Kingston University’s halls of residence give first-year students priority access to over 2,300 rooms across five halls, all close to campus, but spaces are allocated on a self-selection basis so it pays to apply early. From your second year onwards, most students move into private accommodation, and the good news is that Kingston upon Thames has a genuinely strong selection to choose from at prices that are considerably more manageable than central London.
For those who want to be closest to the Penrhyn Road campus, One Penrhyn Road and ViBe Student Living are both popular choices, well-priced, well-located, and regularly recommended by current students. If you’re happy to be a short bus or train ride away in exchange for more space or lower costs, options like The Paragon offer solid value with good transport links back into Kingston town centre.
It’s worth thinking about which campus you’ll be spending most of your time at before you start searching. Students at Knights Park, Kingston Hill, and Roehampton Vale campuses will all have different commute considerations, and Kingston’s free inter-campus bus service makes it possible to live in one area and study at another without much hassle. Whatever your budget or preference, you’ll find something that works across our listings of student accommodation in London.
Kingston University is a modern, forward-thinking institution with particular strengths in the creative arts, design, health sciences, and business. Its Kingston School of Art fashion degree has been awarded the maximum possible Badges of Excellence by the Business of Fashion, one of only two universities in the UK to receive that recognition. The university’s focus on practical, employer-ready skills through its Future Skills programme runs across all courses from the first year of study. Notable alumni include actor Ben Barnes, rugby World Cup winner Lawrence Dallaglio, and Harper’s Bazaar editor-in-chief Glenda Bailey OBE.
Kingston University ranks particularly highly in specific subject areas, topping the national tables for Interior Design and placing second in the country for Fashion and Textiles and Mental Health Nursing. For the latest overall ranking, visit the Complete University Guide.
Kingston University has four campuses across Kingston upon Thames and Roehampton: Penrhyn Road (the main campus), Knights Park, Kingston Hill, and Roehampton Vale. All are connected by a free inter-campus bus service, and Kingston town centre, with its shops, riverside, and transport links, is on the doorstep of the main campus.
Kingston University’s Future Skills programme is built into every course, with Navigate, Explore, and Apply modules designed to develop the workplace skills employers most value. The university also has strong industry partnerships and work placement opportunities across most subject areas. Visit the Kingston University careers pages for more information.
Visit the Kingston University website for current information on undergraduate and postgraduate tuition fees.
Kingston University makes over £1.8 million in bursaries and scholarships available each year. This includes a minimum of 400 Kingston Bursaries worth £2,000 each for eligible students. Check the Kingston University website for full details and eligibility criteria.
Kingston upon Thames is one of those places that genuinely works well as a student town. It’s busy enough to have real energy, a mix of independent shops, riverside bars, a proper market, and a packed high street anchored by the Bentalls Centre, but compact enough that you’re never far from campus, your accommodation, or your friends. And when you want the full London experience, you’re only 25 minutes from Waterloo by train.
The Kingston Students’ Union runs a full programme of events throughout the year, from Freshers’ Week through to end-of-year celebrations, along with over 70 societies and 30 sports clubs. The university’s sports facilities are genuinely impressive, with the 55-acre Tolworth Court sports ground including 12 football pitches, two rugby pitches, three cricket squares, and tennis courts, while the on-campus More Energy Fitness Centre covers gym and studio classes.
For nights out, Kingston’s town centre has plenty going on. The riverside stretch is particularly popular with students, with bars like The Ram and The Black Horse offering a relaxed atmosphere, riverside views, and regular live music. The Druids Head, a Grade II listed building dating back to the early 16th century in the heart of Market Square, is a reliable favourite, while Bacchus Late Bar on Union Street covers late-night DJs and live music. The former PRYZM site on Clarence Street has recently reopened as Circuit (a new nightclub) and Bonnie Rogues (a party bar), giving the Kingston club scene a fresh injection of energy.
Away from campus and town, Kingston is brilliantly positioned for getting outdoors. Bushy Park and Richmond Park, two of London’s most spectacular Royal Parks, are both within easy reach, and Hampton Court Palace, Henry VIII’s former home with its famous maze and 60 acres of gardens, is just a short bus ride away on routes 111 or 216 from the town centre. Student concession tickets are available. For more ideas on making the most of your time in and around London, check out our guide to free things to do in London.
Most students choose to live in or around Kingston town centre, which puts them close to the Penrhyn Road campus, the high street, and the town’s nightlife. Surbiton and Norbiton are also popular, both offering quieter residential streets within easy walking or cycling distance of campus, and Surbiton in particular has a great local café and restaurant scene of its own. Students based at the Knights Park campus often favour Norbiton for its proximity.
One Penrhyn Road and ViBe Student Living are both close to the Penrhyn Road campus and consistently popular with Kingston students. Browse the full range of options on Mystudenthalls.com to compare prices and locations.
It’s one of the better student towns in London, with a real mix of things to do without the hectic pace of central London. The riverside, market, independent bars, and easy train links to Waterloo make it genuinely enjoyable to live in day-to-day. Kingston is also consistently rated as one of London’s safest boroughs, which makes a real difference to how relaxed you feel living there.
Yes, most providers offer both in-person and virtual tours. Check directly with your chosen provider for availability, as options vary. It’s always worth trying to view in person where possible before signing anything.
As early as you can. The most popular properties close to campus fill up quickly, with many providers opening bookings for the following academic year from around January. Once you’ve firmly accepted your offer from Kingston, it’s worth starting your search straight away.
Most private providers offer payment plans aligned with student loan payment dates, so you’re not expected to pay everything upfront. For broader advice on managing the costs of student accommodation, read our guide on how students pay for accommodation. For help with funding your studies, visit the Kingston University bursaries and scholarships page.
Yes, private student accommodation is the main option for postgraduate students at Kingston, and there’s a good range available across all budgets. Browse everything currently listed near Kingston on Mystudenthalls.com.
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