How much does it cost to live in Reading as a student?

Estimate that you will need about 800 pounds per month, although it largely depends on the type of accommodation you are looking for. As we have mentioned before, the cheapest option is usually a shared apartment, while the most expensive is a studio apartment. Of course, keep in mind that it is quite easy to get a part-time job to help you with your expenses.

What is student life like at Reading?

Student life at Reading is very diverse. It is a university city, so you will meet many students, both local and international, and thus you can build a network of friends who will not only accompany you during your time in Reading, but you can create bonds for life.

How much does student accommodation cost in Reading?

Student accommodation in Reading costs between £400 and £800 per month, depending on the type of accommodation. You can choose between a student flat, which costs between £450 and £550, a full flat, which ranges from £880 to £1,100 per month or a student residence which costs between £400 and £800.

Where to study in Reading?

In Reading you can study at the University of Reading. It was founded in 1892 as an extension of the University of Oxford, and received its Royal Charter in 1926. This university has a large number of international students, who come from more than 160 countries.

Erasmus in Reading

Information and tips for Erasmus students in Reading


Private rooms Reading	44	1274/month
Residences Reading	68	1475/month
Studios Reading	43	1439/month
Apartments Reading	19	2548/month

*:2024-03-06T10:15:04.287Z

Are you wondering about studying in Reading? This English city, located just 40 minutes by train from London, is full of life. It has many bars and restaurants, and is also a University City, so you can make many friends of different nationalities. Do you want to know the history and culture of Reading? Here you can find various monuments and buildings that immerse yourself in mediaeval times. Another point of interest that this city has is the famous Thames River, where you can walk along its shore and enjoy the green landscape, so characteristic of this country.

In this article you will read the most important thing to know about study in Reading! From the cost of living to parties and leisure, through culture and gastronomy. We also explain the advantages of studying in this English city and the cheap flats you can find. We are sure that after reading this you will have a clearer idea of the fantastic experience you will have there.

Cost of living in Reading, United Kingdom

According to data from the Reading Chronicle, this city is in the top 3 cities with the lowest prices to live in the United Kingdom. The cost of living for a person in Reading is approximately £850 per month adding the cost of cheap rent, food and some entertainment.

The accommodation rent generally varies from £400 up to £1,200 per month.The cheapest option is usually a room in a shared flat, which costs between £450 and £550 a month on average. There are also complete apartments, whose price ranges from £880 up to approximately £1,100 per month. Another option is University Halls, in which there are rooms of different sizes and cost between £400 and £800.

When it comes to food, we tell you that students often cook in their apartment frequently, as eating out is the most expensive option (a meal in a restaurant is around £20). It is estimated that spending on purchases usually averages £200 per month, although it always depends on your preferences.

Regarding transportation, the students' preferred option is a bicycle. There is a bike hire service at the university, which costs £80 per academic year, plus a £100 deposit. There's also bus service to move around the city. If you are a student at the University of Reading you can apply for a discount card (Student Boost ticket) online as long as you verify your identity as a student.

Student parties and leisure in Reading

Almost all of Reading's nightlife is concentrated in the city centre, specifically between Friar Street and Gun Street. In this city you will find many clubs and bars to have a drink or to party.Among the most popular clubs, we want to highlight Purple Turtle, which has been making history since 1990, and Gun Street Garden, if you like party like a celebrity, with a wide variety of VIP packs that include a private table for your group and personalised service.

A very important event that takes place annually, and which brings together about 85,000 people, is the Reading Festival. It is celebrated at the end of August in Little John's Farm, in the Avenue Richfield located in the city centre of Reading near the bridge Caversham. It is a rock, indie, alternative rock, metal and punk music festival, which has presented artists of the calibre of Nirvana, Guns N’ Roses, Pink Floyd, The Police, Foo Fighters, Green Day, Eminem, Oasis, Billie Eilish, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, and many more!

This city not only offers night plans, but you can also enjoy daytime activities, in its buildings with centuries of history or its wonderful outdoor spaces. You can't miss the ruins of the Reading Abbey or the The Museum of English Rural Life. A stroll along the Thames Path is also a must, or, if you fancy a spot of shopping, stop by The Oracle, the city's largest shopping centre.

Culture and gastronomy in Reading, United Kingdom

As we have already mentioned before, Reading is a city that has a lot of history, and, therefore, a lot of culture. To discover it, you can visit the numerous museums it has, such as the Reading Museum or the Riverside Museum, which tells the story of the two rivers in this city: the Thames and the Kennet.

Reading also has many theatres and cinemas, which you can attend both to have a fun time and to improve your English. We want to highlight The Mill at Sonning Theater, where you can enjoy a lunch or dinner with a show, or the Progress Theater, an independent theatre company that is based in this city, in a small 96-seat venue with a bar licence.

Referring to Reading gastronomy and from its region, there is a very popular dessert called The Poor Knights of Windsor, which is a pudding. Likewise, you cannot leave this country without trying its star dish: Fish and chips. In case you don't know it yet, it is battered fish accompanied by thick-cut fries. And what would the English do without their famous English breakfast: a hearty breakfast consisting of bacon, eggs, fried or grilled tomatoes, fried mushrooms, toast, and sausages, usually accompanied by a cup of tea.

Advantages of studying in Reading

The most obvious advantage is that you will greatly improve your level of English, a very important language today and that will open many doors for you in the world of work.
During your stay in Reading you will meet many people of different nationalities, since it is a university city that has international students. In addition to delving into the local culture, take the opportunity to learn more about the origins of your new friends.
Reading is a very important city financially, the second largest in the south of England, only behind London. Therefore, do not worry if your budget is a little more limited, since it is pretty easy to find a part-time job.
The city is very close to London, just 40 minutes by train. Studying in Reading also allows you to discover the English capital! Here you can visit its main points of interest, such as the Big Ben, Buckingham Palace or the London Eye, among others.

Cheap Erasmus flats for students in Reading, United Kingdom

https://erasmusplay.com/en/search/reading.html?sort=cheapest

Do you need accommodation in Reading and don't know how to get it? In Erasmus Play You can find the best flats, rooms and apartments for students in Reading for free.

Frequently asked questions from international students at Reading

How much does it cost to live in Reading as a student?
Estimate that you will need about 800 pounds per month, although it largely depends on the type of accommodation you are looking for. As we have mentioned before, the cheapest option is usually a shared apartment, while the most expensive is a studio apartment. Of course, keep in mind that it is quite easy to get a part-time job to help you with your expenses.
What is student life like at Reading?
Student life at Reading is very diverse. It is a university city, so you will meet many students, both local and international, and thus you can build a network of friends who will not only accompany you during your time in Reading, but you can create bonds for life.
How much does student accommodation cost in Reading?
Student accommodation in Reading costs between £400 and £800 per month, depending on the type of accommodation. You can choose between a student flat, which costs between £450 and £550, a full flat, which ranges from £880 to £1,100 per month or a student residence which costs between £400 and £800.
Where to study in Reading?
In Reading you can study at the University of Reading. It was founded in 1892 as an extension of the University of Oxford, and received its Royal Charter in 1926. This university has a large number of international students, who come from more than 160 countries.
What App to download for my stay in Reading?
You have to download the Erasmus Play App if you want to be part of an international community of students who will be in Reading at the same time as you. That way you'll find classmates, make friends and even meet potential roommates, even before you arrive in Reading!