What is the Global Study Lounge?

Welcome to the Global Study Lounge! It is a multi-purpose space that welcomes all students and the wider University of Reading community. It supports and facilitates global engagement and intercultural communication through its programme of events and volunteering opportunities.

Whether you're interested in learning about other cultures, learning a language, finding out more about the world, studying or working abroad, or simply meeting other students from diverse backgrounds, then the Global Study Lounge and its activities allows you to explore any of these paths as you navigate through, and become part of, our global community.

Starting life as the ‘Centre for Applied Language Studies (CALS) Library’, then as the ‘Self-Access Centre for Language Learning (SACLL)’, from Spring 2022 the space in Edith Morley 230 has been reimagined and evolved into the Global Study Lounge to meet the needs and demands of an increasingly internationalised and globally engaged student body at the University.

Download the WELCOME TO READING and INTERNATIONAL STUDENT guides to help you with your arrival and transition to the UK and to Reading. 

The aims of the Global Study Lounge are:

• to support our international students across all levels of study and entry points, with their transition, academic studies, and socialisation for the entirety of their time with us at Reading.
• to provide a space for all students to explore opportunities for global engagement and to develop their intercultural understanding and communication skills, bringing home and international students together in a hub at the centre of our Whiteknights campus.
• to give students a welcoming central space to relax, socialise, and study during the semester and beyond, which helps to build and enhance an active and vibrant international community. 

What can I do in the Global Study Lounge?

The Global Study Lounge offers you a place to study and socialise. It also supports teaching and learning by hosting academic English and foundation drop-in sessions, academic tutorials, and pathway resources in a central hub that brings together learners from across the University.

The Global Study Lounge offers a wide programme of Events and Activities, including our Conversation Cafes, as well as bringing together research and scholarship from across the University related to language, teaching, and cultures in a single space for dissemination. Events are free and often include free refreshments such as biscuits, tea and coffee, or even pizza!

To find out more please see the Global Study Lounge's timetable.

If you’d like to get involved with the Global Study Lounge or any of Reading’s Global Opportunities, check out how to get involved.

Staff and students, as well as student societies, clubs, and groups, are welcome to book the Global Study Lounge as a whole or in part for any activity, whether teaching related or social, for up to 70 participants.

The Global Study Lounge has three main zones:

1. A group desk area for up to 40 - 50 participants
2. A social area with coffee-shop and lounge-style soft seating
3. X3 bookable study pod areas for 6-10 participants.  

How should I behave in the Global Study Lounge? 

Please be respectful of the facility and keep the Global Study Lounge Code of Conduct in mind when using the space.

Please note, independent student access and use of the space is subject to your behaviour and conduct. Any misuse of the space may result in reduced opening times, increased staff presence, or, in extreme cases, closure of the space.

How can I learn more about the Global Study Lounge?

Please read the Global Study Lounge Frequent Asked Questions (FAQ).