University of Reading

Students' Union

Reading University Students’ Union (RUSU) is an independent organisation, run by students, for students, which aims to help all students make the most of their experience studying at Reading. All students automatically become a member upon enrolment.

An important part of the RUSU’s work is to campaign on behalf of its student members on a range of topics – to create a better university experience for everyone. Not only does this involve campaigning for university policy changes, the RUSU works to create positive behavioural changes amongst the student body. An example of this hard work is the RUSU’s LGBT+ society, which won ‘LGBT Event of the Year' at this year's National Union of Students LGBT+ Conference.

In addition to campaigning, the RUSU also provides free, confidential, and non-judgemental advice and support on a range of issues students may face, including housing, money and welfare advice.

The RUSU also provides plenty of volunteering and job opportunities and runs over 150 sports clubs and societies to enhance students’ university experience.

The RUSU is home to a selection of retail outlets, cafes, bars, and a huge nightclub/live music venue for students to socialise in.

University of Reading Students on Whatuni say:

“The student representation is excellent specifically within courses, never feel uncomfortable to discuss any issues or problem that want to be dealt with, with the student reps.”

“SU is always open to everyone and the events are cool.”

“Really good club at the union.”

Clubs and Societies

There are more than 150 clubs and societies for students to join at Reading. Through these societies, students can meet like-minded people who share the same interests, take part in events, and learn new skills.

There are 56 sports and dance clubs. Sports range from American football, cricket, and rugby, to caving, clay pigeon shooting, and yogalates. Dance clubs cover disciplines such as ballet, ballroom, and Zumba.

Many of the university’s sports teams participate successfully in leagues and competitions, including the annual Varsity event against Oxford Brookes.

Societies are based around academic interests, campaigns and causes, faith and culture, and the arts. Examples of the current societies on offer include: Chess, games and role-play, sign language, song-writing, and zero waste.

There is also a student newspaper and TV and radio station which students can get involved with. Student interns have the opportunity to work behind the scenes with the Press Team – for example, as social media bloggers and photographers – getting the opportunity to shadow professionals and create original online content for the university’s social media channels.

If none of the clubs are of interest, students can also find support to create their own.

University of Reading Students on Whatuni say:

“Huge variety of societies and sports, campus gym is conveniently located too.”

“They are all inclusive- great for trying new sports/ hobbies.”

“Lots of variety and places to get involved.”

City life

Reading is bustling town with a diverse community and is a great place to live as a student.

The town’s riverside area is the heart of Reading’s social scene, with plenty of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Many bars across the town have student nights with special offers, and when the night is over, the 24-hour bus services will whisk students home to campus.

Music lovers will love Reading, which is home to one of the biggest music festivals in the UK: Reading Festival. For several years, the university has worked with the festival to allow groups of students the chance of a lifetime to report live from backstage, interviewing festival-goers and artists. The town also hosts many other festivals throughout the year, dedicated to jazz music, comedy, and food and drink. There are also a range of theatres and venues for live comedy and music.

For those who prefer a more relaxed pace of life, Reading is home to a number of beautiful parks, some of which have the River Thames flowing through them, making them a hive for wildlife.

Reading has excellent transport links too. London is less than an hour away by train and it’s also easy to travel to cities such as Bristol, Bath, Cardiff, and Oxford.

Cost of a pint

£2.80 - £3.50 per pint

University of Reading Students on Whatuni say:

“Yes. Nice walk to campus, easy to get around.”

“It is very close to the town and allowing the local bus routes to run through the uni campus enables ease of access to all local amenities.”

“Reading is a nice town and you are only a train ride (approx. 27 mins) from London.”

Cost of a pint This is the average cost of a pint.

Source: IDP Connect 2019

£2.80 - £3.50

per pint