More Than a Semester Abroad: Learning, Living, and Belonging in Reading
My study abroad experience at the University of Reading has been incredibly meaningful and rewarding, both personally and academically. From the very beginning, I felt well supported and welcomed, and I’m leaving with memories, friendships, and experiences that will stay with me for a long time.
One thing that is helpful to know in advance is that campus life becomes very quiet in January. There are no lectures, events, or dining halls, and most students don’t return during this period. I had personally expected university life to continue until the end of February, as it often does in Germany, so this required a small adjustment. Knowing this beforehand can really help with planning, but aside from that, my overall experience was extremely positive.
What truly defined my time in Reading were the people. I formed deep and meaningful friendships here, especially with other international students, but also with British students. These connections went far beyond casual acquaintances and quickly turned into friendships I genuinely value and hope to maintain long after this semester. A big reason for this was getting involved in societies. I was part of several societies, including sports and non-sports ones, and I can honestly say that joining a society is one of the best things you can do while studying at Reading. The Sports Fair and Society Fair are absolutely worth attending, as they make it so easy to find something that suits your interests and meet like-minded people.
Through tennis and other societies, I experienced how much fun the social side of university life can be. The socials were a huge part of my experience and created so many moments of connection and joy. Wednesday Union nights became a weekly highlight for me. They were always fun, close to campus, and a great way to end the week. Beyond that, Reading’s pubs, bars, and clubs offer something for everyone. From live music in an Irish pub to nights at Purple Turtle, Lola Lo’s, or Be At One, every evening felt different but equally memorable.
I also loved how green and open the campus is. It’s perfect for jogging, especially in autumn, when running with friends through the colourful surroundings felt truly special. The Harris Garden is a must-see and one of the most beautiful places on campus.
I also really appreciated how easy it was to engage with the local community. I took part in the Santa Run organised by the Rotary Club and attended a salsa dance evening at RISC, both of which were lovely experiences and showed me another side of life in Reading. While I personally spent more time with friends and at society socials, these community events are a great alternative for anyone who may not feel drawn to societies but still wants to connect beyond campus. Another experience that stood out to me was attending Redlands Parish Church and Hall. My friend and I were welcomed so openly and warmly, and it quickly became a place we enjoyed returning to. It was a beautiful reminder of how kind and inclusive the local community can be.
Exploring beyond Reading was another highlight. Trips to London were slightly more expensive than I had expected, but every single visit was worth it. Brighton was also a great day trip. Closer to campus, Oxford of course but also Newbury turned out to be a charming place to explore, and I can highly recommend the Cambridge trip organised by the Study Abroad Office. It was beautifully organised and a great way to experience another historic city with fellow students.
Some of my favourite moments were the small, some very British ones. Tea time at 7 Flowers felt cosy and special, Café Yolk truly deserves its hype, and the fruit and vegetable stand every Thursday quickly became part of my weekly routine. During the Christmas season, the lights, singing, and festive atmosphere really put me in the holiday spirit.
Throughout my entire stay, the support from the Study Abroad Office was outstanding. Before arrival and during the semester, everything felt well organised, approachable, and genuinely caring. Compared to my home university, many processes felt much easier and less stressful, which made a huge difference.
Overall, studying abroad at the University of Reading helped me grow in confidence, independence, and openness. I learned how quickly I can adapt to a new environment, how powerful shared experiences are in forming deep friendships, and how important it is to fully embrace both campus life and the local community. I’m incredibly grateful for this time and for everyone who helped make it such a special chapter of my life.
Incoming Student
