Conversation and Subject Cafés
The Conversation and Subject C²¹´Úé²õ help to create a global network of ÒÁÈËÖ±²¥app-based and ÒÁÈËÖ±²¥app-linked students who meet to help each other with their language and subject learning, confidence, intercultural understanding, and global engagement. The C²¹´Úé²õ also offer students the opportunity to meet people and make friends outside their usual social circles.
There's a range of c²¹´Úé²õ to participate in, both on and off campus. Take a look below to see what cafes are available to you!
English Conversation Cafes
Would you like to:
- informally practice your spoken English in a relaxed, safe, and friendly setting?
- help other students practice and build confidence in their spoken English?
- meet other students?
- find out more about other cultures and perspectives?
- Use your participation in the c²¹´Úé²õ as evidence towards any of the RED Awards ?
If you answered 'yes' to any of the above, then come and take part in the English Conversation C²¹´Úé²õ! They are held in person on Wednesdays 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm UK time , approximately every 2 weeks in the Global Study Lounge during both semesters and summer vacation periods.
Here is the timetable for the English Conversation C²¹´Úé²õ .
No matter what stage you're at on your English-learning journey, or if you're a proficient speaker already, the English Conversation C²¹´Úé²õ are free to attend and include refreshments and biscuits. At each café you will be given a set of questions on a specific topic to help break the ice and get the conversation flowing. Topics cover a variety of cultural and global issues. You're welcome to stick to the questions provided or take the conversation in another direction!
How to take part in person?
There is no need to book, just turn up on the day! You do not need to stay for the whole time, you're welcome to participate according to your schedule. However, if you wish to use your participation towards the RED Awards then you must attend for the full hour.
Online English Conversation C²¹´Úé²õ
If you would like to speak to ÒÁÈËÖ±²¥app students based at our campuses abroad as well as students from ÒÁÈËÖ±²¥app-partnered institutions, or whether you've found it difficult to participate in the in-person English Conversation C²¹´Úé²õ, then why not participate in our Online English Conversation C²¹´Úé²õ?
Online English Conversation C²¹´Úé²õ exist to connect students between ÒÁÈËÖ±²¥app campuses, specifically those in the UK with students at the ÒÁÈËÖ±²¥app Malaysia and students at the UoR-NUIST Academy in Nanjing, China. We also include students from ÒÁÈËÖ±²¥app-partnered institutions, such as the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine (NUBiP).
Participation in our online c²¹´Úé²õ is particularly helpful to students abroad learning English and for those wishing to transfer to ÒÁÈËÖ±²¥app for part of their studies.
How to take part online?
Participants meet online on alternate Wednesdays to the in-person cafes at 11:00 - 12:00 UK time.
If you'd like to join the online c²¹´Úé²õ, you're welcome to come to the Global Study Lounge with your device and headphones and join there via a MS Teams link that will be sent to you, or you're welcome to join from a place of your choosing (home or other); whichever is most convenient for you! Your group and meeting link will be sent to you 1-2 days in advance by email.
or scan the QR code below:
NB: You do not have to sign up for every week. There is the option on the form to select the dates you'd like to join online. Only students based in the UK are currently eligible to use their online participation towards the RED Awards .
Affiliated Conversation Cafes
The Global Study Lounge works closely with colleagues in Schools, Departments, and Facilities to run their own affiliated conversation cafes that are bespoke to the needs of their students and users. See below for details of the currently-running affiliated conversation cafes.
Institute of Education Conversation Cafes
The Institue of Education at the ÒÁÈËÖ±²¥app offers Conversation C²¹´Úé²õ to their Teacher Training cohorts for both home and international teacher trainees. These run on the London Road Campus every MONDAY during Semester One from the beginning of September, once the teaching-training programmes begin. Details of the c²¹´Úé²õ are shared with the specific cohorts via their school and instructors.
The C²¹´Úé²õ are run by friendly Instittue of Education academics and are an excellent opportunity for overseas trainee teachers to meet and discuss with their peers any issues around teaching in the UK and teaching British and diverse heritage background students. The Conversation C²¹´Úé²õ contibute to the Institute of Education being a Centre of Excellence for Overseas Teachers.
Contact Dr Caroline Foulkes for further information and the schedule for exact dates and times.
Community 'Chatty Cafes' at the MERL (Museum of English Rural Life)
Perfect for anyone wanting a change of scene or the opportunity to socialise with others from ÒÁÈËÖ±²¥app's local community in the unique environment of the MERL. There are various optional activities available such as craft, MERL-themed board games and also the chance to discuss, reminisce, and share stories inspired by the historical collections.
A perfect opportunity to join the MERL and local residents for an afternoon at the museum. Refreshments available. Booking not required. Groups of 4+, please notify 0118 378 8661 or email merlevents@reading.ac.uk.
The Chatty C²¹´Úé²õ usually take place monthly on Tuesdays from 14:00 - 16:00 at the Museum of English Rural Life (MERL), 6 Redlands Road, ÒÁÈËÖ±²¥app, RG1 5EX. .
ÒÁÈËÖ±²¥app Language Exchange
Modern Foreign Language Conversation C²¹´Úé²õ
Calling all ÒÁÈËÖ±²¥app-based English, Spanish, French, Italian & Portuguese language speakers and learners!
English: Want to practice a (new) language? Join our FREE fun & friendly language exchange events, make new friends and practice your conversation skills.
·¡²õ±è²¹Ã±´Ç±ô: Quieres practicar un (nuevo) idioma? Come and see our new events of interchange of languages, entertained and amicable. Haz nuevos amigos y practica tus conversación skills.
Do you want to practice a (new) language? Join our fun and friendly language exchange events, make new friends, and practice your conversation skills.
Italiano: Vuoi praticare una (nuova) lingua? Partecipa ai nostri eventi di scambio linguistico divertenti e amichevoli, fai new friendship e metti in practice le tue capacità di conversazione.
±Ê´Ç°ù³Ù³Ü²µ³Üê²õ: Quer praticar um (novo) idioma? Participate in our entertaining events and friends in the interplay of languages, make our friends and practice their conversational skills.
The Language Exchange events are hosted by ' ' and are a great way to meet other linguists within the local ÒÁÈËÖ±²¥app community, as well as your fellow students! Go along individually or with some friends for an opportunity to meet people outside of your social circle on your way to becoming a polyglot!
Dates: Tuesdays approx. every 2 weeks - see below for exact 2025 dates.
September: 9th, 23rd
October: 7th, 21st
November: 4th, 18th
December: 2nd, 16th
Time: 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Location: The Signal Box, 18 Friar Street, ÒÁÈËÖ±²¥app, RG1 1DB
Cost: FREE - Just turn up and drop in!
For other modern foreign languages not listed above, contact the University's Buddy Up! group to find a language partner. Further information is on our ' language learning and resources' page .
Student-led British Sign Language (BSL) Club
If you are learning BSL with Languages for All then the BSL Student-Led Club provides a space for you to practice signing outside of class and build your confidence and understanding of the language.
The club meets on a monthly basis in the Global Study Lounge, and is also a space to discuss Deaf awareness, cultural barriers, supporting our inclusive values as a University.
The club is currently open to Stage 1, Stage 2 and 3 students, who are learning BSL with the Languages for All program. If you are a Stage 1 student you'll need to know the basics of BSL grammar and vocabulary, so you can get the most out of these meetings.
If you are interested in coming along to future sessions, or have any questions, please contact Ugo Marsili . For more information about the club, see the Essentials page .
Foundation Maths C²¹´Úé²õ
If you're a foundation student taking the IF0SDS/J, IF0CMA/J , or IF0QM/J modules, or your modules include some maths and you're finding any mathematical topic difficulty during the transition to foundation university study, then these c²¹´Úé²õ are a welcoming, relaxed space for you to seek out support among your peers and tutors.
Led by our friendly and supportive foundation maths, statistics, and data science lecturers, you can drop-in to the c²¹´Úé²õ to discuss any aspect of maths you'd like assistance with. The c²¹´Úé²õ are informal, so you do not need to stay for the whole time and can wait when it suits your schedule.
During the semester you can get maths support by attending the weekly IF0SDS/J, IF0CMA/J, or IF0QM/J module drop-ins. The Foundation Maths C ²¹´Úé²õ usually run towards the end of the semester(s) and during the assessment periods. Details of when the c²¹´Úé²õ run are below:
Dates:
[COMING SOON: Dates for 2025-26]
Time: 2-3 hour slots depending on date;
10:00 - 12:00 / 11:00 - 13:00 / 12:00 - 15:00 / 15:00 - 17:00.
Venue: Global Study Lounge, Room 230 Edith Morley Building, Whiteknights (or a teaching room close by!).
Contact Dr James Appleby or Dr Rehana Bari for further information.