University of Reading

Location: Reading

13 Gibraltar Students each year

No direct flight from Gibraltar

The University of Reading is a well-respected public research university located in Reading, England. Known for its strong emphasis on research and academic excellence, it offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses across disciplines such as business, sciences, humanities, and the arts.

The main Whiteknights campus is set in 130 hectares of parkland, providing a vibrant and green environment for students. With modern facilities, active student societies, and a focus on employability, Reading offers a well-rounded university experience.

Uni Website

Transport

Closest Airport with direct flights from Gibraltar

London Heathrow Airport(LHR)

The closest airport to Reading with direct flights to Gibraltar is London Heathrow Airport (LHR). British Airways operates direct flights from Heathrow to Gibraltar every day, with an average flight time of approximately 2 hours and 55 minutes .

To get to Reading via public transport. A train will cost from £23.80 with an average travel time of 1 hour and 11 minutes. You may need to do at least one train change to reach Reading directly from London Heathrow airport.

Round-trip fares from Gibraltar to London Heathrow typically range from £67 to £123, with the cheapest months being January and February.
Nearest Airport

London Gatwick Airport(LGW)

London Gatwick Airport (LGW), located southeast of London, also offers direct flights to Gibraltar. easyJet operates daily flights from Gatwick to Gibraltar, with a flight time of around 3 hours.

Travel time from Gatwick airport to Reading is around the same as Heathrow 1.5 to 2 hours via train or bus.

Flights from Gibraltar to London Gatwick typically range from £30 to £66 for a round-trip, depending on the time of booking and travel dates.

Going Out

Things to Do at Night:

The Purple Turtle:
An iconic bar known for live music, themed nights, and an eclectic atmosphere. Popular among students for its vibrant late-night vibe.

Lola Lo:
A Polynesian-themed nightclub with two rooms offering different music styles, drink deals, and an outdoor terrace.

Gun Street Garden:
A lively spot with dancing to R&B music and a great atmosphere for students.

Facilities and Day-to-Day Life

Campus and Study Facilities:
The main Whiteknights campus is spacious and green, with modern lecture theatres, labs, and group study areas. The library has been fully refurbished, offering over 1,500 study spaces, quiet zones, and access to extensive digital and print resources, open 24/7 during term.
Academic Resources:
Students benefit from specialist facilities like advanced science labs, the Henley Business School’s real-time trading room, University-owned farms for agriculture courses, and hands-on teaching spaces for education students.
Sports and Recreation:
The on-campus SportsPark includes a fully equipped gym, fitness studios, indoor courts, and outdoor pitches. Students can join a wide range of sports clubs or attend classes and recreational activities.
Students’ Union and Social Life:
RUSU runs a range of student-led societies, events, and services, with venues like The 3sixty nightclub, cafés, and shops. It’s the social hub of campus life and a key part of the student experience.
Campus Amenities:
The university offers practical support with an on-site health centre, counselling services, a supermarket, several eateries, and prayer and wellbeing spaces to support day-to-day student needs.

Things to Do During the Day:

Explore Forbury Gardens: A beautiful, historic park in the town centre. Perfect for a relaxing day out or a picnic with friends.

Visit Reading Museum: Learn about the local history, including the famous Reading Abbey and the Bayeux Tapestry replica.

Go Shopping at The Oracle: A large shopping centre with various shops, restaurants, and a cinema.

Accomodation

On-Campus Accommodation

The University offers a variety of on-campus accommodations, including catered and self-catered options. Prices typically range from £130 to £300 per week, depending on the type of room and facilities.

Costs per week:

Standard Rooms: Approximately £130–£200
En-suite Rooms: Approximately £200–£250
Studio Flats: Approximately £250–£300

Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA)

Student Castle Reading

Location: East Street, Reading, RG1
Distance to University: Approximately 5–13 minutes by bike, 8–15 minutes by bus
Room Types & Prices:
- Bronze Studio: £266/week
- Silver Studio: £296/week
- Gold Studio: £319/week
- Platinum Apartment: £399/week
Amenities: Ensuite bathroom, private kitchen, fitness suite, cinema room, communal lounge

CityBlock Reading

Location: Reading, RG1
Room Types & Prices:
- Budget Studio: £229.50/week
- Standard Studio: £238.68/week
- Superior Studio: £262.14/week
- Superior Plus Studio: £302.94/week
- Studio Apartment: £357.00/week
Amenities: Private kitchen, ensuite bathroom, communal areas, on-site laundry.

Campuses

Whiteknights Campus

Main campus and the largest, set in 130 hectares of parkland.
Hosts most academic departments including sciences, arts, business, and humanities.
Features a large lake, green spaces, halls of residence, a modern library, lecture theatres, cafés, and sports facilities.
It’s the social and academic hub of the university.

London Road Campus

The original site of the university, located close to Reading town centre.
Home to the Institute of Education and often used for postgraduate teaching and teacher training.
Includes historic buildings, modern learning facilities, and the Great Hall for events and graduation ceremonies.

Greenlands Campus

Located on the banks of the River Thames near Henley-on-Thames.
Home to the Henley Business School’s executive education and MBA programmes.
A more exclusive, professional environment used primarily by business professionals and postgraduate students.

What do Gibraltar students say about this University?

“student feedback”

1st/2nd/3rd/4th Year Student, ‘subject’