Fit for purpose: life skills activities

Activities on our programme

Kingston University's Fit for Purpose offers a new programme to help you incorporate physical and practical activities into your lifestyle.

Self Defence: Free workshops: Current Kingston University students only

Practical, realistic self-defence techniques. Female instructor.

FREE workshops: Thursday 21 March 2024

On this day there are three repeat sessions available:

  • 11am to 12 noon
  • 12.30pm to 1.30pm
  • 2pm to 3pm

To book a space and for more information please contact Jo Heath, Sports Development Manager, by emailing J.Heath@kingston.ac.uk or phoning 020 8417 2412.

Bike Maintenance: Free Course: Current Kingston University students and staff

This course is perfect for those wanting to improve their confidence in essential cycle maintenance skills. No prior knowledge is required. You will develop the skills needed to make a full diagnostic check of your bike and learn essential adjustments as well as some repairs.

The course is split into two two-hour classes (Part 1 and Part 2) and are open for KU staff and students only. Each class is open to a maximum of five people. Spaces will be allocated on a first come, first served basis – so don't delay in booking! We recommend you book onto both Part 1 and Part 2 of the course to ensure you receive the maximum benefit.

Course dates for 2023-2024, when available, can be booked via KUextra.

For more information, email sustainability@kingston.ac.uk.

Learn to Swim: Free Course: Current Kingston University students only

Swimming is the only sport that can save your life and we think it's an essential life skill to have.

Whatever your reason for not learning to swim before, please be reassured that signing up for these lessons will be the best decision you make this year.

Not forgetting the added health benefits of this physical activity, which include good heart and lung health, improved strength and flexibility, increased stamina and improved balance and posture.

Learning to swim will boost confidence and belief in your own abilities. It also opens up the door for a range of other activities such as kayaking, canoeing, scuba diving, surfing, triathlon, yachting and just good times to be had with friends and family at swimming pools, water parks, giant inflatable leisure lakes and boat trips.

FREE 'learn to swim' or 'gain more confidence in the water' lessons

  • When: Every Thursday, from 11 January 2024 to 28 March 2024 (continues after the Easter break on Thursdays, from 18 April to 27 June 2024)
  • Time: Complete Beginners: 2.30pm–3pm; Improvers: 3pm–3.30pm
  • Location: Nuffield Health Surbiton Fitness and Wellbeing Gym, Simpson Way, Surbiton, KT6 4ER

To book a space and for more information please contact Jo Heath, Sports Development Manager, by emailing J.Heath@kingston.ac.uk or phoning 020 8417 2412.

Grow your own food: Free allotment group for students and active gardening group for staff

At our Kingston Hill campus, the University provides a space for an allotment to allow students to grow their own fruit and vegetables. The allotment group is free to join; for further information please contact ukssustainability@kingston.ac.uk.

As part of our Green Impact programme, staff are encouraged to grow their own fruit and vegetables both at home and at the University; there is also an active KU Gardening Club open to all staff. To help rescue food in your local area, sign up to Too Good To Go and OLIO.

Save a life: First aid: Free workshops for students and staff

This life skill could literally be a lifesaver. Give yourself the skills to know what to do in an emergency. Be prepared to help a friend, work colleague, mother, father, sister, brother or child.

This FREE session will show you how to deliver CPR, how to use a defibrillator, how to help someone who is choking and how to recognise when someone is having a stroke.

Next workshop: Tuesday 27 February, from 12:30 to 1:15pm on Penrhyn Road campus, room PRJ1006.

There is no need to book a space. Open to all, simply come along and watch our qualified first aid instructor show you how to save a life. If you need any further information, please email Jo Heath, Sports Development Manager or phone 020 8417 2412.

Biodiversity activities: Free activities: Improve green spaces for wildlife: Open to students and staff

The Kingston University Biodiversity Action Group (KUBAG) works within the University campuses and surrounding local area, aiming to improve green spaces for wildlife while having fun and meeting new people.

Often working with other local and national organisations, it undertakes practical conservation projects to protect, enhance and create habitats for wildlife.

Activities include invasive rhododendron and bamboo bashing, butterfly/bird counts, river fly monitoring, pollinator garden maintenance and green woodworking skills.

These are life skills that benefit your environment and wildlife. They also get you more active and out in the fresh air, which has huge physical and mental health benefits. Meet other people, do something that makes a difference in a positive way, give yourself a feel-good factor and improve your wellbeing.

To book a space and for more information please contact Sivi Sivanesan, Biodiversity and Landscape Manager.

Get in touch

Contact the Sport and Active Lifestyles Team

Key contacts at Kingston University

How to get to Kingston University