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Kingston UniversityTSR Wiki > University > Choosing a University > University Guides > Kingston University
Kingston University is situated in Kingston upon Thames, south-west London. Its main campus is on Penrhyn Road, close to Kingston town centre, however it has several other campuses including ones at Kingston Hill, Knights Park and Roehampton Vale. It was established in 1899 as Kingston Technical Institute and reached university status in 1992. It currently has 19,981 students, including 17,333 undergraduates.
FacilitiesLibrariesThere are libraries available on each campus (Penrhyn Road, Kingston Hill, Roehampton Vale and Knights Park). Each library has specific specialist collections depending on subjects taught on campus. The LRCs offer computing facilities, DVD/Video libraries, periodicals, group and quiet study areas and of course thousands of books. 24-hour openings are now available. IT and ComputingThe uni has a wide range of IT equipment, mostly RM computers (Research Machines) which are all up-to-date offering Windows XP, and Microsoft Office 2007 Professional Suite. The libraries offer a large number of computers, plus wireless access for laptop use, as does the new Galsworthy building at Penrhyn Road campus. The university offers a very fast internet connection, which serves the campus sites and the halls sites. SportsThere is a fitness centre at the Penrhyn Road campus which has two floors: the ground floor is for weights, aerobic hall and treatment rooms while the first floor has many cardio machines as well as some machine weights. There are two main membership levels, Gold and Silver. Silver allows entry only before 3pm. Aerobics classes are free to members. The fitness centre is open to everyone over 16, but has discount rates for the university students and staff. Tolworth Court sports ground is the university's outdoor sports facility. It offers students grass pitches for cricket, football and rugby plus floodlit hardcourt pitches for tennis, netball and five-a-side football. Many other leisure and recreation activities are offered for students at local amenities through the Students Union. ShopsThere are student union shops at both Kingston Hill and Penryhn Road campuses. Knights Park campus also has a shop for art and design equipment on the ground floor. RestaurantsThere is a 'Foodstore' at most campuses offering a variety of sandwiches, salads, cooked meals (with Halal meats) jacket potatoes with various fillings and pasta/noodle bars. BanksRBS cash point inside Hannafords at the Kingston Hill Campus, Natwest cash machine at Penrhyn Road campus. Banks in Kingston town centre include, Lloyds, HSBC, Barclays, Abbey, RBS, Nationwide, Halifax, NAT West TransportThere is a university bus service which is free of charge and runs between the main campuses and some halls of residence. Numerous local bus routes including 85/K3 to Kingston Hill. Also several train stations, Kingston, Norbiton and Surbiton which are close to campuses and halls of residence. WelfareHealthcareThere is a university Health centre at Penrhyn Road campus, provided by the Fairhill medical practice. The Health centre offers: Doctor's surgery, counselling and various types of complementary medicine from Indian Head Massage to acupuncture. Careers serviceThe Careers Service offers advice and opportunities for current students, graduates and even local employers. The university careers service can also help finding work experience and placements while you're still studying to boost your CV. If you need to improve your finances during your studies they can also help to find part time work. Religious facilitiesThere are Praying rooms provided on site, with numerous dedicated sites around the Kingston area like churches, for university students. There is also a university chaplain who runs, among other things, the University Christmas carol service. The chaplaincy website is a very useful source of information regarding religious facilities and events. Part-time jobsKingston town offers plenty of opportunities for part time work through the multitude of retail outlets, plus the university runs the jobshop online notice board with literally hundreds of part-time, holiday and even graduate jobs advertised. There are part-time jobs available with the student union, ranging from working for the student newspaper to working in the union bars. Alternatively you could apply to become a Student Ambassador and work for the university at all sorts of events including HE fairs, open days and local school visits. Kingston Discussions
SocialBars, Pubs and clubsHannafords at Kingston Hill, Bar Zen @ The Space and The Knight's Park Bar. In Kingston town centre Bars and Clubs: Oceana, Hippodrome, McCluskey's, Ama-gi, Bacchus (alternative) Pubs: The Kings Tun, The Kingston Mill (yellow card), The Ram, The Bishop out of Residence (riverside), The Grey Horse (live music), The Druid's Head. Clubs and societiesThe Students' Union runs a huge selection of clubs and societies ranging from ethnic groups, cheerleading or debating through to music groups and sports clubs. The Students' Union also encourages its members to get involved in local community schemes such as volunteering, which could be great for your CV. Student unionHannafords (Kingston Hill Campus), Bar Zen (Penryhn Road Campus), Knights Park Bar (Knights Park Campus). Prices2007 prices - Lager/cider - £1.65-£2.00; Wine - £1.35-£1.50 AccommodationResidencesSeething wells, Clayhill, Walkden (east/west), Chancellors, Middle Mill, Kingston Bridge House, IQ Wave. Private sectorStudents in the second and third year may apply for accommodation through Headed Tenancy; there are also many estate agents in Kingston which offer private accommodation for students. Students are also able to access a list of properties specifically for students via the Blackboard system.
EnvironmentArchitectureAs an ancient market town, many of the buildings in the centre of the town are very old, and several examples can be found in the town's market square. The university's buildings vary largely in architectural style, from original 1940's buildings at Kingston Hill through to ultra modern purpose built teaching facilities opened in 2007/08. Local areaKingston is situated only 20-25 minutes from central London. Surrounding towns include Richmond, Twickenham, Wimbledon, and Epsom. Richmond Park can be found close to the hospital and is open to the public 7 days a week (opening times vary). You could also visit Hampton Court Palace which is around 10 minutes away. Teaching qualityThe Times newspaper describes Kingston as "one of the leading new universities" in its Good University Guide 2007, whilst back in 2005 The Sunday Times judged Kingston as offering "sustained excellence". A 2005 external audit praised several aspects of the teaching quality at Kingston including the accessibility of academic staff, levels of support on offer and external input from industry into course content. Applying to KingstonThinking of applying to Kingston University? Why not read some Personal Statements which were used for applying here? Other Kingston ArticlesWhy not read these other Kingston University Articles? Links |
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