Best - I've made life long friends in all aspects of my time at Reading Uni. I also have learnt so much about my course and I am really happy with my choice. I really enjoy studying on campus. The campus is beautiful too. Worst- as a committee member for societies, it can be frustrating to get reimbursed for society activities. But this is an only a minor point

I would like to do more contact time with lecturers.

It is way too expensive considering that we are in a cost of living crisis. Although, it was decent accommodation

Many societies and events happening on campus. Student support could be better, i had an issue with my name change at the beginning of the year but did eventually get it sorted out. It’s a long walk from town but there are frequent buses. Nightlife in Reading town centre is mediocre, honestly student union 3sixty on campus is a better option, especially with it being so cheap and close to halls. The library is great, it’s huge with both group study spaces and silent spaces, lifts, a cafe etc. Most of the buildings on campus are nice but some are hard to navigate (esp Edith Morley). The fruit and veg markets / world foods every Thursday is great but could be advertised better - there is limited info on opening and closing times. Overall very glad I’m studying at Reading just some minor inconveniences really

I very much enjoy the content of my course and the freedom with module selection (there are only some core modules). It’s a department where you seem to know everybody which is nice. I disliked the Greek History module because it was largely online which made it difficult for me to engage with the lectures. Most lectures are in person however, with screencasts posted in case you couldnt make it. I particularly enjoy the Roman history module and the way it is being taught thus far. Forensic anthropology and the archaeology of death is an interesting module but the content can be anxiety-inducing (as expected to be fair) and guidance on the first assessment, plan a hypothetical burial, has been limited. AR1MET last term was really good, there was a field trip which was very fun and there was lots of opportunity to speak to new people. However guidance on the essay assessment was confusing. Facilities for both ancient history and archaeology are good, with the Ure museum on site and a building dedicated to just archaeology. Overall I really enjoy my course but some modules are better / worse than others

Benyon is about a 15 minute walk from either campus which I personally like because I enjoy walking but it’s not for everyone. There is a lake outside my building which i love (Fickling court). Value for money isn’t the best as it’s one of the cheaper halls but still very expensive, but this is likely to do with the nationwide economy rather than an issue with the university of Reading itself. It’s very near the Sportspark gym and Park eats. Reception is nearby and easy to find. Collecting mail can be tedious because the mailbox is for a whole building so there’s a lot of mail for yours to get lost in. Maintenance is generally okay but I’ve had an ongoing issue with a leak in my shower which keeps coming back and only ever seems to be temporarily fixed. Wifi works most of the time with some occasions where it’s not so good but this never seems to last long. Heating is NEVER on, since I moved in my radiator hasn’t been on once and it seems to be a widespread issue with many flats in the area, too. Temporary heaters were given out to some but I was never offered one as far as I’m aware. I got locked out once and it was a quick and easy resolution but did take £5 off my deposit which did seem unfair, especially as the lock out wasn’t my fault (my bag with my key in it was put into the gym lost property). Room allocation is very random and some of my flat mates’ rooms are almost twice the size of mine, despite paying the same. I have heard this is a consistent thing across all of Benyon. Additionally, some of the flats are overall a lot nicer than others, for example with kitchens that have been renovated in recent years, whereas ours hasn’t and we still pay the same amount.