Kingston Student City Guide
With its proximity to London and charming riverside setting, Kingston upon Thames blends suburban and city living, offering students at Kingston University the best of both worlds. This ancient market town in South West London is brimming with places to shop, dine and party. Not to mention stylish student accommodation where you can feel at home away from home. Discover how to live your best student life in Kingston with this guide to the area.
Where To Stay in Kingston
Near the university campuses and the town centre, our Kingston student accommodation puts you in the best place for your new adventure. With various studios and ensuites in shared apartments, you can choose the room type that makes you feel most at home. We also have three locations to choose from. Davidson House is the closest accommodation to campus, Quebec House offers a stylish place to live in the town centre, and Kingston Plaza solely has studio apartments, ideal for those wanting their own space. Each property benefits from amazing breakout areas where you can socialise with fellow residents and quiet study spaces for working hard. Plus, all bills are included to make budgeting easy.
Cafes and Coffee Shops in Kingston
Kingston is full of cosy cafes where you can study, socialise or relax. Get your caffeine fix or grab a bite to eat at indie coffee shops such as Marna Coffee, Fika and Beanberry Coffee Company. In the town centre, you'll also find favourites like Starbucks and Costa, where you can always get your go-to hot drink. After all-night parties, Kingston's brunch spots, such as King Café and Fortunella Café, have got you covered with restorative breakfasts, healthy salads and all the tea and coffee you can drink.
Restaurants in Kingston
Kingston's vibrant riverside has a selection of bustling restaurants serving global cuisines. There are British classics at Brown's, French at Côte Brasserie and Lebanese at Comptoir Libanais, to name a few. Alternatively, you can savour seafood by the water at Ocean Basket Kingston or taste locally sourced ingredients at Woody's Bar and Grill. Elsewhere, you can savour Turkish dishes at Cappadocia, Thai at Giggling Squid and New Orleans street food at Poor Boys. Suffice it to say that in Kingston, the dining options are endless.
Nightlife in Kingston
Thanks in no small part to the large student population, Kingston has a vibrant nightlife scene consisting of bars and clubs where you can unwind after a long day of lectures. The riverside boasts some of the best pubs in Kingston. The Kingston Mill is a lively spot where students can save on drinks with special deals and the daily happy hour. On sunny days, walk up to the Boater's Inn, which has a riverside beer garden and cosy balcony for drinks al fresco. PRYZM, with its regular student events, and Bacchus, known for its live DJ sets, are Kingston's leading nightclubs, where you can party from late evening until the early morning. The town also has two multi-screen cinemas and a bowling alley, perfect for those nights when you want something more low-key.
Shopping in Kingston
From clothing and shoes to books, gifts and technology, you can find it in The Bentall Centre. This indoor shopping complex has high-street brands and luxury labels, so you can enjoy some retail therapy no matter what your budget. The town also has a selection of department stores, including John Lewis, Fenwick's and M&S where you can find fashion, food and homeware under one roof. For local traders and independent stalls, go to Kingston's Ancient Market Place. It's open seven days a week and you can stock up on the essentials, with vendors selling fresh fruit and vegetables, fish, flowers and more.
Fitness and Wellbeing
It's easy to stay active as a student in Kingston, as the University runs an active lifestyles programme, which spans recreational teams, SU clubs and community events. The uni facilities include Tolworth Court sports ground, which has outdoor pitches, courts and training areas, and More Energy Fitness Centre, which features a fully equipped gym and studio classes. Elsewhere, Kingston has numerous gyms and leisure centres where you can look after your health and wellbeing. And if you're living at Kingston Plaza, you can exercise at home at the on-site gym.
Nature and Outdoor Spaces
If you're a nature lover or outdoor enthusiast, you'll have lots to explore in Kingston. The town is nestled between Bushy Park, Richmond Park and Home Park, three expansive royal parks offering incredible experiences, from spotting majestic wildlife in its natural habitat to strolling along the tree-lined avenues and tranquil waterways. These beautiful green spaces also boast large grassy areas ideal for picnics, catching up on reading or simply relaxing in the sunshine.
Kingston’s Cultural Attractions
From history to art and theatre, you can enjoy them all in Kingston. Discover the town's heritage at Kingston Museum or have a grand day out at Hampton Court Palace. The former seat of Henry VIII has an impressive art collection, pristine formal gardens and an intriguing maze to explore. At Kingston University, the Stanley Picker Gallery showcases works from the local creative community and offers a dynamic programme of exhibitions, events and activities. If you're interested in performing arts, check out what's on at the Rose Theatre, the town's leading entertainment venue for drama, music and comedy. Furthermore, there's a wide range of attractions to explore in London, which is just a train ride away.
Whether enrolling in an undergraduate or postgraduate course, our Kingston University accommodation provides the perfect home for your new adventure. Explore our three properties to find where you belong.
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