Student Accommodation Reading

Reading is one of the most charming student cities in the United Kingdom and attracts thousands of students from across the world every year. This is largely due to the presence of top universities like the University of West London (UWL) - Reading Campus and the University of Reading, known for their academic excellence and vibrant student life.

There are several popular neighbourhoods in Reading for student living, such as Tilehurst, Caversham, and Earley, which offer a variety of options, including shared apartments, En-Suite / Non-En-Suite rooms, and studio apartments. Some top student accommodation in Reading includes 79 Silver Street, Central Studios, and Student Castle Reading, and the starting rent for these properties is just £172/wk.

However, with so many options available, choosing the best student housing in Reading can feel overwhelming for students. This is where University Living comes in. With over 10+ years of experience in the accommodation abroad industry, we have helped more than 2,000,000 students find their home away from home. So, if you are an international student looking for accommodation in Reading, you are at the right place.

In order to boost convenience and provide students with better options in terms of the type of properties, the student accommodation in UK is divided into 2 basic types, namely: Student Housing and Private Apartments. These types are common for student properties in Reading as well! Both of these have their own pros and cons and therefore are suited for different sets of people with different budgets. Student housing is further divided into 4 types, which have been detailed in brief below:

1. Student Housing: Also popularly called PBSAs (Purpose-Built Student Accommodations), these are special properties that are made specifically for students in Reading. The best part about these properties is that their rent includes major utility bills like electricity, water, gas, and Wi-Fi bills, along with several facilities that students might require while pursuing their education in the Scottish student capital. To cater to the needs of students with all sorts of economic backgrounds, PBSAs are further divided into 4 types, which are also explained briefly below:

• Shared Apartments: These are the most affordable type of student rooms in Reading. Students get to share a room with 2/3 other occupants along with a shared washroom, living room, and kitchen. Since everything is shared, the per-person costs turn out to be incredibly low.

• En-Suite Accommodations: These are the most preferred type of student apartments in Reading. In these properties, students get to have an entire room to themselves along with a personal washroom and comes with a shared living room and kitchen.

• Non En-Suite Accommodations: These properties are very similar to En-Suite Accommodations. The only difference between the two is that, unlike its counterpart, a Non-En-Suite Accommodation does not come with a personal washroom. Students get a personal room, but the washroom, living room, and kitchen are shared among all occupants of the property.

• Studio Apartments: These are the most comfortable and private student apartments in Reading. In these properties, students get to have an entire unit to themselves that comes with a bed, bathroom, and a kitchen.

2. Private Apartments: Private Apartments are the most comfortable type of student properties in Reading. These are not a part of PBSAs and are leased out on an individual basis as independent units. Students who book these properties get the entire apartment with 2/3 rooms with washrooms, a living room, and a kitchen to themselves. Students must note that the rent for these properties does not include any utility bills like electricity, water, or gas. Every expense is on top of the rent you already pay. These properties are suited for both university students and working professionals.

Reading is a major commercial and cultural hub in the Thames Valley, famously holding the title of the UK's largest town without city status. Historically defined by its "Three Bs": Beer, Biscuits, and Bulbs, it has evolved into a global center for the technology and insurance sectors, earning it the nickname "the Silicon Valley of the UK."

The town blends deep history with modern energy. It is home to the ruins of a 12th-century Royal Abbey where King Henry I is buried, yet it is equally famous today for hosting the world-renowned Reading Festival and serving as a key terminus for London's Elizabeth Line. With a diverse population and a top-tier research university, Reading offers a high-paced urban lifestyle surrounded by the scenic landscapes of the Royal County of Berkshire.

There are several good neighbourhoods in Reading; however, not every area is the best suited for students. There are several neighbourhoods that are built specifically for student accommodation in Reading and already have an established student community. This means that these neighbourhoods have everything that a student might need while pursuing education in the city! These neighbourhoods are close to the main universities in the city and therefore, reduce the transportation costs for students! These neighbourhoods have been explained briefly below:

• City Centre: Located in the center of Reading, the city center is one of the best neighbourhoods for student properties in Reading. Although it is one of the most expensive localities in the city, the convenience it offers is unmatched! This is because Reading’s main train station, shopping complexes, best restaurants, pubs, and clubs are located within close proximity in the neighbourhood! One of the best student pubs in the city is the Purple Turtle, which is known for its vibe, with different music genres across two floors! The city center has the best life in the entire city and therefore, is absolutely loved by students! The average rent for PBSAs in the city ranges between £275 and £318/wk!
• Earley: Located adjacent to the University’s main Whiteknights campus, another one of the best neighbourhoods for student apartments in Reading is Earley! It is a quiet neighbourhood and offers uninterrupted access to the university and its resources. The university is literally a 5-minute walk from this neighbourhood and therefore, is the first choice of students of the university! One of the best pubs in the UK, which is famous for its Craft breweries is located on the corner of this neighbourhood. The rent for student accommodations in this neighbourhood ranges between £250 and £300/wk.
• Caversham: Located right across the River Thames, one of the most sought-after neighbourhoods for student accommodations in Reading is Caversham. This neighbourhood is known for its old school, village-like charm, with some of the best PBSAs in the city being located here! Caversham is located a short 15-minute ride from the University of Reading and, therefore, is loved by students. This neighbourhood has excellent connectivity throughout the city and houses some of the top hubs in the city, including the Ng’s Head, which is a traditional pub that is known for its ever-changing selection of craft beer, cider, and cask ales. The average rent of PBSAs in the neighbourhood is between £225 and £275/wk.
• Tilehurst: One of the most peaceful and residential suburbs based in West Reading is Tilehurst. It has a high concentration of families and students alike! It is best suited for students seeking a peaceful environment! This neighbourhood is located just 20 minutes away from the university and has great transport connectivity! This neighbourhood is famous for Tilehurst Farmers' Market which is held on the first Saturday of the month at the Victory Hall, and offers local produce, street food, and artisanal goods! The starting rent for PBSAs in this neighbourhood is £200/wk.

Reading is one of the most affordable cities to live in the UK, and everything from food to student accommodation is affordable when compared to other major student cities like London or Manchester. However, it is recommended that students make a budget and track their expenses to avoid overspending. If you plan accordingly, you can expect to spend a month in Reading for well under £1050. The table below highlights the major expenses that students might undertake as students in the city:

PS: Students must note that these figures are tentative and might change based on your actual expenses and expenditures. In order to get a better idea of the cost of living in Reading, students can use University Living’s exclusive cost of living calculator!

There are several great options for top accommodation in Reading for students. These properties are loved by students and fulfill all the checklists of a good property. These are located close to the university and the city center and offer some of the best facilities that are offered in student accommodation in the city.

The rent for some student homes in Reading ranges between £172 and £318/wk.

• 79 Silver Street

• Central Studios

• Student Castle Reading

• Berkshire House

• Queens Court

• Crown House

• Kendrick Hall

• 191 Kings Road

• Straits Garden

• IQ The Pad

Book the best student accommodation in Reading at never-before-seen prices, only at University Living!

In terms of affordable student rooms, Reading doesn’t let you down. There are plenty of good options to choose from. However, students must always remember that affordable property does not mean the lowest rent. Affordable properties are those that provide the best value for money. Every penny that you pay should feel worth the money spent!

Here are some of the best affordable accommodations in Reading starting at just £172/wk:

• Alexandra House

• London House

• Saxon Court

• Hox Park

• The Garage

Book the most affordable student properties in Reading and avail special discounts now!

Reading is home to more than 350,000 residents, and in order to make the daily commute easier for these people, the city has developed an extensive network of public transit systems. These include the Reading bus services and the National Rail services! These services provide last-mile connectivity throughout the city and ensure that no student is stranded in the middle of the city! These modes of transit are explained briefly below:

• Buses: Reading Buses is the primary bus operator in the city and offers great connectivity throughout the city. This is the main mode of daily commute for students in the city. Bus services in Reading run 24/7 and therefore, ensure that students can study till late at night in the university! The Claret 21 (and 21a during term time) is the main bus route that connects the city to major student areas! These services are quite affordable and a Single ticket costs £2, and all-day tickets cost £3.40.
• Trains: Reading lies on the Great Western Railway and is a major transport hub that offers great transport connections to London, Oxford, Bristol, Birmingham, Southampton and other major cities in the United Kingdom! These services are mostly used by students for weekend getaways. A typical train ride from Reading to London is just 23-25 minutes long and therefore, are also used by professionals who work in London but live in Reading due to its affordability!

Reading is one of the most aesthetic cities in the UK and therefore, attracts thousands of visitors every year. The city has everything from great parks, gorgeous riverside, museums, and ruins! The best part about these attractions is that they do not have any entry charges for students, while some provide discounted tickets! Some of the top tourist attractions in the city have been explained briefly below:

• Reading Abbey Ruins and Forbury Gardens: This is one of the most significant and important historical tourist spots in the city, which is surrounded by the gorgeous Forbury Gardens. The Reding Abbey was founded by King Henry 1 in around 1121 and was one of the most important religious and political sites in Medieval England, and the King was buried here in 1136. The site is peaceful, slightly mysterious, and full of historical weight. Located right adjacent to the ruins is Forbury Gardens which is a walled Victorian park that offers a quiet escape from the bustling town center.
• The River Thames and Caversham Court Gardens: Although London is also based on the banks of the River Thames, Reading provides some of the most scenic and relaxing experiences in the city! The Thames Park National Trail offers beautiful river views, opportunities to spot wildlife, and passes historical sites like the abbey, and is one of the most picturesque spots in the city. The Caversham Court Gardens are located on the north bank of the Thames and is just the perfect spot for a relaxing morning walk!
• Reading Museum and Town Hall: The Reading Museum is one of the best and most underrated museums in the country. If you are a history enthusiast, the museum is a must-visit. The entry is free for all and houses several artifacts including an Egyptian Mummy and medieval armour. One of the museum's most famous attractions is a full-size replica of the Bayeux Tapestry, which is a Victorian hand-stitched copy of the original that tells the story of the Norman conquest of England in 1066.