Student Accommodation in Reading

Reading is a large town and one of the oldest county areas in the United Kingdom, and is located just outside London along the River Thames. For those looking for student accommodation in Reading attracted by the University of Reading or the University of West London, you will find the town a good place to study and live, with more to explore. Reading's history dates back to the 8th century when it was a trading and ecclesiastical centre in the Middle Ages in England. Popular attractions like the Reading Abbey Ruins and Reading Museum showcase its profound history and culture. After so many years, although under the shadow of the nearby city of London, Reading also stands as a major commercial centre in the country. Situated on the Thames and Kennet rivers, this town also shares borders with Oxford and Windsor, enjoying a highly connected geography in England with great public transport links to the South West and Wales, or to the Midlands and the North.

Reading becomes home for over 27,000 students not only for its proximity to the capital city of the UK, but more for its two prestigious institutions. The University of Reading is a top 30 university in the UK and top 200 in the world, popular for its strengths in agriculture, food science, and meteorology, as well as its award-winning campuses. The University of West London Berkshire Institute of Health offers nursing and midwifery programmes across the region in partnership with the NHS. Both of their campuses are situated in the heart of Reading, with easy access to local amenities and transport links, where students will find yourself in the heart of all the action. Besides, the cost of student accommodation in Reading is much cheaper than in London, and off-campus housing is easy to find near the university buildings with furnished rooms and upscale facilities. Students living here will enjoy both easy access to research resources and an affordable cost of living.

Beyond academics, Reading might be most famous now for its massive outdoor festival. The Reading Festival is an annual music festival that has been held every summer since 1971, where many of the most popular bands in the UK once played, including the Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Black Sabbath, and more. It might be a surprise that Reading is also a town with over 100 parks and playgrounds, where you will find it perfect for taking a walk and relaxing. Beale Park is full of animals and woodlands, while Basildon Park is where Pride & Prejudice was once filmed. Reading is also a shopping haven filled with high-street stores, local markets, and independent shops. The Oracle boasts more than 80 stores to cater for all your fashion and lifestyle needs right in the centre of the town, and the Broad Street Mall hosts a mix of popular stores, shops, dining options, cinema, and entertainment options.

The best student accommodation in Reading includes purpose-built options like Queens Court, Kendrick Hall, and Crown House, which feature proximity to campus and the city centre, as well as modern amenities and high-quality rooms. uhomes.com boasts all these top options, and provides more quality Reading properties to let. Our student houses are ideally located close to campuses, where students can ride a bike for 5-10 minutes or take a bus for 10-20 minutes to get to classes. Students will enjoy the utmost comfort living with fully-furnished rooms and modern amenities including free WiFi, on-site gym, study and social areas, bike storage, security measures, and more. Access to these amenities, together with your utility bills, is all included in the rent, so there will be no extra costs. We also simplify the searching process with verified listings, detailed filters, and 24/7 assistance, ensuring you can easily get suitable accommodation in Reading, UK. Flexible lease options are also offered for diverse needs. Here are the 6 best student accommodations in Reading:

1. Queens Court

Queens Court is a top Reading student accommodation with a 15-minute bus journey to lectures and a 5-minute walk to the city centre. With premium en-suites, studios and 1B, this award-winning student accommodation also offers a social and welcoming place, gym & fitness studio, cinema room, games room, outside courtyard, and newly refurbished reception.

2. Kendrick Hall 

Kendrick Hall is the No. 1 student housing in Reading if you're going to attend the University of Reading, London Road campus, which is located right opposite the accommodation. This property offers furnished en-suite and studio rooms, together with spacious social areas, a dedicated study room, landscaped gardens, and 24-hour security.

3. Crown House

Crown House is rated as the best student accommodation in Reading by StudentCrowd, featuring its central location above Tesco Express and steps from Reading's nightlife. It offers not only en-suite and studio rooms but also one/two-bedroom apartments for various lifestyles. There is a brilliant common room, a large cinema room, a game area, and private study booths.

4. Student Castle Reading

Student Castle Reading is also one of the most popular Reading off campus housing, only a few minutes from University of Reading. This accommodation provides stylish studios spacious for a single student and cosy for a couple, comes fully furnished and with all-inclusive bills. Students can also enjoy the large common area, multiple study booths, 24/7 gym, cinema room, and outdoor terrace.

5. CityBlock - Reading

CityBlock Reading is another top student property in Reading, located directly opposite Reading College and a 16-minute walk to the University of Reading. It is situated next to the city centre, and a 10-minute walk from The Oracle. It offers fully furnished studio apartments with all-inclusive bills and 200 Mbps WiFi.

6. 79 Silver Street 

79 Silver Street is listed as one of the best student accommodations in Reading, Berkshire, for its gorgeous fully furnished studios with a 6-minute walk from The University of Reading, London Road Campus, and just a 17-minute walk from the main University of Reading campus. The apartment also features a fully equipped fitness suite, complimentary coffee counter, stylish residents' lounge, a state-of-the-art multi-use cinema/gaming/karaoke room, and private study areas.

uhomes.com provides cheap student accommodation in Reading from £203 per week, offering the perfect balance between affordability and comfort. We have budget-friendly room types such as non en-suites and en-suites, and we also cooperate with reliable property providers to offer exclusive offers and other discounts for students. Also, your utility fees, including water, gas, heat, electricity, and Internet, will all be included in the rent with no extra expenses to worry about. While unparalleled in price,  there are also furnished rooms and modern amenities and security measures provided to ensure your living quality. Here are our cheap student accommodations in Reading:

1. Kendrick Hall (from £207/week)

2. Queens Court (from £208/week)

3. Crown House (from £206/week)

4. Central Studios - Reading (from £236/week)

5. CityBlock - Reading (from 237/week)

For Reading student accommodation, Whiteknights, the Town Centre, and East Reading are the best areas based on accessibility, amenities, safety, and proximity to the University of Reading. Earley and Caversham are also popular for students prefer a more tranquil environment. Here is a more detailed breakdown of the best areas for student accommodation in Reading:

1. Whiteknights

The Whiteknights area is the preferred living area for many students to choose their Reading accommodation. It is close to the University of Reading's main campus, within walking distance for less than 10 minutes. Students can save a lot of time and money on daily commute and enjoy the convenience of living on campus. This area is also surrounded by good living facilities, including supermarkets, restaurants and cafes to meet daily needs.

2. Reading Town Centre

Reading Town Centre is the heart of Reading, with around 20-minute bus trip to the University of Reading. This area enjoys a convenient transportation network and abundant shopping and entertainment facilities. Commercial complexes such as The Oracle Mall provide a variety of shopping and leisure choices. It is suitable for students who like the city life atmosphere to choose their Reading student houses in the town centre.

3. East Reading

East Reading is always considered the most popular student hub within its proximity to the University of Reading, London Road campus, and the town centre within walking distance. East Reading include areas like Cemetery Junction, Newton, and Park areas. There are many student apartments in East Reading with rent prices to fit any budget.

4. Earley

Earley is another popular student area next to the University of Reading Whiteknights campus, with a short bus for 10-15 minutes. This area is quiet community with peaceful environment for studying and resting, suitable for students who prefer a more tranquil place. Although it is far from the town centre, it is still well connected by public transportation, with easy access to campus and the city centre via public transportation.

5. Caversham

Caversham is a tranquil area located north of the town centre across the River Thames. Students living here can enjoy a quiet and residential vibe, and still stay close to city amenities. If choosing a house to rent in Caversham, it is better to have a car or bike since getting to campus by bus will usually take more than 30 minutes.

Private student accommodation in Reading refers to housing options for students that are not provided by the university, including purpose-built student accommodation (PBSAs), rented apartments (BTRs), and private house-shares (HMOs). Private accommodation offers students more flexibility and independence compared to the university-owned student hall in Reading. Here is a breakdown of the different types of private student accommodation in Reading:

1. Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA)

PBSA is a kind of private student accommodation in Reading that is designed only for students to live in and is operated by professional student property providers like iQ, Vita, and Unite Students. Most of them are located close to campus to ensure an easy commute, and are equipped with security measures to keep you safe. Compared to university halls, PBSA comes with more options, so you can decide where to live and how many people to live with. These accommodations also feature a wide range of modern amenities like fast WiFi, study areas, gym, cinema room, social spaces, games area, and more.

2. Rented Apartments (BTRs)

Build-to-rent apartments are usually designed not only for students but also for working professionals. They are usually built and operated by big companies, and the spaces are often clean, and the services are good. The onsite amenities are not as good as in PBSAs, which are designed for students' needs, but many also offer communal spaces and gyms. These accommodations are always centrally located, so people can save time on their commute, but the cost might be higher than university halls.

3. Private House-Shares (HMOs)

HMO refers to a house with multiple occupancy, which is usually a property owned by private landlords or managed by letting agencies. It often accommodates 4 to 10 students and tends to be a popular option for second- and third-year students since they are usually not guaranteed a place in university halls and want to live with friends. Living here, you will have more autonomy and independence, but also require more engagement in managing utilities, maintenance, and communal spaces. HMOs are always located outside the city centre and sometimes in popular student areas, which are almost always the cheaper options for students.

Room types for Reading student accommodation offer studios, en-suites, non-en-suites, shared rooms, and one to several bedroom apartments, designed to suit diverse lifestyles and budgets. uhomes.com's Reading accom options cover all these room types, making sure every student can find a suitable place to live. Here is a detailed breakdown of some common room types and our recommendations for flats to rent in Reading, UK:

1. En-suite

En-suites are rooms that include a private bathroom, and you will share the kitchen and living room with several flatmates. En-suite rooms to rent in Reading are perfect for students looking for a balance between privacy and community living. Kendrick Hall and Crown House provide cheap en-suite rooms in Reading from £207/week.

2. Non En-suite

Non en-suite is the traditional standard room type that offers a classic university living experience. You will have your own bedroom, but all other spaces, including the bathroom, are shared with flatmates. It is suitable for social living and students looking for a budget-friendly option. Crown House provides non en-suites for £203/week.

3. Student Studio Flats in Reading

Studio flat offers a self-contained room that is completely independent. The living space includes a bedroom, a kitchen, and a bathroom, all in one room. Studio flat in Reading is one of the most popular room types among students, and ideal for private living. Many Reading housing providers offer studios, but Queens Court offers free double occupancy for couples and friends to live together.

4. 1 Bedroom Flats in Reading

1B apartment includes a separate bedroom, a living area, a kitchen, and a bathroom. Different from studios, the bedroom in 1B is separate from other living spaces and usually more spacious. Popular 1-bedroom flats to rent in Reading include Student Castle Reading and 79 Silver Street.

5. 2 Bedroom Flats in Reading

2 bed house to rent in Reading refers to a two-bedroom apartment that includes two separate bedrooms, a living area, a kitchen, and usually a bathroom. You might also see '2b1b' (2 bedrooms 1 bathroom) and '2b2b' (2 bedrooms 2 bathrooms), which tells us the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. Royal Heights is one of the popular apartments in Reading, England, with both 1B and 2B for students and working professionals.

Student housing in Reading usually offers lease term options for 44, 45 or 51 weeks, designed to align with the academic year. Summer-only and short-term student accommodation in Reading is also available for diverse needs. Check more details of the lease terms for Reading accom:

Long-term Student Accommodation in Reading

Reading student accommodation typically runs for 44, 45, or 51 weeks, from September to the next July, August or September. These are specially designed for 'needs to cover the whole semester, and students do not have to move out during holidays if your contract covers them. Purpose-built student accommodations in Reading, such as 79 Silver Street and CityBlock Reading, usually provide such long-term contracts.

Short-term Student Accommodation in Reading

Short-term student accommodation in Reading is the choice for students looking for rented accommodation for an internship, summer camp, language class, or just holidays. Such housing options are usually limited on campus and students need to look for private accommodation. To make students feel at home even for a short-term stay, uhomes.com provides student accommodations like CEG Central Studios (16 weeks), CEG Kendrick Hall (15 weeks) and more rented apartments that you can book for one night.

uhomes.com is your reliable partner for securing the ideal Reading student accommodation. We provide not only quality rooms, prime locations, affordable costs, various discounts, but also the best services to make everyone feel at home. Here are a few reasons why choose us:

• Numerous Rooms: We provide various room types to suit every need and budget.
• 100% Verified Listing: Every information, photo, and video is real to ensure well-informed decision.
• Exclusive Offers: Apart from various discounts, we also offer exclusive listings and offers to help save more.
• 1-on-1 Professional Support: Dedicated expert team available around the clock.
• Proximity to Campus: A short walking or bus trip to universities and easy access to transport links.
• Flexible Options: Various short-term Reading housing options available.
• All-inclusive Bills: Cover utilities, WiFi, contents insurance without hidden costs.
• Furnished Rooms: With all essentials ready for students to move in.
• On-site Amenities: Fast WiFi, gyms, study and social areas, laundry facilities and more.
• Safe and Secure: CCTV, secure access, on-site security team offer a peace of mind.

Living in Reading can be expensive, and it is crucial for students to plan your monthly budget in advance. The average monthly cost of living in Reading is between £1,000 and £1500, including food, utilities, transport, entertainment, Reading student accommodation, and other expenses. The detailed costs, however, depend on your lifestyle and living habits. Check the detailed cost of living in Reading as below:

Total:  £1,000 and £1500 per month

1.Reading student accommodation: £600 to £1,400/month

2.Food: £200 to £350 /month

3.Utilities: £80 to £150 /month

4.Transportation: £40 to £80/month

5.Entertainment: £50 to £100/month

Tips for Saving Money in Reading

To save money in Reading, students can focus on budgeting, reduce unnecessary spending, use student discounts, and find part-time jobs. Here are more details on how to save money:

• Make a Budget: After understanding the average cost of living, you can make a budget for every aspect, take note of every expense, and follow the plan strictly.
• Find Affordable Accommodation: Securing a shared house in affordable areas outside the city centre will help save a lot of money. Also, many of our Reading student accommodations include all bills and basic furnishings and appliances.
• Cut Food Costs: Reducing the frequency of eating out, buying groceries, and cooking with flatmates will cut your food costs significantly.
• Use Student Discounts: From public transport to popular attractions, there are more occasions that you can use student discounts than you can imagine. Check before you spend the money.
• Find Part-time Jobs: Many part-time jobs like SEN tutor, GCSE tutor, student support assistant, and kitchen porter are in high demand in Reading, and you can usually earn more than £10.00 per hour.

Reading is one of the most connected towns in the UK, and the city offers an array of transportation options, including buses, trains, cycling, walking, and waterways. It is easy to find the stations near your student housing in Reading so that you can easily get to your university or explore the town. To save you time, we have listed five primary modes of transport in Reading:

• Bus: Reading has a vast bus route network with more than 100 buses running up and down the city, and hundreds of local bus stops that covers the entire town and its surrounding areas. These buses, running 24 hours daily, connect Reading student houses, the town centre, and universities. The average bus fare in Reading is around £1 per day, and a monthly or annual Oyster Card bus pass is more cost-effective. Students can get a Boost card for discounts.

• Train: Reading is a significant rail centre, and Reading Station, located in the centre of Reading city, is one of the busiest in Berkshire, England. It links several locations outside Reading, including Bristol, Oxford, and London. Travelling to London takes only 22 minutes by the fastest train and costs at least £25. Many of the options for student accommodation in Reading, Berkshire, are close to the railway station, so students can easily explore England during weekends and holidays.

• Cycling: Reading is bike-friendly with designated lanes and routes, and nowhere in Reading town centre is more than a 30-minute cycle. In addition to many bike-sharing programs, the University of Reading also offers bicycle rentals. Many of our Reading student houses also provide bike storage services for students' convenience. In addition, you can visit the exclusive cycling areas in Reading, such as Wood Country Park, Reading's famous Rooks Nest, and Coley Recreation Ground.
• Walking: Reading is a small town with pavements and streets accommodating pedestrians. The town centre and university campuses are conveniently reachable on foot from student property in Reading. Not only is it a practical method to get around, but it's also an excellent way to explore the town and take in its lovely surroundings.
• Waterways: Reading is situated along two famous rivers, the Thames and the Kennet. Therefore, it is easier to travel to nearby cities and towns via city ferries. 

There are several well-known and respectable universities in Reading that provide a wide range of programs and courses for students. Around 100,000 international students come to Reading to pursue higher education every year, making Reading student accommodation in high demand. Several prime universities in Reading are listed below, along with the best Reading student houses near them:

1. The University of Reading

The University of Reading ranks 27th in the UK and 194th in the latest QS World University Rankings 2026. It offers 326 undergraduate and 139 graduate programs in various fields, including art, humanities, social sciences, engineering, business, and agriculture. The Whiteknights campus is the main campus, and the London Road campus is located near the city centre and hosts the School of Architecture and the Institute of Education. Berkshire House and Kendrick Hall are the best Reading student accommodation options near it.

2. The University of West London

The University of West London is a public research university in the UK with several campuses. Reading is home to its Berkshire Institute for Health, delivering nursing and midwifery programs across the region in partnership with the NHS. The campus is located on the western edge of the town centre, and close to student apartments like Queens Court (3 min walk) and Central Studios Reading (6 min walk).

3. Reading College

Founded in 1955, Reading College is one of the essential academic centres of University First (UF), a British public preparatory school. Reading College has offered international preparatory courses for more than 30 years and offers A-level British high school courses. Its international student ratio is 0.5%, much higher than the British average. Reading College is located in Newtown, a short walk from the town centre, and most students will choose student houses in Reading near Student Castle Reading (13 min walk) and Crown House (17 min walk).

Reading is a large University town in the Royal County of Berkshire, situated 40 miles west of London, where the River Thames meets the River Kennet. The largest town in the UK offers an excellent balance of advantages. It has a top-flight university, a huge amount of parkland and green space, and a buzzing music and arts scene. It also enjoys great access to London and offers a superb student lifestyle at a much lower price tag.

The River Thames flows through Reading, so take a boat ride to enjoy the scenery. Enjoy the breathtaking views, unwind on the deck, and discover the past of the river and the neighbourhood. If your Reading student accommodation is just along the River Thames, you can often take a stroll along the river. Reading is also good for watersports. Thames Valley Park is an ideal place to test your skills in canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boarding on the river. If you are a sports enthusiast, immerse yourself in the prestigious Madejski Stadium, big enough to hold more than 24,000 spectators in the meantime, and support the Reading Football Club, the most popular football team in Reading. 

Reading also hosts one of the most well-known music festivals in the UK every year. It is a two-day event in which you have the chance to see musical superstars from around the world and cheer for the talented attendees. To go shopping, visit The Oracle Shopping Centre or Broad Street Mall for some shopping therapy. You can easily explore the varied stores, including independent boutiques and well-known high street names, various eateries, and cafes, if your rented accommodation in Reading is right near the centre. For people who enjoy natural views, Reading is also home to over 100 parks and playgrounds. Enjoy a Sunday afternoon wandering at Beale Park for wild animals or have a picnic at Basildon Park, where the film Pride and Prejudice was once shot.

The town has a wide selection of dining establishments to suit every preference, ranging from international cuisine to classic English pubs. If you expect to enjoy a colourful dining experience at an affordable price, Weir Grove and The Chocolate Cafe is highly recommended. It is regarded as the most popular restaurant and takeaway place in Reading. In addition, you can also have a drink while watching your city's football team competition at Coconut Bar & Kitchen or rock out to the trendy disco beats in hot clubs like Sub89 Club. If you choose flats to rent in Reading town centre, it is very close to you to have a drink.

In addition, the average cost of living in Reading is 21.4% less, and the rent is 40.7% less than in London. The University of Reading Halls range from £158 to £356 per week, and private student accommodation in Reading usually costs around £250 per week, significantly lower than nearby cities. Students staying in Reading can enjoy affordability while staying close to the best UK amenities.

There are numerous tourist attractions and things to do in Reading. Exploring those top popular destinations is easy since students will find easy access to public transport near your student accommodation in Reading. Here are some top Reading tourist attractions:

1. Basildon Park
2. Reading Museum
3. Silchester Roman City Walls and Amphitheatre
4. Kennet & Avon Canal
5. Beale Wildlife Park
6. Highclere Castle
7. Riverside Museum
8. Lagoona Park
9. Loddon Brewery