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The benefits of halls

University accommodation gives students a place to live, study, meet friends and socialise as part of a supportive community. 

At Reading we offer a wide range of options, including self-catered or catered accommodation as well as 40- or 51-week residency periods.

Applying for halls

Once the applicant has applied to study at the University of Reading through UCAS, they will be given a Reading ID number and password which can be used to access the Me@Reading portal. Students can access Me@Reading throughout their time at University. All applications for accommodation are made online via the RISIS web portal.

For specific information on how to apply visit our How to apply webpages. For specific information around dates, see our application timeline. 

Accommodation guarantee

Prospective students are guaranteed a place in halls if they 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 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 1 August** and satisfies any conditions of their academic offer by 31 August of their year of entry*

*Subject to restrictions, please see our 2020-21 Accommodation Policy (PDF – 67kb) or
2021-22 Accommodation Policy (PDF – 531kb) and Accommodation Application Terms and Conditions (PDF – 170kb)

**Please note, they need to apply by 11.59pm British Summer Time (UTC+1) on 1 August

 

Read more

Residency periods

Both the 40 and 51 week residency periods include the Christmas and Easter vacations so there is no need to move out of hall rooms during these times. The 51 week residency period also includes most of the summer vacation. 

Paying for accommodation

Accommodation fees and instalment dates  

Residents can view the details of the instalment dates and the fees due on each instalment date on their RISIS web portal account.

Accommodation fees for the current academic year (2020/21).

Accommodation fees for 2021/22.

How to pay 

For information on ways to pay the fees, visit the Student Payments website. 

Budgeting and financial concerns 

Students can discuss financial concerns with the Student Financial Support Team or RUSU Student Advisers.

Deposit

Once an offer of accommodation has been made a £250 deposit needs to be paid. This will be refunded by UPP within 28 days of the end of the residency period, less any charges for damages, unpaid rent etc.

Pre-arrival information

It’s important that new students take the time to read this information as it can help ensure their moving in process goes smoothly and they have all the items they need (and haven’t over packed!).

Read about information that new students will receive

Conditions of residence

The University’s offer of accommodation creates a legally binding contract between the University and the student. Please see the relevant standard terms and conditions of residence below:

The agreement becomes binding when the student indicates on the student accommodation online system that he/she accepts the University’s offer of accommodation or, if earlier, when the student is given possession of the accommodation, which includes acceptance of the keys.

This information will be relevant if a student is considering:

  • withdrawing from the University
  • leaving halls to move home or into privately rent accommodation
  • transferring properties or room

See accommodation information for current students for more information.

Data protection

Due to Data Protection legislation we are unable to discuss specific information about a student to a third party, this includes disclosing their address or whether their rent has been paid. 

We encourage students to communicate directly with us. However, if the resident wants you to discuss their accommodation situation with us they can give their permission via email or telephone.

Help and support

Halls Hotline

The halls hotline is a helpdesk service that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Residents can ring at any time with any issue relating to living in halls - we would advise this is always their first point of call.

Group reception team

Group receptions are open for enquiries in person Monday to Friday, except bank holidays and University closure days. The opening hours will be displayed outside the reception.

University Wardens and Hall Mentors

Student welfare, pastoral care, and the management of student conduct and behaviour are the responsibility of the Welfare Team. The Wardens are members of University staff who live in halls and are there to offer help and support on any matters of concern.

The Wardens are available to see any student on a confidential basis by appointment. Contact information is available on the ‘Help’ posters in halls or via the Group reception.

Other Health and Wellbeing advice

Find out more about health and wellbeing 

Applicants who are taking a gap year

If an applicant is planning a gap year, or will be travelling with limited access to the internet during the accommodation application period, we recommend they email the Accommodation Team (accommodationonline@reading.ac.uk) before they leave. 

The email should include permission for the Accommodation Team to discuss their application with you and include their eight digit student number.