Practice English Reading Exercises for B2 – University Life & Transitions 8

Exercises:   123456

Reading 1

You are going to read an article about four students reviewing their university’s campus facilities, focusing on libraries, study spaces, and support services.

For questions 1-10, choose from the people (A-D). The people may be chosen more than once.

Which person

1   appreciates the flexibility of being able to study at any hour?

2   points out that finding a spot to work can be impossible during certain periods?

3   highlights the difficulty of securing an appointment with a specific advisory team?

4   feels that a technical assistance team needs to improve its response time?

5   is disappointed by the unavailability of refreshments while studying late?

6   mentions a facility that directly contributed to an improvement in their academic results?

7   values areas specifically designed for students to work on joint projects?

8   praises a service dedicated to students’ emotional well-being?

9   enjoys a strictly enforced quiet environment for individual concentration?

10   initially doubted the usefulness of a support service before trying it?

Campus Life: A Review of University Facilities

A Liam

As someone who gets easily sidetracked, I find the main library’s designated silent zones to be an absolute lifesaver. These areas are strictly monitored by staff, meaning you can really get your head down and concentrate without being interrupted by people chatting. It’s a stark contrast to the noisy ground floor! On the flip side, I’ve been rather let down by the university’s career services. I was hoping to get some guidance on my post-graduate plans and polish up my CV. Unfortunately, getting hold of an advisor is a logistical nightmare; you have to book your slot weeks in advance because the department is so severely understaffed. By the time I actually got an appointment, the deadline for the internship I wanted to apply for had already passed. While the study spaces are top-notch, they seriously need to invest more resources into helping students transition into the working world.

B Sophia

Since my degree heavily revolves around collaborative assignments, I spend the vast majority of my time in the newly renovated Innovation Hub. It’s a fantastic facility because it’s packed with interactive screens, large circular pods, and smart whiteboards that are ideal for bouncing ideas off each other. The layout genuinely encourages creativity and teamwork. However, there is a significant drawback when it comes to the university’s IT support network. If you ever run into a technical glitch, don’t expect a quick fix. The helpdesk is notoriously sluggish; I once waited three whole days for them to sort out a simple server access issue, which really set my group back. It is incredibly frustrating when you are relying on their software to complete your coursework. While I appreciate the modern group spaces, it would be a huge relief if the technical assistance team could respond to urgent queries much faster.

C Noah

For me, the most beneficial aspect of our campus is undoubtedly the 24-hour access to the postgraduate reading rooms. I’m naturally a night owl, so having a safe, well-lit place to hit the books at 3 AM is incredibly convenient. That said, my only real gripe is that all the campus cafes and shops shut completely by eight o’clock in the evening. This means you can’t even grab a coffee or a quick snack to keep your energy up during a midnight study session, which seems like a massive oversight. Aside from that, I must praise the student wellbeing team. Last semester, the academic pressure really got to me, and I was feeling completely overwhelmed. The free counselling sessions they provided were absolutely invaluable for keeping my anxiety in check. I had heard mixed reviews about them, but making that first appointment was the best thing I could have done.

D Emma

If you attempt to find a vacant desk in the main library during the revision period in May, you might as well give up immediately. The overcrowding is utterly ridiculous, to the point where students actually queue outside in the freezing cold before the doors open just to claim a spot. I prefer to study at home during those frantic weeks anyway. What I do consistently rely on, however, is the Academic Writing Centre. Initially, I steered clear of it, falsely assuming that those workshops were strictly for people who were failing their modules. But after receiving a disappointing grade on my first assignment, I swallowed my pride and dropped in. The tutors patiently showed me how to construct a coherent, balanced argument. My marks have shot up significantly since then, and I now realise that even high-achieving students can benefit from a bit of academic fine-tuning.

Reading 2

You are going to read an article about four young adults reflecting on how their relationship with their parents changed after they moved away for college.

For questions 1-10, choose from the people (A-D). The people may be chosen more than once.

Which person

1   states that physical separation led to fewer arguments?

2   had to be encouraged by their parents to remain at university?

3   mentions a shift towards a more equal, adult friendship?

4   originally found their parents’ guidance irritating?

5   says their parents found it difficult to cope with them leaving?

6   underestimated the everyday chores their parents managed?

7   acknowledges the quality of their conversations improved significantly?

8   frequently considered visiting their family home?

9   needed to establish rules regarding how often they communicated?

10   feels their parents’ firm approach ultimately helped them mature?

Leaving the Nest: How College Changes Family Dynamics

A Leo

Before leaving for university, I was absolutely desperate for independence. I simply couldn’t wait to escape my parents’ constant reminders about household chores and academic deadlines. However, the reality of looking after myself was a rude awakening. I had completely taken for granted the invisible machinery that kept our family home running smoothly—from paying electricity bills to keeping the fridge fully stocked. Initially, I was too proud to ask for help, assuming I could figure it all out. But after shrinking all my favourite jumpers and living on instant noodles for a month, I swallowed my pride. I started calling my mum for recipes and my dad for financial tips. Interestingly, the well-meaning advice I used to view as an irritating nuisance suddenly became incredibly valuable. Because I’m now actively seeking their guidance rather than having it forced upon me, our relationship has transformed. I currently see them as wise mentors rather than strict rule-makers.

B Mia

When I packed up my room, I think my parents suffered from a severe case of empty nest syndrome. Being their only child, my departure left a massive void in the house. During my first semester, they bombarded me with messages and called multiple times a day to check in. While I appreciated their concern, it felt overwhelming, and I struggled to balance my new social life with their need for constant updates. Eventually, I had to sit them down and have a mature conversation about setting some boundaries regarding our communication. I promised to call them every Sunday evening if they agreed to give me some space during the week. Fortunately, they came to terms with the new dynamic. Now that we aren’t constantly checking up on each other, our relationship feels much more balanced. We treat each other as equals, and I’d honestly say they have become two of my closest friends.

C Sam

Throughout my final year of high school, my parents and I were constantly at each other’s throats. We were living in a small flat, and the stress of exams meant we bickered over the most trivial things. Choosing a university on the other side of the country wasn’t entirely a coincidence; I felt we desperately needed some breathing room. It turns out that distance really does make the heart grow fonder. Because we no longer see each other every day, we actually make an effort to catch up properly. Our phone calls aren’t just passing comments about washing up or taking the rubbish out; we discuss politics, my career aspirations, and their retirement plans. I find myself confiding in them about things I would have kept hidden in the past. Removing the daily friction of sharing a living space has allowed us to appreciate each other’s company on a much deeper level.

D Chloe

I always assumed I’d be perfectly fine living away from home, but within days of moving into my halls of residence, terrible homesickness set in. Because my campus was only a short train ride away, I was incredibly tempted to pack a bag and head back to the comfort of my childhood bedroom every single weekend. Surprisingly, it was my parents who put their foot down and told me I couldn’t come home. At the time, I felt rejected and thought they were being exceptionally harsh. They insisted I needed to stick it out, join some university societies, and step out of my comfort zone. Looking back, that tough love was exactly what I required. If they had allowed me to retreat to my safety net, I would never have made any friends or settled into my degree. I now have a profound respect for their firm approach, recognising it was born out of love.

Exercises:   123456