Plymouth or Reading university?

I am applying to study Architecture at Uni with predicted grades AAAA. I want to put Plymouth or Reading as my insurance choice as they ask for ABB-BBB. However, I just can't decide! I think they're both good and reputable unis, so I feel I should look at the things to do in each place to help decide. Also, as my other choices are all cities, I felt it would be nice to apply to something different such as a seaside city or town. Does anyone know which has better nightlife, students union, experience etc? I understand Reading is just a half hour trainride away from London for a night out, but do any of the students even bother going into the city to go out? I heard that theres a rave scene in Plymouth too, is it any good?

Reply 1

UniofReading

Official Rep

Original post by ed543

Hello,

Thanks for your query - we are glad you are considering studying at Reading, and congratulations on the offer! It is always a really difficult decision deciding between two unis, but looks like you are going about it in a good way! Have you been to visit both of these? If not I would consider going to do a campus tour at both, so you can get a feel for the uni and see which one you feel more comfortable at.

In terms of the social experience at Reading it is great. We have an amazing students union, lots going on: Wednesday and Saturday are union nights on campus where the SU turns into a nightclub, we have quiz and karaoke (which is very well attended!!) on a Thursday and comedy nights too. The students union are also in charge of the many clubs and socities, so plenty to be getting on with!

The campus is situated about 15-20mins from town (by bus) and as you say you can get to London in half an hour by train. I wouldn't say many students go to London for nights out (but many do on weekends to visit friends/explore), but there are plenty of nightclubs in town that offer student nights on different days of the week.

What I love about Reading is the fact that the campus is like a community. It is very easy to meet up with your friends, and pretty much everything you need is on that campus. Architecure is on our London Road campus, about a 10 minute walk from the main campus which means you have the best of both worlds. A peaceful campus where you can study, and the main campus for socialising/accommodation/student services!

Do let us know if we can help you with your decision further,

Alice :h:

University of Reading

Reading

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Reply 2

FilmMasters

I never studied at Reading but I did work there for about a year in 2013/14, and I was only about 22, so I'm privy to the social aspect of the Uni/Town, just not the academic side.

Reading's WhiteKnight campus is probably the best I've seen in person. It's huge, and really spacious and green - especially beautiful in the summer. In the middle of the campus is where you'll find the best concentration of cafes/bars/eateries, I used to particularly enjoy going to the bar at ParkEat which seems to be one of the two main drinking spots on the main campus, the other being the SU. ParkBar is a rather large, cheap bar that gets really busy and has a great atmosphere - especially on Fridays and Mondays. SU bar is great in the summer with the outdoor bit.

Their main library is pretty big too, I used to be based in there for my job and I think when I was last there several months ago, they were in the middle of renovating it.

I always had a good time in Reading town centre too, nice small and compact, easy to get around. All of the main chain restaurants are by the river at the Oracle Shopping Centre. There are some decent pubs dotted around, namely Purple Turtle and a few Spoons. I can't remember there being too many nightclubs, but I'm originally from Newcastle which is full of clubs, so pretty much anywhere else does tend to feel empty in comparison. For bars they have things like Revs, Pitcher and Piano, Oakford Social... Other benefits are of course the proximity to London and it's airports.

I was only there for a year, but as I was pretty much student age I befriended quite a few students, many of them international, who I ended up drinking with pretty regularly in bars on campus and in town, there's a nice laid back atmosphere in both.

I'm currently considering doing a Masters myself but it seems Reading don't offer it, which is a shame, because I'd be back down there in a heartbeat. Even now five years later I'll catch myself fondly remembering my short time there.

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(edited 5 years ago)

Reply 3

Courgettos

I was also torn between Plymouth and reading, and I’m so happy that I chose Reading. The social aspect is amazing, the uni really does try and get people discussing and befriending; not just in freshers week, but all through your course. You also have a refreshers the first week back in January, and a fortnight of freshers in September. The campus is so beautiful, a massive lake in the middle (which is helpful when you need a walk to clear your head), and it has everything you need too. Bubble tea, Starbucks, a brand new refurbished library (which is beautiful so far), a massive SU, coffee shops galore, bagel man and an on campus shop. In terms of night life, there’s something going on every day in town. Especially with the 24/7 claret 21 bus, which takes you to both friars street (where all the clubs are) and Asda, which is £2.50 all day for a student. You also have union which is pretty good too, the biggest club in reading. Also consider that London is 30 mins by train to Paddington, perfect for days out to go shopping or sightseeing. Lecturers on my course are really involved in our learning, I’ve heard a lot of other courses agree too.