Tour Whiteknights: Your University of Reading Open Day Guide
Get the most out of your visit to the award-winning Whiteknights campus and discover student life in Reading.
Updated 6 min readUniversity of Reading
Why the University of Reading Open Day is an Essential Step
Choosing where to spend your university years is about more than just checking course rankings; it is about finding a place that feels like home. Attending a University of Reading open day is the absolute best way to experience the campus vibe firsthand. Spanning over 130 hectares of beautiful parkland, the main Whiteknights campus is consistently voted among the best green spaces in the UK. This guided walk-through will help you plan your visit, structure your schedule, and ensure you make an informed decision about your future.
As a premier institution famous for its climate science, Henley Business School, and highly-rated creative arts courses, Reading offers prospective students a unique blend of a self-contained campus community and easy access to London. Preparing for this prospective student event ensures you don't miss out on vital accommodation tours, subject talks, or opportunities to chat with current students.
"The moment I walked around the lake on the Whiteknights campus during my open day, I knew I wanted to study here. It didn't feel like an urban sprawl; it felt like a community surrounded by nature." - Chloe Evans, BA English Literature & HistoryPlanning Your Campus Visit: Key Dates and Registration
The University of Reading holds several formal undergraduate open days throughout the year, typically split between the summer (June and July) and autumn (October and November) cycles. Securing your place early is highly recommended as popular subject sessions and accommodation tours can fill up quickly.
If you cannot make the physical open day dates, the university also hosts virtual tour opportunities and smaller campus visit sessions. While these smaller tours are quieter and do not feature the full range of academic subject stands, they still offer a brilliant general overview of the campus layout and student facilities.
How to Travel to the University of Reading
Located in the heart of the Thames Valley, Reading is exceptionally well-connected. The main Whiteknights campus and the historic London Road campus are both easily accessible via public transport or road networks.
Travelling by Train
Reading General Station is a major railway hub with direct lines running from London Paddington (taking just 25 minutes on the fast train or accessible via the Elizabeth Line), Wales, the West Country, and the North. From the station, you can jump onto the 21 or 21a bus routes, which run every few minutes directly into the heart of the Whiteknights campus.
Travelling by Car and Parking
If you prefer to drive, the university offers dedicated park-and-ride schemes or allocated on-campus parking for open day ticket holders. However, spaces are limited. Be sure to check your booking confirmation email to see which specific car park is allocated to your subject area.
| Travel Method | Approximate Cost (Return from London) | Convenience Rating | Top Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train (Railcard) | £12.00 - £18.00 | Excellent | Take the fast train from Paddington, then catch the 21 bus. |
| National Express Coach | £8.00 - £12.00 | Moderate | Arrives in Reading Town Centre; great for students on a budget. |
| Driving (Fuel & Parking) | Varies | Good | Use the official University Open Day Park & Ride lot. |
Navigating the Campuses: Whiteknights vs. London Road
When attending a prospective student event, it is vital to know where your specific course is based. The University of Reading operates across two main sites in the town:
1. Whiteknights Campus (The Main Hub)
The vast majority of undergraduate programmes are taught here. Whiteknights is situated in a stunning parkland setting featuring a large lake, woodland walks, and the famous Harris Garden. This campus houses the main library, the Reading University Students’ Union (RUSU), the sports park, and a vast selection of eateries and cafes.
2. London Road Campus
Located a short walk from Whiteknights, the historic London Road campus is home to the School of Education and the School of Architecture. Boasting beautiful traditional cloisters and peaceful courtyards, it offers a quieter, classical academic atmosphere. If your course is based here, ensure you schedule time to explore both locations.
The Ideal Open Day Itinerary: What to See and Do
A successful campus visit requires a bit of strategy. Trying to squeeze everything in without a plan can leave you feeling rushed and exhausted. To prevent this, structure your day around these three core pillars:
Your Three-Step Open Day Checklist
- Subject Presentations: Prioritise the introductory talk for your chosen course. This is where professors outline modules, assessment methods, and placement years.
- Accommodation Viewings: Reading offers a variety of halls of residence. Make sure to visit at least one catered and one self-catered option.
- Campus Tour: Join a guided walk led by a current student ambassador to see the library, student union (RUSU), and recreational hubs.
Visiting the Halls of Residence
Reading's accommodation options are diverse, ranging from premium en-suite rooms to classic shared-facility halls. During the open day, shuttle buses operate continuously to transport visitors directly to the key residential areas like Stenton, Mackinder, and Child's Hall. Walking through these flats lets you gauge room sizes, kitchen facilities, and proximity to lecture theatres.
Essential Questions to Ask During Your Visit
Don't be shy! The student ambassadors and academic staff are there to help you. To truly understand if Reading is the right fit for you, come armed with a list of targeted questions to ask.
Questions for Academic Tutors:
- What are the typical contact hours and teaching formats (lectures, seminars, labs) for this course?
- Are there study abroad or industry placement opportunities integrated into the curriculum?
- What career paths do graduates from this department typically follow?
Questions for Student Ambassadors:
- What is the cost of living like in the town of Reading?
- How active is the student union, and what clubs or societies would you recommend joining?
- What is your favourite thing about living on the Whiteknights campus?
Using the Virtual Tour If You Can't Visit In Person
If travel constraints or calendar clashes mean you cannot attend an in-person event, the University of Reading's immersive virtual tour is a highly effective alternative. Accessible via their website, the interactive portal allows you to explore 360-degree views of lecture theatres, laboratory spaces, library study areas, and student accommodation bedrooms. This digital resource is also excellent for reviewing the campus layout after your physical visit to refresh your memory before making your final UCAS decisions.
Final Checklist: What to Bring on the Day
Before you depart for your journey to Reading, make sure you have the following essentials packed:
What to Pack for Your Reading Open Day
- Your booking confirmation email containing your check-in QR code.
- A comfortable pair of walking shoes (the Whiteknights campus is expansive!).
- A notebook or smartphone to jot down contact details and answers to your questions.
- A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout your walks.
- An umbrella or light raincoat (UK weather is notoriously unpredictable).
Taking the time to plan your visit to the University of Reading will give you a clear, exciting vision of what your future student life could look like. By exploring the beautiful campuses, speaking directly with your future mentors, and wandering through the halls of residence, you will have all the confidence you need to make Reading your top choice.