University of Reading

Overview

The University of Reading offers world-class teaching and research across foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees from within a stunningly beautiful award-winning campus.

Rated as one of the top 30 UK universities in the 2024 QS World University Rankings and The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2021, the University of Reading has built an environment in which students from all walks of life can thrive and build a successful future.

Reading’s dynamic and diverse student body is represented by an award-winning Students’ Union, with sports societies, activities, student media and entertainment all provided in one of the best rated student venues in the UK. The main Whiteknights campus and London Road campus are situated close to Reading’s town centre and are just 30 minutes from London Paddington by train. Whiteknights campus is located on 130 hectares of parkland, earning its eighth consecutive Green Flag Award in 2018.

Reading has a global presence, with two overseas campuses – including the University of Reading Malaysia – and links with organisations in nearly 50 countries. The University is also delighted to host a huge international student cohort and welcome individuals from every faith and culture in a warm and friendly environment.

Services for International Students

The University of Reading is home to more than 5,000 international students. Support includes:

• Dedicated help from an international student adviser
• In-country briefings and advice before students leave home
• Meet-and-greet service at London Heathrow airport
• Visa support from dedicated immigration advisers on campus
• Clubs and societies to help international students feel more at home in the UK.

The University offers an International Foundation Programme for international students whose qualifications are not equivalent to A levels and so do not meet its traditional undergraduate entry requirements. It also offers pre-sessional English courses to help prepare international students for academic study in England.

Ranking

• 34th in the Times University Guide 2024
• 44th in the Guardian University Guide 2024
• 169th in the QS World University Rankings 2024

REF 2021 confirmed the University of Reading's place as a leading research-intensive university in a competitive UK research environment. The university's research (overall outputs, impact and environment) was assessed as:

• 40% world-leading (4*)
• 46% internationally excellent (3*)
• 13% recognised internationally (2*)
• 2% recognised nationally (1*)

Accommodation

University accommodation at Reading is safe and secure, and rent prices are all-inclusive, meaning that utility bills and wifi are included. University-owned halls of residence provide more than 5,000 rooms and all accommodation is either on or within a 15-minute walk of the main Whiteknights campus or London Road campus.

Rooms come in a variety of styles and sizes, including studios, rooms in catered halls, self-catered en-suites and shared bathroom options, and there is a wide range of study, domestic and social facilities available.

Location

Located between London and Oxford on the River Thames, Reading is a historic town with a population of 163,000. The town lies in the south east of England and allows easy access from London's Heathrow and Gatwick airports.

Alumni

• Wilfred Owen (poet)
• James Cracknell (double Olympic gold medallist and politician)
• Jamie Cullum (jazz pianist and singer)
• Laura Tobin (broadcast meteorologist on Good Morning Britain)
• Coralie Bickford-Smith (acclaimed illustrator for Penguin Books)
• Linda Bennett OBE (founder of LK Bennett)
• Michael Bolingbroke (chief operating officer, Manchester United)

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