Knowing your university’s academic calendar is more than just about tracking deadlines — it’s a key part of managing your studies, wellbeing, and time. Whether you’re new to the University of London or returning for another academic year, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about the 2025–26 academic year, including term dates, reading weeks, exams, and university closures.
Let’s get you ahead of the game.
Quick Overview of 2025–26 Term Dates
- Freshers’ Week / Induction: Week of 15 September 2025
- Semester 1: 22 September – 12 December 2025
- Reading Week: 27 – 31 October 2025
- January Exams: 12 – 23 January 2026 (TBC)
- Semester 2: 26 January – 10 April 2026
- Reading Week: 2 – 6 March 2026
- Spring Exams: 4 May – 29 May 2026 (TBC)
- University Closures: Christmas, Spring & Summer (dates below)
Freshers’ Week & Induction
Starts Monday, 15 September 2025
Before formal teaching starts, Freshers’ Week gives new students a chance to explore campus, attend induction events, and start building a community.
Student Tip:
Take this week seriously. Set up your student email, meet your personal tutor, and attend any course-specific briefings — they’ll answer questions before they become problems.
Semester 1
22 September – 12 December 2025
The academic year officially begins on Monday, 22 September, launching a 12-week semester filled with lectures, labs, workshops, and tutorials.
Reading Week
27 October – 31 October 2025
Midway through Semester 1, Reading Week gives you a chance to pause, reflect, and catch up. No formal teaching is scheduled this week.
Student Tip:
Use this time to review lecture notes, plan upcoming assignments, and even attend workshops on academic writing or revision planning.
January Exam Period
12 January – 23 January 2026 (Exact dates TBC)
Semester 1 assessments are scheduled after the winter break. These may include written exams, essays, presentations, or group projects.
Student Tip:
Don’t wait until January to revise. Create a study schedule in December to avoid panic and start the new year strong.
Semester 2
26 January – 10 April 2026
Semester 2 resumes in late January and brings another 11 weeks of teaching. This semester usually features more complex modules and heavier workloads.
Reading Week
2 March – 6 March 2026
This week gives you breathing room during Semester 2. Use it for revision, essay writing, or group projects that need focused time.
Student Tip:
If you’re preparing a dissertation or major project, Reading Week is ideal for early research, interviews, or writing chapters.
Spring Exams
4 May – 29 May 2026 (Exact dates TBC)
These are the final assessments for most students. The exam schedule will vary by programme but typically includes a mix of written exams and coursework submissions.
Student Tip:
Find your exam timetable early and work backwards from each date. Prioritise subjects that need more attention, and take regular breaks to avoid burnout.
University Closure Weeks 2025–26
There are specific weeks when the University of London buildings close or have limited access. Here’s what you need to know:
Christmas Closure
- Official Dates: Wednesday, 24 December 2025 – Friday, 2 January 2026
- Building Closure Starts: Monday, 22 December 2025
- University Reopens: Monday, 5 January 2026
No staff are available during this time. However, students needing emergency support can contact International SOS. Limited library access may be available via remote login or pre-arranged services.
Spring Closure
- Dates: Monday, 27 April – Friday, 1 May 2026
- Full Building Closure on: Friday, 1 May 2026
- University Reopens: Monday, 4 May 2026
During this closure, buildings may be partially open earlier in the week. Student social spaces and libraries may still be accessible on a limited basis.
Summer Closure
- Dates: Monday, 3 August – Friday, 7 August 2026
- Reopens: Monday, 10 August 2026
This is a full university-wide closure. Plan ahead for admin tasks and supervisor meetings. Dissertation submissions may not be processed during this week.
Academic Success Tips for 2025–26
Managing your time around term dates and closures is key to staying productive and balanced. Here are five practical tips:
- Use a digital calendar
Enter all teaching weeks, reading weeks, exam periods, and closures. - Start coursework early
Deadlines often pile up at the end of terms. Don’t leave everything to the last week. - Connect with tutors and staff
Make the most of office hours and email feedback — especially before closures. - Backup everything
Save essays, notes, and drafts to cloud storage. Systems can go down during closures. - Look after yourself
No deadline is worth burning out over. Take time to rest and recharge — especially during reading weeks and holidays.
Final Thoughts
The University of London academic calendar for 2025–26 offers a well-balanced year with clearly defined teaching blocks, reading weeks, assessment periods, and university closures. By understanding these dates and planning ahead, you’ll be better prepared to manage your workload, reduce stress, and maximise your academic success.