The University of Reading is a leading UK university recognised for excellence in teaching, research and environmental sustainability
Pioneers of people and sustainability
League table rankings
| League table | Position |
|---|---|
| The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2027 | 35th in the UK |
| The Complete University Guide 2027 | 43rd in the UK |
| QS World University Rankings 2027 |
joint 196th worldwide and 28th highest-ranked UK university out of 93 UK institutions featured |
| Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026 | Ranked 201st-250th in the world and joint 27th in the UK |
Sustainability rankings
| League table | Position |
|---|---|
| People & Planet University League 2025/26 |
4th in the UK |
| Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026 | 91st in the world and 14th in the UK |
| QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2027 | Ranked equal 30th in the world |
Semester dates
2025-26
- Welcome week: Monday 22 September 2025 – Friday 26 September 2025
- Semester 1: Monday 29 September 2025 – Friday 6 February 2026
- Semester 2: Monday 9 February 2026 – Friday 12 June 2026
Vacation periods
- Christmas Vacation: Monday 22 December 2025 – Friday 16 January 2026
- Easter Vacation: Monday 30 March 2026 – Friday 17 April 2026
- Summer Vacation: Monday 15 June 2026 – Friday 18 September 2026
Calendar for academic year 2025/26 (PDF)
2026-27
- Welcome: Monday 21 September 2026 – Friday 25 September 2026
- Semester 1: Monday 28 September 2026 – Friday 29 January 2027
- Semester 2: Monday 01 February 2027 – Friday 28 May 2027
Vacation periods
- Winter Vacation: Monday 21 December 2026 – Friday 08 January 2027
- Spring Vacation: Monday 29 March 2027 – Friday 09 April 2027
- Summer Vacation: Monday 31 May 2027 – Friday 17 September 2027
Closure days and Public holidays 2025/26
- Thursday 24 December 2026 to Monday 4 2027 (Christmas closure)
- Friday 1 January 2027 (New Year's Day)
- Friday 26 March (Good Friday)
- Monday 29 March (Easter Monday)
- Tuesday 30 March (Closure day)
- Wednesday 31 March (Closure day)
- Monday 3 May (Early May bank holiday)
- Monday 31 May (Spring bank holiday)
- Monday 30 August (Summer bank holiday)
A global community
Home to more than 27,000 students, the University of Reading is proud to welcome staff and students from all over the world. Our award-winning campuses – in Reading, Henley-upon-Thames, Johannesburg, and Iskandar – house contemporary study facilities, halls of residence, support services, cafes and bars.
Visit our Global page for more information.
2026: Transform
One of our key ambitions as a university is to continuously invest in providing first-class facilities for our students. By our centenary year, 2026, we want to build significantly on the successes we have already accomplished so far.
Many of the reasons behind these projects stem directly from student feedback, such as the need for more study space and better technical resources. Other key factors address sustainability, such as improving energy efficiency and reducing our carbon emissions.
We also have an environmental sustainability strategy that revolves around six themes: community engagement, hospitality operations, waste management, biodiversity, and carbon management. These are embedded across the University’s curriculum.
While these projects focus on our long-term ambitions, we will be taking great care to minimise the risk of disruption for students currently studying at the University.
Read about the University of Reading's capital investments and campus improvement programme.
Economic impact
We make significant economic, social and cultural contributions.
Find out more about our economic impact.
Policies and corporate publications
Find out more about the University of Reading's Corporate Services.
View our key policy and regulations documents.
Student rights and responsibilities
University is a partnership between you and us.
Visit our Student Contract page, and read about your rights and responsibilities.

