Check upcoming open days and book your place

Known best for Reading and Leeds Festival, which takes place every summer, Reading is a popular choice for students, especially due to its proximity to London. From music festivals to shopping to nightlife, it has a lot to offer students. Here are our top 10 ideas for student things to do in Reading – and none of them involve getting on the train to London!

1) TeamSport Go Karting

Good for: Racing all your friends.

What is it: A state-of-the-art Go Karting track.

Why you should go: It’s definitely a different way to spend your day, and it’s a great idea for birthday parties or end-of-exam celebrations to let off some steam. While it’s not really a daily go-to activity, it’s always good to have a few unique activities up your sleeve because you never know when someone might need a surprise party throwing.

2) Forbury Gardens

Good for: Relaxing in the sun.

What is it: A Victorian town garden which is now a public park.

Why you should go: Students love a free activity, and this is a great one. Take a picnic, or just have a walk and see if you can spot any wildlife. It’s a lovely way to pass a lazy weekend afternoon, or you could even turn it into a study venue if you take your books with you. Read, quiz your friends, and catch some rays.

3) Purple Turtle

Good for: Having a few drinks!

What is it: A bar and events space.

Why you should go: It has a really fun name, and it’s one of Reading’s most popular bars. You’ll find a lot of students here, partly because if you have a part-time hospitality job you can get a discount Sunday-Thursday. They offer regular club nights and gigs, so there’s a good mix of events going on if you fancy more than just a quiet pint.

4) Reading Museum

Good for: Learning about local history.

What is it: Well… it’s the town’s museum!

Why you should go: No, it’s not a museum about reading books, it’s a museum about Reading town. Admission is free, which is music to every student’s ears, and you can learn a lot about the local area as well as check out some art. There are over 500,000 objects held at the museum, so there’s lots to see and learn.

5) Lola Lo Reading

Good for: Dancing with all your pals.

What is it: A nightclub offering tiki-style cocktails.

Why you should go: It’s one of the most popular nightclubs in Reading, and the Pacific Island theme offers something a bit different than your traditional club. The décor is definitely perfect for your Instagram feed, and they run student nights with drinks deals and cheap tickets so you can make your student loan go further.

6) Time Trap Escape Rooms

Good for: Testing your problem-solving skills.

What is it: A themed escape room with experiences centred around different moments in history.

Why you should go: This is probably another one you won’t be doing every day, but if your birthday’s coming up or you want to plan a unique date then this is one to keep in mind. There are several different rooms on offer so you can definitely go more than once if you get a real hunger for mystery-solving and escaping.

7) Walkabout

Good for: Catching a game over a pint (or two).

What is it: A relaxed sports bar offering food, themed parties and, of course, sports on the big screens.

Why you should go: It’s straightforward, no-fuss food and drinks, just what you need when you’re focused on the game. As well as showing sports, they also offer regular themed party nights, so even non-sports lovers can enjoy a night out here.

8) Thames Lido

Good for: Relaxing and being pampered.

What is it: Not your regular Lido, Thames Lido offers a swimming pool, hot tubs, saunas, treatments and also has a restaurant and bar.

Why you should go: Feeling fancy? Thames Lido isn’t just a pool – though you can just go and swim. If you want to be really fancy then you could book a massage or have a meal in the Spanish and Mediterranean-themed restaurant.

9) Barista & Beyond

Good for: Coffee and cakes.

What is it: A local independent coffee shop.

Why you should go: A perfect spot for an afternoon study session, Barista & Beyond offers more than your typical café. Their mission is to support people with disabilities into employment, so by spending time (and money) here, you’re supporting a great social initiative. You’ll find a menu of hot and cold drinks, cakes and a brunch and lunch menu.

10) The Oracle

Good for: Buying a new outfit.

What is it: A large indoor shopping and leisure centre.

Why you should go: Shopping, dining, drinking or catching a movie, The Oracle has it all. If you need to pick up a new pair of jeans or want to catch the latest blockbuster on the big screen, then you’ll want to make a trip here. Located on the banks of the River Kennet, it’s easily accessible from the town centre and uni.

Key info about Reading

Only 40 miles from London, studying in Reading means students benefit from both the bustling town centre as well as proximity to the vibrancy and excitement of the capital. While there’s plenty to do in Reading to keep students occupied, if you fancy a day trip or weekend away in London then your journey will be quick and easy.

The town’s uni, the University of Reading, has an undergraduate population of around 12,500, making it a medium-sized uni. Students have plenty of opportunities to socialise with one another through the Student Union’s clubs and societies. The uni ranks well in league tables overall as well as ranking highly for research quality and graduate prospects, so you can be sure that a degree from the University of Reading will take you a long way.

Learn more about the University of Reading.

Thinking about studying in Reading but not sure what subject is right for you? Start your search here.