So much more than just a town near London
When I was looking for a host university to choose for my Erasmus, Reading caught my eye, and I was instantly gravitating towards the idea of a calm town in the south of England that still offered the luxury of being within reaching distance of London and Oxford, but without the rent prices and the noise of a huge city. I am from Heidelberg, Germany, a town of comparable size, and I love a trip to the big city and being a tourist for a day, but I need something calmer to come home to at the end of the day. If you’re like me, I think you’ll love it here.
I am writing this as my experience in Reading in nearing its end, and feelings are bittersweet, since I have only been affirmed in my decision to come here. I have had no problems fitting into a new routine and a system of academia that is so very different from my own, probably because I’ve had the privilege of walking across a beautiful green campus on my way to Uni every morning. Crossing Whiteknights Lake, checking into the Co-op for a coffee and walking into a lecture ready to go became my routine, and I really enjoyed living on a campus that has everything you need right there. Feeling like exercise? The gym and the sports societies are right there! Got a hobby you’d like to connect over? There’s probably a society for it! Want to let loose at the end of the week? Friday union has got you covered, get your friends and let loose at the 3Sixty! And all of this is being introduced to you by a wonderful support system – everyone has your wellbeing in mind and will gladly help you find whatever you’re looking for or help you solve whatever problem you might have. And at the end of the day, you’ll walk back across Whiteknights Lake and back to your halls to hang out with your flatmates from across the globe.
Of course, many exchange students come to England with travel in mind, and they want to get a look at Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge or Stonehenge. Of course, all of those can fit neatly into a day trip or two – but I would encourage you to give Reading itself a chance. Look around and check out Central Reading and take a stroll that doesn’t just take you to the Oracle – you might stumble upon an artwork from Banksy you had no idea about, like I did. Nothing against the Oracle though of course, if you’ve got shopping needs.
Bottom line: Reading gave me everything I expected and more. Apart from the Banksy art out of nowhere, I got to visit a football game, satisfy the tourist in me and of course, study the subjects I love from a different perspective. This, combined with the interactions I was able to have with all kinds of other cultures, have made my stay abroad just as unforgettable as advertised!
