Frequently asked questions
Question: Will you guarantee me a place in University accommodation?
Answer: Undergraduates
If you are a undergraduate, Reading is your first choice, and you firmly accept your place and return your application for accommodation by 1 August we will offer you a single study bedroom in Hall. If Reading is your Insurance choice we will usually be able to offer you accommodation, but the choice is likely to be more restricted.
Answer: Postgraduates
If you are a postgraduate student we guarantee you University accommodation if you fulfill all the conditions of your academic offer by 1 August, and apply for accommodation by that date.
After 1 August you can apply for University accommodation and we will try to find you a room. You can contact the Student Services Advisory Team (studenthelp@reading.ac.uk) who will help to find you a room owned by a private landlord.
Question: How do I apply for a place in University accommodation?
Answer: If you are offered a place at the University of Reading the Faculty Admissions Office staff will send you information about how to make your accommodation application online.
Question: How do I find private rented accommodation?
Answer: The Student Services Advisory Team advertises property available to let on behalf of local private landlords. See the Private accommodation page.
Question: Can I bring my car with me?
Answer: The parking facilities are very limited in the Halls. Permits are granted according to set qualifying criteria. You must obtain a permit before bringing a car to Hall. See the Parking at Halls webpage for more information.
Question: How much will it cost for me to live in University accommodation?
Answer: See the section on Accommodation & Living Costs.
Question: How many weeks will I have to pay for?
Answer: The residency periods determines how many weeks you can stay in your Hall room over the year and therefore how many weeks you actually pay. The residency periods are as follows:
- Term time plus vacations - you live in your room during term time and Christmas and Easter vacations. This is a 40 week residency (includes Freshers' week)
- Term time plus vacations - catered term time. You live in your room during term and Christmas and Easter vacations. During the term time you are catered and during the Christmas and Easter vacations you are self-catered. This is a 40 week residency (includes Freshers' week)
- Whole year - you live in your room during term time and all the vacations. Many international students use this option. This is a 51 week residency (includes Freshers' week).
Question: How will my Hall room be furnished?
Answer: All Hall rooms are fully furnished and include a single bed, desk/table, desk chair, wardrobe and shelves. There is a launderette in every Hall. Residents are required to provide and launder their own bed linen (including duvet, duvet cover, pillows, pillow cases, sheets). You should also bring your own towels, cooking equipment, crockery and cutlery. Students in catered Halls may also wish to bring some mugs and plates etc for preparing hot drinks and simple meals in the kitchen/pantry areas.
You will receive detailed information on what is provided from your Hall in September.
Question: Can I access the internet from my Hall room?
Answer: Yes
A data service in all Hall bedrooms allows you to connect your PC direct to the University network, giving unlimited high-speed access to the internet.
Question: What about telephones?
Answer: There are no telephone lines in study bedrooms, but each Hall has a number of internal phones which can be used to make emergency calls free of charge, and other external calls using a 'calling card'. In addition, each Hall has at least one payphone in an area suitable for making confidential calls. Many students now use commercial voice-over-IP services to obtain a telephone connection via the data network.
Question: Can I live in University accommodation in my second year?
Answer: You may apply for a Hall place for your second year. However, if demand exceeds the number of rooms available priority for Hall places is given to first and final year undergraduates, to postgraduates from overseas and to students with medical or social requirements. Many second year students either rent a private house with other students or stay with a host family. The application deadline for students wishing to have a place in Hall for the following academic year is 14th February. The allocations are announced in early March so that those students living out will have plenty of time to arrange where to live before you start your second year in October.
Question: What alternatives are there to University accommodation?
Answer: The Student Services Advisory Team offers a comphrensive accommodation service. Contact the Advisory Team on 0118 378 8054/5 or studenthelp@reading.ac.uk for advice on:
- renting private accommodation
- staying with a host family
- University-owned accommodation for couples and families
Question: Can I smoke in my Hall of Residence?
Answer: No - all areas of Halls (including study bedrooms) have been designated as no-smoking areas.
Question: How does the catering package in the Catered Hallls work?
Answer: For detailed information on catering in Halls see the University Catering web page.
