A Window into Our Past
Centenary Memories Window Trail
The University of Reading has undergone significant change over the last 100 years, but what remains consistent is the community of staff, students, alumni, and the local community that have brought our University and its purpose to life.
Through a series of listening activities, the team collected memories of the University of Reading from people across the globe. Our Centenary Memories Window Trail encompasses those memories of our staff, students, alumni and supporters, both past and present.
Jessica’s Artwork
Jessica Brauner is an emerging artist based in Reading, commissioned through local arts organisation, Jelly’s early-career artist programme. The artwork represents the many themes that were collected during the project, encompassing the history and memories from our university community in the last 100 years.
“I enjoyed making the artwork that is designed to be placed on windows, representing and assembling ethereal layers of different times and spaces on a unique canvas.”
– Jessica Brauner
International Community
The University of Reading extends across the globe, with our international campuses at the University of Reading Malaysia and Henley Business School South Africa. Students from across the world shape the University, sharing culture and helping to build our welcoming community.
The University has been a part of several international student programmes, including Erasmus and HOST, giving students the opportunity to study in the UK.
RAG
Reading Raising And Giving (RAG) is the official fundraising body at the University of Reading. As a student-oriented society, they work to fundraise for a variety of charities, locally and globally, engaging widely with the local community.
Accommodation: Life in Halls
The Halls of Residence are at the heart of a student’s journey whilst at University, a home away from home where people from all walks of life come to learn, enjoy and grow among their peers.
“What sticks foremost in my head is the happy time spent in 3 years at Wantage Hall with a wide gang of people from different walks of life coming together to learn, enjoy, develop, mature and grow.”
– Jim Major
Activism
Activism has been at the heart of the University, from student militancy in the 1970s to campaigns to divest against fossil fuel companies. Activism has ensured students have the ability to voice their concerns and make a difference in their communities.
Academic Life
The University of Reading has been at the forefront of UK higher education for a century. Home to innovation, the University pushes academic boundaries and leads social change, both locally and internationally.
Student Life
Our campuses create a thriving community for our students to learn, grow and achieve. From music gigs in the Students’ Union to taking part in University Challenge, the University forms part of a student’s journey.
“I met the most incredible group of people, including some of my best friends. I got jobs on campus, participated in student representation (shoutout to RUSU), and travelled a lot with my friends. I spent countless hours in the library and went for long walks in Harris Garden.”
– Ana Macedo
Reading Students’ Union
Reading Students’ Union strives to help students be their best, most authentic selves. Celebrating the diverse backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences that make up our student body, and pride themselves on creating spaces and opportunities where everyone feels they belong and are empowered to grow, thrive and achieve their goals.
Campuses
From London Road to Whiteknights, our university community remember the construction of the Faculty of Letters, now the Edith Morley building, to graduating by the cloisters by the Great Hall.
“The trees on campus during spring blossom and autumn colours are still some of the best I have ever seen.”
– Lynda McCulley
Relationships
The University has been at the heart of many relationships, with individuals meeting their partners during their time studying.
“The University of Reading has woven through the tapestry of our lives since we arrived here. It has been the heart and lungs of our family since we arrived, and in 2026, it will be 50 yrs since we graduated.”
– June Cox
International Community
The University of Reading extends across the globe, with our international campuses at the University of Reading Malaysia and Henley Business School South Africa. Students from across the world shape the University, sharing culture and helping to build our welcoming community.
“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.”
– Maheshwaran L Selva Kumaran
University as a Family Affair
For some, the University of Reading has been part of the family. With parents, siblings, and grandchildren studying and working here! While the University celebrates its Centenary, many families will be celebrating the wonderful experiences they have had.
“I’ve had a relationship with the University all my life – it’s a family business! My father worked at the University, as does my sister and brother-in-law. I was a student at the University, and my nephew is a current student!”
– Mark Rice
Campus Biodiversity
The University of Reading Whiteknights Campus includes woodland, biodiverse grassland and a lake, providing habitats rich in a variety of species. Over 2,000 species of insects, birds, mammals, trees and plants have been recorded by staff and students.
“The greenery became our refuge, and we bonded over nature photography”
– André Ramaldo
Graduation
We received the most memories of graduation throughout the project, followed by the campus biodiversity. Many years are spent at the university learning and developing, culminating in a spectacular finale under the roof of the Great Hall.
“Eight years later, I still remember every detail as if it were yesterday. It was the proudest, most joyous memory I have from the University of Reading, one I’ll cherish forever.”
– Deena Alomari
Education
Education has been at the heart of teaching and learning at the University of Reading. The teaching of Education first began at Bulmershe, before moving to the London Road campus in the early 2010s.
“I studied for a BEd over 30 years ago as a mature student. The University of Reading was a great place to study, it was supportive and empowering for me as a mature student.”
– Ruth Pearse