Our origins lie in the Schools of Art and Science established in Reading in 1860 and 1870.
These became part of an extension college opened in 1892 by Christ Church, Oxford
The college thrived, receiving its first treasury grant in 1901. Three years later the local Palmer family, of the famous biscuit manufacturer Huntley & Palmers, donated our London Road site.
Their continued support helped to fund expansion, including the opening of Wantage Hall in 1908 and The Research Institute in Dairying in 1912.
Ranking
University Guide ranking (last year): 31 (31) Total score out of 1000 (last year): 612 (619) The Sunday Times University Guide ranking: 36 (32).
Location & Facilities
The University of Reading is in a prime location in the South-East of England and has excellent transport links. The University is close to the M4 motorway allowing easy access by car. Reading's railway station has high speed links to and from London Paddington, as well as regular services to and from other cities around the UK. There are direct services to and from both London Heathrow and London Gatwick Airports.
London Heathrow (LHR)
The Rail Air Bus picks up passengers from stands 1 and 2 at the Central Bus Station, and stand 10 at the Terminal 5 Bus and Coach Station.
Campus life
Campus life at the University of Reading has much to offer our 17,500 students. Contemporary study facilities, halls of residence, support services, cafés and bars are centrally located on one of the most attractive university campuses in the UK.
All this is just a short walk or ride from the centre of Reading with its lively mix of culture, nightlife, shops and eating-places. For those preferring country pursuits, the Chiltern Hills and the River Thames are close by. Excellent transport links put Oxford, London and Heathrow within easy reach.
Accommodation
A room in a Hall of Residence is guaranteed for IFP students of 17 years of age and above.
Please read the following information carefully.
IFP students applying for rooms in Halls for 2010-11 need to make an application online. However, you are only able to apply for accommodation if you have accepted your Unconditional or Conditional offer of a place on the Programme. To do this, you must return your Acceptance form to the IFP Office as soon as possible.
Students will be able to apply online from 20 April and must apply before 1 September.
Halls available for IFP students
Please view the University of Reading website for detailed information about Halls of Residence.