vacation periods:
Monday to Friday 8.30am-5.30pm

Do alumni receive discounts on further degrees at Reading? 

Yes. The University is please to announce Alumni Discounts for 2015/16 entrants. Students undertaking a 'next level' degree which is NOT with the Henley Business School will receive the lower of £1000 or 10% tuition fee discount. More details can be found here.

All University of Reading alumni enrolling on the Henley Business School MVA can receive 10% off their tuition fees. Further information can be found here.  

Does the University provide careers advice to alumni? 

Yes. You can find more information on the Careers, Placements, and Experience Centre's webpages.

2) Giving to Reading

Is the University a registered charity? 

The University of Reading is an independent corporation with charitable status established by Royal Charter granted in 1926. Its objects, powers and framework of governance are defined in the Charter and supporting Statutes. It is an exempt charity (reference X 8145)

I received a fundraising call; how do I know whether this was genuine? 

We run telephone campaigns throughout the year, seeking support for the University's work and priorities. If you are unsure, please email giving@reading.ac.uk and we will be happy to confirm. 

How do you process gifts? 

We seek gifts by direct debit primarily, as this allows us to plan for the future and gives our students and researchers confidence in the future. We are also very happy to accept gifts by credit card, cheque, and bank transfer. 

Can I give a gift from overseas? 

Yes. We welcome all gifts. You can give tax effectively from the USA and can give from all parts of the world. For more information please click here. 

Can I support my Halls/School/Department? 

We typically seek support for our fundraising priorities so as to maximise the impact of any donations received. However, if you would like to discuss this further, please email giving@reading.ac.uk.

What are your fundraising priorities? 

Giving to Reading continually supports four main areas:

  • Student Support (bursaries, hardship funds, scholarships)
  • Research (infrastructure and equipment)
  • Innovative Teaching and Learning projects
  • Extra-curricular activities

Gifts that are given to the Area of Greatest Need are especially valuable, as these can be directed to the students and projects that need them most, whatever area they may fall under. 

In addition to this we run targeted appeals throughout the year, based on academic schools and projects that have the most pressing need. The priorities for 2015 are:

  • Fundraising to help tackle teenage depression within the Charlie Waller Institute
  • Fundraising for bursaries for postgraduate students studying the new Masters in Beckett

If you have an area of interest and would like to make a transformative gift we are always happy to discuss this. Please contact Edd Pickering on 0118 378 5238 or e.w.pickering@reading.ac.uk if you would like to discuss this further. 

How can I increase/decrease/cancel/extend my direct debit? 

This can be done by simply emailing giving@reading.ac.uk with your current address (so we can identify you) and stating which action you would like to take. You can of course cancel your direct debit yourself through your bank. We would be very grateful if you could also let us know by emailing us at giving@reading.ac.uk. 

I am interested in including the University in my will. To whom should I talk? 

Please contact Edd Pickering on 0118 378 5238 or e.w.pickering@reading.ac.uk if you would like to discuss this further. Alternatively more information can be found here.

How do I get a donor pin? 

Silver pins are for members of the Blandford Club, to thank all our donors who give by direct debit. Gold pins are for our Reading Pioneers, who lead philanthropy of the University, with a gift of £1000 a year or more.

Why do you fundraise when you are charging £9,000 in fees? 

The fee increase allows the University to continue to provide a high quality of education and experience to our students. Fundraising gives us the flexibility and reactiveness to support the University in key areas; be that research into mental health or heart disease, or bursaries for the most deserving students. 

How much of my donation will go on staff costs? 

None. All fundraising costs are covered by the University meaning 100% of all donations go on supporting the projects our donors wish to support. 

3) Events

How can I find out what events are taking place at the University? 

There are a variety of events taking place at the University throughout the year, including concerts, lectures, receptions, and networking events. 

How can I organise a reunion or other event on campus? 

We are always delighted when alumni want to return to campus with friends or family for a get together. For an easy guide on how to organise a reunion or other event, click here.

When can I bring my friend or family member to an Open Day? 

We have many 'Reading Families' where several generations of the same family have graduated from (and loved!) Reading. More information on Open Days can be found here.

4) Communications

Are you on Facebook, Twitter, or Linkedin? 

We certainly are! Click the buttons below to go to our alumni pages.

    

 

We also have several international alumni social media pages which you can find further details of here.

How can I receive Connected magazine and E-newsletters? 

All you need to do is provide us with your email address. You can do this by updating your details on our Online Community here, or contacting us at alumni@reading.ac.uk. 

5) Online Community

What is my username and password to join the Online Community? 

To use the Online Community, please visit our registration page and complete the form to register. You can choose your own username and password. 

The Online Community does not work with your old University username and password. You need to register seperately.

I have forgotten my username or password. How can I reset this? 

If you have forgotten your username or password, please visit the login form and click on the "Forgotten your username or password?" link, then enter your email address. You will receive an email containing your username and a link to reset your password. If you are still having problems logging on, please email alumni@reading.ac.uk giving a full account of the problems you have experienced. It would be helful if you are able to provide details of the internet browser and operating system you are currently using. 

How can I update my details? 

The easiest way to update your details such as address, email, or telephone number is to log on to our Online Community here.

Alternatively, you can email at alumni@reading.ac.uk with your new details, providing your name, year of graduation, and subject studied to make sure we can find you and update your details.

How can I contact friends I have lost touch with? 

Our Find a Friend section on the Online Community contains a list of all alumni with whom we are in touch. You can use filters to search the list to help you find your old friends. If your friend is also registered, you will be able to send them a message straight away. Otherwise, you can contact us at alumni@reading.ac.uk and we will be able to forward a message on to them if we have their contact details. 

6) Our Alumni

Who are some of the University of Reading's successful alumni? 

Click here for a list of our most notable alumni.

7) Get Involved

How can I help current students? 

We are always grateful for alumni getting involved with their University. You can go to our Get Involved section of the website to find out more information about alumni volunteering opportunities, as well as show your interest in helping current students through our Volunteer Registration Form. 

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