AFS City Guides

The complete student guide to Reading

8 min read·Last updated: 23 June 2026

Curated and written by

Elizabeth Hadley

AFS Content Creator

Studying at University of Lincoln

8 min read

Share this guide

Why study in Reading

Great nightlife
Reading has a fun and varied nightlife – perfect for students looking to unwind after a long week. One of the most popular student events is Wednesday night at the Students’ Union, where you can party to different weekly themes. Attached to the Union is Mojos Bar, a lively spot where you can enjoy delicious food and drinks while watching live football or catching up with friends. You can also find plenty of clubs in the centre.
Diverse community
Reading is widely recognised as one of the most diverse and multicultural towns in the UK. Reading Borough Council confirms that the town has the joint-second highest proportion of Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) residents in the South East, with nearly 46.5% of its population belonging to non-White British backgrounds. Due to its diversity, Reading is popular amongst international students. This vibrant environment encourages cultural exchange, broadens perspectives, and supports inclusive community life for many residents.
Everything you need
Reading offers the best of both worlds, combining easy access to London with a more affordable cost of living. The town is a vibrant riverside hub, known for its lively nightlife, excellent shopping, and historic attractions, including Reading Abbey. It also has a strong economy and a rich industrial heritage. During the nineteenth century, Reading was home to Huntley & Palmers, one of the world’s largest biscuit manufacturers, helping to establish the town as a major commercial centre.
Transport links
Reading is ideally located just 40 miles west of London, with direct rail services to London Paddington taking only 25–30 minutes. This excellent connectivity makes international travel more convenient and gives students easy access to the UK’s capital, where many internship, placement, and graduate career opportunities are based. As a result, students can benefit from London’s professional opportunities while enjoying the lower cost of living and community atmosphere that Reading offers.

Key facts about Reading

Student life in Reading

Down in the town centre, particularly around Friar Street and Gun Street, you’ll find a range of popular clubs such as Club Era and Lola Lo, which are known for their great music and energetic atmosphere. Beyond the clubs, Reading also offers plenty of bars, riverside pubs, and live music venues, giving you the perfect mix of options — from laid-back drinks to full-on nights out. Reading’s food scene is diverse and student-friendly, catering to every taste and budget. Around The Oracle Riverside, you’ll find familiar favourites like Wagamama, Nando’s, and Franco Manca — great for quick, casual meals. Most of these places will also offer up to 20% student discount when you present your campus card. For authentic international cuisine, head to King’s Road or Oxford Road, where you’ll discover delicious Indian, Thai, and Middle Eastern restaurants at affordable prices. If you’re after something more local, Café Yolk is a beloved brunch spot popular with students, while Tutu’s Ethiopian Table at the Reading International Solidarity Centre offers homemade food with a warm community feel. Don’t forget The Real Greek and Honest Burgers near The Oracle for hearty, flavourful dishes perfect after a long study day. Reading has a rich industrial and cultural history. It was once home to Huntley & Palmers, one of the world’s largest biscuit manufacturers, which put the town on the map during the 19th century. Today, Reading is better known for its annual Reading Festival, one of the UK’s biggest music events with some of the world’s top artists, attracting thousands of visitors and a massive student crowd each summer. The town also has strong literary roots — it’s mentioned in several classic English novels — and boasts beautiful historic sites such as the Reading Abbey Ruins, founded by Henry I in 1121. Beyond history, Reading is also recognised as a thriving business and tech hub, home to several major international companies and offering excellent career opportunities for graduates. Reading’s top attractions mix history, shopping, and entertainment. The Oracle Shopping Centre is a hub for shopping and dining, while the Hexagon Theatre hosts concerts, comedy shows, and student performances. The Museum of English Rural Life (MERL), run by the University of Reading, is another must-see — it’s free, interactive, and surprisingly fun. Other highlights include Prospect Park, the largest open space in Reading, and Mapledurham House, a picturesque historic estate on the edge of the Thames. Reading is full of green spaces and cultural landmarks. Start at Forbury Gardens, a peaceful park just a short walk from the train station, known for its colourful flower beds and the impressive Maiwand Lion statue. Close by, the Reading Abbey Ruins and Reading Museum give you a glimpse into the town’s medieval past and industrial heritage. For a breath of fresh air, take a walk along the Thames Path or spend an afternoon at Thameside Promenade, where you can watch rowing teams glide by. If you fancy a countryside escape, Basildon Park, a short drive away, offers stunning Georgian architecture and rolling green hills — perfect for a day trip with friends. Reading is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered beyond its busy high streets. From the tranquil Caversham Court Gardens and the scenic Kennet and Avon Canal Walk, to creative hubs like the Rising Sun Arts Centre and the cosy Reading Biscuit Factory, there’s something for every mood. These lesser-known spots give Reading its charm and make student life even more rewarding.

Cost of living in Reading

Wondering how much it costs to live in Reading as a student? We’ve broken down typical monthly expenses and compared them to the national average, so you can plan your budget with confidence.

Expense	Reading average	National average	Difference
Rent (monthly)	£1187	£891.63	£295.3733% more
Utilities (monthly)	£93	£112.25	£19.2517% less
Bus pass (monthly)	£70	£61.13	£8.8715% more
Groceries	£15.88	£15.40	£0.483% more
Gym pass (monthly)	£39.62	£34.59	£5.0315% more
Takeaway coffee	£3.70	£3.54	£0.164% more

Rent (monthly)
Reading average
£1187
National average
£891.63
Difference
£295.3733% more
Utilities (monthly)
Reading average
£93
National average
£112.25
Difference
£19.2517% less
Bus pass (monthly)
Reading average
£70
National average
£61.13
Difference
£8.8715% more
Groceries
Reading average
£15.88
National average
£15.40
Difference
£0.483% more
Gym pass (monthly)
Reading average
£39.62
National average
£34.59
Difference
£5.0315% more
Takeaway coffee
Reading average
£3.70
National average
£3.54
Difference
£0.164% more

Universities in Reading

University of Reading

Reading University is a compact, modern university on the edge of thriving town in the south of England.

Read guide →

Getting around Reading

Moving around Reading as a student is generally very easy. The town is compact, well connected, and designed to accommodate large numbers of students and commuters.

Buses

Reading has an extensive and reliable bus network operated by Reading Buses, with frequent services connecting the town centre, residential areas, and the University of Reading campuses.

Cycling

Dedicated cycle routes and bike storage facilities make cycling a popular and affordable option for students.

Walking

Many of the major spots, including the town centre, shops, restaurants, and parts of the university campus, are easily within walking distance.

Trains

Reading Railway Station is one of the UK's busiest transport hubs, providing fast connections to London, Oxford, Bristol, and other major cities. These rail links give direct access to London and make it straightforward to reach major airports such as Heathrow Airport and Gatwick Airport.

Life after uni

Reading is said to be a town with a highly skilled workforce, according to Visit Reading “over 54% of working-age residents educated to degree level or above”, which is significantly higher than the national average.

Here are some key facts about employment prospects in Reading:

"Silicon Valley of the UK"
Reading houses the headquarters for global tech and corporate giants like Microsoft, Oracle, and PepsiCo. This means that students in the area have a chance of being offered fantastic post-graduation career opportunities and internship potential.
Good wages
Reading is one of the UK's strongest economic centres and is regularly ranked among the country's best-performing cities for employment, productivity, and wages.