Reading University > Reviews > Great experience

Author's product rating:   

IT Facilities	Good
Libraries	Good
Societies/Clubs	Excellent
Accommodation	Acceptable
Nightlife	Excellent

Advantages:	Green campus, good nightlife, good sports facilities
Disadvantages:	none

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

I have just completed my second year at Reading University and hopefully this will give an insight into what can be expected at Reading University, of course you make it what it is.

I spent my first year in Childs Hall, which I found to be a throughally enjoyable experience. I must admit it is quite dated and the food leaves a lot to be desired. However, it is a very sociable hall, mainly due to the fact that it is the largest at Reading, so don't expect a good nights sleep every night. I found the rooms to be spacious and clean, with a cleaner coming in at 9am every morning to empty the bin (yes it is far too early and gets quite annoying) she also vacuumed at least once a week. But despite all this I had a really enjoyable year, and made lots of friends.

My second year has been spent in a house, which has also been fun and you actually feel a part of Reading, rather than feeling like you're in a bubble like you do in halls. However, rent is expensive expect to pay £260- £280 a month.

::: The University itself :::

The main campus, Whiteknights, is a very green, almost rural campus. There is a large lake in the centre and some woods at one end of this, I would highly recommend a little exploration here, the University gardens are near here too and very nice on a summers day. Most of the buildings are clustered on the northern end of campus which allows more space to be used for nature, whilst also saving too many long walks.

I am studying Economics, and have always found lecturers to be helpful and positive when I have had a problem.

The union is relatively large and good on a wednesday or saturday night (the main club nights) it holds up to 1800 people. However, there is something on every night (except sunday when it is closed all day). Entertainments from kareoke, quiz night, to comedy nights and live bands there is something for everyone. And as with any students union the drinks are cheap. The union also run a number of sports and societies for students to get involved with. Which I would highly recommend as you get to meet new people go on lots of social events and generally have a good time, gettin involved in the committee of a club or society also looks good on your CV.

::: The Town :::

Town is also good for nightlife, different bars have different student nights, you will soon learn which bar to go to on which night. Town is also very good for shopping during the day, the oracle being the centre of this. The oracle is set nicely with bars and restaurants either side of the River Kennet which forms part of the Kennet and Avon canal. There are all the well known shops in either the oracle or on broad street.

Reading is of course also close to London, around 20mins by train which run very regulary.

::: Overall :::

Overall I would highly recomend Reading University to potiential applicants. My advice to them would be to get involved in clubs or societies, I would highly recommend making the most of them and gettin involved in the committee. However, dont make the mistake I did and forget why you're at university, unfortunately its not just for fun (though that is a big part of it!).