University Guide
University of Reading
The University of Reading received its Royal Charter in 1926 and celebrates its centenary in 2026. Its main Whiteknights campus spans 130 hectares, with a lake, meadows and green spaces alongside teaching facilities and student accommodation. Courses cover subjects including science, business, humanities and the arts, while societies, sport and university events give students plenty to explore outside their studies.
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The overview
The main things you need to know about studying at the University of Reading.
Rankings
Reading ranks joint 196th worldwide in the QS World University Rankings 2027 and 43rd in the UK in the Complete University Guide 2027. It also places 219th globally in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027. Explore the university’s current rankings for the full breakdown.
Employability
Reading’s Careers service helps students explore career options, prepare applications and interviews, and find work experience. MyJobsOnline lists vacancies, appointments and employer events, while the Reading Internship Scheme and THRIVE mentoring offer further opportunities to develop experience. Graduate support continues after university, including careers guidance, workshops and application resources.
Fees
Standard Home undergraduate tuition fees are £9,790 for 2026/27 entry, with £10,050 published for 2027/28. For 2026/27, non-laboratory integrated foundation years cost £5,760, while laboratory-based foundation years cost £9,790. International and postgraduate fees vary by programme. Check Reading’s fees and funding information and your course page, as annual increases and additional course costs may apply.
Bursaries
For 2026/27, the Reading Bursary offers eligible full-time undergraduates who started in 2024/25 or later £1,700 per year. Applicants normally need an assessed household income of £27,000 or less and a qualifying home postcode in an area of low participation in higher education or general disadvantage. Specific exceptions apply to recipients of the university’s care-experienced and estrangement bursary. No separate application is needed, but students and their sponsors must consent to share assessed household income through their student finance authority.
Accommodation
Reading offers self-catered and meal-plan halls, with shared bathrooms, en-suite rooms and studio options. For 2026/27, published weekly rents include self-catered rooms at St Patrick’s Hall from £166.32, rooms with a washbasin at Wessex Hall from £180.39, and standard en-suite rooms at Sherfield Hall from £215.88. These examples have 40-week contracts, with 51-week options available for selected rooms. University halls include utilities, internet access and basic contents insurance. The accommodation guarantee covers eligible new students who meet the application and academic-offer deadlines. Check the conditions for your entry year, as a particular hall or room type is not guaranteed. You can also explore student accommodation in Reading through AFS.
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Students' Union
Reading Students’ Union brings students together through clubs, societies, events and volunteering opportunities. It also runs food and drink outlets, a fruit and vegetable market, and spaces to socialise between lectures. Its free, confidential Advice Service offers independent help with academic concerns, housing and money, while elected representatives give students a voice in university decisions.
Famous for
Reading is known for its green Whiteknights campus, which received its 16th consecutive Green Flag Award in 2026. Its notable alumni include jazz musician Jamie Cullum and Olympic rowing gold medallist James Cracknell, reflecting the range of careers its graduates have pursued.
News
In October 2026, Reading announced free November screenings of Sparks, Parks, Halls and Balls, a theatre production celebrating its centenary. Originally performed across Whiteknights campus, the show brings together stories from students, staff, alumni and the local community, drawing on personal memories and university archives.
Accommodation for Students says
"Reading offers a mix of urban with history and natural beauty; and as it’s compact, most places are in walking distance. It can be useful getting a bike, instead of catching the student buses promoted – especially as they never give out change. That being said, the transport links are really good if you want to escape Reading for the day, with London and Oxford close by".
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