University rating
Tell us about your overall university experience so far.
Best aspects :
• The Town House: This RIBA Stirling Prize-winning building is the university’s centrepiece. It’s a world-class library and social space that makes long study sessions feel genuinely inspiring.
• Top-Tier Specialties: Kingston is a powerhouse for Fashion, Design, and Nursing. If you are in these departments, you’ll have access to some of the best industry-standard workshops and equipment in the UK.
• The Location: You get a "London lite" experience. It’s a safe, scenic, riverside town with incredible parks (Richmond and Bushy), but you’re still only 25 minutes from Waterloo for big city nights out.
• Employability: The curriculum focuses heavily on "Future Skills." You aren't just learning theory; the university is proactive about networking and building a professional portfolio.
Worst aspects :
campuses (Penrhyn Road, Knights Park, Kingston Hill, and Roehampton Vale) can feel fragmented. You may spend a lot of your day waiting for the free inter-site bus.
• Accommodation Quality: There is a massive gap in quality between halls. While some are modern, older options like Clayhill are frequently criticized for being dated, having thin walls, and slow maintenance responses.
Facilities
How good are your university's facilities?
Location
Institution Location
Student support
How good is the support offered by the uni? Think both academic (tutors/feedback) and personal (counselling, etc).
Campus look and feel
Institution Campus look and feel
Student life
Institution Student life
Students' union
What do you think of your Students' Union in terms of student representation and facilities?
Course rating
Course rating
Best Aspects :
• AACSB Accreditation: Only 6% of business schools worldwide have this. It’s a massive badge of honor on your CV that proves the degree meets elite global standards.
• The Bloomberg Trading Room: You aren't just reading about markets; you have access to a live trading floor with 12 Bloomberg terminals. It’s a high-adrenaline environment that prepares you for finance and data roles.
• The "Incubator" Spirit: Kingston is a top UK uni for student start-ups. If you have a business idea, the Kingston Business Incubator provides the office space, mentoring, and networking to help you launch before you even graduate.
• Practical Assignments: Many modules skip the "dusty essay" format in favor of consultancy projects with real clients and office visits. You graduate with a portfolio of work, not just a transcript.
Worst Aspects :
• The Hill Commute: Unlike the main campus, the Business School is on a steep hill. If you rely on the free bus, expect it to be packed. If you walk, expect a workout. It can feel a bit isolated from the main town center action.
• Group Work Fatigue: The BBA relies heavily on group projects to mimic the "real world." If you get stuck with unmotivated team members, it can be incredibly frustrating to see your grade tied to their lack of effort.
Course content
Course content
Work placements and internships
Work placements and internships
Lecturers and teaching quality
What do you like most and least about the way your course(s) are taught?
Career prospects
How does your uni make efforts to increase your employability (careers department, work placements, transferable skills)?
Tutor contact time
Tutor contact time
Subject facilities
Subject facilities
University location
University location
Best Aspects :
• The Riverside Vibe: The stretch of the Thames at Kingston is beautiful. It’s lined with pubs (like The Ram or The Bishop), coffee shops, and spots to just sit and decompress. It feels like a holiday destination in the summer.
• Royal Park Access: You are sandwiched between Richmond Park and Bushy Park. Being able to walk among wild deer or have a picnic at Hampton Court Palace is a luxury most London students don't have.
• The "30-Minute" Rule: You are only 25–30 minutes from Waterloo. You can spend the day in Central London for museums or clubs and then retreat back to the safety and quiet of Kingston to sleep.
• The Ancient Market: The town center has a 800-year-old market that runs daily. It’s great for cheap fresh produce, flowers, and incredible street food (the Moroccan and Thai stalls are student legends).
Worst Aspects :
• Zone 6 Prices: While it’s technically "suburban," the rent in Kingston is among the highest in South West London. It’s a wealthy area, so finding "cheap" private housing can be a battle compared to East or South East London.
• The Campus Spread: The location isn't just one spot. If you’re at Roehampton Vale (Engineering) or Kingston Hill (Business), you’re quite far from the town center. You’ll rely heavily on the free inter-site bus, which can be a nightmare in rush hour traffic.
Cost of living
Cost of living
Public transport
Public transport
Part-time work opportunities
Part-time work opportunities
Graduate employment opportunities
Graduate employment opportunities
University halls
What do you think about the safety, condition, location and cost of your accommodation?
Best Aspects :
• Commute-Free Life: If you’re studying at Kingston Hill, you are literally 2 minutes from your classrooms. No morning bus stress or rain-soaked walks; it’s the ultimate "lazy-friendly" location.
• Modern En-suites: Unlike some older halls, almost all rooms in Walkden are recently refurbished and en-suite. You get a small double bed, a modern desk setup, and your own private bathroom, which is a massive win for privacy.
• The "Hill" Vibe: The campus is beautiful—lots of trees, green space, and a quieter, more "academic" atmosphere than the town center. It feels like a genuine campus community rather than just a building on a street.
• Social Hub: Because it’s a relatively large hall (over 160 rooms), there is always someone around. Sharing a kitchen with 8–10 people means you’re guaranteed a social circle from day one.
Worst Aspects :
• No Common Room: One of the biggest complaints is the lack of a dedicated common room. If you want to socialize, you’re either in a cramped kitchen or someone’s bedroom. This can make the hall feel less "communal" than places like Seething Wells.
• The "Hill" Tax: While the location is great for lectures, it’s far from the Kingston town center nightlife and shops. You’ll become very well-acquainted with the inter-site bus, and if you miss the last one at night, a taxi back up the hill can get expensive.
Room allocation
Room allocation
Internet/wifi
Internet/wifi
Value for money
Value for money
Property management
Property management
Have you stayed in your Universty's hall?
Yes