MY HONEST OPINIONS OF FIRST YEAR AT THE UNIVERSITY OF READING

[@doubleOsable]

I studied at the university way back in the 1970s. I wish we had access to well-composed videos such as this then. Well done. We were virtually left to fend for ourselves - which wasn't a bad thing as a learning curve. I had a brilliant education there and the social life brought many friends into my life who are still close friends today. Reading is one of the best universities in the world, ranking in the top 200. It is also one of the top 1% of world research universities. Do you know it was once part of Christ Church Oxford, founded in 1892? But it's now a very modern and progressive university. I hope that the traditions we enjoyed, and which were great fun, like the Jantaculum Festival, hall formals and the Summer Ball, still exist. We had formal dinner once a week in hall then (wine and candlelight) for which we had to wear our undergraduate gown - which made us feel very important!

[@rosiecmb]

this has been super useful!! im beginning to chose the uni's I want to apply for and reading is high up on my list

[@francescomontoro7503]

aw thank you!!

[@madhavas.8103]

Did you joined in the uni?

[@UniofReading]

This is great! Please drop us a DM on twitter/instagram/fb if you'd like to talk about making some videos with us

[@valentinaguzman8321]

Thank you for making this video, really helpful for students moving into university in September, especially about the university of Reading, really unusual to find this sort of content. I hope I get to experience life at uni in September myself, stay safe x

[@francescomontoro7503]

aw thank you so much!!

[@Melissameii]

I’m going into my second year this Sep! ☺️Can’t believe it’s already been a year. Aw, it went by so fast. Time flies!

[@lulwaalkhalifa8834]

Wow! This video is the best I’ve ever seen!!!!!!! Stenton hall I havvve to move there asap thank you Francesco Montoro

[@lulwaalkhalifa8834]

I only moved half way around the world cause of this video thank you for telling me about the oracle 🤩

[@jesscotter3927]

I’m coming in September and this was helpful!

[@francescomontoro7503]

Jess Cotter thank you so much !! what are you going to be studying?

[@bunnywebster42]

Me too! Good luck with your results :)

[@kasimashraf4001]

@@francescomontoro7503 investment banking and finance

[@freyabrowne5001]

I've just finished my first year and it's so weird seeing people saying they are coming in September because it doesn't feel like it was that long ago I was just starting

[@francescomontoro7503]

honestly same! it feels like first year has flown by!!

[@alicegibb1907]

I love you Fran, watching this bc I miss u already

[@bunnywebster42]

taking graphics in September this was super helpful :)

[@emilyrcollard]

same!! x

[@ariesbeyblader5195]

@@emilyrcollard are you still there.

[@emilyrcollard]

@@ariesbeyblader5195 yep!!!

[@kierancousins2986]

I’m going to be a first year student in September this video was really helpful really appreciate it

[@francescomontoro7503]

thanks - glad it helped!

[@nathalieex247]

hey! so glad i came across your video because i'm studying abroad september at reading and i'll also be a second year! i'm from America and really don't know what to expect but this video was super informative :)

[@francescomontoro7503]

hey, glad the video is helpful! reading is a really good uni so i'm sure you'll enjoy it!! what course are you studying?

[@nathalieex247]

Francesco Montoro yessss I’m really looking forward to it! I’m doing business!

[@ahmadishakat1560]

i graduated three years ago!! i loved it and can't wait to revisit greetings from AMMAN

[@raileyking725]

this has been very helpful thank you :) hope to see you on the campus

[@Bigglesworthicus]

i'm 25 years old, i haven't been a fresher at reading since 2013, why am i even here

[@the.maskedwriter]

I’m also from Kent and applying to reading this year and couldn’t get there for a tour so this is really helpful

[@kingwizard6000]

I’m a 2nd year BSc Biology student at UoR ( I don’t know why I’m here since I’m already in the uni) and this is actually a really good video. Good job!

[@francescomontoro7503]

thank you!!

[@francescomontoro7503]

thank you!!

[@hajamanseray7382]

What has your experience been studying biology at reading??

[@kingwizard6000]

@@hajamanseray7382 It has been great! I have throughly enjoyed my course, everyone's experience is going to be a little different especially since I am an international student but I am going to try to give as much detail as possible. The bio course is the most flexible in the school of biosci so you cna really explore whatever you like. There are even some students that basically copy other courses by doing all their compulsory modules e.g. doing all the core biomed courses. The compulsary modules in the first year are good in giving you the skills needed to be a biologist and are applicable to whatever you are interested in whether that is zoology or microbiology. I was really scared of practicals when I started uni cause I was horrible at them in A levels but they really do a good job in organising them and there is always someone to help so they have easily become my favourite part of the degree. Staff are very nice and are always willing to answer questions if you need any help. Lectures are generally well organised but it depends on which department is doing that module. I have found that biomedical engineering modules have been the least organised but that is just my experience. Coursework makes up a small part of the degree but this is module dependent. With the modules I chose I found them to be more exam focused in my first and second year but my third year is mostly coursework which i recommended as it takes some of the pressure off. The key skills module is quite good as through them you do learn stats and essay writing tips but you also will make a LinkedIn profile and write a CV and they really do try to ensure that you work on your employability. I would say you should take them seriously cause it will save you a lot of time in the future. Unfortunately, I didn't go out in my first or second year so I can't really comment on the night life but even I was able to make friends especially during the practicals so if I can anybody can ( I would recommend you go out through, don't be me. p.s. you don't have to drink just go out!!!). One of the best things that happened is that about 90 of us that took a lot of biomed/microbiology modules made a groupchat which has been great because we can help each other and it was a good way to meet more people. I find that a lot of people don't take advantage of different opportunities like learning a language, joining different societies or volunteering in the Cole Museum so I recommend you always stay on the lookout and do as much as you can because these three years pass by so fast and then it's done. So try everything and do anything that interest you. Some things I don't really like is that there are not many international students so I kinda felt a little isolated but everyone is super friendly you just got to find your crowd. Another thing is that people don't really give answers if the lecturer asks a question which sucks. But, I find that if you yell something out, even if it is wrong, people will get the courage to answer more and a lot of the questions asked are just common sense. The final thing I didn't really like was that in practicals people tried to rush and leave early as possible and it makes you think you have to do the same thing. Don't. Try to learn as much as possible because lecturers will not repeat themselves when you get to third year. They will have an expectation that you know it once they have taught it to you so just take your time and learn because it will save you a lot of work in the future. I could probably write a whole book on my experience but I think this is a pretty good overview if you want specific questions answered just let me know. -Daniel

[@hajamanseray7382]

@@kingwizard6000 Thank you very much :))) You've helped me soo much and I'm definitely gonna apply now!

[@mickeymilkovich1093]

thank you for this!! it was actually so helpful!

[@VolKNo0]

In the year above you for the same course :) hope you enjoy the rest of it! And stay on Hayes’s good side ;)

[@georgiakitchener1598]

Great vid xx

[@lorrylops]

Living for it

[@jaydenowens6188]

I am 2 years away from gcse but I am looking at colleges and universities this sounds very good I want to do zoology thank you very helpful

[@sofiamadariaga5399]

You’re so good, deserve more subs!🥰

[@digmk8124]

Thanks for the awesome video. I am planning to pursue msc in marketing from University of reading. Can you throw some light on courses related to marketing

[@Panda-zo2hj]

Hello, im looking to apply to reading Biomedica sciences for 2020 through clearing. I have found some stats that say 74% student feel teachers explained topics well. This is quite low compared to other unis stats which are normally around 90%. Has it been your experience or your peers experience that complex topics are explained well or not. I would think maybe you have some friends in biomed or maybe same teachers. Thanks great video

[@bunnywebster42]

My partner is also taking biomed! Hope you found out the info you needed :)

[@Panda-zo2hj]

@@bunnywebster42 Thank you. I decided in the end that Sussex was the best choice for me and I got in.

[@benbelcher7753]

Omg, what a great video ! You answered so many questions regarding university of reading, what an insightful view into the uni. Do you have any recommendations on what societies to join ? I am looking forward to going to attending reading, would be great if we could meet up! RUMXH

[@JHVlogsUniversityYouTuber]

Hey loved the video! Are you planning on doing a second year review?

[@hannahholm8137]

Any biology students for 2020 hit me up

[@savaansyan2848]

How is it going

[@khadijatyolah3268]

Are there any apartments close to the university for people who don't want to be on campus?

[@francescomontoro7503]

yes! there are there are lots of blocks of halls closer to the centre of town not run by the university but you have to apply for them separately (not via the uni)

[@totallynormalcat8048]

Im still in secondary school idk why im here lol i used to live in reading

[@lisamarie5139]

if you don’t mind me asking what did you get for chemistry alevels to study bsc chemistry?

[@kurdiyankurdiyan8081]

I am at Reading uni now😊

[@vivekbindra4590]

Where did you stay for your 2nd and 3rd years?

[@dishapawar3625]

Hello, I'm Disha Pawar. I'm going to attend the University of Reading - Henley Business School for Sept-2020 intake. My course is MSc. Information Management and Digital Business. I have a few questions about the university (in general), so can you please share your email or any other social media platform details so that I can be in touch with you?

[@greg8869]

Any chem students for 2021?

[@lifedestiny4184]

Hello, Actually I am from india and and I am interested to study archaeology in this university of reading. So can anyone tell me the details about the university,courses,fees,admission,job placement etc

[@bethanymonday3726]

Im afraid i dont know anything about reading or archeology at reading but they should have most of that information on the reading uni website here is the link: www.reading.ac.uk/ready-to-study/study/subject-area/archaeology-ug.aspx

[@jesscotter3927]

Good video- how would you compare uni to sixth form?

[@francescomontoro7503]

I prefer uni 100000%, it suits me a lot more as a person. I enjoyed sixth form but uni brings a lot more with it I guess, e.g you go a lot deeper into your subject and the whole social aspect of things and independence. It really depends on the person but it has really worked out well for me.

[@deborahzaka6770]

Is there like a matriculation event?

[@gauravkapoor6188]

Hi, I am looking to come to reading uni for ms in data science this sept. Do they have a good data science dept? Any takes on this? Thanks and keep making videos. They help a lot

[@francescomontoro7503]

Hi, I don't know that much about the data science dept but in terms of the general uni facilities they are very good. Maybe have a look at the uni website for your course and try and see if you can sign up for a virtual open day (if they do one) or they can send you more info Hope that helps

[@amandawilliams9072]

How is the diversity at the university?

[@rwandawilkerson757]

I am now going into 3rd year at reading and I would say there’s a real mix of people, especially as I work at a McDonald’s in town I see people of all different ethnicities and faiths and such- I find it really cool actually

[@yorambo2857]

@@Hamza000h did you go?? whats the diversity like

[@Hamza000h]

@@yorambo2857 good diversity!