Living in private/rented accommodation

There's lots to consider when living off-campus in private/rented accommodation.

Firstly, your new neighbourhood will be made up of people with different lifestyles, so it's important to be a considerate neighbour. Then there are things you'll need to know such as when your bins are collected, how to recycle and what your responsibilities are, plus information on parking in the community, and how to get around Reading by bus and bicycle.

There's lots of support is available to you off-campus from your local police and council. You can also access all the learning and health support on campus.

We've covered each of the areas as best we can to get you started.

Being a good neighbour

Introduce yourself to your neighbours

Having a good relationship with your neighbours can help you feel part of the community and make it easier to handle any issues that may crop up over the next year. If you haven’t introduced yourself to your neighbours yet, it’s a good idea to say hello.

Regulations for Student Conduct

The student regulations outline how you are expected to behave in the community, including respecting your neighbours and ensuring any house guests behave considerately.

It is the joint responsibility of you and your housemates to ensure the regulations are followed. Penalties apply to students who break the rules.

Keeping noise to a minimum

Remember that lots of your neighbours will be getting up early to go to work, or may have young children. Try to keep the noise down between 11pm and 7am and always let your neighbours know in advance if you are planning a party. Say your goodbyes inside the house rather than on the street.

Drinking alcohol in the street

Many parts of Reading are designated as ‘Drinking Control Areas’ which means you cannot drink from open containers of alcohol in the street. A Police Office can ask you to stop drinking and can remove your alcohol. If you do not comply, you may be arrested.

Staying safe and supported

Support in your neighbourhood

If you need to report a crime, or you would like advice about anti-social behaviour, you can contact the local Police by calling 101 or visiting the Thames Valley Police website.

Reading Borough Council and Wokingham Borough Council have a lot of useful advice about living in your neighbourhood, including housing and transport advice and how to resolve issues such as litter, crime and nuisance behaviour.

There are Neighbourhood Action Groups (NAGs) that meet to discuss issues in the neighbourhood. You can attend these meetings – find out more.

Support on-campus

You can still access all the learning support, physical and mental health services, disability support and spiritual care available to you on-campus. Find out more about the support and wellbeing services.

Safety and Security

It is your responsibility to ensure your home and belongings are safe and secure. Find out about insuring your belongings.

RUSU and Thames Valley Police have advice to help you prevent theft and fire hazards. You can also sign up to Thames Valley Police’s alerts which keep you informed about crime in the area and tips on how to stay safe.

The University’s Security team also has guidance on personal safety.

Leaving your tenancy early

RUSU has support and information on how to leave your tenancy early.

Transport

How to get around Reading

There is a lot of advice on how to get around Reading in Essentials, including bus and cycle route information.

Parking

If you are parking in your local neighbourhood, please be aware of the parking regulations which apply to each street. You must park with care and consideration and not block driveways or pedestrian access. Thames Valley Police have advice on parking infringements on their website.

You should not bring a car onto campus unless you have a permit.

Waste and recycling

Bins and recycling

You can check when your household bins and recycling are collected, and what you can put in your bins, by looking on your local council website, either Reading Council or Wokingham Council.

Anyone living within Reading Borough Council area can check this useful guide as a reminder of what you can put in your recycling bin or box.

Remember:

The council will not take away excess waste or recycling which does not fit into your bins or recycling banks.
Don’t leave rubbish bags on the street or in the garden as they look unsightly, smell and attract rats.
You must store your bins in your front garden where possible – don’t leave them on the street blocking the pavement.

Bulk waste

Large waste items will not be collected with your regular bin waste.

You will need to arrange for the Council to remove bulky waste items, such as furniture, large kitchen equipment and small electrical equipment. Don’t wait until the end of the year, as you can be fined for leaving excess waste outside.

It is your landlord’s responsibility to remove bulky waste left behind by the previous tenants.