Welcome and Induction September 2026

The following courses start on Thursday 3 September 2026:

• PGCE: Primary Teaching leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• PGCE: Secondary Teaching leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• PGCE: English Secondary Teaching leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• PGCE: Art and Design Secondary Teaching leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• PGCE: Citizenship with Social Sciences Secondary Teaching leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• PGCE: Mathematics Secondary Teaching leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• PGCE: Physical Education Secondary Teaching leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• PGCE: Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
• PGCE: Early Years Teacher Birth to 5 leading to Early Years Teacher Status (Graduate Entry route)

The following courses start on Monday 7 September 2026:

• Foundation Diploma in Art, Design & Media Practice

The following courses start on Tuesday 15 September 2026:

• Early Years: Teaching and Learning BA (Hons) top-up
• Early Years: Teaching and Learning (Graduate Practitioner) BA (Hons) top-up
• Education: Early Years Teaching and Learning BA (Hons)
• Education: Special Educational Needs, Inclusion and Wellbeing BA (Hons)
• Education: Special Educational Needs, Inclusion and Wellbeing (Distance Learning BA (Hons)
• Special Educational Needs and Inclusive Practice BA (Hons) top-up

The following course starts on Friday 18 September 2026 (week beginning 14 September; first day on campus is Friday 18 September) 

• PGCE Early Years Teacher Birth to 5 – EYTS Employment route

1. Join our exclusive Discord group for new students
2. Confirm your accommodation option
3. Apply for loans and student funding
4. Familiarise yourself with your Welcome and Induction schedule
5. Prepare for enrolment

1. Join our exclusive Discord group for new students
2. Plan for your arrival in the UK
3. Request a CAS / apply for a visa
4. Familiarise yourself with your Welcome and Induction
5. Confirm your accommodation option
6. Ensure you have your funding in place
7. Prepare for enrolment
8. Book your taxi pick up

1. Join our exclusive Discord group for new students
2. Accept your offer: Make sure you have accepted your offer and sent us any conditional offer requirements
3. Familiarise yourself with your Welcome and Induction
4. Ensure you have your funding in place
5. Confirm your accommodation option
6. Apply for student finance
7. Prepare for enrolment

1. Join our exclusive Discord group for new students
2. Accept your offer: Make sure you have accepted your offer and sent us any conditional offer requirements
3. Familiarise yourself with your Welcome and Induction
4. Ensure you have your funding in place
5. Confirm your accommodation option
6. Check visa regulations and request your CAS
7. Prepare for enrolment
8. Book your taxi pick up

To get you acquainted with your campus, tours will be running during Welcome Week. 

Tours will leave from the Welcome Help Points every hour between 10am and 2pm (i.e. 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm and 2pm) at every campus.

There is no sign-up required, but numbers for each tour will be capped at a maximum of 12 people (allocated on a first-come basis).

Please make sure you wear comfortable shoes.

Confused by the room names? 

To make it easier to locate your classroom, even across different campuses, each classroom code follows a consistent format:

• Campus code | Building code | Floor and Room number 

For example, the classroom code PRJG2002 is made up of:

• Campus code: PR - Penrhyn Road
• Building code: JG - John Galsworthy Building
• Room number: 2002 - note, the floor number is always the first digit in the room number.

To help you get to your classroom quickly, we’ve also created the Room Finder tool in the KU App, where you can search for your classroom by its code and get step-by-step directions.

Our on-campus Welcome Help points should be your first stop if you have questions or are not sure where to go. We've got a wonderful bunch of friendly Student Ambassadors who will be ready to give you directions, answer your questions (or just have a chat!)

Welcome Help Points will be open from 8:45am to 4pm at the following locations:

• Penrhyn Road: Main Reception
• Kingston Hill: Just outside the Business School
• Roehampton Vale: Just outside the Hawker Wing

After Welcome Week, the Information Centre will serve as a first point of contact for any questions you have. They can be found in the libraries on each campus and contacted by phone and digital channels.

We've got FREE Welcome to Kingston starter packs which can be picked up on campus during Welcome Week, from the Welcome Help Point. It's a re-useable canvas bag (designed by a KU student), notebook, pen and other useful stuff to get you started.

When can I move into my student accommodation?

Your halls licence will indicate your expected move-in date, but please check our website for further details by scrolling to the Moving in section on our Halls of residence page. You will be required to book a move in slot as part of the room booking process on the accommodation portal.

How do I book a room?

If you’ve accepted a Conditional Firm (CF) or Unconditional Firm (UF) offer for a full-time course, please check our website for the accommodation portal opening date for your licence type. Once the accommodation portal is open for you, you will be able to start your application and select a room. Applications for Undergraduate students will open from 3-5 June 2026.

If you have any questions about halls, you can contact the accommodation team on [email protected] or phone +44 (0)20 8417 6000.

How do I pay my rent?

Accommodation fees are normally paid for with a payment plan in three instalments. A £250 advanced payment is required at the time of booking, and this will be deducted from the total cost of your room. More information can be found on the Halls of residence page.

What should I pack?

Moving into your student room in halls is exciting, but what should you bring with you when you make your move to university? Please check our Moving in section on the Halls of residence page where you can find lots of information about what is already provided and what we recommend you bring with you.

I have a disability; how do I access support?

Our Disability and Mental Health Service co-ordinate support arrangements and resources to enable disabled students to benefit fully from their time at Kingston University. Students with Long-Term Health Conditions, Mental Health Conditions, Physical or Sensory Impairments, Neurodivergent Conditions e.g. Autism and ADHD and Specific Learning Differences, such as Dyslexia, are all entitled to support. Please email the disability team on [email protected] or call +44 (0)20 8417 6000 to discuss how we can support you.

We’d also encourage Disabled Students to apply for the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) as soon as possible. This is additional support external to the university which is available to assist you (if eligible). DSA Applications can take up to 14 weeks to be approved, so apply as soon as possible.

I require support in university accommodation, how do I go about setting this up?

If you haven’t done so already, we would advise you register with the Disability and Mental Health Service. Please email the disability team on [email protected] or call +44 (0)20 8417 6000 to discuss how we can support you.

When you’re invited to apply for accommodation, please complete the additional support requirements form and the team will review the adjustments that we’re able to make. We may need to liaise with you further if we have any questions regarding the support you need.

I am looking to be diagnosed with a disability. What support do you offer with this?

The Disability and Mental Health Service only offers support for enrolled students with obtaining a diagnosis of a Specific Learning Difference e.g. Dyslexia. If you’re seeking a Dyslexia Assessment, then please email [email protected] after you’ve completed your enrolment to begin this process.

If you’re seeking a diagnosis for any other condition e.g. Autism or ADHD, unfortunately we’re unable to assist with diagnosing this. We’d recommend contacting your GP to discuss an assessment referral.

Visit our webpage for all the Enrolment FAQs.

How and when do I receive my undergraduate student loan?

Your undergraduate Tuition Fee Loan is paid directly to Kingston University at the start of each term. 

Maintenance Loan payments are paid into your bank account at the start of each term.

Your first Maintenance Loan payment will be made once we have confirmed your enrolment.

I haven't applied for my undergraduate student loan yet – can I still apply? 

Yes, home students can still apply for student finance. However, if you have not yet submitted your application, we strongly recommend doing so as soon as possible. 

If you apply close to the start of your course, or after it has already begun, you may receive your funding later than expected and could initially receive less money until your application is fully processed.

For step-by-step guidance, please visit the gov.uk website: How to apply for student finance.

How and when do I get my postgraduate student loan?

Your Postgraduate Loan (PGL) is paid directly into your bank account in instalments across the academic year.

If you plan to use your loan to pay your tuition fees, you will need to enrol on a payment plan through the University payment portal.

I haven't applied for my postgraduate student loan yet - can I still apply?

Yes. Home students can apply for a postgraduate loan up to nine months after the first day of the final academic year of their course.

For step-by-step guidance, please visit the gov.uk website: Funding for postgraduate study.

How and when do I pay my postgraduate fees?

Your tuition fees will depend on the course you’re studying. You can find a full breakdown of fees on our postgraduate tuition fees page.

International students are required to pay a minimum of 50% of their tuition fees in cleared funds before enrolment. Further information is available on our international student finance page.

There are a range of ways to pay your fees, including using the University payment portal to make a one-off payment or to set up a payment plan to pay in instalments. The portal supports multiple payment methods, including UK and international cards, bank transfers and e-wallets. You can also notify us if your fees are being sponsored by an employer or organisation. Please see our Payment Options page for full details.

I need help with my student finance application. Who can I ask?

You can make an appointment with a Money Adviser in the Student Life team, who can provide guidance and support with your application.

Please see our undergraduate finance webpage for details on how to book.

How do I request a CAS number?

You can obtain your Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) via Kingston Universities dedicated CAS platform CAS Shield. This can be done up to six months prior to your course start date, once you have accepted your offer and uploaded all your supporting documents. You will receive an email prompting you to activate your account when you are eligible to receive your CAS. See our dedicated CAS webpage for more information on the list of documents you need to provide to obtain your CAS.

After our CAS team has checked your supporting documents, and you have approved your draft CAS, you’ll receive a copy of your final CAS statement by email (the CAS statement is a paperless 'e-document').

When can I request my CAS?

If you hold a firm unconditional offer for a postgraduate course and have applied directly to us, you can request your CAS now. Please don't delay, so you’re able to arrive in time for Welcome and Induction on 21 September 2026.

Is there a taxi pick-up service?

We subsidise the cost of a taxi to the Kingston upon Thames area. See our arrivals and orientation page for details on how to book.

Can I open a bank account before I arrive in the UK?

To open most UK bank accounts, you normally need to be a UK resident first. For information about what documents you'll need to open an account, visit our Pre-arrival page.

I am having difficulties uploading a document or image for my ID check. Can you help?

If you’re having problems uploading a document to complete your ID check, please log an IT Service Desk enquiry through our IT service desk portal or via the KU mobile app.

You can also contact our IT service desk by telephone or online chat. Please have your K number ready when you contact the team (e.g. K123456).

How do I pick up my ID card?

All international students need to complete a post arrival in-person check-in with their documents when collecting their ID card. You can do this at the Information Centre at either Townhouse at Penrhyn Road or the Nightingale Centre at Kingston Hill.

Please note that you can attend your course induction without a student ID.

What documents do I need to bring for my in-person check-in?

• Passport(s)
• Home Office visa approval letter (Decision Letter)
• E-ticket or a paper or electronic boarding pass showing the date you arrived in the UK (you only need to provide this if you entered the UK through an eGate at the airport)
• Your digital immigration status or a ‘share code’ to prove your settled or pre-settled status (if applicable).

When does my course start?

All students are expected to arrive in time for Welcome Week (which includes your mandatory Course Induction, which takes place the week commencing 21 September 2026). If your course starts earlier than this, your faculty will contact you with more information.

How can I find my course teaching timetable?

You’ll be able to access your teaching timetable once you’re enrolled and assigned to your modules. You’ll be able to view your personal teaching timetable via MyTimetable, Outlook via your KU account, or using the KU App and also in SEAtS (Check in App).

Depending on your course, it may take up to 48 hours (not including weekends) for you to see your timetable. It may take time for the full timetable to emerge as you are added to modules.

When can I see my timetable?

After completing your online enrolment (which opens during the first week of August), your individual teaching timetable for the academic year will start to emerge – it may take a little time, as you are added to each module. Your full teaching timetable should be fully published before Welcome Week begins.

Where can I find my course induction schedule?

Your course induction schedule shows all your compulsory course induction activity. It’s different from your teaching timetable.

Your course induction schedule will be available to view on the Welcome section of the KU App from the first week of July 2026.

Do I have to attend my course induction?

Course induction sessions are mandatory as they form a key part of your introduction to the course and the University.

How My Timetable Works

How can I travel between campuses?

Our intersite bus service connects you to all four of our campuses and, importantly, to Kingston and Surbiton train stations.

Plus, there are live updates on the Kingston University app so you don't have to worry about missing one!

Can I park on campus?

At Kingston Hill, parking is only available to students if Kingston Hill is your main campus of study.

Student parking is not available at our Penrhyn Road, Knights Park or Roehampton Vale campuses during core working hours (7.30am to 4.30pm). However, outside these hours students can apply for a free ‘evening' parking permit and use the limited parking at Penrhyn Road, Knights Park, Roehampton Vale and Kingston Hill campus on a first-come, first-served basis.

You’ll be required to hold a valid parking permit or risk receiving a penalty. You can apply for a free parking permit via the My Kingston student portal once you have completed your enrolment.

Accessible parking on campus for students

Blue Badge holders must apply via the online system which will place their vehicle on the 'allowed list'. A scanned copy of the Blue Badge and photo ID must be provided and an interview may be held to ensure all reasonable adjustments are being provided. Valid Blue Badges must be displayed at all times, failure to do so may result in a Parking Charge Notice (PCN).

Where students are not Blue Badge holders, but require temporary accessible parking, they will be referred to Student Services. If the application is approved then the vehicle will be registered on the 'allowed list'. These permits will be for a fixed period and will be reviewed on a regular basis.

Electric vehicles and EV charging bays

Electric Vehicle permits are free of charge and can be used outside of core working hours only.  We ask that once you have finished charging your electric vehicle that you move to another available space in the car park to allow optimal use of the charging facilities.

Motorcycle and scooter parking

Motorcycles and scooters need to apply for a parking permit via the online application form. Motorcycles must be parked in marked motorcycle parking bays only.

Motorcycles which are not registered and/or not parked in a dedicated motorcycle parking bay will be subject to a Parking Charge Notice (PCN).

Kingston University Parking Policy

The University is located in an area in which traffic congestion and the lack of available parking is a permanent feature. The University has limited on-site parking facilities which operate on a first-come, first-served basis prioritising Blue Badge holders. It is University policy to reduce private car travel to all sites and to this end an Inter-Site Bus Service is provided, connecting KU teaching and residential sites with Kingston and Surbiton town centres and railway stations.

The KU Car Parking Policy is set by the University whilst enforcement is undertaken by Horizon Parking Limited who issue Parking Charge Notices (PCNs) for infringements and to whom appeals must be made directly.  The University is unable to intervene in this process.

Any changes to vehicle registration during the course of the academic year must be updated by logging back into the Horizon application portal.

Student workers are not entitled to Staff Parking Permits.

If you have any additional questions, please contact us at [email protected].