Cost of living support

• If your household income is less than £25,000, you can apply for the Kingston Bursary
• We offer a range of other bursaries to support students in a variety of circumstances
• Learn about more support funds and access budgeting advice on the student intranet: Cost of living guide

There are plenty of paid roles available on campus. These include:

• student ambassadors
• academic mentors
• inclusive curriculum consultants
• student equality collaborators
• careers consultants.

We are an accredited living wage employer with strong local connections.

Find out more about our careers and employability support.

All Kingston University campuses offer warm spaces for students. Our libraries are open throughout the week including evenings. During key teaching weeks, our Town House library at Penrhyn Road campus is open overnight. You can view library opening hours on our library and learning services page.

Penrhyn Road campus has an exchange bookcase, where staff and students can pick up books for free.

More than 250 students get a free winter layer each year thanks to our warm coat initiative.

If you need extra help with your finances, there are plenty of resources available beyond the on-campus team at Kingston:

• Access cost of living support through Kingston Council.
• Get practical financial help from national charity, Turn2Us.
• Find support and ways to avoid slipping into debt through the National Debtline on 0808 808 4000.
• Discover savings opportunities through The Money Charity.
• Access free debt help and advice through StepChange on 0800 138 1111.
• Get help with the cost of living from London City Hall.
• Read about our two-year study on the traditional food bank model.

• Average minimum weekly grocery bill (food, basic laundry and toiletry items): £40+
  • Your shopping list is likely to include:
  • 1 litre of milk: £1.30
  • A loaf of bread: £1.55+
• Average pub meal: £15
• Average restaurant meal: £20
• Regular cappuccino: £3.50
• Pint of beer: £5.50-6.50
• Glass of wine: £5-£6
• Cocktail: £10+

• Movie at the cinema: £15+
• West End theatre (central London): £35–£60+
• Club/pub entry: £5–£20
• Live music/concerts: £15+
• Gym membership: £20-50 (monthly)

A weekly travelcard for travel on public transport within zones 1-6 costs £54.60. You can find all public transport prices on the Transport for London website.

Remember, as a student at Kingston University, you will have free access to different bus routes travelling all over Kingston. This allows you to get to and from any of the University’s four campuses, and from your accommodation to the city centre and train station.