How to Find the Best Student Accommodation in Reading

Whether you’re preparing for your first year at university or planning a move off-campus, finding the right student accommodation can make a huge difference to your university experience. In a popular, high-demand town like Reading, it pays to be smart, early, and informed.

Here’s your guide to finding the best student accommodation in Reading for 2025 and beyond.

📍 Start Early

The best properties go quickly — sometimes 6–8 months before the next academic year even begins. In Reading, many students start house-hunting from November to February for the following September.

If you leave it too late, you risk:

• Fewer options
• Higher rents
• Longer commuting distances

Tip: Start viewing as soon as letting agents open their student lists for the year.

🏡 Know Your Options

There are three main types of accommodation in Reading:

• University Halls: Ideal for first-year students looking for a social experience. Typically close to campus with utilities included, but less space, less privacy, and often strict rules.
• PBSA (Purpose-Built Student Accommodation): Modern, private developments offering en-suite rooms, gyms, study spaces, and social areas. Great for convenience but often more expensive.
• Private Rentals (HMOs): Shared houses with 3–6 students. Offers more independence and better value, but you’ll need to manage bills and sometimes deal with maintenance directly.

Each option has pros and cons. Think carefully about your budget, lifestyle, and priorities before deciding.

🏠 Focus on Location

In Reading, location matters. Aim to be:

• Walking distance to University of Reading’s Whiteknights Campus or near direct bus routes
• Close to shops (e.g., Reading town centre, supermarkets)
• Near social hubs and gyms

Areas like Earley, Redlands, and the town centre are popular. But check exactly where your course is taught: students studying agriculture, meteorology, and related sciences are based at Earley Gate, while languages and economics students may be nearer the main campus.

Also, think about:

• Proximity to friends
• Local safety and street lighting
• Parking: if you have a car, check if permits are needed (and how many are allowed for the house)

💰 Budget Carefully

Typical student rents in Reading for 2025 range from:

• £150–£200 per week for rooms in private HMOs
• £200+ per week for PBSA studios or en-suite rooms

But rent is just the start. Don’t forget:

• Water, electricity, and gas bills
• Internet costs
• TV licence and any entertainment packages
• Summer rent if the tenancy starts early

Tip: Always get a full breakdown of costs before you commit.

🏥 Prioritise Safety, Condition — and Room Features

It’s not just about the building:

• Does the room have a decent bed?
• Is there a good desk to work on?
• Are there enough drawers and wardrobes — or will you be living out of a suitcase?
• In the kitchen, is there enough fridge/freezer space (at least one shelf and one drawer each)?
• Is there a dishwasher?
• Is the cooker big enough for everyone sharing?

Also check:

• Valid EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating (C or better ideal)
• Smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, secure locks

A poor setup will get frustrating very quickly.

👥 Choose Housemates Wisely

Before signing a group contract:

• Understand that you are jointly responsible for the rent. If one person can’t pay, the others may be liable.
• Think about cleanliness standards, sharing food, noise levels, and overnight guests.
• Watch out for anyone inviting a partner to “move in” — that can strain household harmony fast.
• Tip: Visit your potential housemates’ current rooms if you can—it tells you a lot.

🔍 Work with a Specialist

The student market is competitive — and not every letting agent has your best interests at heart.

• Some agents are under pressure to let every property, even ones that aren’t ideal.
• A good specialist will be objective, ask about your needs, and not pressure you into poor-quality housing.

At House 4 Students, we:

• Offer a curated portfolio of high-quality, well-managed houses
• Know which areas best suit different student needs
• Help simplify the process for students and parents alike

📢 Looking for trusted student accommodation in Reading? Get in touch today — we’d be happy to help.

House 4 Students — Your trusted partner for student homes in Reading.