Living at home | University of Reading

Many students that study at Reading choose to live in the local area either independently or with family and commute to university.

Commuting to university is a great choice for some students as study can be combined with living in a familiar environment.

There are many reasons why students choose to commute. This can include staying close to family and friends, financial circumstances or caring responsibilities.

If you are living locally and commuting to university, we've outlined some helpful advice to help you navigate University life as a commuter student:

Making friends and connecting with campus

Attend the Commuter Welcome event

This social event in Welcome Week is for new students that are commuting to university. It is a great opportunity to talk to students that are currently commuting and meet other new commuter students. See the Event Guide for more details. We strongly recommend attending Welcome events as a way to meet other new students and get to know all of the services and opportunities available to you at the University.

Meet your STaR Mentor

Every new undergraduate and International Foundation Program student is automatically paired with a STaR Mentor. Your STaR Mentor is a current student who will be able to help you get to know campus and answer any questions you may have about university life. For more details about your STaR Mentor and how they can help you settle in at university, visit our STaR Mentor webpages.

Explore the local area

Commuting to campus also gives you a great opportunity to explore the local area and connect with the wider Reading community. Check out the Student Local Guide for lots of recommendations and hidden gems in the local area, such as study spaces, food and drink, and activities to try. Helping other students find their way and discover places in the local area is also a great way to make new friends.

Events, sports and societies

Living in university accommodation is not the only way to make friends at university. You can meet people studying on your course or by joining clubs and societies, or by attending events.

Student Life Events

Student Life Events are free no-alcohol social events hosted throughout the year! Meet new people, enjoy board games, crafting and snacks. The full schedule of upcoming Student Life Events can be accessed on the UoReading Student app.

There's no need to sign up, just come along on the day - we'd love to see you there!

Weekly wellbeing events

The Weekly Wellbeing Events webpage contains a summary of wellbeing events taking place across our campuses and in the local area every day of the week during term time.

Reading Students’ Union

Reading Students’ Union host events throughout the year, these are advertised on their events webpage.

There are also societies and networks you can join, including the Commuters Society. Head to the Student Opportunities webpage to find student opportunities that match your interest.

Nervous about making friends? Check out the Life Tools video about making friends and living with new people.

Getting to campus

Public Transport

Reading has excellent transport links and we highly recommend that students and staff use those to make their way to campus wherever possible. Find out more about travelling to campus on our getting about webpage. There University also has a large number of offers for current students to help make your travel choices more sustainable and affordable, check out our Student Travel Offers.

Parking on campus

If driving to campus is necessary for you, please make sure that before bringing a vehicle onto campus you have applied for and obtained a permit. As parking spaces are very limited on campus, finding space can be difficult. Find out more about parking spaces on campus and how to apply for a permit.

Lockers

There are a number of lockers on campus that you can use to store heavy items such as books and avoid travelling with them when you don't need to. To request a locker, enquire at the Reading Students' Union reception desk where, depending on current availability, you will be asked for a £5 deposit. You will then be given a card with which to access your new locker.

Closures

Unexpected university closures are rare but can happen. Keep an eye on your UoReading student app for any updates.

Balancing study and commuting

Spaces to relax or study on campus

If your journey to campus is quite long, you may not want to travel home in between lectures. There are lots of spaces on campus to study, relax and eat - find out more about some of the spaces to study or relax on campus.

Within the RSU there are spaces to relax and unwind, such as lounge areas in Student Opportunities.

Study tips for commuter students

The Study Advice Team has put together a guide with advice for studying as a commuter student, with strategies to help you manage your time and advice for building study and friendship networks. Check out the study tips for commuter students guide.

Let someone know

Commuting can sometimes be challenging when public transport is cancelled or there is a traffic jam. Let your Academic Tutor or Lecturer know that you commute and they can keep you up to date on anything you may have missed.

Fuelling your studies and keeping active

Consider signing up for a part-time eating plan or Sportspark membership to save some money and make the most of your time here.