Human Geography degrees in South East England

The sustainable drive of the University - Reading Uni is well known for being drivers for environmental change whether that be the stunning green campus, running on renewable energy, leaders in environmental research, and opportunities for the new Global Sustainability Leaders Scholarship. Given my course, the fact the Uni aligns the same principles of positive environmental change was important to me. Often overlooked, but the connectivity of Reading by bus is incredible. It makes shopping, evenings out, and just generally getting out and about really easy as a university student who can't keep a car on campus. The Library is large and really well equipped for study, group projects, and a social café downstairs (although the PCs need drastic improvements to run our GIS software in the Library). The social life on campus - whether you drink or not (like me) there is something for everyone, there are so many wonderful societies to choose from to join (or even run). I have met so many wonderful people through societies - in fact the general vibe of Reading students and staff is so positive and welcoming. In terms of improvements - more student events other that just societies and clubbing would be nice (eg. open mic nights). Some buildings on campus do look a little run down, and other universities do have more advanced facilities than in Reading, but none as green :)

The best aspects of my university experience have been the sense of community and the opportunities for personal and academic growth. My course is taught by passionate lecturers who make the subject feel relevant and engaging, and I’ve appreciated how approachable most staff are when I need help. There are also plenty of extracurricular activities and societies, which made it easy to meet people with similar interests. The campus facilities—like the library, study spaces, and wellbeing services—have also been a big part of what makes it a great place to study. In terms of what could be improved, there are a few key areas. Communication between departments could sometimes be clearer, especially around deadlines and timetable changes. At busy times of the year, access to study spaces can become limited, and more quiet areas or longer opening hours would make a difference. It would also help if there were more practical, hands-on learning opportunities such as placements, workshops, or industry links, as these really enhance understanding and employability. Overall, the university offers a supportive and stimulating environment, but with better organisation and more resources during peak periods, the student experience could be even stronger.

Best: well-rounded, educated lecturers that are enthusiastic about contributing to our learning; lots of societies providing opportunities Worst: assessors for written assignments and PBL tutors tend to not give a level playing field for marking/educating - we don't get taught exactly the same things as the rest of our cohort, it is tutor dependent (PBL, clinical skills, etc)