I have loved my time at UoR! As a student that didn't get to go on campus tours due to COVID, I was limited in my understanding of what a university should offer, however during my time at Reading I have quickly understood how inclusive and enthusiastic the staff are. I am not a huge drinker, so it is disappointing to see the Reading SU mainly focuses on club nights and drinking events, however they are still active with the student community throughout the year

The module content in the politics department is very engaging and has helped shape my knowledge of international politics and theory. Most of the departments staff are extremely friendly and you can tell they love their work. There is typically an even mix of seminars and lectures (and most are an hour long, rather than tedious 2 hour lectures)

Reading is a lovely town, full of amazing shops, markets and restaurants. I would recommend exploring the local area using the canals as it is gorgeous in Winter. There are plenty of clubs if you are interested in that, as well as sport activities across the town. Transport is fairly accessible with a bus that runs directly to the Uni as well as trains going straight to London.

St George's was comfy and was accessible from the main campus and local shops. I had a bad experience in my first year, due to my flatmates who were disruptive and rude however I did manage to make lasting friendships with other residents in the surrounding flats. There were non-alcohol events hosted throughout the year that were really fun and helped deal with some anxieties of meeting new people

The best aspects are the facilities and the student support. I haven't struggled in the 4 years of my degree and whenever I've had a problem, I've never had issues solving it; from financial support and accommodation to careers and study advice. In terms of student experience, I think it could further improve. The Union is very old-schooled run, they don't innovate in what they do and that's why the engagement is so low. I would say there's diversity but there's no celebration of diversity, which I think should be improved too. I'm personally very outgoing and I like meeting people and making friends, but if it wasn't the case, I think I would have struggled, especially as a foreigner. Something that could be done to improve that sense of belonging is a change on campus; including more colour, more graphics and things that indicate that it's a multicultural university and that everyone is welcomed. I think at least when you first walk in, it would make you feel better.

The best aspect is probably how well-structured the modules are, they are very well designed. However, I would include more presentations rather than so many essays (which don't necessarily imply that we have learned). I think there should be a module on race as well and other modules on other parts of the world (African or Asian studies), all the modules are quite euro-centric in terms of content.

What I like the most was the fact that it was very spacious, I had my own toilet and the kitchen was very big. It was very safe as well and if I forgot my keys or anything similar, security staff would quickly help me get inside. As for the facilities, it is quite old, I think it needs a good refurbishment, at least kitchens and carpets. Halls are quite expensive so at least they should offer modern spaces. The only thing I would have changed was the allocation of my room, some students are not respectful and would bang my window at 3 am (I was on the ground floor), so a room facing a garden or the back of the building would have been nicer.