New cycle store now open!

A new cycle store is now open next to Whiteknights House to help everyone keep their bikes secure. The new enclosed storage unit on the edge of Car Park 5 is accessed by key card and features improved lighting and CCTV coverage. The Whiteknights House cycle store is is the latest in a series of new, more secure shelters being constructed on Whiteknights Campus to combat bike thefts and support colleagues to cycle to University. Another was opened outside the Library in the summer, while new stores are due to open at the SportsPark and outside Minghella building in central…
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You Said, We Did – Travel Plan Campaign

University Travel Plan: One Year of Sustainable Progress The University’s Travel Plan (2024–2029) was launched in July 2024 and has now been in active delivery for well over a year. The Plan sets out our commitment to supporting sustainable travel for staff, students, and visitors across all campuses, helping us play our part in tackling climate change and supporting the University’s wider Sustainability Strategy and ISO14001 Environmental Management System. The current Plan was shaped by feedback from the 2024 Travel Survey, where staff and students shared how they travel to campus and what changes they wanted to see. That feedback…
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NEW Electric Car Club at London Road

We are pleased to announce the arrival of a brand new electric Co-Wheels car at London Road, Acacia Road car park. The car is the first electric car club car in Reading and is available to use by all staff and students (over 19 years old). This new car brings our car club offer to three locations across our campuses. You can access the car club from as little as 30 minutes for any type of journey, from business to leisure and personal trips. Follow the steps below to use the car club: Step 1: Become a Member Set up…
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Lights out: support our energy waste reduction campaign!

Lights are often left on in unoccupied areas across our campuses, both during the normal working day and out of hours. In some cases, there are valid reasons for this such as health and safety (e.g. on stairwells). However, in many instances the lights could be turned off without negatively impacting anyone. Therefore, saving energy, money and carbon emissions. What’s the aim? The Sustainability Team and Sustainability Champions across the university are running a campaign this autumn and winter which seeks to change individual behaviours and the culture across the university. The campaign aims to ensure that lighting is only…
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New Free Thames Valley Park & Ride for University Staff and Students

Following the success of the Mereoak Park and Ride scheme, University of Reading staff and students can now also use the Thames Valley Park (TVP) Park and Ride site free of charge when travelling to campus. This new offer is possible thanks to our ongoing partnership with the Royal Berkshire Hospital (RBH) and Reading Buses, who run the 300 Park & Ride service. How it works Staff and students can park at Thames Valley Park and take the Reading Buses 300 Park & Ride to reach the University’s Reading campuses. Parking and bus travel are both free - the University…
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Introducing the Energy Advice Service: Save Money, Save Energy, Live Sustainably

A New Service for Students in Private Rented Homes On 23rd September, Reading Student Union (RSU) is launching a new Student Energy Advice Service, and is supported by the University’s sustainability team. The service is designed to help students in private rented homes cut energy waste. As a result, you can save money and live more sustainably. Practical Tips: From Everyday Habits to Long-Term Savings The service offers practical advice for all budgets. For example, you can learn simple everyday habits to save energy when using washing machines, tumble dryers, and cooking equipment. In addition, you will discover low-cost options…
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Gumdrop Bins: Small Change, Big Impact!

You may have spotted something bright and new around Palmer Quad - pink Gumdrop bins have been installed across Whiteknights campus. They are part of a new initiative to keep our campus clean, save money, and help the environment. Why Do We Need These Gum Bins? Did you know that cleaning chewing gum off the pavements in Palmer Quad costs the university £6,000 every time? Gum is tough, therefore it requires specialist equipment and is time-consuming work. Additionally, gum contains plastic, which makes it non-biodegradable and harmful to the environment, as well as an unpleasant eyesore. What’s Special About the…
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The Flavour Garden: 2025 and still alive at the University of Reading

Summer is approaching, the air is warm and the leaves have turned green. Our Flavour Garden is no different. Over the past year we have made some exciting additions to our garden to continue to make this fluorescent space, a living and breathing space to source our ingredients. New Additions: We have planted a glorious Olive Tree in the centre of the garden, which will be utilised to source fresh and delicious Olives from, which we will be able to use across our fragrant dishes from our ‘Nicoise Salads’ to our ‘Spaghetti alla Puttanesca’. Being able to source these Olives…
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Electric Vehicle Charging Upgrades Across Our Campuses

As part of the University’s Five-Year Travel Plan – our roadmap for promoting more sustainable, low-carbon travel options – we’re making significant improvements to electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure across all campuses. You can read more about the Travel Plan here. What’s New? We’ve recently upgraded the public EV chargers at Whiteknights Campus SportsPark and Greenlands Campus. Additionally, we’ve installed four brand-new EV chargers at London Road Campus. These upgrades support our wider five-year Travel Plan and help to make low-emission travel easier and more accessible for everyone.           New Charging Provider – Amp EV We’ve switched…
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A Guide To Moving Out Sustainably

Are you moving out of your accommodation at the end of this semester? It is that time of year again where thousands of UOR students will either be moving out of their accommodation to return back home for the summer, or moving into new accommodation. Therefore, we have put this helpful guide together to signpost you in the right direction so you can move out as sustainably as possible! How to pack sustainably: Pack sustainably - use suitcases, duffle bags, and reusable containers when possible, instead of cardboard boxes Use second-hand boxes - you can ask local supermarkets and shops…
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