University of Reading Students – Your Complete Move-In Guide
Everything You Need to Prepare for Student Life at the University of Reading
Starting at the University of Reading means joining one of the UK's leading research universities, renowned for its beautiful Whiteknights Campus, excellent teaching and welcoming student community. Whether you're moving into University halls for your first year or renting privately later in your degree, preparing before move-in day will help you settle in quickly and make the most of student life.
Located in the thriving town of Reading, just 30 minutes from London by train, the University is recognised for its strengths in business, agriculture, environmental science, meteorology, psychology, architecture and law. With an award-winning green campus, modern facilities and excellent transport links, your accommodation quickly becomes the place where you'll study, relax and make lifelong friends.
This guide covers everything you need to know before moving to the University of Reading, including accommodation advice, packing tips and the everyday essentials that will help you feel at home.
University of Reading at a Glance
📍 Location: Reading, Berkshire
🎓 Student Population: Around 27,000 students
🏠 Popular Accommodation: University halls include Childs Hall, Mackinder Hall, Stenton Hall, Bridges Hall, Greenow and McCombie, St George's Hall, Wantage Hall, Benyon Hall, Sherfield Hall, Wessex Hall and many more. Eligible students who meet the published criteria and apply by 1 August are guaranteed a place in halls.
🛒 Nearby Shopping: The Oracle Shopping Centre, Broad Street Mall, Tesco, Sainsbury's, Aldi and Reading town centre
🚆 Transport: Reading railway station provides direct services to London, Oxford, Bristol, Cardiff and the South West, while regular buses connect the campus with the town centre.
Student Accommodation at the University of Reading
The University of Reading offers a wide variety of accommodation located on or close to the beautiful Whiteknights Campus. Students can choose from traditional halls, en-suite accommodation, townhouses and catered or self-catered options to suit different budgets and lifestyles.
Popular accommodation includes:
- Childs Hall
- Mackinder Hall
- Stenton Hall
- Bridges Hall
- Greenow and McCombie
- St George's Hall
- Wantage Hall
- Benyon Hall
- Sherfield Hall
- Wessex Hall
The University also offers:
- St Patrick's Hall
- Windsor Hall
- Dunsden Crescent
- Stenton Townhouses
- Self-contained flats for mature students, couples and families.
Accommodation typically includes:
- Utility bills
- High-speed Wi-Fi
- Safe, secure accommodation
- Residence support teams
- Access to study spaces
- Optional meal plans available across multiple dining locations.
The University guarantees accommodation for:
- New full-time undergraduate students who make Reading their Firm UCAS choice
- New full-time postgraduate students
- Eligible insurance applicants accepted on Results Day
Applications must normally be submitted by 1 August, with applicants meeting their academic offer conditions by the published deadline.
Many returning students move into shared houses around Earley, Shinfield Road, Cemetery Junction, The University Area and Reading town centre.
Before buying everything, check your accommodation inventory so you know exactly what's already provided.
What Should You Pack?
Preparing before move-in day makes settling into university life much easier.
Bedroom Essentials
Make your room comfortable with:
- Duvet and pillows
- Bedding sets
- Mattress protector
- Clothes hangers
- Laundry basket
- Storage boxes
- Soft lighting
Kitchen Essentials
If you'll be sharing a kitchen, don't forget:
- Plates and bowls
- Cutlery
- Pots and pans
- Cooking utensils
- Food storage containers
- Tea towels
- Washing-up supplies
Bathroom Essentials
Pack your everyday necessities, including:
- Towels
- Toiletries
- Shower caddy
- Cleaning products
Study Essentials
University of Reading students balance lectures with seminars, laboratory work, placements, fieldwork and independent study. Creating a comfortable workspace from day one helps you stay organised throughout the academic year.
Useful items include:
- Desk organiser
- Adjustable desk lamp
- Extension lead
- Laptop accessories
- Cable organisers
- Storage for textbooks and coursework
- Notebooks and stationery
Experience Student Life in Reading
The Whiteknights Campus is consistently recognised as one of the UK's most attractive university campuses, with lakes, woodland, parkland and modern academic buildings creating an exceptional environment for studying.
Reading itself offers excellent shopping, restaurants, live music, festivals and riverside walks, while London's West End is less than half an hour away by train. The combination of a peaceful campus and superb transport links makes Reading a popular choice for students from across the UK and around the world.
After a busy day of lectures, society activities or exploring Berkshire, it's always good to return to a room that's organised, comfortable and feels like home.
Popular with University of Reading students include:
- Comfortable bedding and mattress accessories
- Soft lighting for a cosy atmosphere
- Space-saving storage solutions
- Desk organisers for studying
- Kitchen essentials for shared accommodation
- Practical everyday accessories that make student life easier
All Loomz products are selected with student accommodation in mind, making them ideal for furnished student rooms where permanent alterations aren't permitted.
Why Students Choose Loomz
Students across the UK choose Loomz because we understand what makes student accommodation feel like home.
✔ Designed specifically for student accommodation
✔ Affordable essentials for every student budget
✔ Perfect for halls, studios and shared houses
✔ Free UK delivery
✔ Practical products that make everyday student life easier
Helpful Student Guides
Planning your move? Explore our other useful resources:
- UK University Packing Checklist
- Student Accommodation Guides
- University Move-In Checklist
- Bedroom Essentials Guide
- Kitchen Essentials Guide
- Bathroom Essentials Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Is accommodation guaranteed at the University of Reading?
Yes. New full-time undergraduate students who make Reading their Firm UCAS choice and apply by 1 August, together with eligible postgraduate and insurance students, are guaranteed a place in halls provided they meet the published conditions.
Where do University of Reading students live?
Many first-year students live in Childs Hall, Mackinder Hall, Stenton Hall, Bridges Hall, Greenow and McCombie, St George's Hall, Wantage Hall or Benyon Hall. Returning students often rent privately close to Whiteknights Campus.
Are meal plans available?
Yes. Students can choose from a range of optional meal plans regardless of which hall they live in, making it easy to combine self-catered accommodation with catered dining when required.
What should I buy before moving to the University of Reading?
Most students need bedding, towels, kitchen equipment, study accessories and practical storage before arriving. Preparing your room before move-in day helps you settle in quickly and stay organised throughout the academic year.
Ready for the University of Reading?
Moving to the University of Reading means joining a university with an outstanding green campus, excellent teaching and one of the UK's best-connected locations. By preparing your accommodation before you arrive, you'll be ready to settle in quickly, focus on your studies and enjoy everything Reading has to offer.
Browse Loomz's collection of student essentials to find everything you need for your bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and study space before beginning your journey at the University of Reading.