Lots of students that study at Reading choose to live in the local area either independently or with family and commute to university.
Commuting to university is a great choice for some students as study can be combined with living in a familiar environment.
There are many reasons why students choose to commute. This can include staying close to family and friends, financial circumstances or caring responsibilities.
If you are living locally and commuting to university, consider the following before you arrive at Reading and in your first few weeks:
- Share your local knowledge: You have a great insight in to Reading and the local area. Help other new students find their way around and share your recommendations with the new people you meet.
- Attend the Commuter Welcome Event: This social event in Welcome Week is for new students that are commuting to university. It is a great opportunity to talk to students that are currently commuting and meet other new commuter students. See the Event Guide for more details. We strongly recommend attending Welcome events as a way to meet other new students and get to know all of the services and opportunities available to you at the University.
- Making Friends: Living in university accommodation is not the only way to make friends at university. You can meet people studying on your course or by joining clubs and societies. Take a look at the wide range of student-led societies on offer on the Reading Students' Union website.
- Meet with your STaR Mentor: Every new undergraduate and International Foundation Program student is automatically paired with a STaR Mentor. Your STaR Mentor is a current student who will be able to help you get to know campus and answer any questions you may have about university life. For more details about your STaR Mentor and how they can help you settle in at university, visit our STaR Mentor webpages.
- Public transport in Reading: Reading has excellent transport links and we highly recommend that students and staff use those to make their way to campus wherever possible. Find out more about travelling to campus.
- Parking on campus: If driving to campus is necessary for you, please make sure that before bringing a vehicle onto campus you have applied for and obtained a permit. As parking spaces are very limited on campus, finding space can be difficult. Find out more about parking spaces on campus and how to apply for a permit.
- Lockers: There are a number of lockers on campus that you can use to store heavy items such as books and avoid travelling with them when you don't need to. To request a locker, enquire at the Reading Students' Union reception desk where, depending on current availability, you will be asked for a £5 deposit. You will then be given a card with which to access your new locker.
- Space to relax on campus: If your journey to campus is quite long, you may not want to travel home in between lectures. There are lots of spaces on campus to study, relax and eat - find out more about some of the spaces to relax on campus. If you are looking for a place to sit there are lounge areas in Student Opportunities, as well as in RSU..
- Let someone know: Commuting can sometimes be challenging when public transport is cancelled or there is a traffic jam. Let your Academic Tutor or Lecturer know that you commute and they can keep you up to date on anything you may have missed.
- Closures: Unexpected university closures are rare but can happen. Keep an eye on your UoR Student app for any updates.