Overall score

Study experience

The course allows for creatine and lateran development. The teaching stakk are friendly and very helpful.

Facilities

The building needs updating, but fulfills its purpose.

Postgraduate life

A friendly atmosphere.

This review is the subjective opinion of a postgraduatesearch.com reviewer and not of postgraduatesearch.com.

Overall score

I'm just coming towards the end of my first year at the University of Reading now and I've loved every minute of it! Reading is a really great city with loads of shops, bars and clubs in so close to each other that you don't need to travel far to have fun. The city is also very geared to the students so pretty much every night has a student night which is great if you love going out but have a tight budget! I'd definitely recommend it, it seems to have something for everyone. I'd advise people coming to Reading to get involved in as much as you possibly can, whether it be sports, societies or the tv and radio station because it's a great way to meet new people and really get the most out of uni!

Study experience

Before I came to uni I was so worried that I wouldn't be able to keep up with all the reading and the essays but it's actually been much easier than I though. The first year has really just been settling in, pulling everyone up to the same level, and introducing us to a wider variety of Literature that most of us would never have been exposed to before. Lectures give you the context of what you are studying, whereas English Literature seminars focus in on the actual pieces you are reading in detail. I like that seminars are in small groups because it means you're not afraid to ask questions or to put forward your ideas. I'd advise English Literature students to keep on top of their reading, although the amount that you have in the first year isn't too challenging, you don't want to get into the habit of leaving everything until the last minute then getting yourself in a stress because you can't get it all done on time!

Facilities

The uni library is brilliant because it's open pretty much all the time. Although a bit daunting at first the uni runs loads of sessions in freshers week to teach you how to use the library properly, plus there are always librarians around to ask if you need help. Computers aren't a problem as they seem to be all over the campus. My Halls also has a computer room and library to work in if you're finding it difficult to work in your room. The sports facilities are good and the gym is always very popular, as are all the exercise classes, the only disappointment for me was that the university doesn't have a swimming pool on the main campus, however, I have heard that there are plans to build one.

Postgraduate life

The university has loads of so societies to join, which are advertised at the Freshers fair. They are all set up and run by the students which means you really get what you want from them. There are all sorts of clubs and societies from sports, to religion, fashion and a society for pretty much every course. I'm a member of the English society which organises nights out and trips to theatres for a low cost. I also plan on joining the cheer leading society next year!

Job prospects

I'm not really sure yet whether I want to carry on my education further after my degree or go straight into work but Reading is definitely very good at introducing their students to employers. There are always various companies setting up exhibitions in the Student Union and the main buildings on campus. Also I've had a few emails offering students a chance to win paid apprenticeships - I got one the other day advertising one for the BBC!

This review is the subjective opinion of a postgraduatesearch.com reviewer and not of postgraduatesearch.com.