Student Castle Reading, Reading

East St, Reading, RG1 4ET, United Kingdom
From
£266
per week
0.6 mi from University of West London (Reading Campus)
( 4m. 11m. 14m)
View map
city center | 0.6 mi
University College of Estate Ma... | 0.1 mi
Impact International College | 0.2 mi
Pay In Instalment
wifi
gym
study area
Common Area
Cinema Room
Outdoor Courtyard

Offers (2)

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About the Property

Offering premium student accommodation in the heart of Reading, only a few minutes from University of Reading with modern studios ideal for students looking for their new home away from home. With an array of amenities, find everything you need for a convenient student living experience. Offering various social spaces, study areas, out door spaces, gym and many more. Student Castle Reading is the perfect home away from home for studying in Reading.

Room Types

Clear
All (0)
Amenities
Bills Included
Wifi
Common Amenities
Common Area
Study Area
Gym
Cinema Room
Outdoor Courtyard

Cancellation Policies (2)

  • Replacement Tenant Accepted
    This property allows cancellation upon finding replacement tenant.
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  • Cooling Off Period
    This property does not offer cooling-off period.
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Payment Policies (4)

  • Booking Deposit
    This property requires booking deposit.
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  • Pay In Instalment
    This property offers 1, 3 flexible instalment plans.
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  • Mode Of Payment
    Payment via easy transaction modes.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I pay a booking fee or a deposit?

For Their properties in England, they ask for a non-refundable holding deposit (£100-£250 depending on the location) to allocate you a room. Unfortunately, they cannot refund the holding deposit under any circumstances. When you move in your holding deposit will turn into a damage deposit and will be returned at the end of your license [minus any damages]. At their property, you will be required to top up the holding deposit prior to moving in to make the deposit up to £250. PMG protects your deposit using a government-authorised deposit protection scheme; the Deposit Protection Service in England.

What happens if I want to cancel my booking?

Get in touch and tell us straight away. How much they can help will depend on the timing and the circumstances of your cancellation. Licence Agreements are legally binding, so once you have signed and returned your contract you're required to pay your rent. If (under special circumstances only) you need to pull out of the Licence Agreement, they'll help try to find a replacement Licensee for your room - but they can't guarantee that they'll be able to. If a new Licensee is found then they can release you from your licence, but there will be a re-licence fee** If you require a copy of the re-licence terms and conditions then please contact us.

Can I leave early and get the remainder of my rent back?

Unfortunately, you are committed under the licence agreement to pay the full rent, however, if you decide you want to leave early please tell the managers of your site asap. They may have a waiting list of people who would like to take over your licence agreement which would then relinquish you from your contract. If you find a new Licensee, they'll let you out of your agreement from the day they move in, and refund you any unused rent that you've paid in advance (minus a £50 admin fee)*. They cannot refund your rent until you have found someone to take over your licence agreement, their booking is confirmed and they have paid the first instalment of their rent.

What bills do I need to pay?

All utility bills (gas, electricity and water), WiFi and contents insurance for your belongings are all included. If you bring your own television or use one that is pre-installed in your room then you will have to buy your own TV licence. If you cease to be a full-time student during the occupation of your room then you will become liable for council tax. If the second occupant of a double occupancy room is not a student then they may also be liable for council tax.

Can I transfer my booking to a different PMG?

It’s possible that you’ll be able to transfer from one PMG to another before moving in, but this completely depends on what they have available. If they can transfer you, your booking fee will move with your room but you’ll be charged an admin fee of £50 – and unfortunately, they can’t guarantee that you’ll get the same sort of room. If you need to request a transfer, contact the site manager at your original PMG location.

Can I change my room?

If you’d like to change your room once you’ve moved in, they’ll do their best to accommodate you (providing they’re not fully booked). Any moves will incur a £50 admin fee*. If you’ve moved to a cheaper room, any excess rent you’ve already paid will be taken off the next instalment. If you’ve already paid for the whole year, they’ll simply give you a refund of the difference.

What happens if my student loan is late and I can’t pay my instalment on time?

The student loan shouldn't be late, however if there is a problem they will need a letter from the loan company showing the amount and dates of payments and four week's advance rent before you move in in September. You can get in touch with the Student Loans Company.

How long is the contract?

All PMG schemes offer 51 weeks contracts, except for, - Student Castle Lincoln offers 51 and 45 weeks contacts - Student Castle Oxford offers 51 and 45 weeks contracts Head over to the respective PMG scheme pages for more information!.

How much is my rent?

To find out how much each room costs, go to the location you’re interested in and you’ll find all the details there.

What is included in my rent?

All your utility bills (including super-fast broadband and WiFi) are included, as is contents insurance for your room.

What happens if I can’t make my payment on time?

Come and talk to the team- they will always work with you to find the best way for you to pay your rent. If your payment is seven days late and they haven't heard from you, you'll be charged a £30 admin fee.

Can I move in earlier or later than my Licence Agreement date if need be?

This depends if your room is ready, so it’s best to contact the scheme directly. You would need to pay for the extra days beforehand.

What's the best way for me to pay for my rent?

Debit card, credit card or bank transfer are all fine – make your choice when you complete your booking.

When do I need to pay?

For their sites in England, if you have a UK guarantor then you can pay in 3 instalments in September, January and April. The 1st payment will be due 12 days before your licence starts. If the 1st instalment of your Student Loan is paid after this date then they can accept a payment of 4 weeks rent 1 week before you move in, with the balance paid when you receive your loan. The sites in Scotland can align payments with when you receive your Student Loan. Please contact us for further information. For full-year contracts payments will be required in 3 instalments in September, January and April.

When’s the latest I can book?

As long as there’s a room available. They keep their site perfectly up to date so you’ll be able to see where their spaces are.

Can I book if I'm under 18?

All residents living at one of their schemes in England are required to be over the age of 17 during the academic year booked, and residents living in their schemes in Scotland are to be age 16 or over. Exceptions may be available on a case-by-case basis, and you will need to contact the site to get approval. If in doubt, please contact the respective schemes and the on-site team will be able to advise you.

How do I apply for a visa to the UK?

You can apply for a Student visa to study in the UK if you’re 16 or over and you:, have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor, have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course - the amount will vary depending on your circumstances, can speak, read, write and understand English, have consent from your parents if you’re 16 or 17 - you’ll need evidence of this when you apply.

How do I open a bank account?

The UK has lots of banks, including National Westminster (NatWest), Barclays, RBS, Santander, HSBC and Lloyds. All of these offer special bank accounts for students, which usually include an interest-free overdraft. All high street banks have the same basic range of services – savings accounts, credit cards, overseas cash transfers and so on – but they offer different deals to attract new customers, so shop around to find your favourite. To open a bank account you’ll need to visit a branch of your bank (check to see if your chosen bank has a branch near your PMG) with the appropriate ID. Your passport, driving licence and one or two forms of proof of address (such as a bill or licence) will usually be enough. Bank accounts take a few days to get up and running, so try to open yours before you leave for university – or make sure you have a credit card to keep you going when you arrive.

If I want to get a part-time job, where should I look for opportunities?

You’ll find that your student union often has job adverts, and if you’re looking for shop, bar or restaurant work you can usually spot “Help wanted” signs in the shop windows. Your local Jobcentre will also have opportunities – simply head to the website and search by area.

How do I register with a doctor?

Most surgeries now offer online registration – once you’ve found your local GP, check their website. Check with us too for any recommendations.

If I’m an international student can I open a bank account in the UK?

No problem – you’ll just need the same identification as other students. Take your passport, driving licence and at least one proof of address document such as a bill or licence. If you can get a letter from your bank at home recommending you, that’s even better – but you don’t strictly need this, and you absolutely do need the ID mentioned above.

Is bedding included in the room?

No, but you can purchase bedding and other items from their partner.

Is there a fridge in the rooms?

Yes, each studio or flat kitchen has a fridge with a freezer compartment. Unfortunately, you cannot bring your own fridge as this would invalidate their insurance.

Do I need to bring any furniture?

All their rooms are really well equipped with high-quality furnishings that provide ample storage and comfort.

Are there kitchen facilities in my room?

Yes, studio rooms and flats have a combination microwave oven, a hob, a sink, a fridge/freezer and plenty of storage for all your pots and pans. Flats have communal kitchen spaces.

Do I need to bring my own saucepans, wok, etc.?

If you would like to bring your own kitchen equipment they have lots of storage space. However, you can buy a kitchen pack from us when making your booking which will be in your room upon arrival.

Is there a TV in my room? Can I bring one if not?

Some of their schemes have TVs in the rooms, however should you wish to use them then you will have to purchase a TV licence. Please note, there will be no TV's in the rooms however you are more than welcome to bring your own to plug in.

Is there a common room?

One of the best things about living with PMG is the amazing communal space that is open for all residents to enjoy. They've got TV areas, pool tables, and private or group study areas that are all perfect for you to enjoy on your own or in a group. They also hold regular social events in the common areas - check your information pack when you arrive for details.

Are there bike storage facilities on site?

Yes, they try to be as eco-friendly as possible so each of their schemes has plenty of secure bike storage space. Please note, E-Bicycles and E-Scooters are not permitted at any of their sites. They also offer FREE bike hire to all their residents across all schemes. Simply hand us your room key in exchange for a bike, helmet and lights.

Can I bring my car?

All their developments are based in fantastic city centre locations, with great transport links nearby. They also try and be as eco-friendly as possible so they don't encourage students to bring cars. Very limited parking is available on a case-by-case basis – if you have a genuine need to keep a car at university, you can contact the management for your chosen PMG development to discuss your options. All their developments have nearby public car parks, perfect for when friends and family visit. Short term car access is available for dropping off or picking up your belongings.

Do you have a gym?

Yes - they have a gym on most of their sites. They are open 24/7 and completely free to use for all their residents. Unfortunately, their insurance does not cover guests to use the gym.

Who should I contact if I have a problem with my internet?

Their onsite management can do very little in terms of internet problems. Please contact the service provider, Ask4. They have specially trained tech support staff to help sort out your internet as quickly as possible.

Where do I wash my clothes?

All their developments have easy-to-use laundry rooms with washing and drying machines (operated by Circuit Laundry). You can top up your laundry card from your computer and then use it to pay for your washing or use your phone through the mobile app. The laundry rooms are open 24 hours and they do not provide detergent.

Is there a TV in the common room?

All their common rooms have flat-screen TVs.

Can I Bring my E-Bike or E-Scooter?

E-Bicycles and E-Scooters are strictly prohibited at all of their sites as they pose a significant fire risk.

What happens if there is a breakage or problem with my room?

You can log all maintenance issues online through the Student Portal. Their onsite maintenance team will respond to the issue as soon as possible.

Am I allowed to bring electrical appliances with me?

For safety reasons, they can’t allow any overseas electrical equipment that doesn’t comply with all relevant British standards. They do not allow portable heaters in any of their rooms.

Do I have to supply my own food?

Yes, you do. All their sites have plenty of local supermarkets nearby.

Can my friend store their things/belongings/luggage in my room?

No. Letting someone else store their things in your room is a breach of your Licence Agreement, and it will also invalidate your insurance coverage.

Can I have guests to stay?

Of course. They normally allow a maximum stay of two days per visit for guests but they will need to sign in/out at reception (this is outlined in their guest policy which you will sign when you move in). Guests are not allowed their own keys.

Is insurance included in my rent?

Yes, through Endsleigh, they provide complete personal contents insurance to protect you and your belongings. Additional cover is available with Endsleigh at an extra cost.

Is your accommodation suitable for mature students?

Of course! You can enjoy the social aspect of student living, while hanging onto some personal space in one of their self-contained rooms.

Are there specific times of day I have to move in?

So things don’t get too hectic, they will send all students different timeslots prior to move in so you can book your slot, but the reception is always open 24 hours a day.

Am I able to have a party in my room if I want one?

They don't allow parties in your room - this is because they host regular parties and social events in the common areas throughout the year.

Whose responsibility is it to clean my room?

You’ll be in charge of cleaning your own room and helping to clean the communal area of your flat (if applicable). However, they do offer a cleaning service at a cost (details are in your arrival pack and on the Student Portal).

How safe is my room?

Your room is very safe - all door entry is key fobbed and all communal space has CCTV.

How safe is the development?

All their developments have staff on site 24 hours a day, monitoring the entire site to protect you and their buildings.

Can I smoke in my room?

No. As per your Licence Agreement, if you’re caught smoking or tampering with smoke/fire detectors a charge may be applied to your account to cover call out charges of a fire engineer to check or repair the equipment. There are designated smoking areas at each of their developments which you are welcome to use.

What is the Student Portal?

The Student Portal is your online info guide. You can use it to report maintenance issues, book a cleaner, find out if you have post, as well as find useful documents like your Welcome Pack.

Is PMG affiliated with the university in any way?

They’re not part of a university, but they have excellent working relationships with all the universities whose students they look after.

Can I use the common room facilities to run a private club/event/business?

No, the facilities are only for their residents. It is only polite not to abuse this.

What happens if I stop being a full time student?

You can still live at PMG until the end of your licence period, however, you will become liable for council tax during this time. They can help you try and find somebody to take over your licence should you wish to leave, however, this cannot be guaranteed.

How do I make a complaint?

If you're already living with us, the best and quickest way to resolve your issue is to speak to a member of the PMG team at reception as they are likely to be able to resolve your issue there and then. If you are not living with us, or you are a member of the general public, you can contact PMG and they will take the details of your complaint and help resolve it. They really want to help resolve your problem quickly so when contacting us by email please provide us with the following information: Your name, Contact details - telephone number/email address/home address so that they can get back to you, Details of your issue or problem, Details of actions you have already taken, or anyone you have already spoken to.

Do you offer short stays or summer stays?

Yes, they do offer short stays to students or the public in some of their properties. These short stays could be throughout the year, mostly during summer.

Can I choose my flatmates?

You can request to be in a room close to or within the same flat as your friends, however, this is subject to availability. They will do all they can to accommodate your request. Subject to availability you may request to be in a single-sex cluster flat for religious or cultural reasons.

As a disabled person I have specific requirements for my living needs, Can PMG cater for these?

They make every effort to ensure that their accommodation is accessible for all. Rather than try to plan generic “accessible” rooms in advance, they prefer to work with individual students to see how they can help. They have a certain amount of flexibility in each of their schemes, which allows us to offer a wide range of possible solutions.

What does PMG do for the environment?

They’re committed to considering – and, where possible, reducing – their impact on the environment across everything they do. They focus on green methods of construction and waste reduction, and all their developments have the facilities for you to carry on their eco-friendly mission! You can do your bit by recycling as much as possible.

Are there recycling facilities on site?

Of course. Every site is equipped to recycle cardboard, plastics, paper and glass, and recycling tubs can also be found in each room. To recycle other items, check out the options with your scheme manager.

Do I need a Guarantor?

If you want to pay your rent in three instalments, you’ll need a UK-based guarantor (not Edinburgh). This is someone who lives and works in the UK and is willing to sign a contract saying they’ll pay your rent if you fail to do so. The Pmg will run a credit check on your guarantor – if they happen to fail The pmg will get in touch about what to do next. Your guarantor cannot be another student or a government. If you do not have a guarantor then you’ll need to pay your rent for the whole Licence Agreement in advance.

What happens next?

The property will investigate your issue thoroughly. The team will acknowledge all complaints upon receipt and ask that we be allowed 14 working days in order to fully investigate and respond to any issues raised. If you are not happy with their reply you should let us know and explain why - we can then arrange for a manager to contact you directly to discuss. Finally, if you remain unhappy, we will escalate your complaint to their Head Office to review and issue a full and final response.
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Student Accommodations in Reading

Reading Student Accommodation

Finding appropriate student accommodation in Reading can be tedious, but we at amber are committed to ensuring this task is hassle-free. We offer student accommodation in Reading with uber-comfort at a reasonable price. Student accommodation in Reading options around Central Reading is found near many world-renowned universities, like the University of Reading, Reading College, Royal Halloway, and the University of West London.

The city comprises everything from luxurious student accommodations to student accommodations in Reading. All the options for student accommodation in Reading are built for the uber-comfort of the students. The city has something for everybody. Student accommodation in Reading is further segregated into halls of residence, private halls, and private housing.

Private student accommodation in Reading consists of comfortable, luxurious, yet budget-friendly en-suites, studios, and shared apartments, including all the bills. Student housing in Reading ranges from £168 per week to £320 per week. Reading housing options are also available for students looking for short-term tenancies. It is much easier to book short-term student accommodation in Reading than in any other city in the country.

About Reading

Reading, one of the oldest county areas in the United Kingdom, is a large town located on the Thames and Kennet rivers in southern England. Founded after England's early warfare and medieval history, Reading is a beautiful area that has been an important economic sector of the UK. The city also shares its borders with nearby popular cities such as London, Winchester, and Oxford, making Reading a highly connected part of the country. Reading's local attractions, such as the Reading Abbey Ruins, Donnington Castle, and Basildon Park, are some of the most famous heritage sites that attract thousands of travellers annually. Moreover, the city also hosts many international students; these travellers are inspired by Reading's international curriculum and fruitful career prospects.

For secondary education, Reading boasts its renowned University of Reading and Reading College and holds other famous universities like the University of West London (Reading Campus), , and the City of Oxford College. These universities provide undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD degrees to worldwide students in numerous fields ranging from science, engineering, fashion, and arts. Every year, the city hosts more than 100,000 international students, which makes Reading the most liked international education destination in the UK to accommodate so many students; there are many Reading student accommodations for students to find a place to live.

Best Student Accommodations in Reading

With many famous universities, many students flock to the city to pursue their dreams and careers. Finding student accommodations in Reading can become a daunting task for many. Amber helps you find the best Reading student accommodation three easy steps: picking, booking and paying. We make the tiresome and lengthy process of booking student accommodation as easy as pie. Amber offers purpose-built studios, flats, and other affordable student accommodations in Reading. When planning to move to Reading, students should look at the localities next to their university. Students can easily do this using the sorting feature. Although everyone's needs and wants differ, they should look at crucial variables like the cost of living, similarity with the neighbourhood, and commuting. Many students prefer to live in student-friendly neighbourhoods; hence we have listed the best student accommodation that you should look at.

  1. Crown House
  2. Kendrick Hall
  3. City Block Student Accommodation Reading
  4. 79 Silver Street

Cost of Living

Student accommodation in Reading is ideal for students. Living in Reading can be expensive, but careful assessments and planning can help students avoid spending extra pounds. For student accommodation in Reading, it is recommended to have a budget of £900 – £1,200 per month, including all living and other personal expenses.

  1. Food: £36-£52 per week
  2. Accommodation: £120-£260 per week.
  3. Mobile phones and mobile plans: £4–£14 per month
  4. Dinner at a Restaurant: Around £14
  5. Laundry: £4 per week
  6. Books and stationery: Around £11 per month
  7. Clothing: £15-£30 per month
  8. Travel: Around £60 per week

Student Travel Reading

The UK's transport system is potentially one of our planet's most effective transportation systems. The city is smartly connected to every primary transportation system available within walking distance of every university. To help you out, we have enlisted the central transport systems in Reading, along with their average fares. Students should note that these fares could vary from peak to sloppy hours.

1. Train: Reading has one central station located at Reading Station, the most well-connected station in Berkshire, England. So you don't have to worry about travelling to nearby cities on weekends.

2. Bus: Reading's bus network runs 24 hours daily, with more than 100 buses running up and down the city. Students can take buses from Reading Bus Station near the City Centre that connect to all the national highways of the UK. There are hundreds of local bus stops at every corner of the city, designed to cater to local and national travellers. The average bus fare in Reading is around £1 per day. You can also choose an Oyster Card bus pass that heavily reduces local transport expenses by significant margins.

3. Waterways: Reading is based upon two famous rivers, namely, the River Thames and the River Kennet, which makes it easier to traverse nearby towns and cities via city ferries.

4. Cycling: You can also explore local parts of the city via cycling. You can visit Reading's exclusive cycling areas like Reading's famous Rooks Nest, Wood Country Park, and Coley Recreation Ground.

Student Living and Lifestyle in Reading

The city holds an esteemed reputation amongst international students regarding student life in Reading. With numerous dynamic and vibrant spots for the crowd, the town is ideal for all ages to explore and travel. Those who like spending quality time around water bodies can visit the River Thames, where you will find astounding natural beauty that suits all Instagram lovers. The city is the birthplace of the legendary Reading and Leeds music festivals. It is a two-day event that sees musical superstars from around the globe descend upon the city and wow the attendees with their talents. Attending this festival is something that students should have on their bucket lists. For all the sports lovers, support your city's most-loved football team, the Reading Football Club, and cheer your lungs out at the prestigious Madejski Stadium, which is big enough to house more than 24,000 spectators at once.

Meanwhile, exploring local shops and city malls can also leave you in awe of Reading's eateries that offer a wide variety of cuisines and drinks from almost every corner of the world. If you crave a sufficient dining experience at affordable prices, try Weir Grove and The Chocolate Cafe, Reading's most popular restaurants and takeout places. One can also enjoy a drink while watching your city's football team match at Coconut Bar & Kitchen or groove to the trendy disco beats in vibrant clubs like Sub89 Club, situated right next to the City Centre. With these ample options to exploit, your stay couldn't be any better!

Reading Tourist Attractions

Blessed with magnificent geography, tourist attractions in Reading are plenty. Students can explore the city's offerings when they wish to unwind and take a break from their academic life and easily travel from their Reading student accommodation. Students can visit places like

  1. Basildon Park,
  2. Reading Museum
  3. Silchester Roman City Walls and Amphitheatre
  4. Beale Park
  5. Kennet & Avon Canal

Universities in Reading

Many well-known and respectable universities in and near Reading provide various degrees and courses to students. Several universities are listed below:

  1. The University of Reading
  2. Reading College
  3. University of West London(Reading Campus)