Choose the University of Reading and you will be studying only 25 minutes away from London, in a magnificent and friendly campus environment, at a strong and established UK university. The University was founded by the University of Oxford in 1892, received its Royal Charter in 1926 and became the University of Reading.
At the University of Reading we are passionate about achieving high standards in all that we do. We care about providing our students with a fully rounded education in a supportive environment, to ensure they gain life and work skills, as well as academic success.
We have a long history in receiving international students and many of our students now hold distinguished positions around the world. We currently have 17,000 students, around 3,000 of whom come from 117 countries, helping to make Reading a caring, vibrant and friendly place to study.
Academic strengths
The University of Reading is consistently one of the most popular higher education choices in the UK. The University is ranked as one of the UK’s top 20 most research powerful universities and as one of the top 200 universities in the world. We offer a wide range of choices with our International foundation programmes, bachelor’s, master’s and Research degrees in a wide range of areas from Agriculture to Zoology.
The University is consistently one of the most popular choices in the UK for higher education and in Autumn 2007 was rated number one for the learning experience in the International Student Barometer with students indicating higher satisfaction levels that those at the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge and Yale University.
Facilities
The University offers:
- 21st century facilities on beautifully landscaped, friendly campuses.
- cutting-edge teaching and learning facilities, including 24-hour IT resources and a library containing over a million items.
- extensive indoor and outdoor sports facilities and a fully equipped sports centre.
- guaranteed accommodation to all international students for the first year of study with a wide choice of catered and self-catered options. Most halls are based on campus or are in short walking distance of the University.
- our popular Students’ Union runs clubs and societies to suit all interests, provides important welfare services and is a hive of activity, providing easy access to services, shopping and a ready-made social life.
- a purpose built nursery caters for children aged 15 months to five years.
Student life
We make every effort to ensure all students living away from their home country receive a warm welcome through our International Students’ Welcome Week - a popular orientation programme including social events and tours of the campus and local area.
We have an excellent network of support to help our students get the most from their experience with us, including Careers Services; language skills support; dedicated advisory services for international students; University Health Centre; access to over 100 international societies.
An active social life is as much a part of university life as studying. Whether you play sport, enjoy a hobby, or want to get involved in the campus community, we have plenty to offer. You will be spoilt for choice if your idea of fun is eating out, shopping, nightclubs, or film and theatre going, with Reading town centre providing some of the best retail and entertainment experiences in the Thames Valley.
Events take place virtually every night on campus and the town is a short walk or ride away. Reading is also host to the annual music festival, offers top quality football at the Madejski Stadium and is home to the London Irish Rugby Club.
On campus there are over 100 clubs and societies and our Students’ Union organises regular events. The multi-faith Chapliancy provides prayer rooms and links to local religious centres.
