One Year at the University of Reading
After eight months at the University of Reading, I can confidently say that choosing to study abroad here was a great decision. If you are wondering whether you will feel at home in a new country, make friends, adapt to a different culture, or manage university life in another language — I can promise that it is much less scary than it seems beforehand.
Right from the start, I felt incredibly welcome on campus. The move-in atmosphere and enrolment process made the beginning of the year feel really special, not only for first-year students but also for us Study Abroad students arriving from different countries. I know from my own experience how much people worry before going abroad, but once you arrive and settle in, most of those worries disappear surprisingly quickly.
The Study Abroad team at Reading made a huge difference in helping everyone feel comfortable and supported from day one. Very soon, I found myself exploring the beautiful green campus, spending time in Reading town centre, and of course taking trips to London and around the UK with new friends. While getting to know a different academic culture and university system was also a really interesting experience, there was still plenty of time to travel and explore.
I will say one thing honestly: the English autumn and winter are no joke. The grey skies, rain, and storms definitely take some getting used to. But even during the colder months, there is always something happening — whether it is Wednesday Union nights, evenings at Spoons, Study Abroad trips, a chaotic evening at Bingo Lingo or spontaneous travel plans with friends. The location of Reading and its great train and airport connections are ideal if you want to make the most of your time in the UK. There is also plenty to see and explore close to Reading itself. Some of my favourite places I visited were Oxford, Bath, and Henley-on-Thames.
My advice to future Study Abroad students is simple: choose the University of Reading, bring a good raincoat, and don’t worry too much beforehand. It will be an unforgettable experience.
At the risk of sounding cheesy, you will leave not only with improved English skills, a great addition to your CV, and a new appreciation for sunshine, but also with lots of new international friends, a love for Wetherspoons and meal deals, and the discovery that the one-day London Travelcard combined with a 16–25 Railcard is one of the best investments you can make during your year abroad in Reading.
I am very thankful to everyone who made my third year at university such a unique and memorable one.
