With over 100 societies in RUSU, we are confident that there is something for everyone. We play host to many different types of societies, fitting into the following activity groups: Academic & Career, Arts, Campaigns & Causes, Culture & Faith, Hobbies & Interests, and Politics.

Media streams

Our three media streams - The Spark Newspaper, Junction11 Radio, and RUTV – welcome students who want to create fresh content for the University community.

Sports and dance

We have 56 groups in this category, covering both competitive and non-competitive sports and dance. Whether you would like to take up a sport or style of dance for the first time, or you’re a seasoned professional, everyone is welcome.

Volunteering

From wildlife and conservation projects to volunteering with children and the elderly, RUSU offers a range of volunteering opportunities. Whether you can spare a few hours here and there, or are looking to volunteer on a regular basis, there are plenty of ways to get involved.

Junior Common Rooms

Junior Common Rooms (JCRs) are community-focused groups of people who organise social events such as fundraisers and sporting activities, and make your hall an inclusive community for all. These representatives are students who have previously lived in halls and have been elected by students.

This inclusive, intersectional society is open to all University of Reading students, and aims to create an LGBT+ safe space and community, where everyone is accommodating and understanding.

The Society has recently been campaigning for gender neutral toilets on the University campuses, a zero-tolerance policy on sexual harassment, and the celebration of Transgender Day of Remembrance.

As a society, LGBT+ is committed to representing all people under the LGBT+ umbrella, and all people’s concurrent identities outside of LGBT+. They currently have BAME, Disabled Students, Womens, Postgraduate, Bi* and Gender Variant Representatives.

Find out more on the LGBT+ Society web pages.

University SportsPark

Including a state-of-the-art fitness studio, specialist exercise studios, squash courts and a large, multi-purpose sports hall.

Find out more about what University SportsPark has to offer.

Sports pitches

From football, rugby, lacrosse, hockey and cricket pitches to tennis and netball courts. You will also have access to SoccerPark – our purpose-built, floodlit pitches, equipped with the latest third-generation surface and a synthetic turf pitch for football and hockey.

World-class rowing

The University of Reading is recognised as one of the best places in the country for rowers to study. Our world-class boathouse facility is on the River Thames, a 15-minute bike ride from campus. The boathouse includes a rowers' fitness gym, with professional coaching led by our director of rowing.

Rehearsal and performance spaces 

The University hosts a range of exciting performance events all year round, and provides rehearsal facilities across both Whiteknights and London Road campuses. 

The spaces include 3sixty, the Great Hall, the Meadow Suite, SportsPark, Mojo's Bar, the ballroom in Wessex Hall and several music practice rooms (check for availability). 

Our largest venue

Outside of being a rehearsal and performance space, 3sixty is Reading's largest venue with a capacity of over 2,000. All week, 3sixty hosts a wide variety of events day and night, to suit all tastes. The lively venue has also hosted conferences, comedians, club nights and live bands. Pendulum, Zane Lowe, Scott Mills, Wretch 32, Tinie Tempah, Chipmunk, Professor Green and Greg James have all performed on stage at 3sixty.

Practical equipment 

Societies are welcome to use RUSU-owned facilities, but may also invest in their own equipment such as lights, speakers, costumes and kit.