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    Study in Reading

    City guide

    Sat where the Rivers Thames and Kennet meet, and just half an hour from London by train, England’s largest town is a booming tech hub with plenty of nightlife.

    Reading is a 30-minute commute by train into London. The main university campus is a mixture of historical and new buildings, surrounded by a lot of nature. The town itself is very vibrant. There is a lovely museum in the town centre. It has all the amenities you could want, including restaurants like Taco Bell, lots of vegan and vegetarian restaurants, as well independent shops. The town also has two shopping centres, one being the main Oracle centre which is very beautiful, and has an outdoor space with restaurants by the River Thames. (Second year student, University of Reading)

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    • Maria

      The University of Law
      LLM Maritime Law
      Hey everyone, I’m Maria! 👋 I’m a Maritime Law master’s student at ULaw, working towards becoming a shipping solicitor in the near future. Growing up by the sea in Spain, surrounded by ports and ships, I’ve always been drawn to the world of international trade and navigation! 🌊⚓🚢 I’m also multilingual and absolutely love traveling, meeting new people, and experiencing different cultures. When I’m not immersed in legal studies, I enjoy exploring the fashion industry, balancing two very different but equally exciting worlds. ✨ I’d love to help students make the most out of their time at ULaw! So whether you're curious about maritime law, student life at ULaw and in London, or juggling multiple passions, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d love to chat and share my experience! 😊

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      The University of Law
      MA Law (SQE 1)
      In my career as a lawyer I am mostly interested in contract law, including negotiation of terms and advising on commercial/corporate deals. I’m also interested in litigation and dispute resolution.

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      The University of Law
      MA Law (SQE 1)
      Hello! I am currently enrolled in the MA Law (SQE 1) online program. If you have any questions about life as an online student, please feel free to ask! My career goal is to become a solicitor in the field of contract law or tort law.

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      The University of Law
      Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL) - (conversion)
      Hi, I'm Sonia, a PGDL student at the University of Law (Moorgate)! I was born and raised in London and wish to pursue a commercial legal career in the City after completing my SQE studies next year.

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      The University of Law
      LLM Corporate Governance GradCG
      🌟 Hello Future Leaders! 🌟 I’m Rashid, a proud Student Ambassador at the University of Law! 🎓✨ My journey here has been nothing short of transformative, filled with challenges, growth, and countless opportunities to make a difference. As someone who’s navigated the exciting (and sometimes daunting) path of university life, I’m here to share my experiences and insights with you! Whether you have questions about courses, campus life, or how to unleash your potential, I’m all ears. Let’s connect and explore how the University of Law can help you achieve your dreams. Remember, every great journey starts with a single step so let's take that step together! 🚀💬 Don’t hesitate to reach out; I'm excited to help you on your journey!

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      The University of Law
      Bar Practice Course (BPC)
      I have completed my LLB Undergraduate Law degree with The University of Law. I am currently studying the Bar Professional Course LLM and my career goal is to become a Barrister practicing International and European Law. This aspiration stemmed from growing up between England and Italy. I am also part of the Global Law Society where we have regular guest speakers and mooting competitions. Please feel free to ask me any questions about student life, studying or anything else!

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      The University of Law
      Law (LLB)
      I juggle my studies around working part-time and parenting two children. I am also neurodiverse, am proud to have achieved high grades on the LLB to date despite leaving school with minimal GCSEs and no A levels. I also represent the Online Campus as Student Ambassador. My current area of interest is family law.

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      The University of Law
      Law (LLB)
      Hi! I'm Hadia, a final year LLB student at the University of Law (Leeds) Campus. My career goal is to be a solicitor! I would be happy to answer all your questions about my studies, student life, or anything else. Just to note that this is not an instant messaging service, so please feel free to ask your question(s) now rather than waiting for my initial reply and I will respond to you as soon as possible (within 48 hours).

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      The University of Law
      LLM International Business Law (Master of Laws)
      Hi! My name is Esha, and I’m from India, currently living in London while pursuing an LLM in International Business Law at the University of Law. I’m a qualified lawyer in India and aim to become a solicitor in the near future. I love to read and travel. If you have any questions about career paths, student life, being an international student, study modes, or anything else, feel free to reach out. I’d be happy to help!

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      The University of Law
      LLM Legal Practice (SQE 1&2)
      Hi there! I'm Alyssa, a current LLM Legal Practice (SQE1 + 2) student at ULaw's Exeter campus. Before studying my current course, I studied the MA Law Conversion, also at Ulaw. In my free time I enjoy staying active and playing music. Looking forward to talking with you!

    What Reading's famous for...

    Biscuit Town

    Between the 18th and 20th centuries, Reading was widely known for producing the three Bs: beers, bulbs, and biscuits. 

    Biscuits

    Reading nightlife, according to students

    All the bars and clubs are on one main street, Friar Street, which is convenient. Most people tend to go to one club and stay there for the whole night. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, the majority of students go to the nightclub on [University of Reading’s] campus instead of town which is so much more convenient so you don't have to pay for transport. The McDonalds in town shuts at 2.45am when most clubs shut at 3am – so consider that when thinking about what time to go home! (University of Reading student)

    Famous faces

    Reading has produced comedy, acting, and actual royalty. Ricky Gervais, Kate Winslet, and the Duchess of Cambridge all hail from here.

    Pavement star Kate Winslet

    Reading nightlife, according to students

    There are a lot of bars – there are three just as you come out of the train station. Each club has their own security, but police also stay on the streets. There are also street pastors that take care of [those in need], offer to call a taxi, give water etc. It's really nice. It can get very loud, especially around 1am to 3am. There are also many takeaway places that stay open till about 3-4am. What's good about Reading is that cars are restricted, [so] only taxis and buses are allowed to drive through town. (University of Reading student)

    Digital hub

    While technically a town, Reading sits among the top UK ‘cities’ for number of tech businesses. Popular areas like AI and financial technology are well-represented.

    People looking at technical charts

    Student life in Reading

    Local gems, tips, and things to do, as recommended by students.

    Low on cash

    Free museums are everywhere, including the MERL (Museum of English Rural Life) and Reading Museum [which] are a great shout. Walks to the Thames are also lovely for a bit of nature in the middle of the town centre. (Third year student, University of Reading)

    Treat yourself

    Coconut and Revolution De Cuba are really fun and upbeat places, which can turn dancey. (Second year student, University of Reading)

    Friday night out

    Brewdog quiz nights, club nights at Q, or Purple Turtle. [There are] plenty of small concerts through town for any music taste. (Third year student, University of Reading)

    Sunday chilling

    Forbrey Gardens are particularly nice, but the university campus and lake are popular with students and locals alike – especially Harris Gardens. There is a lovely hour-walk from Reading to the pub in Sonning that I really recommend. (Third year student, University of Reading)

    When family visit

    7 Flowers & Tea (Reading's independently-owned florist and tea room fusion), the Mad Hatters' Pottery Painting Cafe, and Reading International Solidarity Centre (RISC), are places I would recommend. (Second year student, University of Reading)

    Feeling cultural

    3sixty holds mic nights, poetry readings, and other game nights – a fantastic opportunity to meet some exchange students (often from America) and like-minded people. Also amazing, are comedy nights at The Hexagon. (Second year student, University of Reading)

    Catch up with mates

    Cafe Yolk is pricey but serves awesome brunch food and milkshakes. Great for after a night out – it’s heaving after the big nights! (Second year student, University of Reading)

    Grab a bite

    Thames Lido is more upmarket, but amazing just for the spa or a lovely meal. (Second year student, University of Reading)

    Harris Garden

    A photo of The Harris Garden on campus during spring. (Ella, third year student at University of Reading)

    Reading Harris Garden

    Living in Reading, according to students

    Earley is a great area to live in considering its close to Whiteknights campus, and not far from the city centre either, [to walk or by bus]. There are plenty of local shops like takeaways, grocery stores, cafes, and pharmacies too, which is invaluable for convenience. The only issue is it's a bit of a crime hotspot when you get closer to Cemetery Junction. (Second year student, University of Reading)

    Living in Reading

    Housing, travel, and budgeting tips.

    Where you'll find students

    • Wokingham Road
    • Earley
    • Town centre

    Local transport

    • Weekly ticket: £17
    • SimplyReading Adult 7 Day ticket
    • Bus

    Student money tips

    In freshers' week, there is a bus that goes back and forth from IKEA, so you can easily grab bits to make your room feel more homey. (Second year student, University of Reading)

    The cost of living as a student soon adds up, us our budget calculator to find out roughly how much you'll need each month.

    ​Discover more savings on student life in Reading with UCAS student discounts. Find the latest deals, from fashion brands and eating fresh, to big discounts on tech and travel.

    Living in Reading, according to students

    Wokingham Road has direct bus routes on my road to town, and it is really close to uni. Takes about ten minutes to get onto campus, but is also in the delivery area for the centre of town. Big Asda is close by, but I have a driveway – which is quite common – so I drive to the big Tesco 1.5 miles away. (Second year student, University of Reading)
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