The Student Room Group

Parking at university of reading

I’ve heard it’s quite difficult to get a parking space at reading, is this true, I would like to drive in and out but it seems because I don’t have a health condition I am unable to? Are there any alternative options? Also does this mean I can’t park in or near my halls of residence when coming in for my first day of freshers?
Original post by Anonymous
I’ve heard it’s quite difficult to get a parking space at reading, is this true, I would like to drive in and out but it seems because I don’t have a health condition I am unable to? Are there any alternative options? Also does this mean I can’t park in or near my halls of residence when coming in for my first day of freshers?


Good evening @anonymous,

It's great to hear you are joining the University of Reading.

In terms of on-campus parking, there are a few visitor and student car parks on the whiteknights campus. The main one I can think of is the sportspark car park, this is a pay and display car park which you can park in whilst in your lectures. This is a short walk from the centre of campus, and you do not need a permit for this car park. However, many of the other car parks require a permit.


Information on permits for the university can be found here:
https://www.reading.ac.uk/estates/campus-services/parking/student-parkinghttps://www.reading.ac.uk/estates/campus-services/parking/student-parking

Your halls parking is independent from the University of Reading, I recommend you contact your halls of residence and ask if you are able to park.

I hope this helps. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us

All the best
Ella
Bsc Ecology.
Reply 2
Original post by Anonymous
I’ve heard it’s quite difficult to get a parking space at reading, is this true, I would like to drive in and out but it seems because I don’t have a health condition I am unable to? Are there any alternative options? Also does this mean I can’t park in or near my halls of residence when coming in for my first day of freshers?

Assuming you're living on campus: you'll be able to park when you move in - you'll get a permit and a voucher for a hot drink! However, you'll be guided towards whichever car park is close by and free at the time, which may not be the closest to your accommodation. However, there will be trolleys and plenty of people about to help you transfer your belongings from your car to your flat once you arrive.

As for parking, yes, the uni is quite strict about who can park there, as there are limited spaces across the campus, and anywhere close to the uni is going to be near impossible to park in. However, there are still a few spots a short walk from campus. (My friend parks on Northcourt Avenue). You can also still park on campus, but you will need to pay for this, depending which car parks you use.

If you do have a health condition, let the uni know this and they will make exceptions for you. However, in my first year, one of my flatmates managed to get a parking space because she had a part-time job in Reading that she needed the car to travel to, so if you're in a similar situation, it's probably worth applying on that basis.

Either way, I think you may as well apply for a parking permit, giving an honest reason, and see if you can get approved, but on-campus parking permits are only really for people who need it.

Hope this helps!

Kat,
Second Year BA Modern Languages

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