Kingston University London

What the University can offer local residents

As well as running a variety of short courses throughout the year to suit all interests and abilities, Kingston University offers a wide range of amenities and facilities available for local community use. Our restaurants and cafes are open to members of the public and visitors are welcome to make use of our libraries on a reference basis.

Sports, recreation and complementary therapies

The University has recently invested significantly in improving its fitness and outdoor sports facilities and has built a new sports pavilion at its sports ground in Tolworth. The outdoor sports facilities are available for hire by members of the local community throughout the year.

Our fitness centre at Penrhyn Road boasts a fully equipped, air-conditioned gym complete with the top-of-the-range fitness equipment. Local residents can use this facility at competitive rates.

The University also supports talented athletes living in the local area who are not studying at the University through its Sports Performance Programme. Talented athletes competing at the highest level and living locally can apply to get access to a variety of support services from the University.

We run a sports volunteering programme providing our students with training and sports coaching qualifications. These students then volunteer in the local community, contributing to the development of sport in the area.

The University Health Centre at Penrhyn Road offers a range of complementary therapies, including massage, aromatherapy, Alexander Technique, chiropody, reflexology and hypnotherapy, all from highly qualified practitioners and at a competitive rate.

Book a Kingston University venue or a live musician for your function

We have a range of flexible event spaces available for hire, suitable for anything from a business meeting or conferences to a personal celebration.

Why not hire a musician for your event? Our student, staff, and alumni musicians offer a range of music from background classical at private parties, to cover bands at weddings and corporate events, at lower than market rates.

If you are a charity or a local neighbourhood association, we may be able to help you by providing a complimentary room for your event. In addition, we have a range of great facilities suitable for private events at Dorich House and on some of our campuses. Please telephone the Conference Office to discuss your needs on 020 8417 5519, email conference.office@kingston.ac.uk or visit www.dorichhouse.com.

Arts and events – a broad range of arts activities in and around the University

The University runs many events open to the public including lectures, conferences, performances and exhibitions throughout the year:

• The Stanley Picker Gallery, at Knights Park, runs exhibitions, events and workshops.
• Historic Dorich House Museum, former home of renowned sculptress Dora Gordine, hosts many exhibitions with monthly open days.
• The Rose Theatre, supported by Kingston University and the Royal Borough of Kingston, offers West End quality theatre at reasonable prices. Its unique design incorporates a pit area where the audience can sit on cushions for only £8.

You can find out more about events at Kingston University on our events pages

Get expert help with your business or hire a student

Your business or organisation can benefit from access to Kingston University's knowledge, skills and resources in many different ways. As well as carrying out specific research projects for business partners, we offer: consultancy services, academic or graduate placements, staff training and development and entrepreneurship support.

Working with a university can be a very cost-effective way to help your business or organisation become more innovative, competitive and efficient. To find out more, read some of our success stories or visit our Services for business pages.

Many local businesses employ students on a part-time or work experience basis or our graduates when they have completed their studies. You can advertise your vacancies, free of charge via our Job Shop or can find a student to do work experience through our Careers and Employability Service by contacting us on 020 8417 3523.

If you are an employer interested in offering an internship to a graduate, we also operate a Graduate to Business scheme to provide funding to local employers. For more information, please contact Laura Davey on 020 8417 7445.

Get our volunteers involved

Kingston University Students Union (KUSU) would love to hear from you if you know of a charity or community which need extra volunteers for a one-off event, such as a fundraiser, sports competition or practical project. For example, earlier this year our students helped marshal the Stroke Association's 15k run in Richmond Park, assisted on school trips, manned street collections for local charities and helped Kingston Young Carers Group put on a summer ball.

If you are a charity and would like to get in touch about a one-off project, please contact Lucy Kerrigan at l.kerrigan@kingston.ac.uk.

Hire out your spare room to a student

If you want to let a room in your home to a Kingston student the University will manage the whole process for you. You can earn up to £4,250 tax-free per year. Or, if you have a whole property to let you can potentially have your rental income guaranteed by letting through the University. Call us on 020 8417 3829 to find out more.

Work for the University

Kingston University employs over 2,000 staff and many more hourly paid lecturers. We offer a stimulating and friendly environment and excellent working conditions. To see the latest vacancies go to our recruitment pages.