If you’re a first-year student in the UK, you might have seen "Reading Week" on your academic calendar and wondered what it actually means. Is it a week off? Do you have to study the whole time? Can you travel?
Here’s everything you need to know about what Reading Week is, and how to make the most of it.
What exactly is Reading Week?
Reading Week is a short academic break (usually one week) that most UK universities schedule halfway through a semester — normally in early November for the first term, or at the beginning of January to extend the Christmas break (a lot of exams happen during the first week back), or during exam season.
It’s not the same as a full holiday. Instead, it’s designed to give students time to catch up on coursework, do independent reading, and prepare for upcoming assignments or exams.
Some universities call it a Study Week or Independent Learning Week, but the idea is the same: time to step back, review what you’ve learned so far, and get organised.
Do you still have classes?
Don't go booking any holidays just yet! Whether or not you have classes depends on your university and course. e.g:
- Some programmes cancel all lectures and seminars during Reading Week.
- Others might continue lab sessions or tutorials as usual.
It’s always best to check your timetable and ask your lecturer — don’t assume you’re completely free!
How to use Reading Week wisely
Reading Week can easily slip away if you treat it like a mini holiday. Here’s how to make it meaningful and enjoyable.
1. Catch up on coursework
Go through lecture notes, readings, and assignments you’ve been putting off. This is your chance to stay on top of things before deadlines pile up.
2. Plan ahead
Use the time to outline upcoming essays or projects. Even drafting ideas or gathering sources now will save stress later.
3. Rest and recharge
Don’t forget to rest! Go for walks, catch up with friends, or enjoy a day trip nearby. Burnout doesn’t help anyone — you’ll study better when you’re refreshed.
4. Try something different
If you’ve kept up with your work, you can use Reading Week to explore something new, such as attending a campus event, visiting a museum, or taking a short trip to another UK city.
Common misunderstandings
Many students think Reading Week is just a holiday. While it’s definitely a good time to relax, universities still expect you to use it for independent learning.
Lecturers often schedule essay deadlines or assessments soon after Reading Week — so using this time well can make a big difference to your grades.
All summed up
Reading Week is your chance to pause, reflect, and reset for the rest of the semester. However, it’s not just about catching up, it’s also about finding balance between productivity and rest.
Whether you’re spending it buried in books or exploring somewhere new, plan it wisely and make it count.
