Getting Ready
Congratulations on your offer - welcome to Kingston

International students

As an international student you probably have different questions from UK students. We'll try to answer some of them here but if you have any additional queries, please contact us or ask our international student virtual advisor.

Now that you have an offer we want to make sure you're confident that Kingston is the right place for you. Don't forget to read our 'what next' guide and to check our student life section. You can also watch videos of some of our international students talking about life at Kingston. Plus you might want to consider:

Location

Think about what you need from your university's location. Does it have good transport and airport links? Is it a safe area?

Kingston University is ideally located just 25 minutes from central London and easily accessible from both Heathrow and Gatwick international airports. Read more.

Visiting Kingston University

It's a good idea to visit your shortlisted universities before making your final choice. Open days at Kingston take place on set days throughout the year but we understand that it can be difficult to attend if you live outside the UK. We therefore offer international students the chance to go on a private campus tour at any time of the year.

To arrange a visit, complete the contact us form (which will take you to a booking form). Please note that we need at least three working days notice to arrange a tour.

Quality teaching

It's important that you choose the right course and a University that offers high quality teaching and resources. Check our course pages for more information or to contact someone with a course-related query.

Kingston University prides itself in offering top quality teaching and good learning resources. Read more.

The student experience

Don't forget to check our student life section to see what current students think about Kingston University. We're always striving to improve the international student experience so we run a variety of events throughout the year to help you make friends and feel at home. Read more.

Watch our video of a previous orientation to see what our welcome events are like:

Extra support for international students

You want to make the most of your studies overseas so it’s important that you choose a university that offers the specialist support services you need.

Kingston University offers a range of support services and social events throughout the year for our international students. These are in addition to the support services available across the University and include:

  • Free airport pickup service
    We realise that arriving in a new country and meeting new people can be confusing and stressful, as well as exciting. We therefore offer an airport pickup service to all new international, European and exchange students. Read more.

  • Welcome and orientation events
    We run a series of welcome and orientation events, including social events, every year for our new international, European and exchange students. These are designed to help you adapt to the new environment, make friends and enjoy your time at Kingston University. Read more.

  • International Student Advisory Centre
    The International Student Advisory Centre (ISAC) offers help and advice with any questions or problems you may have during your time at Kingston. It provides support on a wide range of matters, including immigration matters, working in the UK (both during your studies and after you graduate), life outside study, extending your visa, cultural differences and living in the UK. Read more.

  • English language support
    We offer a range of English language support for our students both while you’re studying and before you start your course. Read more.

  • British life and culture course
    Our 'Understanding Britain' course provides a context to your studies in Britain through the discussion of key features of life here. Read more.


What our students say

Drishty, Mobile Computing student"London’s combination of educational excellence and a lively social scene is hard to beat. I am totally immersed in the English language and am enjoying the vibrant cultural life. With students from 151 countries, it is a truly multicultural experience."
Drishty, Mobile Computing student Read more about Drishty

Ann-Mari, Psychology student "Kingston upon Thames is a small, comfortable town where you can easily make friends. It has a variety of shops, restaurants and cafes, and also offers excellent nightlife for young people. It is situated by the river Thames so in the summer you can really enjoy the nice breeze and the fantastic scenery."
Ann-Mari, Psychology student Read more about Ann-Mari

Onwaree, Information Systems student"My course is designed to meet professional and industry needs. The subjects taught are practical so that you gain skills that are relevant to the workplace. The variety of modules allows you the flexibility to tailor your learning to suit your individual requirements. I wish I had known how proactive you have to be and that there would be a lot of assignments."
Onwaree, Information Systems student Read more about Onwaree

Anastasia, Marketing student"The University provides extensive support in terms of academic advice and study materials. The library has a rich collection of textbooks and academic journals. The University regularly invites guest speakers to share their experience and knowledge with students. I have found these sessions very helpful and encouraging. I just wish I had known how enjoyable it would be to live and study here, and had come earlier!"
Anastasia, Marketing student Read more about Anastasia

 

 

 

 

Study Abroad or Erasmus student?

Most of the information on this page is for students starting their courses in September 2012.

If you're a Study Abroad or Erasmus student starting a course in January 2012:

 

See what to expect

Watch our videos to see what to expect when you arrive:

Watch a video about living in the UKLiving in the UK (Please note that this video contains a short portion of strobe lighting.)

 
 

Preparing for study

To make sure you're ready to study in the UK, we offer:

Plus don't forget to visit the Prepare for Success website to learn more about the UK, British culture and what to expect when you get here.