How to make the most of your reading week
If you’re a student in the UK, you’ve likely heard of something called a ‘reading week’ or ‘reading break’.
It’s a time when you can catch a breath from the rigours of daily student life and prepare for the final stretch of the academic year. Let’s explore everything you need to know about this time at uni.
What is a reading week?
Reading week is a designated period of time during which students can catch up on coursework, studying and personal interests.
But it’s not just a time to catch up on your uni work; it’s also a time to plan a short break, visit friends and family or get some well-deserved TLC.
When is reading week exactly? Well, it depends on the specific institution but it’s typically a week-long hiatus from normal lectures that occur twice during the academic year: mid-November and mid-February.
Tips on how to make the most of reading week
It may be tempting to take the entire week off, but it’ll be in your best interest to at least schedule some university prep—even if you just organise your lecture notes or plan for the next six months of assignment deadlines.
See how you can make the most of your university reading week below.
Create a study schedule
What do you want to achieve during reading week? There’s no harm in wanting to spend the majority of the time studying, but it’s important to take a little time to rest too.
To get organised, create a detailed study schedule. Plan when you’ll dedicate time to uni work and what exactly you’ll need to do. Make sure to block out time to take regular breaks between study sessions.
Catch up on missed lectures
If you’ve been unwell or unable to attend some lectures, reading week is the perfect time to catch up on those notes.
See whether the lectures were recorded or ask your lecturer or fellow students to help you catch up on what you missed.
Reading week may also be a great opportunity to revise all your lecture notes and get a head start on exam prep. Take a look at some of the best revision techniques to help you get cracking.
Network and meet with lecturers
Since you won’t have any lectures to attend during reading week, it’s a good time to network and meet with some of your lecturers.
You can discuss upcoming assignments, unpack feedback you received for a specific assignment or even organise extra credit if they offer it.
You don’t have to just schedule time with your current lecturers, talk to other lecturers whose subjects you may want to study in the future or meet with career counsellors and student representatives if you have specific questions about your uni life.
What to do besides studying?
Wondering what to do during reading week besides studying? It’s the perfect time to explore your new neighbourhood, connect with friends or take some time to relax.
Explore local events
Since you don’t have lectures during reading week, consider using some of your free time to attend a fun local event.
Perhaps there’s a show you’ve been wanting to watch or a class you’ve wanted to attend - reading week is your chance to try something new while you have a more flexible schedule. We also host various events across our buildings, like supper clubs, movie nights and fun meet-ups to help you find your people. Discover what’s on via the iQ events page.
Catch up on sleep and self-care
If you need a solid break from uni work, use your reading week to schedule in some downtime.
Getting enough sleep is essential to being a successful student - you can’t be productive when you’re burnt out. So, if you think you’re sleep-deprived, try to get some quality sleep during the break.
Rest is different for everyone. No matter what you enjoy, prioritise doing activities that bring you joy. This could be a Netflix binge, reading, having coffee with friends or going to the gym. At iQ, we have plenty of social spaces where you can kick back and relax with other residents, and you could even book them out for your own private parties.
Take a short trip or day outing
If you’ve just moved to a new city as a student, take some time out during reading week to plan a day outing and visit local attractions. Exploring your neighbourhood (and beyond) is a great way to meet new people, see cool places and let off some steam. If you live at iQ, you’ll be close to great transport links, giving you lots of options for travel.
FAQs about reading week
How many reading weeks do universities have?
There are usually two reading weeks per academic year in the UK: mid-November and mid-February. However, how many reading weeks at uni occur depends on the specific institution and what their academic calendar looks like.
How do I stay motivated during reading week?
To stay motivated during reading week, create a detailed plan for what you’ll do during the week. Make time to have fun so it still feels like you’re having a small break from uni.
Can I travel during reading week, or is it strictly for studying?
Yes, you are allowed to travel during reading week. However, this may change if you need to complete a late assignment, catch up on missed lectures or have other important commitments.
If you plan to travel, be strategic with your time and avoid returning to a long to-do list that may cause you to feel stressed.
Do all universities have a reading week?
No, not all universities have reading weeks. Some universities may have similar hiatuses, such as mid-semester breaks, or even none at all: it all depends on the academic institution.
We hope this guide sets you up for a fun and successful reading week. Remember, this time isn’t just about catching up with uni work - it’s also a chance to recharge, reflect and prepare for the rest of the academic year.
Having a comfy and supportive space to call home makes all the difference in your life as a uni student. If you’re looking for a place to stay, visit the iQ website to see what rooms are available.
