Zoology

University of Reading

Most of the lecturers are lovely and really helpful. There’s been lots of student events to keep it a fun and exciting time and take the pressure off studying. The library is great but can be difficult to find somewhere to study when it’s busy

The staff are super helpful and the facilities are perfect for my degree. To improve, they need another library or large study building since it is SO busy on weekdays you have to get there before 12pm to ensure a seat. Furthermore, (this is more of a preference), but a lot of the buildings in other unis look very smart and beautiful architecture, Reading is quite dull and plain concrete/brick buildings which for me doesn't inspire and motivate me as much.

The atmosphere of the uni is really welcoming with amazing facilities for science based courses as well as a lively student union. There could’ve been more information as well as given at earlier notice countless times for example with accommodation and other important dates.

There's a lot of study spaces, the lecturers are passionate and and people are friendly. Great social life, societies are the best part, you get to meet a lot of amazing people, there's always lots of things going on.

The campus is so pretty and green! I went on walks around the Harris gardens almost every day during exam week last year to de-stress. The Cole museum offers great volunteering opportunities plus you get a lot of skills that you can put to use in your degree. The herbarium too! There are so many amazing volunteering opportunities around campus be it societies or organisations. It's a great way to meet new people while learning new skills and feeling fulfilled. That being said, student accommodation around Reading isn't great. Halls can be expensive and, depending on where you stay, incredibly noisy and cramped. Private accommodation isn't any better. I would recommend staying in halls during first year as they are very close to campus and a great way to meet new people. If you would like to give private accommodation a try, start house-hunting early and ask older students about their experiences and what sketchy companies to avoid.