In the UK, the emergency services can be reached by calling 999 or 112.
For urgent but not life-threatening health conditions, you can call 111.
The nearest Accident & Emergency department is at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, just down the hill. It's not a pretty building but it's a major regional hospital.
Most events will be in the Palmer Building on the University's Whiteknights campus, which is highlighted on the below Google map. Some of the Open Sessions will be in the Edith Morley building (a 1-2 minute walk from Palmer), and the conference dinner will be in Park House (a 5 minute walk from Palmer). The pub is also in Park House.
Here is some general information about getting to the campus: https://www.reading.ac.uk/about/visit-us
Arguably Reading's best feature is its train station. It's 25 minutes west of London Paddington and about 30 minutes south of Oxford. The former makes it an easy destination for Eurostar services and connecting trains from North-West Europe.
From the station there are excellent buses to the campus (the 20 and 21 stop on the campus itself). Cash is accepted but it's a little awkward (no change given) and so contactless card payment is standard.
To get the bus, walk out of the South exit from the station, and orient yourself by the royal statue. Viewed from the station, the 20 and 21 usually depart from the stops to the left of the statue (stop SA).
Registered delegates will be issued a parking permit if needed; more details will follow closer to the time.
From Reading...
there's a direct rail connection to Gatwick;
the RailAir bus service to Heathrow works well (there is a train to Heathrow, but because Heathrow lacks West-facing rail services, it involves a change);
Southampton airport is also easily reachable by rail, with some direct services;
Birmingham airport is an easy (though slightly longer) rail journey, also with some direct services;
Stansted and Luton are easily reachable if you don't mind connecting through central London.
Here are some unashamedly opinionated suggestions. Some caveats:
There are some glaring omissions because I've only included places I can personally vouch for.
I've not included the large chain restaurants that might appeal for quick meals - but many of the big chains can be found at the Oracle Riverside.
The Park House pub (in the same building as dinner) has very good and reasonable food options, excellent drinks, and is very close to lots of green space.
The Coop is where I often buy my slightly shameful meal deal lunch. It's an excellent deal, especially if you sign up for membership on the app. It's also good for basic supplies such as toiletries.
Kung Fu Kitchen. Considered by many the best restaurant in Reading.
Queen's Head pub. A perfectly respectable place to go for a drink if Park House is busy.
Gregg's. You know what you are getting here. If you don't, ask a nearby British person!
Finn's Fish and Chips. Great quality, very fresh chips.
Tutu's Ethiopian Table. Excellent Ethiopian food in a lovely park setting.
The town centre can become quite busy and 'rowdy' in the evening, especially if there's an event on causing large crowds to pass through the railway station. It's not notably dangerous by any means, but at night you should exercise some caution.
Blue Collar food court. If there's a group of you with different tastes and paying separately, this is a good option. Generally very good 'street food'.
Mama's Way is a tiny Italian place (just two or three seats) but absolutely excellent food and drink.
Shed for sandwiches.
Picnic for vegetarian-friendly lunch boxes.
It's a small chain but Marugame Udon offers excellent fresh and cheap noodle options.
Pubs:
The Greyfriar near the station is nice and friendly.
Siren brewery does excellent craft beers.
There are two Wetherspoons. Like Gregg's, you know what you are getting here. If you don't, ask a nearby British person!
There are many good pizza options depending on your preferred style. I have enjoyed...
Paesinos
Zi Tore
Zia Lucia
Thirsty Bear
For a proper sit-down dinner, London Street Brasserie is my suggestion. It's nice without being too extravagant.
At the opposite end of the scale, Rafina Lounge takes me back to meals out with my grandmother in the 1980s.
Coffee Under Pressure (either location) is where I tend to buy coffee, including a nice cold brew.
Marks & Spencer is a supermarket with a wide selection of good-quality basic supplies, and a surprisingly decent bakery section.
Caversham is a slightly bougier suburb to the North of Reading Station, on the other side of the river. It's a very pleasant green walk to get there (take the tunnel under Reading Station then cross the road, go straight ahead between the office buildings, and then use the pedestrian bridge over the river into Christchurch Meadow). Some options there:
Fox and Hounds pub (decent pizzas and very good beer selection).
Vegivores (fancy vegan).
Clay's offers excellent Indian food, and was reviewed in the Guardian.
Good Old Days is a great casual Chinese option (mostly Hong Kong style) and also reviewed in the Guardian!
Kamal's Kichen is on the road to Caversham rather than the pedestrian bridge and would be an excellent option for a relaxed Nepalese dinner for a group.
Imma Bakery in Stoke Row. No joke, arguably the best bakery in the UK. Sourdough bread, sandwiches, pastries, the lot. I cycle there at least once a month. Check opening hours before going.
Black Horse pub, Checkendon. Old-fashioned rural drinkery.