accommodation guide

AccommodationYour guide to choosing accommodation at Reading 2013 – 2014

2 email [email protected] tel +44 (0)118 378 4203

Contents 3 The benefits of living in halls

accommodation

4 Accommodation options

6 Applying for accommodation

7 Room types and halls information

8 Premium en-suite room

10 Standard en-suite room

12 Room with shared bathroom (with or without washbasin)

14 Townhouse room

15 Accommodation for families, couples and mature students

16 New for 2014 – Bridges Hall

17 Frequently asked questions

18 Campus map

At Reading we offer a wide range of accommodation options. Our halls provide you with a home away from home where you will find yourself part of a supportive community.

Each hall has its own distinctive character offering a safe and secure environment in which to study, socialise and relax.

This guide provides information to help you select the accommodation that is right for you.

Welcome

Please note that all photos are examples of facilities on offer and individual rooms may vary. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that the details outlined in this booklet are correct at the time of publication, some arrangements may be subject to change.

www.reading.ac.uk/accommodation 3

•GreatlocationAll accommodation is located either on the main Whiteknights campus or within easy walking distance.

•Rangeofaccommodationchoices tosuityourneeds Choose from different room types, catered or self-catered options and residency periods. We also offer accommodation suitable for families, couples and mature students.

•AllinclusiverentThe rent includes:

– all utility bills – internet access – a basic level of contents insurance – maintenance – communal cleaning, including kitchen areas

•LowdepositA deposit of £250 is all you need to pay to secure your room booking.

•SafeandsecureThe halls have security patrols and CCTV. Each group of halls has a manned reception.

•WelfaresupportA dedicated and experienced team of on-site staff wardens look after all aspects of pastoral care.

•‘Hallshotline’Available 24/7, 365 days of the year ensuring any halls-related issues are dealt with quickly and efficiently.

•CommunityCommunal areas and hall JCR committees help create a sense of community and ensure a friendly and sociable environment – a great place to meet new friends! JCR committees are made up of students who previously lived in the hall and are elected by other residents each year. They help students get to know each other by organising a range of social events in Freshers’ Week and throughout the year.

The benefits of living in halls accommodation

Former St Patrick’s Hall residents helping Freshers’ to arrive


Whenchoosingyouraccommodationtherearea numberof optionsforyoutoconsider:

ResidencyoptionsThere are two residency periods available:

•40weeks:You rent your room during term time and the Christmas and Easter vacations. This means you move in just before the start of Freshers’ Week and move out just after the end of the Summer Term. This option is normally preferred by undergraduate students.

•51weeks:You rent your room during term time and the Christmas, Easter and Summer vacations. This means you move in just before the start of Freshers’ Week and move out at the end of the Summer Vacation.

TypeofroomIt is a good idea to think about the room type that may suit you best. Consider whether you are happy to share a bathroom, what sort of budget you have, whether it is important for you to be in a modern hall or do you prefer a more traditional style. The following pages should help guide you through your choices.

Accommodation options


Cateredorself-cateredSelf-cateredaccommodation(nomealsprovided)Well-equipped kitchen facilities are provided that are shared between residents. One of the main advantages of choosing self-catered accommodation is flexibility, giving you the opportunity to eat what, when and where you like. The self-catered option may be pre-ferred by those with special dietary requirements.

As a self-catered resident you have the option of loading cash onto your Campus Card. You can then use the card to buy meals in some of the restaurants and cafes across the campus. You don’t have to worry about carrying cash and can get a discount on many menu items.

Cateredaccommodation(mealsprovided)A meal package is provided for students living in catered halls and this is included in the room price. The package allows meals and snacks to be purchased via a weekly cash allowance which includes a discount on selected main meal prices.

The package is flexible so you can decide which meals you would like to purchase. You can also choose to eat your meals at your hall or at selected catering facili-ties on campus. Wantage and St Patrick’s Hall dining facilities are open Monday to Friday. Park Eat and Eat & Drink at London Road are open for catering Monday to Sunday.

The catering package is offered during term time and Freshers’ week and residents use shared kitchens to cater for themselves during the Christmas and Easter vacations.

For more information about the catering package see:

www.reading.ac.uk/catering.


Applying for accommodationAccommodationguaranteeYou will be guaranteed a place in hall if:

•you firmlyaccepta conditional or unconditional offer of a full-time place on a new undergraduate or post-graduate programme of the University

and

•applyforaccommodationby1Augustof the year of entry onto the programme.

If you choose the University of Reading as your insurancechoiceyou will not be able to apply for accommodation until your academic offer becomes unconditional. We will normally be able to offer you a place in halls but this cannot be guaranteed.

HowtomakeanapplicationAll applications are made online through the accommodation pages of the RISIS web portal. You will be sent information on how and when you are eligible to make your application.

There is no charge for making an application. At the time of accepting an accommodation offer you will be asked to pay an accommodation deposit of £250. This will secure your room and will become your damages deposit for the year you are living in halls.

Accommodationapplicationtimeline

12 March 2013 Applications open for new undergraduates and postgraduates who have firmly accepted Reading and have an unconditional academic offer

9 May 2013 Applications open for new undergraduates who have firmly accepted Reading and have an academic offer that is conditional upon exam results. Please note that your application will be processed once your University place is confirmed

1 August 2013 Deadline for applications to guarantee a place in hall

15 August 2013 A level results – if you have made an accommodation application and now have an unconditional academic offer we will do our best to make you an offer of accommodation within 5 working days

19 August 2013 Applications open for insurance students and other students who have not yet made an application

27 to 29 September 2013

Halls arrival – we will contact you to invite you to arrive on one of these dates

October 2013 Applications open for students starting mid-year courses

January 2014 Applications open for Reading students who will be continuing their existing studies in 2014/15

When applying for accommodation please indicate if you have any medical conditions or disabilities that may affect your allocation to halls. All information provided will be treated confidentially.


The halls are arranged into three groups known as Park, Redlands and Northcourt. Each group offers shared facilities and a main Reception which is staffed Monday to Friday. Some of the shared facilities include

bars, Junior Common Rooms and TV rooms. All halls have access to a pay-by-use coin-operated laundrette and bike storage and some have music rooms, shared study rooms and libraries.

Room types and hall information

Roomtypesandhallsataglance

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Self-catered

Premium en-suite room

Standard en-suite room

Townhouse room

Washbasin room

Studio room

Catered


Washbasin room

Non-washbasin room

Non-standard accommodation suitable for mature single students, couples and families is also available. See page 15 for more information.


Self-cateredThepremiumen-suiteroomsofferahighstandardofaccommodationinmodernwell-appointedbuildingsinournewesthalls.Theroomsarebrightandcomfortableandinclude4ft-widebeds,privateshowerroomandfittedfurniture.They are arranged in 8 or 10 bedroomed flats each with a shared self-catered kitchen/dining room. The shared kitchens are spacious, well-equipped and feature a large dining table which make it an ideal place to eat and socialise with flatmates.

All premium en-suite rooms are part of the Park Group which is located on campus, just a few minutes’ walk from the main academic buildings.

The communal areas at Park Place include Park Lounge and Park Eat which offer a central meeting point to have a snack or meal, meet friends for a drink or check emails via Wi-Fi.

Within Park Group there is also a large laundry, bike sheds, post boxes, mail room and Reception.

Premium en-suite room

Howmuchwillitcost?

Self-cateredaccommodationPremium en-suite £149.59per week for 40 weeks(51 weeks available at Childs Hall)

ChildsHallMap reference A5 – Part of Park Group• Self-catered• 594 premium en-suite

rooms• Opened in October 2012

wardrobe4ft-widebed

en-suitedesk

windowFull-heightshelvingunit

bedsideunit

Example of a premium en-suite room


StentonHallMap reference B5 – Part of Park Group• Self-catered• 404 premium en-suite


MackinderHallMap reference A4 – Part of Park Group• Self-catered• 563 premium en-suite



Thestandarden-suiteroomsofferacomfortable,well-equippedbedroomwithfittedfurniture,shelvingunitsandanindividualshowerroom.

Self-catereden-suiteThe self-catered en-suite rooms at Benyon, Sherfield, Greenow and McCombie are arranged in flats of between six and ten bedrooms, each with a shared kitchen/diner. The shared kitchens are well-equipped with appliances and a dining area making them a great communal space for the residents sharing a flat.

Cateredstandarden-suiteDunsden Crescent within the Park Group offers 130 catered standard en-suite rooms. The flexible catering package allows students to eat at the catering facility at the hall or at other selected catering outlets. The catering package is provided during term time and residents cater for themselves during the Christmas and Easter vacation. Shared kitchens are provided for preparing simple meals and drinks.

All of the halls are a short walk from the centre of campus and conveniently located for local shops, eating places and buses to Reading town centre and station.

Each hall has access to a Group Reception where staff are on hand to assist with enquiries. The facilities at each hall include a laundry, bike sheds/stands and post boxes.


SherfieldHall

Map reference D2 – Part of Northcourt Group• Self-catered• 340 standard en-suite

rooms arranged into flats of eight rooms• Facilities include a popular bar and common area

with large TV screen and pool table

BenyonHall

Map reference C1 – Part of Northcourt Group• Self-catered• 368 standard en-suite

rooms arranged into flats of six rooms• Attractive central Junior Common Room/TV room

which opened in 2011 and overlooks the pond

Howmuchwillitcost?

Self-cateredaccommodationStandard en-suite £136.15per week for 40 or 51 weeks

CateredaccommodationStandard en-suite £167.58per week for 40 weeks, includes £57.54 weekly catering allowance for 31 weeks


StGeorge’sHall

Map reference A3 – Part of Redlands Group• Self-catered• 295 standard en-suite

rooms (other rooms types are also available at this hall)

• Large JCR social space with television and pool table

McCombieandGreenowHouses

Map reference B5 – Part of Park Group• Self-catered• 128 standard en-suite rooms arranged into flats of

6 or 8 rooms• Few minutes walk from Park Place social hub

DunsdenCrescent

Map reference A3 – Part of Park Group• Catered – includes a

flexible catering package• 130 standard en-suite rooms• Few minutes walk to Park Place social hub and

Park Eat catering

desk

drawers

wardrobe

en-suite

window

shelvingabovedesk

bedsideunit

Example of a standard en-suite room


Therearearangeofhallswithsharedbathroomfacilities,manyincludeawashbasinwithintheroom.

Self-cateredwithwashbasinThe washbasin rooms at St George’s and Wessex Halls offer well-equipped kitchen/dining facilities that are shared with other residents in a traditional corridor style arrangement.

CateredwithandwithoutwashbasinSt Patrick’s, Wantage and Windsor Halls include a flexible catering package which allows students to eat at the catering facility at the hall or at other selected catering outlets. The catering package is provided during term time and residents cater for themselves during the Christmas and Easter vacation. Shared kitchens are available for preparing simple meals and drinks.

All of the halls are a short walk from the campus centre and conveniently located for local shops, eating places and buses to Reading town centre and station.

Each hall has access to a Group Reception where staff are on hand to assist with enquiries. The facilities at each Group include a laundry, bike sheds/stands and post boxes.

Room with shared bathroom (with or without washbasin)

Howmuchwillitcost?

Self-cateredaccommodationWashbasin room£99.89per week for 40 or 51 weeks

CateredaccommodationWashbasin room£134.33per week for 40 weeks, includes £57.54 weekly catering allowance for 31 weeksNon-washbasin room£122.78per week for 40 weeks, includes £57.54 weekly catering allowance for 31 weeks

WessexHall

Map reference B7 – Part of Redlands Group• Self-catered• 196 washbasin rooms• Popular hall bar with TV and pool table

StGeorge’sHall

Map reference A3 – Part of Redlands Group• Self-catered• 100 rooms with

washbasins (other room types are also available at this hall)

• Large JCR social space with television and pool table• Shared study room


StPatrick’sHall

Map reference C2 – Part of Northcourt Group• Catered – includes

a flexible catering package

• 298 washbasin rooms• Outdoor football pitch

WantageHall

Map reference A2 – Part of Redlands Group• Catered – includes

a flexible catering package

• 151 standard rooms with washbasins and 73 non-washbasin rooms

• Popular bar, common room and TV room

WindsorHall

Map reference B4 – Part of Park Group• Catered – includes a flexible catering package• 182 washbasin rooms and 39 non-washbasin rooms• Adjacent to Park Place social hub and

Park Eat catering

wardrobe

desk

washbasin

Example of a washbasin room

window

shelvingabovedesk


Offeringanewconceptinstudentaccommodation,thetownhouseroomsprovidemodern,well-equippedhouseswithanatmosphereofcommunalliving.Thereare25houseswith12studybedroomsineach.The townhouse bedrooms are arranged over three floors with a modern, spacious shared kitchen/dining and lounge area on the ground floor.

The four bedrooms on each floor share two bathrooms (cleaned weekly). The bedrooms offer bright and com-fortable accommodation with 4ft-wide beds, fitted furniture and storage.

The townhouses are located just a few minutes’ walk from the main academic buildings within the Park Group.

Park Place includes a social hub with large laundry, bike sheds, post boxes and Reception.

A limited number of townhouse rooms will be available for new undergraduates.

Howmuchwillitcost?

Self-cateredaccommodationTownhouse room with shared bathroom£130.90per week for 40 or 51 weeks

StentonTownhousesMap reference B5 – Part of Park Group•Self-catered•Opened in October 2012•300 townhouse rooms

split across 25 houses

Townhouse first and second floor layout

wardrobe

bathrooms

window

full-heightshelvingunit

desk

4ft-widebed

Townhouse room


Accommodation for families, couples and mature studentsThere is a range of accommodation which is suitable for mature single students, couples and families. The accommodation consists of houses with converted rooms and self-contained flats as well as purpose-built studio rooms which are located within the halls.

Just like the standard halls accommodation the family accommodation has many benefits:

•all-inclusive rent

•great location

•safe and secure

•‘Halls hotline’

•Communal cleaning (please note the cleaning of kitchens within studios and self-contained flats is the responsibility of the resident)

As this accommodation is quite varied please contact the Accommodation Office to discuss your specific requirements or see www.reading.ac.uk/life/life-family.aspx.


BridgesHallisscheduledtoopenatthestartofthe2014–15academicyear.Thisexcitingredevelopmentwillseeanadditional649qualitystudentsroomsaddedtothehallsaccommodationofferingat Reading.

There will be a mix of premium en-suite rooms, townhouse rooms and a new category of modern rooms with shared bathrooms arranged into 10-person flats.

Bridges Hall will be located on the Whiteknights Campus, next to the existing Wessex Hall, and just a short walk to the centre of campus.

In addition to the accommodation the communal facilities will include:•social hub

•laundrette

•covered bicycle stores

•Junior Common Room

•student reception and staff offices

For more details and up-to-date information on the redevelopment see www.reading.ac.uk/life/accommodation/acc_BridgesHall_new.aspx

Newfor2014Bridges Hall

www.reading.ac.uk/accommodation� 17

What’s�included�in�each�room/flat?All study bedrooms are furnished with: bed and mattress, desk, desk light, desk chair, shelves and wardrobe.

All kitchens are equipped with microwave, fridge, kettle, toaster and ironing board. The kitchens in the self-catered areas also include cookers and freezers.

In addition to your personal items, you will need to bring:• cookware (such as pots and pans). The Premium en-suite

and townhouse rooms have induction hobs so please bring suitable pans

• crockery (such as plates, bowls and mugs)

• utensils

• towels, bed linen, duvet and pillows (the premium en-suite and townhouse rooms require linen to fit 4ft-wide beds)

You will be sent an email inviting you complete the halls online e-induction prior to your arrival. The e-induction will provide you with arrivals information, details of what to bring and an insight into halls life.

Can�I�live�in�hall�accommodation�beyond the�first�year?There is the option to stay in University halls beyond the

first year. We try to accommodate group bookings so you can share a flat or townhouse with other returning students. Residents are contacted in the first term with details of how to apply.

Can�I�get�an�accessible�room?The halls have a number of adapted or purpose built rooms available; if you have a disability or special requirement that is relevant to your accommodation please contact the University Disability Office for advice on +44(0)118�378�8921�or [email protected].

Can�I�bring�my�car�with�me?Car parking spaces on campus are limited and are not normally available to hall residents. The exceptional criteria for obtaining a campus parking permit are outlined at: www.reading.ac.uk/parking/students. All halls are within easy walking distance of Whiteknights campus and conveniently close to excellent bus routes serving Reading town centre and station. Cycling is heavily encouraged and bike sheds/racks are available. Please note that students who are not allocated a parking space are not permitted to keep a car within one mile of the campus as this damages relations with local residents.

Frequently asked questions

Accommodation guide

For more information,please contact:

AccommodationOfficeCarrington Building University of Reading Whiteknights Reading RG6 6UA United Kingdom

[email protected] +44 (0)118 378 4203 www.reading.ac.uk/accommodation

987654321

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London Road campus, town centre, Royal Berkshire Hospital

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Whiteknights campus Updated June 2012. © Copyright The University of Reading

The University of Reading is committed to providing quality student accommodation and fully complies with the Student Accommodation Code. See www.thesac.org.uk for more details. The code covers, among other matters, health and safety, maintenance and repair, and relationships between the University and student tenants. It outlines best practice and provides benchmarks for the management – and quality – of student housing in the sector.

accommodation guide

Documents

halls accommodation

townhouse room

accommodation suitable

greatlocationall accommodation

different room types

bridges hall

hall jcr committees

halls information