Getting about

As a University we are working to reduce our impact on the environment, and sustainable travel is an important part of this endeavour. We are lucky to have excellent and affordable transport links in Reading, and we have regular free cycle skills classes along with bike hire services to make getting around Reading simple, cheap and sustainable.

Buses

Cars, motorcycles and parking

We do not recommend that students bring a car to campus, but in a case where it is unavoidable it is important to take note of the information you will need for bringing your own vehicle.

Vehicles

Vehicles need a valid vehicle entry permit to drive and park on the Whiteknights or London Road campuses, Monday to Friday 08:00-17:00.

There are a very limited number of permits available for students - visit student parking for application forms and further details.

There is also very limited parking at our Halls of Residence so you must apply for a permit. If you are a student living in hall and you do not have a permit to park, you must not park on residential roads within one mile of the campus.

Co-wheels - hire a car by the hour

Hire a car by the hour from campus with our Co-wheels car club. Great for journeys that are not convenient by public transport or on foot/cycle.

For information about sustainability and driving, visit the Sustainability pages.

Cars and insurance

Students using private vehicles for visits or field trips connected with University courses must check with their insurance provider that they are insured for this purpose. The University's motor insurance does not automatically cover you.

Disabled drivers

Blue badge holders are required to apply for a permit but this will be issued free of charge.

Cars and international students

The law relating to driving in the UK as an international student is complex. For a full explanation of the current position, you should visit the DirectGov pages on driving in Great Britain on a foreign licence.

Student parking on campus

You will need a permit to park on campus and these are only usually awarded to students with mobility issues or with other extenuating circumstances that meet the qualifying criteria.

If you are eligible you can apply for a parking permit using the online form.

If you wish to apply for a parking permit, you must do so by 11.59pm on the Friday of Welcome Week (usually that last week of September). Applications received after this time will only be considered if you have had a significant change of circumstances. Please note that the qualifying criteria still apply. For more information, please visit our Parking webpage.

Parking is governed by parking regulations which can be viewed on the Student Parking webpage, you will also find lots of other handy information like where you can and cannot park on campus.

Cycling

Cycling is a great way to get fit and save money at the same time. The Whiteknights campus offers an ideal green environment for cyclists to explore the natural beauty the campus has to offer. We welcome responsible cyclists who follow our guidelines for sharing the space safely with other cyclists, pedestrians and drivers.

The University provides a number of facilities for cyclists:

free cycle skills sessions at a range of levels including confident road cycling
over 1,800 cycle parking spaces across our campuses, including lockable cycle compounds
additional secure cycle sheds provided at the Halls for students to bring their bike with them to University
showers on campus Whiteknights shower map / London Road Shower Map
docking stations on Whiteknights and London Road campuses
regular Dr Bike free maintenance sessions
introduction to bicycle maintenance courses
advice on deterring theft
Unicycle bike recycling scheme loaning recycled bikes to students through RUSU
information and help for those new to or considering cycling, including free cycling courses.

Cycling in Reading map

We are constantly working to improve our facilities for cyclists on campus. If there is a particular improvement that you'd like to see implemented, please email us to have your say.

Showers on campus

Travel offers for students

Walking

Finding the campuses on foot

The main entrance to the Whiteknights campus and our London Road campus are best reached from Reading station, and the Earley Gate entrance to the Whiteknights campus is closest to Earley station.

Henley station is closest to our Greenlands campus.

Don't forget to collect points and rewards for all your walking journeys by logging them with Better Points.

Whiteknights campus from Reading railway station

Approximately 1.9 miles, around 40 minutes on foot to centre of campus:

By using the postcode RG6 6UR you will be able to map your way to the University campus.

You can find a map of the Whiteknights campus.

Earley gate entrance on Whiteknights campus from Earley railway station

Approximately 0.6 miles, around 13 minutes by foot to the edge of campus, please allow extra time to find your destination on campus.

You will be able to map your way from Earley station to the Earley gate by using the postcode RG6 7BE and mapping your way there.

London Road campus from Reading railway station

Approximately 0.8 miles, around 15 minutes by foot.

You can map your way to the London Road campus by using the postcode RG1 5AQ.

It takes roughly 25 minutes to walk from the London Road campus to Whiteknights campus.

You can find a map of the London Road campus.

Greenlands campus from Henley-on-Thames railway station

Due to parts of the route being on rural roads with no safe pedestrian access, it is suggested that for your safety you consider an alternative form of transport to get to our Henley campus (bus or car).

You can catch the 800 or 850 bus; getting off at Hambleden, Greenlands stop.

You can map your way to Greenlands via car using the postcode RG9 3AU.

Find a map of the Greenlands campus.

Walking in Reading map