The quaint, yet urban environment of Reading provides students and visitors alike with a calendar full of fun community activities and events. Reading, with a population of 233,000, has a vibrant music scene with numerous live music venues and events each week. A highlight among these events is the world-renowned Reading Festival that takes place in August of each year. In addition to the music scene, you can enjoy various pubs, cinemas, and nightclubs. The Oracle, known as the town center and heart of the shopping district, is situated along the modern waterfront, and is a great place to people watch, enjoy an afternoon coffee or tea, take care of any shopping needs, or grab a bite to eat.

In addition, the Thames valley, the region in which Reading is located, offers lots of opportunities for boating and other outdoor activities, such as a serene stroll along the banks of the River Thames. Also, The University of Reading is situated on 300 acres of beautiful grounds. Here you can wander the paths that traverse the campus, while enjoying the wildlife, lakes, and nature at your doorstep. The university campus and Reading residential neighborhoods provide quiet areas perfect for a joggers.

Make sure not to miss:

-The Riverside development and the Oracle shopping centre
-The Broad Street Mall, Broad Street, and Friar Street
-A sporting event at Madejski Stadium
-The Walk
-The Hexagon
-Museum of Reading
-The Museum of English Rural Life
-The Ure Museum of Greek Archaeology
-The Cole Museum of Zoology
-Museum of Berkshire Aviation

BANGERS AND MASH: sausages and mashed potatoes.
BLOKE: a guy.
BLOODY: a swear word, similar to the American 'damn' but a bit stronger. •
BUGGER: similar to the American 'damn!' Can also be used as 'bugger all' meaning 'nothing'.
CAR PARK: parking lot.
CHAT UP: flirt with, come on to.
CHEERS: greeting, as in 'hello.' Can also be used in lieu of 'thanks'.
CHIPS: french fries.
COACH: bus.
CRISPS: potato chips.
FAG: cigarette.
FANNY: in the UK 'fanny' refers to female genitalia. •
FLAT: apartment.
FOOTBALL: soccer. Football is called 'American football.'
FORTNIGHT: two weeks.
HOOVER: the action of vacuuming.
JUMPER: sweater.
KNACKERED: tired, worn out.
KNICKERS: women's underwear.
LORRY: truck/18 wheeler.
MATE: friend, pal.
NUTTER: crazy person. Ex. "He's acting like a nutter!"
OFF LICENSE: shop that sells alcohol to go.
PANTS: in the UK, 'pants' refer to underwear. So be wary of using 'pants' to describe your 'trousers'.
PETROL: gasoline.
PISSED: drunk.
QUID: a pound (£) in currency.
RING UP: the British don't "give you a call" they "ring you up".
SMART: fashionable/chic.
SNOG: to kiss.
SOD OFF: get lost.
SORRY?: pardon me? Excuse me?
TAKEAWAY: take out food.
TELLY: television.
TRAINERS: tennis shoes/athletic shoes.
UNI: university.
WANKER: jerk. •
*You shouldn't use those marked "•" with people you don't know!