5.0(3)
+30

Davidson House, Kingston Upon Thames

3-5, Penrhyn Rd, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 2BT, United Kingdom
From
£290
per week
0.5 mi from City Center
( 5m. 7m. 11m)
View map
Highest Floor 5
Built in 2013
Kingston University | 0.18 mi
Kingston School of Art, Knights... | 0.21 mi
Esher Sixth Form College | 2.01 mi
Kingston Business School | 2.3 mi
Kingston University Internation... | 2.32 mi
Pay In Instalment
No Visa No Pay
cycle store
bills included
laundry facility

About the Property

Located at 3-5 Penrhyn Rd, KT1 2BT, Davidson House, Kingston Upon Thames is a prime student accommodation choice for those studying in the area. Catering to a range of preferences, this property offers various types of living spaces, including en-suite, studio, and non-en-suite rooms, each one fully furnished and designed with student needs in mind. Conveniently situated for easy access to a host of educational institutions, FSL - UK Davidson House is just a 1-minute walk away from esteemed universities like Kingston University and Kingston School of Art, Knights Park.
Kingston upon Thames is an energetic university town and an exploding student community that is pretty much the hub of the Greater London area, making it a top choice for student accommodation in Kingston Upon Thames near the town centre and Kingston University. It has the charm of a historically rich place combined with the energetic lifestyle of the students, a meeting of academic prowess and cultural variety around the town centre, supported by local universities and Kingston University. The city, which is the home of prestigious universities including Kingston University and other local universities, is greatly acknowledged by the education sector and is well known for student accommodation Kingston Upon Thames UK in Kingston upon Thames, making Kingston upon Thames a preferred destination for students.

Features

Davidson House Kingston Upon Thames offers the perfect balance of comfort and convenience, catering to students' every need. This accommodation in Kingston upon Thames ensures that students have access to a variety of room types, including the Premium En Suite, Deluxe Studio, and Classic En Suite. Each room type comes fully furnished and with ample storage, allowing for a homely and organised living space. The rooms also feature a double bed, desks and chairs, and a wardrobe in this private student accommodation Kingston upon Thames.

Among the common amenities provided in this off-campus Kingston University accommodation, residents have unlimited access to WiFi and broadband, ensuring quick and reliable internet connectivity for both educational and leisure purposes. A dynamic games room and a cosy lounge are also at their disposal, providing ideal areas for relaxation and socialising. Regularly organised residents' events offer the perfect opportunity to meet peers and make lifelong friends while living at the FSL - UK Davidson House. Store your cycle in the cycle store and clean up your clothes in the laundry room. Feeling thirsty? Grab a quick drink from the vending machine. Rest assured, as your safety is Davdison House's priority, with amenities such as CCTV and a security team. Expenses such as hot water, electricity, contents insurance, and wifi all included in your monthly rent.

Location and What's Hot?

Davidson House is located near Esher Sixth Form College (a 14-minute drive away) and Kingston Business School (a 14-minute drive away). At the heart of student life, Davidson House Kingston students enjoy the ultimate experience of living in one of Greater London's most charming towns at Davidson House student accommodation. A stone's throw from your front door, there's an exciting array of places to eat that will leave your taste buds happy. Have a taste of the world in restaurants such as Megan's, Woody's, and The Cheeky Pea or enjoy the relaxed vibes at Coffee Break and Cafe Galio, all close to Davidson House Kingston upon Thames.

Student life at FSL, UK Davidson House is made even more vibrant with weekend gigs at The Mill and The Ram as well as the usual Thursday nights, where you can definitely let your hair down after lectures at Kingston upon Thames Davidson House. Need to stock up on daily essentials? There are some grocery stores, including Waitrose and Sainsbury's, just a few steps from your home near Davidson House student accommodation.

When the need arises, Kingston Hospital is nearby to give you and your family comfort and assurance while living at Davidson House.

Being able to enjoy some green and open areas is a must-have in any student's life, and here you are, a few minutes' walk to Canbury Gardens and Richmond Park, all near Davidson House Kingston upon Thames.

Commute

For residents at Davidson House, getting around the city is wonderfully convenient. The area boasts excellent public transport connections, making the commute to various educational institutions and leisure spots smooth and stress-free. Students can hop on a bus at the nearby Hall School Wimbledon (Senior School) and Richmond Town Centre bus stops, which is a central hub for multiple routes across the city. Railway services are readily accessible at Kingston Railway Station, providing swift connections for longer trips.

Room Types (3)

Clear
All (3)
Ensuite (2)
Studio (1)
Ensuite
A private room with its own bathroom — Offers maximum privacy and comfort
5

Classic En Suite

Starting From:£285/week
Ensuite
Private Room
Private Bathroom
Shared Kitchen
5

Premium En Suite

Starting From:£290/week
Ensuite
Private Room
Private Bathroom
Shared Kitchen
Studio
All-in-one space with a bedroom, private bathroom, living area, and kitchenette — Ideal for complete independence
2

Deluxe Studio

Starting From:£325/week
Studio
Entire Place
Private Bathroom
Private Kitchen
Amenities
Shared Community And Utilities
Wi-Fi & Broadband
Games Area
Cycle Store
Vending Machine
Social Spaces
Security
CCTV
Security Team
On-site Residents' Team
Property Services
Residents' Events
Laundry Room
Residents Events
Bills Included
Hot Water
Electricity
Content Insurance
Wifi

House Rules

Cancellation Policies
  • Cooling Off Period
    For 26-27 AY:- 1. If you booked online or by phone and have not viewed the accommodation in person, you have a 72-hour cooling-off period after booking (reduced to 24 hours from 1st August 2026). 2. During this period, you may cancel your booking provided you have not moved in. 3. To cancel, please email the Residents’ Team with the subject line: “Cooling Off Period Cancellation.” 4. Refunds will be processed within 10 working days.
  • No Visa No Pay
    For 26-27 AY:- 1. Once the “Cooling Off” period has expired, you can cancel your booking prior to the tenancy start date if you do not have a visa to enter the UK. 2. In these circumstances, please provide evidence (Visa refusal documentation) to the property within 72 hours of being notified. 3. Your advance rent payment will then be refunded. 4. If you receive this notification after your tenancy start date, you remain responsible for rent payments up to the date you provide evidence and we co
  • No Place No Pay
    For 26-27 AY:- 1. Once the “Cooling Off” period has expired, you can cancel your booking prior to the tenancy start date if: a) You have not acquired the grades to be offered a place at the chosen university.b) You have failed to achieve the grades to continue your study at university. 2. In these circumstances, please provide evidence to the property within 72 hours of being notified. 3. Your advance rent payment will then be refunded. 4. If you receive this notification after your tenancy star
  • Replacement Tenant Accepted
    For 26-27 AY:- 1. If you wish to end your license to occupy early, you may find a replacement licensee acceptable to the landlord. 2. The new licensee will sign a new agreement, which may be at a different rent to match the current market rate. Before we accept a replacement: • Your rent account must be fully up to date • Any rent owed up to your leaving date must be paid. 3. Once the replacement licensee has signed and paid, they will assume responsibility for all future rent and obligations. 4
  • Smoking
  • Smoking
    No smoking
  • Room allocation
  • Room allocation
    Students can indicate specific room number or location preferences during the booking process, and the Amber team will accommodate these preferences wherever possible, based on availability.
  • Check in guide
  • Check in guide
    Approximately 2–4 weeks prior to the scheduled move-in date, students will receive check-in instructions via email. This communication will include the steps required to select a check-in date and time slot, complete necessary documentation, and settle any outstanding payments prior to arrival.In case of any questions or queries, please feel free to contact the Amber team, and our team will assist to ensure a smooth check-in process.
  • Renewal policy
  • Renewal policy
    Students who wish to extend their stay can contact the Amber team for renewal or rebooking at the same accommodation. Our team will support the renewal process and help students secure a suitable room of their choice. Students are encouraged to reach out early to ensure they can rebook the same room or another room of their choice at the same property.
  • Early check in policy
  • Early check in policy
    Early check-in requests can be shared in advance with the Amber team. Our team will do a feasibility check to facilitate early check-in requests based on room readiness and availability. Additional charges may apply where applicable.
  • Payment and Fees

    Mode Of Payment

    Credit card, debit card and bank transfer.

    PayPal
    VISA
    AMEX
    Booking Deposit

    For 26-27 AY: 1. To secure the booking an advance rent payment of £150 will be due at the time of completing the application. 2. This amount will get credited against the first rent instalment.

    Pay In Instalment

    For 26-27 AY:- 1. Payment in full. 2. Payment in 4 instalment Note : 1. The first instalment/full payment is due on the 1st August 2026. The subsequent instalments are due as detailed in the Tenancy Agreement. 2. You will only be able to check in once the booking has been countersigned and the payment has been completed to the property.

    Guarantor Requirement

    For 26-27 AY:- Not required if you are paying the full rent upfront 1. All applicants are required to nominate a guarantor—someone over 18 who agrees to meet all obligations set out in the Occupancy Agreement. 2. The guarantor cannot live with you (unless they are your parent or guardian) or live in another property managed by them. 3. The guarantor must: • Pay rent if it is unpaid by the tenant • Cover any costs resulting from breaches of the tenancy • May be contacted if the tenant is involved in serious antisocial behaviour 4. To qualify, guarantors must provide: • Photo ID (e.g. a valid passport) • Proof of residence (e.g. a recent utility bill or bank statement dated within the last 3 months) Failure to provide suitable documentation will result in the guarantor being declined.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How Do I Book?

    It’s easy - just click on any of the "Book Now" buttons around the website and start your application. If you need any help or advice or want to book their short-term lets or summer stays, you can speak to the amber agent.

    What Do I Need to Know About the Booking Process?

    The booking process is quick and easy but it will be helpful to have some information to hand when you start your application – having the name, email and address of your guarantor, a head and shoulders photo of yourself and a bank card to make your advance rent/booking fee payment (ROI only) will all save you time!

    Do I need to pay a deposit to book a room at this property?

    To learn more about the deposit requirement, please check the policy section above, or feel free to reach out to your amber agent.

    How Can I Choose the Best Room For Me?

    We want you to choose a room you are going to be happy living in and we know everyone has a different wish list – from the floor the room is on to the view and the amenities in the room, the Residents’ Team will be on hand to discuss this with you and help you make the best selection.

    What Size is a Small Double Bed?

    Their room descriptions explain whether you will have a standard or small double bed. A small double is the same length as the standard but just a tiny bit narrower. Also known as a 3/4 size bed, small doubles measure approx. 120cm wide x 190cm long. Still plenty of room for a good night's sleep, even if there's two of you sharing.

    Can I Come to Have a Look Around Before I Book?

    Of course! They are very proud of their properties and would love to show you around. If you want to bring some friends or family members that’s absolutely fine too – they just ask that you speak to their Residents’ Team in advance so they can make sure they have some rooms available to show you. If you find yourself in the area and haven’t had a chance to speak to they you can still pop in, whilst they might not have a room to show you they will still be able to show you around their Residents’ Shared Spaces.

    They can also offer online video viewings if you don’t live locally so let they know what works for you!

    I Have a Medical Condition Which Means I Have Certain Requirements for My Room

    Please get in touch with their Residents’ Team – they are experts on their properties and most have rooms with varying levels of adaptations so their team will be able to help you.

    If you book online with the help of amber agent, and you indicate you have a medical condition, the booking process will automatically pause so you can speak with them.

    Can I Book Together With a Group of Friends?

    Yes! The residence team know that choosing who you live with is really important so in their properties with shared apartments group booking can easily be organised by getting in touch with your amber agent.

    When Can I Move In?

    A few weeks before the start of your tenancy they will get in contact to ask you to watch our induction video and book a move-in slot. You will need to do this so they can make sure they are expecting you!

    Can I Order Bedding and Kitchen Packs?

    Yes! Order bedding, kitchen packs and other uni essentials from their shop.

    Do I Need a TV Licence?

    Yes, unless they tell you they're covering it, if you watch or record programmes as they are being shown, watch catch up TV such as iPlayer or watch live TV online you will need a license.

    This applies to any provider you use and any device, including a TV, desktop computer, laptop, mobile phone, tablet, games console, digital box or DVD/VHS recorder.

    Can I Have A Pet?

    Student accommodation is often not a suitable environment for pets and that’s why pets of any shape or size aren't allowed.

    Can I Invite Guests to Stay In My Room?

    They're all grown-ups here so of course occasional overnight guests are allowed. Please don't invite someone to stay for more than three consecutive nights though, and always check with your flatmates first that they're ok with extra house guests.

    Will My Room be Inspected?

    Yes, they conduct inspections at least three times during your tenancy. They'll keep an eye on cleanliness and hope not to see any damage and missing items. After each inspection they will tell you if any charges need to be made to put something right. You will be invoiced immediately for recharges for the first two inspections and on the final inspection a deduction will be made from your Tenancy Deposit. The cost of recharges for cleaning, damages and missing items can be found in the Residents’ Handbook.

    Do I Need to Move Out Over the Christmas and Easter Holidays?

    No, your room is yours for the whole of your tenancy. You only need to move out at the end of the agreement. It will be your responsibility to check with the local Council if Council Tax will be due if you stay during the holidays.

    Will I Be Charged for Damages?

    As part of your contract you have agreed to look after your room and not cause any damage. They know accidents do sometimes happen so a list of possible damage charges are available in their Residents’ Handbook.

    Can I Smoke/Vape?

    All their properties are smoke free and this includes all types of E-cigarettes and Vapes. Smoking is not allowed in any private or communal area including bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens and all internal social spaces. Designated smoking areas can be found outside the building. If you do have an e-cigarette or Vape, please ensure that the charger conforms to British or EU safety standards, or they will be removed during room inspections. All drug use, including the use of Laughing Gas, is prohibited at their properties.

    What Do I do if I am Not Totally Satisfied?

    They hope you will love living with they but there may be times when they don’t always get it right. They take all complaints seriously and will try their best to fix any issues the first time. If you need help and advice, please speak with your General Manager first. To view their complaints procedure please download this guide.

    Can I pay in instalments?

    For more information on payment plans, refer to the policy section above, or contact your amber agent for assistance.

    What Behaviour / Conduct is Expected of Me?

    At accommodation, they believe all their residents want to live in a safe and clean environment where individuals respect each other, their home, and the local community. Please have a read of their Anti-Social Behaviour Policy which explains their approach to managing any anti-social behaviour that may occur.

    Is a guarantor required to book a room at this property?

    For more details about guarantor requirements, refer to the policy section above or connect with your amber agent.

    I Will Be Aged 16 or 17 When the Tenancy Starts – Can I Still Book?

    Please contact the Residents’ Team at your chosen property for more information. At properties where under 18’s are accepted we will ask you to complete a few extra steps during the booking process. This will include nominating a Responsible Adult who will be our point of contact for you and we will recommend monthly meetings with our General Manager once you have moved in but that’s up to you!

    What room types are available at Davidson House Kingston Upon Thames?

    Davidson House offers en-suite, non-en-suite, and studio rooms, all fully furnished for student living.

    Which universities are close to Davidson House student accommodation?

    The property is conveniently located near Kingston University and St Mary’s University.

    Are utilities included in the rent at Davidson House?

    Yes, bills such as WiFi, electricity, hot water, and contents insurance are included in the monthly rent.

    What amenities can students enjoy at Davidson House Kingston?

    Students have access to WiFi, a games room, a lounge, laundry facilities, cycle storage, and on-site security.

    How well-connectedwell connected is Davidson House Kingston upon Thames?

    Davidson House is well-connectedwell connected via nearby bus stops and Kingston Railway Station, making daily commutes easy.
    Davidson House, Kingston Upon Thames

    Reviews5.0 (3)

    D
    Daisy
    5.0
    I have stayed at the property for the past 3 years and i am very pleased with it. Excellent location. Very close to Penrhyn road Uni campus and close to the amenities in town. Room...Read more
    L
    Liana
    5.0
    The newest undergraduate student accommodation at the University. Big rooms and double beds
    L
    Lindsey
    5.0
    Lived here for 3 years...Best Experience Ever…

    Student Accommodations in Kingston upon Thames

    Kingston Upon Thames Student Accommodation

    Choosing the right student accommodation in Kingston upon Thames is an important step when thinking about your university life experience. Every year, thousands of international students start their studies in this city, so the need for student housing in Kingston upon Thames keeps increasing. Consequently, there is a wide selection of accommodation options such as private rooms, shared apartments, en-suite rooms, and studio flats. The city is home to Kingston University, an institution that realises a huge student community with a constant buzz of young energy. Generally speaking, the rents for student flats Kingston upon Thames hover around £220 to £400 per week, with the price mainly influenced by the type of student home and how close it is to the campus.


    On-campus housing being limited, most students in Kingston upon Thames choose private student accommodation as it provides more flexibility, modern amenities, and better availability. Platforms such as amber assist students in finding verified listings, comparing prices, and booking accommodation easily. Amber offers a wide variety of rooms, from shared student rooms in Kingston upon Thames to fully furnished studios, with personalised assistance and flexible lease terms. When selecting student rentals Kingston upon Thames, students near leading universities can consider top providers like Unite Students and iQ Student Accommodation for great comfort, safety, and convenience.

    About Kingston Upon Thames

    Kingston upon Thames is a delightful riverside town located in the southwest of London. It combines suburban life with the convenience of city facilities in a perfect way. It was historically a location where the kings of the Saxon era were crowned. Today, it is a well-known study centre with deep historical roots. Kingston has a population of some 180,000 people; the large proportion of students among them makes the town very lively. It features areas like Richmond Park and the River Thames, where students who like to escape to nature can find plenty of options for outdoor activities.


    Safety-wise, from a student's point of view, Kingston is really good; it has a safety index of about 70+, so it is among the safer parts of Greater London. Also, its excellent employability score comes largely from its close location to London's business areas, which means students have great internship and job opportunities very close by. Alongside the many excellent features of the town, Kingston also houses Kingston University, which is one of the top universities in the UK. It's quite well known for the courses in design, business, and engineering and is popular among the students for its friendly campus community and close ties with the industry. Besides all that, the city is not short of entertainment either. It sometimes hosts events like Kingston Carnival and different music festivals, which certainly attract a lot of Gen Z students.

    Best Student Accommodation in Kingston Upon Thames

    Finding suitable student accommodation in Kingston upon Thames UK is an important element of making a great student life. Things like distance from the university, price, security and facilities determine student accommodation in the first place. Amber makes this task easy by providing a range of handpicked properties according to the needs of students. Here are the options for the best student accommodation in Kingston upon Thames:


    Property NameReviewsStudent QuoteStarting Price
    iQ Kingston★★★★☆ (4.9/5)"Modern, clean, and literally in the middle of everything. The social spaces are a huge plus for meeting people."From £279/week
    Bright House★★★★★ (5.0/5)"Management keeps the place clean, and you have so much privacy. Pizza parties and movie nights make it a fun place to live!From £275/week
    Davidson House★★★★★ (4.7/5)"Right next to Penrhyn Road campus and close to the town centre. The management team is super friendly and quick to help."From £290/week
    ViBe Student Living★★★★☆ (4.7/5)"Staff members are really professional and caring. Having a gym and cinema on-site makes it an amazing place for students."From £263/week
    Quebec House★★★★☆ (4.7/5)"Location is unbeatable—seconds from the station and shops. The resident team hosts an array of welcoming events."From £320/week



    Affordable Student Accommodation in Kingston Upon Thames

    If saving money is your aim, then these properties would perfectly meet your needs as they offer the most competitive rates in Kingston. Besides that, they often cover all the utility bills, which will definitely help you to cut down your monthly expenses even more.


    Property NameRoom TypesKey AmenitiesPrice
    Central Studios (Ealing)Standard, Premium & Deluxe StudiosGames Area, Communal Lounge, Table Football, 24/7 SecurityFrom £340/week
    Arbury CourtEn-suites, StudiosFree Shuttle Bus to Uni, Gym, Secure Bike StorageFrom £268/week
    Chapter EalingEn-suites, StudiosRoof Terrace, Bi-Weekly Cleaning, Cinema RoomFrom £271/week
    Griffon StudiosStandard & Premium StudiosCourtyardFrom £332/week
    Fulham Palace StudiosPrivate StudiosCommunal TV, High-speed Wi-Fi, 24/7 SecurityFrom £375/week

    Best Areas to Live in Kingston Upon Thames

    Kingston upon Thames has a mixed selection of residential districts for students, all differing in atmosphere, cost, and proximity to the university. So, here is a brief overview that sorts out the features of each community to make it easier for you to decide according to your living style and budget:


    AreaStudent VibeCommute to Kingston UniversityAvg Rent (per week)
    Kingston Town CentreLively, social, close to cafes, nightlife & shopping5–10 mins short walk£300–£380
    SurbitonQuiet, residential, great connectivity to London10–15 mins by train/bus£250–£320
    NorbitonStudent hub, affordable, campus proximity5–10 mins walk£230–£300
    Hampton WickScenic, riverside, relaxed environment15 mins by bus/walk£270–£340
    New MaldenBudget-friendly, community vibe, slightly farther20 mins by train£220–£290

    Room Types for Student Accommodation in Kingston Upon Thames

    Students looking for student housing Kingston upon Thames are presented with plenty of choices in room types according to their budget and lifestyle preferences.


    1. Ensuite rooms

    Ensuite rooms are top sellers as they give students their own bedroom along with a bathroom inside the room, but they also get to use the shared kitchens and living areas. These types of rooms are perfect for students who want to have their own space but at the same time be able to socialise.


    2. Non-ensuite rooms

    Non-ensuite rooms are quite cheap and consist of a bedroom of one's own, but sharing bathrooms and other common areas. These rooms suit students wanting to cut down on expenses without depriving themselves of a study space.


    3. Studio apartments

    In studio apartments, instead of sharing, they offer the student total freedom with a private bedroom, bathroom and kitchen all in one unit. They are suitable for students who like being alone or have very demanding academics.


    4. 1-bed or 2-bed apartments

    1-bed or 2-bed apartments offer a semi-private arrangement whereby students share common areas like a shared bathroom with 1 or 2 roommates, so they get a bit of both: privacy and collectively living.


    5. Shared apartments

    Shared apartments appeal to students who love a social atmosphere as they have several bedrooms of one's own, with sharing of common areas.


    6. Private rooms

    Private rooms continue to be the most adaptable among the choices for student accommodation near Kingston University, giving a one-person space with the possibility of using shared facilities thereby making them good for a wide variety of students.

    Cost of Living in Kingston upon Thames

    Life in Kingston upon Thames is relatively less expensive than in Central London, but students must still do some financial planning. Typically, one can expect to spend around £1,000 to 1£,400 a month on living expenses, depending on the lifestyle and the type of long-term or short-term stays at student accommodation Kingston upon Thames UK.


    1. Accommodation: £800–£1,200/month
    2. Groceries: £120–£180/month
    3. Transportation: £60–£100/month
    4. Utilities: £50–£80/month
    5.  Internet: £20–£30/month
    6. Leisure & Social Activities: £80–£150/month

    Student Travel in Kingston Upon Thames

    Moving around Kingston upon Thames as a student will be extremely convenient since it is a main Southwest London transit hub (Zone 6). The town smoothly mixes specialised university transport, a wide variety of bus routes, and fast rail connections.


    ModeDescriptionNearest StopWeekly Cost
    University Bus (KU Shuttle)Free inter-site service connecting all four main campuses and student hubs.Kingston University / Penrhyn Road£0/week
    TfL Bus Network24/7 coverage across London with the "Hopper Fare" allowing unlimited changes within 1 hour.Eden Street or Cromwell Road Bus Station£17.30/week (with 30% Student Discount)
    National RailFast trains reaching London Waterloo in under 30 minutes; essential for city internships.Kingston Station or Surbiton Station£57.10/week (Zones 1–6 Student Cap)
    CyclingExtensive protected lanes and scenic riverside paths; a healthy and free alternative.Most properties offer Secure Bike Storage£0/week
    Santander CyclesPublic bike-sharing with docking stations at major campuses and rail locations.Kingston Station Docking Point£20/week (Estimated daily use)


    Student Transit Tips: 18+ Student Oyster Photocard: Apply for this as soon as you enrol to unlock a 30% discount on all weekly and monthly Travelcards and Bus & Tram passes. Link your 16–25 Railcard to your Oyster Card at any station ticket machine. This adds a further 33% discount on all off-peak pay-as-you-go fares across the entire London network.


    Nearest Properties to Top Universities


    1. Davidson HousePenrhyn Road Campus: 2 mins walk
    2. Arbury CourtKingston Hill Campus: 8 mins via shuttle
    3. iQ KingstonKnights Park Campus: 10 mins walk
    4. Quebec HouseKingston School of Art: 12 mins walk

    Student Lifestyle & Tourist Attractions in Kingston Upon Thames

    Kingston upon Thames holds a lively yet balanced student lifestyle, so it's an ideal spot for both studying and socialising. Being only 30 minutes from the heart of London, it brings the thrill of a university city and the quiet of a riverside suburb together, thus students get the best of both worlds. The town has even been nicknamed 'safe and student-friendly, ' with a more relaxed atmosphere when compared to the hustle and bustle of London city centre. In fact, a lot of students like this blend as it gives them the opportunity to concentrate on their studies while also having a quite lively social life. Besides Kingston University and the student union, which is very active and supports 15,000 students by way of clubs, societies and events. contribute even more to the community feeling.


    Regarding social life, Kingston is well supplied. The students usually relax at riverside cafes, casual eateries, and popular pubs. Nightlife here includes well-known places like PRYZM and The Viper Rooms, where there are DJ events and themed parties regularly. Besides this, they also organise events such as pub quizzes, societies meetups and weekly socials. Some of the leisurely activities students can pick up include Thames Riverside Walk for a nice walk along the river, birthday shopping at the Bentall Centre, and sitting in the sun in Richmond Park and Canbury Gardens. Kingston's Market Place is another one of the places where students can get affordable food, vintage items, and daily necessities. The town does hold some cultural and student-friendly events almost all year round, like music festivals, art exhibitions at the Rose Theatre, and local fairs.

    Universities in Kingston Upon Thames

    Kingston upon Thames forms a strong academic centre, with Kingston University as the main player, backed by a number of nearby institutions that are just a short public transport ride away. Here are some of the top universities in Kingston upon Thames:


    UniversityPopular ProgramsDistance from KingstonQS Rank
    Kingston UniversityDesign, Business, EngineeringWithin city#601–650
    St Mary’s University, TwickenhamSports Science, Education, Humanities~15 mins by busNot Ranked
    University of RoehamptonArts, Humanities, Social Sciences~20 mins by bus#801–1000
    Richmond American University LondonBusiness, International Relations, Liberal Arts~20 mins by trainNot Ranked
    University of West LondonHospitality, Business, Music~30 mins by train#801–1000

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