Private accommodation

There is plenty of private accommodation available to rent in the vicinity of the University. The Student Services Advisory Team  maintains a database advertising properties on behalf of local private landlords. This can be accessed via the current students accommodation page (new applicants to the University will need to contact the Advisory Team via studenthelp@reading.ac.uk for a username and password details).

Please note:

• We are unable to visit the private properties we advertise, although the landlord is required to sign to state that the property meets certain standards.
• It is your responsibility to check that the property is safe. Our publication, Living Out: the Essential Guide, gives information about what to look for when house hunting.
• Rental agreements are private arrangements between the tenant and the landlord. Although the Student Services Advisory team are happy to give advice, we are not normally able to intervene in any disputes.

Types of private rented accommodation

Shared House or Flat:

• Most students seeking private rented accommodation opt to share a house or flat with other students.
  Normally:
• Each student has his or her own study-bedroom and all bathroom, kitchen and living-room areas are shared with the other occupants of the property.
• Typical rents vary from £260 to £300 per calendar month.

• Rental agreements are assured shorthold tenancies, usually for a fixed-term of 12 months.
• Tenancies are often held jointly by all the occupants of the property.
  

Room in Resident Owner's Home:

• May be slightly more expensive than renting a room in a shared house.
• More flexible arrangement, with a shorter notice period required if you wish to move out.
• Rents normally include utility bills.
  

Single Households:

This type of accommodation is usually sought by couples or families. Typical rents for a three-bedroomed house in Reading are £850 - £1100 per calendar month. A self-contained one-bedroomed flat is likely to cost at least £650 per calendar month.

Host Family:

Bed and breakfast accommodation provided by local families who have been visited and approved by Accommodation Office staff. 

• Only one week's notice required when you wish to leave.
• Current rates are £98 per week.

Location

Most of the properties advertised on the current students accommodation page website are located within easy walking distance of the Whiteknights campus. We recommend that you do not confine your search only to the streets closest to the University which are in the greatest demand. By widening your search a little you may find a property which is better value.

Host family accommodation

If you prefer to live in a family environment you may wish to arrange accommodation with a local host family which has been visited and approved by Accommodation staff. If you are interested in a host family please contact Jenny Artivich in the Student Services Centre Advisory Team (j.r.artivich@reading.ac.uk).