Ancient History and Archaeology with Study Year Abroad - BA (Hons)

University of Reading

My favourite things about UoR are the campus and its facilities. There are two campuses and both are lovely. The library is wonderful and one of my favourite places at uni. The SportsPark gym is close to the main campus and has a good environment. Reading is not the best for nightlife, I like the purple turtle and union but it's definitely not the best as far as uni nightlife goes.

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

Reading University is an excellent place to study. During my first year, I felt welcomed and supported in adjusting to my new lifestyle. The university has fantastic museums and cafes on site, and their library is exceptional. It not only provides a great place to study, but also offers excellent resources and academic support. The staff is always ready to assist, and other students are a great source of information and support. However, there is room for improvement in training staff on university resources such as Blackboard. It is also necessary to reduce conflicts within schedules. Sometimes, staff feedback on assignments lacks insightful comments, which could be helpful in building our skills for future assignments.

I had the opportunity to take a study year abroad to Germany through Reading and had one of the best life experiences I could have asked for. The teaching and tutors in my course are very hands on and try to give the best help. Tutors support the students academically and personally if needed. In archaeology specifically there is a very hands on approach to making sure the students are set up with work experience and career help. Would like a better range of options from the student Union in events and to meet people.

Best aspects: The campus is lovely with amazing green spaces and wild life. The staff in my department are lovely and incredibly friendly and approachable. They have helped me greatly with all aspects of student life- academic support, disability support on my archaeological dig (particularly enabled fieldwork), personal concerns and more. There are also amazing opportunities on campus such as campus jobs and volunteering in the museum. There are many amazing societies that are all really fun to try out. The atmosphere on campus is very friendly and welcoming. The student support outside my department is also really friendly and helpful. I love how close the uni is to London and Oxford whilst feeling like it is in the countryside due to its amazing lake. What the university could improve: The university timetable often has some problems with not placing students in their department buildings which would be nicer as it would be more engaging to study in your department building.

There are lots of systems in place to help you when you are struggling and need support. It can be difficult to meet people.