university, it is worth getting a student
bank account in the first year. It takes
little effort and means you have access
to a larger overdraft. Be aware that you
cannot apply for it after the first year, so
if you come have financial difficulties in
your later university years, you will not
have the overdraft to fall back on like
your friends might have.
If clubs aren’t for you, or you are bored
of going out, get a group of friends, pick
a regular night of the week and take it
in turns to have the others over to yours
for a film of your choice and dinner/
dessert cooked by you. It is a great way
to get close to people and bond with a
nice group.
ACCOMMODATION
READING
There are many choice areas to live
in Reading, with some being more
appealing to students than others; and
with average weekly rents of £75 in 2013
compared with the national average of
£79.42, the city offers value for money.
166
www.accommodationforstudents.com
One of the best areas for students is
around Cemetery Junction. Scoring a
56% satisfaction rate, it’s close to the
University and the town centre, with CoOp and Asda nearby. Average rents here
are £70 a week, but can vary from £52£88 so it’s best to look around to ensure
you get the best deal.
Earley is another popular area, offering
spacious houses at low costs (rents
range from £46-£100 a week), in
close proximity to Asda and scoring a
satisfaction rate of 56%. However, its
distance from campus can be off-putting.
AFS TOP TIP
When looking for accommodation,
some people have had trouble with
estate agents so it is always worth
asking friends in the second and third
year about their experiences and
recommendations.
Living near town might mean you
are about 30 minutes away from the
University, but it
also means closer
proximity to the
high street in case
you need to get
a job during your
studies. Due to
its lack of student
appeal, the rent
can sometimes
be cheaper than
one of the more
popular student
areas (£64 per
week on average)
and carries a 70%
satisfaction rating.