The University of Reading

My move in experience was a very easy process, I simply had to pick up my room card / wash card / postal key etc, and was directed to my block ( already known previously as on the freshers page I had found some people in my flat and building ). My parents helped so in that respect it was less work to do and my floor despite being third wasn’t a problem as there were lifts. The events are made clear from the get go, on the Facebook pages and chats if you are in them. They give you a brief when you pick up your wristband / ticket and a poster to remind yourselves of which nights are which. They are different and packed with a variety of nights that may or may not suit you. I liked al of them. I wouldn’t say they helped me meet many new people as the majority of the time I went out with my flat and stayed with my flat. It depends if you find anyone on your course really. I would try and get as many names / numbers / instas etc if you do meet anyone that helps. Just also try and be involved and friendly, a bit of confidence goes a long way. Take it easy also, after two weeks of drinking heavily I was a bit of a mess, pace yourself - if you miss a few nights it’s not the end of the world. Most importantly enjoy!!

My move in experience was well organised on the part of the University, everyone had a move in slot with signs to direct us to the check in office, where we were given a student card and lots of paperwork for general reading. Trolleys were available too which made moving bags in a lot easier! The band for freshers week was £80, and covered ten events for two weeks, not including the weekend events which were also very popular. The events were organised by the student union, and when it came to advertisements on the club event saying that taxis would be available for everyone, this was often not the case, lots of people never made it to the club. My suggestion here is to take buses or order your own taxis, it is a lot faster. The value for money was good, and freshers week was a great chance to meet everyone and settle in. My advice is to go to every event possible!

It was good fun but it was very long. 2 weeks going out every night was a bit much, plus the wristband which enabled you to go out every night was also too expensive. Glad I did it but I would pay for a refresher wristband and probably couldn't hack it now. I did really enjoy myself though.

I really enjoyed meeting new people and making new friends. It's an amazing week or two weeks in my case. We had a uv night, back to school night, animal night and many more. For new students is say go to as many as you can as it's a good way to meet new people and end the summer but to have fun before lectures begin.

Move in was great really organised I had a great corridor of people. Being a doorstop yo keep your door open and meet more people.

The move-in experience is nerve wracking yet exciting and everyone is in the same boat so everyone is usually friendly and it is easy to make new friends even if you are more on the quiet side, especially during freshers week!

2 weeks of freshers was fun but it cost £90 which was super overpriced since entry was £5 each for 10 nights and also there were no weekend events included in the wristband.

Awesome two weeks with lots of activities and events ranging from clubbing events, clubs and societies fair, career events and of course free foods !! Met a lot of friends as well in all the events

Themed nights were pretty good, though most clubs were too small for the amount of people that went. Freshers wristband was pretty expensive for what you got, but it was worth gettting to make sure you got in to the clubs with your friends. Didnt meet as many people during freshers as i thought i would. Maybe the halls could do more social/icebreaker events. Didnt really go to much of the day studf but the freshers fayre was good

There were quite a few events on that were useful and fun. Also there were quite a few elder students that were happy to talk and help you out regarding normal unidays and how to study and make most of your time at the uni. Also the uni itself is really good as the lecturers are well informed about their particular subjects. It's good overall.

Freshers was the most enjoyable part of uni! Meeting new people was worrying but liked it in the end. Shame it only lasts 2 weeks

Move in was quick and easy. Not as many unique events as I would imagine. Club venues very limited. Societies are fun.

freshers was a fun and memorable experience, would recommend people to try and go to events and socials etc. However, I do think that the process of moving out, meeting new people and being away from home can be overwhelming and isolating for many people. I would advice new students to try and have fun but to also not feel bad about feeling lonely or wanting to call home!

I had fun. It was nice to meet new friends and get to know the town. My move in experience was nice because my mum and my friend helped me move all my stuff in and make my room feel homely. I’d suggest being an open friendly person to everyone you meet as that Will help you find friends.

Fresher's week was great ! the activities and nights out were all well organised by the JCRs at my halls of residence. It was a great way to meet new people and make lots of friends. There are opportunities for everyone.

The moving in process was easy and exciting. There is many events running across the two week freshers, nights out, non alcoholic events and more. It's helpful to get to know your flat, and join some societies!

Freshers week was a super crazy, there where so many events and things to do every day. I enjoyed the freshers fair and getting to see all the amazing societies they have at the university - so many to choose from. Was a great week!

Reading have lots of events on, for all different types of students from mature to commuters. There is a wristband that is for sale for freshers but wouldn’t recommend buying it as you probably won’t go to all the events and some of the nights at rubbish. The uni has lots of fairs and has its own freshers ball which is amazing.

Reading University freshers fortnight is well organised, each halls have their own events and you buy a wristband at the start of the week. Lots of events on with different fancy dress themes. The university really pushes you to meet people in freshers which is really good. Other than nights out, the university also has lots of other events during the day like the freshers fair where you can learn about the range of sports clubs and societies on offer. The only downside is that I would consider the wristband quite expensive, although it is worth the money if you’re planning to go to all the events.

Moving in day was quick and organised, co op were handing out big boxes of freebies which was always a nice welcome gift. Events were organised with a wristband and freshers fortnight posters told us the themes and clubs each nights.

Freshers is by far the best week of uni. Always pretty well organised and is the besy way to meet new people and bond with roommates.

Overall I think freshers at a reading was a good experience for meeting new friends and getting to know your coursemates. I found the love in fairly smooth and the group of people I was living with are still come of my closest mates now! The freshers fair was good, they gave lots of free food! And it gave you a chance to sign up for socials and teams.

Moving in was made relatively easy at Reading - you show up in your car, unload your things onto provided trolleys at the drop off area, and then whoever’s driving has to go and park the car in your allocated area whilst you take your things to your halls. One thing about fresher’s week: there are going to be loads of events on with loads of different people. Don’t just stick with those in your flat - once you’re out and about be nice and friendly and smile at everyone! Be open to going out with random new people - the more people you meet in freshers (and through society taster sessions) the easier it’ll be to a) find a friend group that fits! And b) not be constrained to one group. You never know what might happen and it’s nice to have many different friends. Basically don’t limit yourself, even if it may be the easiest thing to do! And don’t worry about not having everything straight away, you get get your kitchen / bedroom stuff really cheaply from your local supermarkets / online. Mattress toppers are a must!

Really good! Was a great week. Would do it again. Different night every night. Next freshers are very fortunate even those who start in hotels.