University Open Days FAQs
Planning your visit
What is a university open day and what happens during the day?
Open Days offer you the chance to experience what living and studying at university is really like.
At a University of Reading Open Day, you can explore your subject, attend talks and sessions, take tours of our facilities and on-campus accommodation, and chat with our academics and current students. Staff from Admissions, Student Finance, Study Abroad, and the Disability Advisory Service will also be available to answer your questions.
The Reading Students’ Union will be open throughout the day, offering tours, delivering student-life talks and showcasing the range of clubs and societies we have at Reading.
What time do the Open Days start and finish?
The Open Days start at 09:00 and finish at 16:00 on both dates.
Is there a difference between the two Open Days?
We offer the same activities across both Open Days for our visitors. We run our Open Days over two days so you can come at the time that works best for you.
How do I book an Open Day?
Book your place at an upcoming Open Day:
Do I need to book onto the talks, sessions, and tours I want to attend?
No, you do not need to book talks, sessions and tours at our Open Days. Please note, some of our subject talks can get busy. If a subject talk is full, we may ask additional guests to leave the room to prioritise space for our prospective students.
We will share the programme before your visit so that you can plan your day in advance.
We’ll also have plenty of staff and students on hand to help you plan your day once you arrive.
Getting here
How do I get to the University?
You can find out more about getting to the University on the Open Day Travel Guide webpage.
Is there more than one campus?
We have two campuses in Reading.
- Whiteknights campus is our main campus. Most subjects are taught here, and it is home to central services, the Students’ Union, and most of our student accommodation.
- London Road campus is just a 10-minute bus ride, or 20-minute walk, from our Whiteknights campus. Architecture and Education courses are based there.
If you’re interested in studying Architecture or Education, start your day at London Road. Then travel to Whiteknights to see everything else we have on offer. A free shuttle bus will run between the campuses throughout the day.
If you’re interested in studying Accounting, Business, Finance or Real Estate, your subjects are based at the Henley Business School on our Whiteknights Campus.
Is there parking available?
We have (limited) Open Day parking available on both campuses. If you require parking, please select this option on the booking form. If selected, your parking confirmation will appear as one of the following in your confirmation email and other pre-event communications:
- Whiteknights Campus Parking
- London Road Campus Parking
- Blue Badge Parking
What should I do if on-campus parking is full?
If on-campus parking is fully booked, we recommend travelling to the University by public transport. Reading has excellent transport links, and it's very easy to get to the campus by bus. More information about travelling to campus by public transport.
There is also the option to use the Mereoak Park and Ride, located just south of J11 on the M4 (just off the A33). On both Open Days, the buses from Mereoak will travel directly on to the Whiteknights campus. The journey time is approximately 20 minutes.
Accessibility and guests
Is there any financial support available to help me get to the Open Day?
If you live in a postcode identified as one of the most socio-economically disadvantaged areas within England or Wales, you may be eligible for free train travel to our Open Days.
If you're from IMD or WIMD Q1 postcodes around the UK, we can now offer free train tickets for you and an accompanying person to our Open Days. If you’re eligible, select this option on our Open Day booking form and we’ll be in touch with more information about how to get your free train tickets.
Find out more information about postcode data and your eligibility
Blue Badge Parking
We have designated parking for Blue Badge holders or those with access needs – please select Blue Badge Parking when booking. Please note you do not need to specify a campus for Blue Badge parking. You can park on either, or both, campuses as required throughout the day.
What accessibility support is available at the Open Day?
In addition to dedicated Blue Badge Parking, we run accessibility buses throughout both Open Days. We can pick you up and drop you off around campus as needed, and we can also drive you between our Whiteknights and London Road campuses.
If you have accessibility requirements but do not have a Blue Badge, email opendays@reading.ac.uk and we’ll advise you on the most suitable parking options.
Can I bring guests?
You’re more than welcome to bring along your family and friends to the Open Days. Please note, some of our talks can get busy. If a talk is full, we may ask additional guests to step outside so we can prioritise the space for our prospective students.
Are dogs welcome at the Open Day?
Yes, we have a large parkland campus that you can explore with your dogs; we ask that you keep dogs on a lead at all times. Unfortunately, we are unable to allow dogs into buildings – unless they are support animals.
On the day
Do I need to book onto the talks, sessions, and tours I want to attend?
No, you do not need to book talks, sessions and tours at our Open Days. Please note, some of our subject talks can get busy. If a subject talk is full, we may ask additional guests to leave the room to prioritise space for our prospective students.
We will share the programme before your visit so that you can plan your day in advance.
We’ll also have plenty of staff and students on hand to help you plan your day once you arrive.
Are there places to eat at the Open Days?
We have a wide selection of places to eat at the Open Day, from cafés, bars and canteens to the on-campus Co-op supermarket. There is lots of choice and something for everyone.
What should I wear to a university Open Day?
We’re situated on a large parkland campus, so we recommend wearing comfortable shoes for walking between buildings. We hope the weather will be nice but always recommend being prepared – packing an extra layer and an umbrella just in case.
What should I bring to a university Open Day?
As well as comfortable shoes and clothes, you should bring a list of questions, a notebook and pen and a water bottle. We have water stations across both campuses and in many of our buildings, so you can refill your reusable water bottles as needed. If you want to warm up, bring a reusable coffee mug and you’ll get a 20p discount on hot drinks at our University cafes.
Other ways to visit
If I can’t come to the Autumn Open Days, is there another way to visit?
If you can’t make either of our Autumn Open Days, don’t worry. We have guided campus tours and subject taster sessions running throughout the rest of the Autumn Term.
If you’re unable to attend any of our planned activities, you can also follow our self-guided tour of Whiteknights campus.
- Find out more about guided campus tours
- Download our self-guided campus tour
- Find out more about subject taster days
Future dates for Open Days
For students interested in applying for the 2028/29 academic year, we also have Open Days taking place in June 2027.
- Friday 11 June 2027
- Saturday 12 June 2027
You’ll be able to register your interest in these events once our Autumn Open Days have taken place.
Book your place on an Open Day now
Upcoming Open Day dates:
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