Where will I live?

We have different accommodation options depending on whether you are studying at Kingston University for:

You can find out more on the Accommodation Services' web pages.

Students studying at Kingston for a complete academic year

If you are studying at Kingston for a complete academic year, you can apply for a room in our halls of residence. Once you have accepted your place of study, we will send you application information by email and post in the Spring.  It is important to register your preferences for halls as soon as you receive the information.

Hall rooms are arranged in flats shared between three and ten students. You usually live with both male and female students from a range of different backgrounds. Our halls:

  • have rooms with either en-suite facilities or shared bathrooms;
  • are self-catering;
  • do not include bed linen, crockery, cutlery or cooking equipment (although you can purchase these quite cheaply in the local shopping centre); and
  • have internet access.

When you take a hall room, you sign a legal contract for the 40-week academic year. You will not have to vacate the room during the holidays. However, if you decide to move out, you will be liable for rent until we can find a new tenant. Find out more about how much it will cost.

Many students prefer to live independently in a student flat share or bed-sit. If you choose this option, we suggest booking a room in a hotel or guest house (PDF) for a couple of nights when you first arrive to give you time to find something suitable.  Accommodation Services can provide a list of local private sector properties and house shares in the area.

Students studying at Kingston for a semester only

If you are studying at Kingston for a semester only, you are not eligible to apply for hall rooms. However, you can apply for lodgings. Your Faculty Office will send you an application form once you have been accepted on a course of study.

You live with the owner in their house in a single room. You have:

  • a furnished bedroom, including a desk, chair and storage;
  • access to the kitchen to prepare your meals;
  • access to the bathroom; and
  • bedding and cooking utensils/equipment.

Internet access is offered in most lodgings, but you must bring your own laptop.

Please remember that this is not the same as being placed with a host family, as you will live separately from the householder.   

On arrival at your lodgings, you must:

  • make a deposit payment of one week's rent to the landlord/lady together with one week’s rent in advance; and then
  • pay your rent weekly on the same day.

Your landlord/lady will refund your deposit when you leave, less any charges, such as covering the cost of breakages.

House shares and bed-sits for students who are staying in Kingston for less than six months may be expensive and difficult to find.