University of Reading

ACCOMMODATION

University accommodation at Reading is safe and secure, and close to our beautiful Whiteknights and London Road campuses.

Accommodation to suit your needs

With a variety of options available, you can choose to live in an en-suite, a traditional hall around a courtyard, or a shared flat in a modern residential block. Accommodation prices are all-inclusive, so utility bills, wi-fi, communal cleaning and basic contents insurance are included, giving you peace of mind and helping you to keep within your budget.

The halls are in a great location, either on the main Whiteknights campus or within a 15-minute walk. There are nearly 5,000 student bedrooms available, with catered, self-catered, en-suite or shared bathroom options available. All bedrooms are furnished, as a minimum, with a bed and mattress, a desk, desk light, desk chair, set of shelves and a wardrobe.

The University offers flexibility with a limited number of 38-week accommodation contracts alongside standard 40-week and 51-week contracts. There are quieter-lifestyle areas, single-gender flats and a number of adapted rooms for students with disabilities and special requirements. Some accommodation is also available for families, couples and mature students.

Catered and self-catered accommodation

Catered halls offer a flexible meal package at the catering outlet closest to your hall, or at selected outlets around campus, and they also feature small communal kitchenettes with a microwave, fridge, kettle and toaster, so you can still prepare drinks and snacks outside normal catering hours. Overall, 90% of students who use catering plans agree it makes their university life easier.

Our Clever Cuisine eating plans use seasonal food and a plant-forward approach, aiming to put fresh produce at the centre of your plate and using meat and fish from responsible sources.

If self-catered accommodation is your preference, you’ll find a well-equipped kitchen in your halls. It’s the ideal option if you want total flexibility, if you have special dietary requirements, or simply if you enjoy cooking.

Support

For your peace of mind, all halls have dedicated security patrols, CCTV and friendly, experienced staff wardens on hand to support your welfare. There’s also a 24-hour Halls Hotline which deals quickly and efficiently with any issues that may arise.

Living in halls is a great way to meet people. The halls are run by a committee of students – who have previously lived in your halls – to show you around, help you settle in, and arrange social events throughout the year. The resident experience programme, Your Halls Life, and the students’ union will help you adjust to your hall community and meet new people.

After the first year, most students choose to move off campus into shared, privately rented accommodation with friends. The students’ union has an advice service which offers plenty of practical advice about what to look for in a private contract.

Halls guarantee

Halls are guaranteed for new full-time undergraduates who hold Reading as a firm UCAS choice, apply for accommodation by 1 August, and satisfy conditions of their academic offer by 6 September of their year of entry. Applications should be made online through the accommodation pages of your personal applicant portal; the University Admissions Office will send you information on how and when to apply.