Accommodation FAQs
At the University of Reading we offer a wide range of accommodation for undergraduate and postgraduate students (including mature students), couples and families. We offer both catered and self-catered accommodation. All of our accommodation is located either on the main Whiteknights campus or a short walk from campus. See the accommodation guide (PDF – 5.5 MB) for more information.
How do I apply for accommodation?All applications for University accommodation are made online through the accommodation pages of your personal applicant portal. Find out more about how to apply for accommodation.
Am I guaranteed accommodation if Reading is my firm choice?You will be guaranteed a place in hall if you are:
A new full-time undergraduate who holds Reading as a Firm UCAS choice and applies for accommodation by 1 August** and satisfies any conditions of your academic offer by 31 August of your year of entry*
A new full-time postgraduate who has accepted an offer from the University and applies for accommodation by 1 August** and satisfies any conditions of your academic offer by 31 August of your year of entry*
*Subject to restrictions, please see the Accommodation Policy (PDF – 67kb) and Accommodation Application Terms and Conditions (PDF – 159kb)
** Please note, you need to apply by 11.59pm British Summer Time (UTC+1) of your year of entry.
Am I guaranteed accommodation if Reading is my insurance choice?A place in hall cannot be guaranteed if Reading is your insurance choice. The number of rooms available varies from year to year depending on the number of successful applications to the University. You will not be able to apply for accommodation until Reading becomes your firm choice; this is usually the Monday following A-level results. Students holding insurance offers may need to explore alternative accommodation arrangements if University accommodation is full - you will be provided with further information and guidance if this situation arises.
Can I get an accessible room?Accessible rooms are subject to availability. The University's Disability Team provides support and advice and works closely with the Accommodation Team to assist students with special requirements. They can be contacted by email: disability@reading.ac.uk or phone: +44 (0)118 378 8921.
Do you have specific halls for Postgraduate students?Postgraduate students are able to apply for any of the halls. We try where possible to group postgraduates together with other postgraduates and also returning students. There is also dedicated family, couples and mature student accommodation and more information is available here: family and couples accommodation (PDF– 1.2 MB).
Do you have specific halls for students on Initial Teacher Training courses?We have a range of halls that students on Initial Teacher Training programmes can apply for which can accommodate the earlier start date of this course. See accommodation for teacher training students for more information.
How much will it cost for me to live in University accommodation?Find out more about accommodation and living costs (PDF – 114 KB).
How does the catered package work?Catered accommodation offers a stress-free and flexible pre-paid approach to eating during term time while living in halls. You have the freedom to choose from seven selected sites, which between them are open from early morning to late evening, all week.
Each Saturday morning (during term time) we load a weekly allowance of £67.34 onto your Campus Card for you to spend as and when you please during the coming week with an exclusive 10% off discount on selected products such as main meals to help your money go further. The catering package is offered during term time and Welcome Week
See catered accommodation for further details.
Does the University have accommodation available for families, couple or mature students?There is a range of accommodation which is suitable for mature single students, couples and families.
The accommodation consists of rooms with shared kitchens and bathrooms, and self-contained flats as well as purpose-built studio rooms. See the family and couples accommodation guide (PDF– 4 MB) for further details.
How many weeks will I have to pay for?The contract length determines how many weeks you can stay in your Hall room over the year and therefore how many weeks you actually pay. The contract lengths are as follows:
- 38 Weeks - There are a limited number of these contracts available at Benyon Hall for the 2019/20 academic year. You rent your room from just before the start of Welcome Week and move out after exams and teaching has finished. This means you can save money but may not have accommodation for the end of summer term activities such as the RUSU ball.
- 40 Weeks - you rent your room during term time and the Christmas and Easter vacations. This means you move in just before the start of Welcome Week and move out after the end of the Summer Term. Most students are on a 40 week contract.
- 51 Weeks - you rent your room during term time and the Christmas, Easter and Summer vacations. This means you move in just before the start of Welcome Week and move out at the end of the Summer vacation.
All hall rooms are furnished with: bed and mattress, desk, desk chair, shelves and wardrobe.
In the self-catered halls the kitchens are equipped with a cooker, microwave, fridge/freezer, kettle, toaster, vacuum and ironing board. In the catered halls, there are also kitchens available for making simple meals and drinks.
In addition to your personal items, you will need to bring:
- cookware (such as pots and pans)
- crockery (such as plates, bowls and mugs)
- utensils
- towels, bed linen, duvet and pillows (the premium en-suite and Stenton Townhouse rooms require linen to fit 4ft-wide beds)
You will receive more detailed information on what to bring prior to your arrival.
Can I access the internet from my Hall room?All halls have Wi-Fi and the bedrooms are also provided with a link to the readingConnect IT system. This is a University IT service delivering broadband access to the University campus data network and the internet.
Can I bring my car with me?Except in very specific cases students living in halls are unable to bring a car or park either on campus or within a 1 mile radius of the University. The area around the University is for residents parking only. For all information regarding car, motorcycle or visitor parking please see campus student parking.
Can I live in University accommodation in my second year?There are a limited number of rooms allocated to continuing students. We contact students towards the end of the first term with information on applying to returner to hall.
What is the difference between premium en-suite rooms and en-suite rooms?Premium en-suite rooms offer a high standard of accommodation in modern buildings and include a 4ft wide bed and en-suite shower room. Premium en-suite flats feature large kitchen/diners which are shared between 8 to 10 students. See the premium en-suite room page for further details. En-suite rooms offer a comfortable well-equipped bedroom with a single bed and include an en-suite shower room. En-suite flats feature kitchen/diners which are shared between 6 to 8 students. See the en-suite room page for further details.
How do I find private rented accommodation?There is plenty of private accommodation available to rent near the University. The Students' Union provides housing information to students who wish to rent private houses or student flats in Reading.
The University also provides a private housing guide.
Can I smoke in University accommodation?No – all areas of halls (including bedrooms) have been designated as no-smoking areas.
Key information
Accommodation Guarantee
The Accommodation Guarantee applies to students who meet one of the following criteria:
- a new full-time undergraduate who holds Reading as a firm UCAS choice and applies for accommodation by 23:59 on 1 August, and satisfies any conditions of their academic offer by 31 August of their year of entry
- a new full-time postgraduate who has accepted an offer from the University and applies for accommodation by 23:59 on 1 August, and satisfies any conditions of their academic offer by 31 August of their year of entry.
Read more about the Accommodation Guarantee (PDF, 255KB)
Contact us
Speak to our accommodation team and we'll happily answer your questions: