The Student Room Group

Your university questions answered! University of Reading student spotlight

Hi everyone!

Thinking about applying to university? Curious about what life at university is really like? This is your chance to hear directly from our current students!

Whether you want to know about:

Student life and societies

Accommodation options

Studying your chosen subject

Tips for settling in and making the most of university


Our ambassadors are here to help. Drop your questions below and they’ll share their experiences and advice!


Emma :smile:
University of Reading
UK Recruitment

Reply 1

Hi everyone,

This seems like a great thread to get to hear lived experiences at UoR - thanks Emma!

A bit about me -

Hi I’m Sid and I am a student ambassador here at Reading Uni. (UOR)

I am a first-year LLB Law with International Business student at the University of Reading, having successfully completed my Foundation Year in Business & Management.

As the first in my immediate family to attend university. I completed 3.5 A-Levels (Business, Psychology, Sociology and an EPQ) at a state school. I lived in halls during my foundation year and now commute from a rural area, giving me insight into both living experiences.

I am registered with the Disability Advisory Service, where I receive extra time and exam arrangements that help me perform at my best.

Alongside my studies, I work on campus through Campus Jobs, gaining hands-on professional experience within the university community.

I am also actively involved in student life:

Secretary of the Photography Society

Student Councillor for Societies within the Students’ Union (SU)

On the student panel to make positive changes for our students


I’m happy to answer questions or provide insights about:

Foundation Years

Henley Business School

LLB Law with International Business

Studying Law at the University of Reading

Other Law/Business courses

Careers and employability

Part-time work on campus

Living in halls vs. commuting

Commuting from rural areas & related grants

Disability Advisory Service and exam adjustments

Student Finance England (SFE)

A-levels & revision strategies

First-generation student experiences

Transitioning to university life

Student societies, SU leadership & opportunities for involvement

And any other questions about uni life here at Reading!

If you have any questions, whether they be academic, practical, or student-life related, Im more than happy to help.

I look forward to your replies and keep an eye out for my other fellow ambassadors, who will be sharing their own experiences - as everyone has a different experience so its great to hear from a wide range of students, so you can make an informed discussion about your next steps.

Kind Regards,
Sid

UoR Student Ambassador

LLB Law w/ International Business (Yr1)

Business Management (Foundation)

my working day is: thursday
(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 2

Original post
by UniofReading
Hi everyone!
Thinking about applying to university? Curious about what life at university is really like? This is your chance to hear directly from our current students!
Whether you want to know about:

Student life and societies

Accommodation options

Studying your chosen subject

Tips for settling in and making the most of university


Our ambassadors are here to help. Drop your questions below and they’ll share their experiences and advice!
Emma :smile:
University of Reading
UK Recruitment

Hi everyone! 🙂

My name is Millie and I am in my third year studying BSc International Development at the University of Reading!

I just wanted to point out the amazing benefits of joining a society at Reading! There are so many to choose from which can be browsed here! I would definitely recommend taking a look as there are so many different clubs and societies to get involved in!

When I joined in my first year, I was nervous to join a society, but it was the best thing I did, especially for making great friends! I joined the Once a Month society which is a student-led project tackling period poverty in Reading. This led to be joining the committee!

Last year I was the Event Lead and this year I am the Once a Month President - which has been a wonderful skill-building experience and also is great for my CV and confidence 🙂 I would therefore really recommend joining a society!

As a third year, I am more than happy to answer any questions, but especially I have experience in the following:
•BSc International Development
•Living in Halls!
•Living off-campus!
•Campus jobs
•Joining a society
•Transitioning to university life
•Tips for placement years
•Volunteering experience

And anything else you may want to know about Reading!

I look forward to hearing and answering your questions!

All the best,
Millie 🙂
BSc International Development

Reply 3

Original post
by UniofReading
Hi everyone!
Thinking about applying to university? Curious about what life at university is really like? This is your chance to hear directly from our current students!
Whether you want to know about:

Student life and societies

Accommodation options

Studying your chosen subject

Tips for settling in and making the most of university


Our ambassadors are here to help. Drop your questions below and they’ll share their experiences and advice!
Emma :smile:
University of Reading
UK Recruitment

Hi, I'm an aspiring University of Reading architecture student, and I was wondering what the University means when it says that applicants may include examples of creative writing in their portfolio. For my fine art A-level, I wrote a related study on how ancient Roman and Greek architecture influenced the Renaissance, and I think it may be useful to present it to them in my interview, as it shows that I understand the basic foundations of architectural principles.

Reply 4

Hi everyone! 👋

I’m Ronnie, a Business & Management student (Digital Business & Data Analysis pathway) and a Student Ambassador here at the University of Reading.

I moved to Reading after studying at an international school in Thailand, so I know exactly what it feels like to start somewhere completely new - new people, new environment, new routines. But honestly, settling in here has been one of the best parts of my uni experience. From making friends in halls in first year to getting involved in campus life, societies, and even starting my own society, Reading has really become home for me.

Outside of my course, I’ve thrown myself into a mix of things from working as a Student Ambassador and giving campus tours, to founding the Punjabi Society because I wanted to help create more community and culture on campus. All of this has helped me grow, gain confidence, and meet amazing people along the way.

If you’ve got questions about things like:
What student life is actually like
Societies (or even starting one!)
Accommodation, halls, and settling in
Managing your course, making friends, or transitioning from school to uni
Moving from abroad or living away from home for the first time

Feel free to drop a message! I’m always happy to help, share my honest experiences, and make things easier for you as you start your own journey at Reading.

Looking forward to chatting with you!
Ronnie
BSc Business and Management

Reply 5

Original post
by Anonymous
Hi, I'm an aspiring University of Reading architecture student, and I was wondering what the University means when it says that applicants may include examples of creative writing in their portfolio. For my fine art A-level, I wrote a related study on how ancient Roman and Greek architecture influenced the Renaissance, and I think it may be useful to present it to them in my interview, as it shows that I understand the basic foundations of architectural principles.

Good afternoon,

This is a great question, and this sounds like a great piece of writing. I think this would be appropriate for the interview. However, I am not 100% sure, so I recommend using the 'Ask us a question' function, which allows you to contact the University of Reading applicants sector, who will be able to advise you.

All the best,
Ella
Bsc Ecology

Reply 6

Original post
by UniofReading
Hi everyone!
Thinking about applying to university? Curious about what life at university is really like? This is your chance to hear directly from our current students!
Whether you want to know about:

Student life and societies

Accommodation options

Studying your chosen subject

Tips for settling in and making the most of university


Our ambassadors are here to help. Drop your questions below and they’ll share their experiences and advice!
Emma :smile:
University of Reading
UK Recruitment

hello !

I'm a third-year BSc student in Ecology and Wildlife Conservation, and I'm a commuter.

Infomation for those considering the Ecology and Wildlife Conservation course:

Fieldwork: Be prepared for significant fieldwork, especially in the second and third years. The fieldwork experiences, such as trips focused on habitat surveying and species identification, are often the most rewarding parts of the degree.

Dissertation: Start thinking about your final year project (dissertation) early. It's a great chance to deep-dive into a specific area, and it can involve lab work, field data collection, or complex literature reviews.

Skills: The program develops strong skills in data analysis (get comfortable with software like R or similar statistical packages) and technical report writing.

Societies: Join a society that interests you, like the Ecology Society or a general interest club. Look for societies that have activities or meetings that fit your commuting schedule (e.g., evening socials or weekend trips). This is the best way to meet people outside your course.

All the best,
Ella
BSc Ecology

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