Student life
Discover everything Kingston University has to offer outside the classroom, from clubs and societies to accommodation, sport, support and life in our vibrant riverside town.
Gain more than a degree
Make the most of your time at Kingston University
University is about more than what happens in lectures. It's about finding your people, discovering new interests, building confidence and creating experiences you'll remember long after graduation.
At Kingston, you'll join a welcoming community of students from more than 140 countries, all studying, socialising and living in one of London's most vibrant riverside locations – Kingston upon Thames. Whether you're joining a sports club, trying something completely new with Kingston Students' Union, volunteering in the local community or simply meeting friends for coffee between classes, there are countless ways to make your Kingston University experience an exciting one.
Central London is a short train journey away from Kingston upon Thames, giving you easy access to all that the capital has to offer.
There are over 60 sports clubs and student societies, across a diverse range of topics you can get involved in. If you can’t find a group that interests you, you can start your own.
If you would like to study part of your degree abroad, there are more than 30 countries available for Study Abroad opportunities
Study in a riverside town 30 minutes from London
As a Kingston University student, you will benefit from a friendly town atmosphere with all the opportunities of London just 30 minutes away.
From days spent studying in our award-winning Town House building, or down by the river, to exploring the capital or attending student events, life at Kingston offers plenty of opportunities to learn, connect and thrive.
You'll find historic landmarks such as Hampton Court Palace on your doorstep, alongside green spaces including Richmond Park and Bushy Park – perfect for taking a break from studying.
Being so close to London means you can easily explore world-famous museums, galleries, restaurants and entertainment venues, while also benefiting from access to internships, placements and career opportunities across the capital.
Wherever you're based, you'll enjoy a supportive campus community, excellent facilities and plenty of spaces to meet friends, study and relax.
Our campuses
Each of our four campuses has its own character, community and specialist facilities:
- Penrhyn Road campus – Home to the award-winning Town House building, featuring study spaces, a library, dance studios and social areas.
- Kingston Hill campus – Set within landscaped grounds, Kingston Hill offers a spacious campus environment with modern teaching and learning facilities.
- Knights Park campus – The creative heart of Kingston School of Art, with workshops, studios and exhibition spaces designed to inspire creative thinking.
- Roehampton Vale campus – A specialist home for engineering students, featuring industry-standard facilities and dedicated learning spaces.
Our campuses, halls of residence and local transport hubs are connected by an intersite bus service, making it easy to get around and stay connected to university life.
A quick tour around campus
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Penrhyn Road, Main building
The newly refurbished Main building at Penrhyn Road is situated close to Kingston town centre.
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Penrhyn Road, Town House
At Penryn Road, you will find the library in the Town House. The building won the RIBA Stirling Prize in 2021.
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Penrhyn Road, Future Skills room
To prepare you for career success, in a rapidly evolving world of work, you will learn the skills that matter most to employers. There is a dedicated Future Skills room at Penrhyn Road campus.
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Kingston Hill, by the Business School
Kingston Hill campus is located in leafy green surroundings, providing access to outdoor recreational spaces. Kingston Business School is located on this campus.
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Kingston Hill, social area
There are plenty of outdoor spaces on campus where you can meet up with friends between lectures.
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Knights Park, Main building
The Knights Park campus is home to Kingston School of Art and the Stanley Picker Gallery.
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Knights Park, Library
The library at Knights Park is situated in the Main building.
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Roehampton Vale, Main building
Engineering facilities are located on our Roehampton Vale campus.
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Roehampton Vale, by the Propulsion Test Laboratory
There are many specialist facilities at Roehampton Vale, where engineering students gain expertise and professional skills. One example is the Propulsion Test Laboratory.
What is studying at Kingston University really like?
Chat to current students
Get first-hand insights from our students about what it is like to study at Kingston.
Whether you have questions about your course, accommodation, commuting, clubs and societies or student life in Kingston, our student ambassadors are on hand to help.
Read the Kingston Connect blog
Hear from our students as they share what it truly means to be part of Kingston University.
Read stories about university life, accommodation, societies, placements and living in Kingston.
Read about student life at Kingston
Explore our virtual experience
Get a feel for life at Kingston before you arrive. Explore our campuses, accommodation, student support and community, and discover tailored content related to the subjects you're interested in.
Find your people at Kingston
Students' Union, clubs and societies
Making friends, trying something new and getting involved are all part of the university experience.
Kingston Students' Union (KSU) is at the heart of student life, offering opportunities to meet people, develop skills and make the most of your time at university.
Whether you're interested in sport, gaming, culture, music, politics, volunteering or something completely different, there are plenty of clubs and societies to explore. And if you can't find the right one, you can even start your own.
KSU also organises events throughout the year, from welcome activities and social events to volunteering projects, trips and campaigns that help shape life at Kingston.
Whatever your interests, you'll find opportunities to get involved, have fun and feel part of the community.
Sport and fitness
Whether you're a complete beginner, looking to keep fit or aiming to compete at a higher level, there are lots of ways to get active at Kingston.
Students can join sports clubs, take part in social activities, represent the University in competition or simply enjoy exercising with friends.
Our fitness facilities include a modern gym with cardio and strength equipment, free weights, exercise studios and a range of fitness classes to suit different interests and abilities.
Sport at Kingston isn't just about performance – it's about wellbeing, confidence, teamwork and enjoying an active lifestyle.
There's plenty to get involved in outside your studies, from creative projects and mentoring to studying abroad and sustainability initiatives.
Accommodation
You can make yourself at home in our student accommodation, with welcoming communities, great facilities and easy access to campus life.
If you choose to live in private accommodation, or commute to uni from home, there will still be plenty of opportunities for you to get involved, feel connected and make the most of your time at Kingston.
Become a Student Ambassador
Make friends, build your confidence, and earn while you learn as part of our Student Ambassador team.
You'll be able to meet students from across the University, represent Kingston at events and Open Days, gain valuable experience for your CV, and get paid the London Living Wage.
