If these walls could talk… just imagine what they could share having seen 100 years of our University’s history.
On 17 March 2026 it will be 100 years since the University of Reading was granted a Royal Charter and became a university, and this key milestone gives us the opportunity to showcase the past, present and future impact of the University and its people.
As part of our centenary celebrations, we are inviting staff, students, alumni, and the local community to share their fondest memories of their time at Reading.
If you have memories that you’d like to share – stories of friendship, mischief or academic success – please let us know as part of our Centenary Memories Project. Whether it’s a photo, a snapshot of student life or just a great memory, we’d love to hear it.
The memories shared with us will be curated into a programme of immersive activities which will be open to everyone and delivered throughout 2026. All of the memories shared will also be collected and preserved in the University of Reading’s archive.
Read some of the memories already shared with us:
“We came from different corners of the world – India, Malaysia, Kenya and the United Kingdom. Reading was not just where we studied – it became our home, our refuge, our launchpad. In the face of challenges, from academic stress to personal struggles, we were always there for each other. No one was ever left behind.”
– Maheshwaran L Selva Kumaran
“Uni was the perfect place to meet your special someone, and I’m so glad that I was able to experience this. Me and my partner got engaged last year, and 10 years on from meeting at uni, we will be getting married… Thank you Reading for bringing us together!”
– Molly Cowie
You can get involved by attending a Memory Cafe or by sharing your memories via our online form.
Attend a Memory Cafe
You are invited to attend either our online or our in-person Memory Cafes. These are open to everyone – alumni, staff, students and the local community, and are taking place on the following dates:
- Friday 5 September, 1-2pm – Upper 3SIXTY, Reading Students’ Union
- Thursday 11 September, 12-1pm (BST) – Online
- Wednesday 17 September, 7-8pm (BST) – Online
- Wednesday 1 October, 12-1.30pm – Acacias, London Road Campus
- Wednesday 1 October, 5-6.30pm – Acacias, London Road Campus
- Wednesday 8 October, 12-1.30pm – Blandford’s, Park House
- Wednesday 8 October, 5-6.30pm – Blandford’s, Park House
Book your place at one of our Memory Cafes.
Complete our online form
You can submit your memories in written form, or provide any photos or videos you’d like to share with our community via our online form.
The form will close on Sunday 5 October 2025, so please share your memories before then.
Find out more about the University of Reading’s Centenary.
