Student Accommodation in Reading

Student Accommodation in Reading

Reading is a large town in Berkshire in southern England. It is located where the River Thames and the River Kennet meet, around 40 miles west of London. The town has a mix of historic buildings, Victorian streets and modern commercial spaces. According to HESA 2024/25 data, Reading has 25,085 students, including 21,220 domestic and 3,865 international students. These students choose Reading because of the University of Reading, its green campus and strong graduate career opportunities. The town is also just 30 minutes from London by train, making it a convenient place to study while enjoying a lower cost of living than the capital.

Reading has a competitive student accommodation market, with demand often higher than the available supply of purpose-built student accommodation. The average student rent is around £225 per week. Popular properties, especially those close to the University of Reading, are usually booked well before the September intake. Students who book at least 3-4 months in advance have a better chance of finding accommodation that suits their budget and preferred location. At UniAcco, students can compare verified student accommodation in Reading, explore different room types and prices, and receive 24/7 support to find the right student home.

 

Reading in 60 Seconds

 

Why Choose Student Accommodation in Reading?

Students choose accommodation in Reading for its convenient location, all-inclusive rent, modern amenities and excellent transport links. Most student accommodations are close to the University of Reading and Reading College, with easy access by bus, bicycle or on foot. Many purpose-built student accommodations include utility bills, high-speed WiFi and contents insurance in the rent, making it easier for students to manage their budget. These properties also offer modern amenities such as study spaces, gyms, communal lounges, cinema rooms, games areas, laundry facilities and secure bike storage. Secure entry systems, CCTV and on-site management teams provide a safe and comfortable living environment. Reading also offers direct train connections to London, Oxford, Bristol and Birmingham, making it convenient for placements, internships and weekend trips. Based on UniAcco's research, below are insider insights that give students a clear picture of student accommodation in Reading.

 

UniAcco Insights

• Average weekly rent: £225
• 60% of students choose ensuite rooms, averaging £210/week; 36% choose studios, averaging £250/week

 

Accommodation Types Available in Reading

 

Top 5 Affordable Student Accommodation in Reading

The University of Reading is one of the most popular universities in the UK. This creates a strong student population and makes it competitive to find student accommodation in Reading.  Although the city is cheaper than London, it’s still not the most affordable. The average rent in the city is £225/week, and finding accommodation cheaper than that is a task, but not at UniAcco. Below are some of the most affordable student accommodations in Reading for students.

• Berkshire House
• Kendrick Hall, Reading
• Queens Court
• Crown House - Reading
• Student Castle Reading

 

Best Student Housing in Reading

Studying at the University of Reading comes with a lot of homework and assignments, and for that, students want a place that not only is closer to the university, but also offers great convenience at a good price, and that’s what makes the accommodation in Reading the best. According to UniAcco, below are some of the best student accommodations that come with all-inclusive bills and great modern amenities like fast Wi-Fi, laundry, gym, communal lounge and many more.

• Central Studios
• 79 Silver Street

 

Best Areas for Student Accommodation in Reading

• Earley

Earley is one of the most popular choices for University of Reading students because it is close to Whiteknights Campus, just a 3-minute walk away. The area is mainly residential, with supermarkets, takeaways, cafés and local shops around Earley and nearby Woodley. Students also have access to green spaces, which makes it a quieter place to live than central Reading. The biggest advantage is the mix of student housing and everyday facilities close to the university, so students can spend less time travelling and still have a normal residential neighbourhood to come home to.

• Newtown

Newtown is a good choice for students who want to live between Whiteknights Campus and Reading town centre. The University of Reading’s main campus is around a 28-minute walk away, depending on the property, and buses also run towards the campus. The area has a large number of Victorian and Edwardian terraced houses, many of which are rented as shared student homes. This makes Newtown popular with students looking for a house with friends rather than a room in a purpose-built student building. Its location also gives students easier access to the town centre, restaurants and shops than areas further east. The area has a more local feel than the centre, but there is still a strong student presence.

• Reading Town Centre

Reading town centre is best for students who want shops, food, nightlife and transport links close to home. Whiteknights Campus is around 12 minutes away by bus. The University of Reading's London Road Campus is even closer—just a 20-minute walk away. Reading Station is another major advantage, with direct trains to London and other UK cities. The Oracle shopping centre, Reading Market, restaurants, cinemas and bars are all within walking distance. Accommodation can cost more here, especially in modern purpose-built student buildings, because students are paying for a central location and easy access to the station and city facilities.

• Redlands

Redlands is a popular choice for students who want to stay close to both the University of Reading and the town centre. Parts of the University of Reading's London Road Campus are within the area, while Whiteknights Campus is also a 10-minute walk away. This means students can spend less time travelling to lectures and still have the town centre close by. Reading's shops, restaurants, pubs and nightlife are within walking distance, while Reading Station is also easy to reach for trips to London and other cities. Redlands has a large number of student houses and university halls, giving the area a strong student community. The streets are mainly residential, so it feels quieter than the town centre but still has plenty of cafés, pubs and local shops nearby. The Museum of English Rural Life and the university's green spaces also give students places to relax away from the busy parts of Reading.

• Abbey

The Abbey area is a good choice for students who want to be close to Reading town centre and Reading Station. Whiteknights Campus is around a 14-minute drive away by bus, depending on the exact location, while London Road Campus is much closer—just a 13-minute walk away. The area is also close to The Oracle, shops, restaurants, cafés and the ruins of Reading Abbey. There are many flats and shared houses around the centre, so students have different accommodation options depending on their budget. Its biggest advantage is the balance between city life and transport: students can walk to most places in the centre and use Reading Station for trips outside the city. It is more suited to students who want an urban lifestyle than those who want to live right next to Whiteknights Campus.

 

Student Accommodation Near Top Universities

 

Getting Around Reading — Student Travel Guide

Reading is one of the best-connected major towns in the UK for commuters. It has a massive railway hub with fast trains to London (around 23-30 minutes) and an extensive local bus network. However, daily commuting into the University of Reading or local colleges still requires managing peak traffic, transport costs, and extra planning.

 

Transport options and costs:

 

Student Life in Reading

• Green Spaces & Campus Life

The University of Reading's Whiteknights Campus is spread across 320 acres of lakes, woodland, and open parkland. Students often spend their free time walking around the lake, having picnics with friends, or relaxing between lectures. The campus regularly hosts student events, food festivals, and outdoor activities throughout the year.

• Shopping & Entertainment

The Oracle Shopping Centre is Reading's go-to destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment. With popular high-street brands, independent restaurants, cafés, and a riverside cinema, it's where many students spend weekends or celebrate after exams.

• Parks & Historic Landmarks

Students looking for a quieter afternoon often visit Forbury Gardens, one of Reading's oldest public parks, located beside the historic Reading Abbey Ruins. It's a popular place for reading, meeting friends, or simply enjoying some fresh air without leaving the city centre.

• Museums & Culture

Reading Museum offers free entry and showcases the town's history, including its famous full-size replica of the Bayeux Tapestry. Students interested in history, culture, or simply looking for a budget-friendly day out regularly stop by throughout the year.

• Food & Nightlife

Reading has plenty of student-friendly cafes, pubs, and restaurants around Friar Street, Broad Street, and the town centre. Whether it's grabbing coffee between lectures, trying international cuisine, or heading out for live music in the evening, there's always something happening just a short walk from most student accommodation.

 

When Should You Book Student Accommodation in Reading

The best student accommodation in Reading comes to those who book before the rush. The best-located, most affordable properties in areas like Mapledurham and Abbey tend to sell out early, especially for the September intake. Check out the recommended booking period below:

 

How to Book Your Student Accommodation in Reading with UniAcco?

Follow the steps below and get your favourite student accommodation abroad.

Step 1: Compare prices and properties

First, choose the destination where you want to book the accommodation. Then, from 9 verified listings, shortlist the accommodation that suits your needs and lifestyle by comparing prices and properties.

Step 2: Fill in your details

Once you have shortlisted your accommodation, fill in your basic details, such as your name, mobile number, and email address. Make sure the information you put in is correct.

Step 3: Talk to our expert and get confirmation

Once you fill in the information, our student expert team will reach out to you within hours. They will guide you through contracts, deposits and rental agreements. Basically, they will be there for you 24/7 till you move into your accommodation.