What the University offers local residents

As well as running a variety of short courses throughout the year, Kingston University offers a wide range of amenities and facilities available for local community use. Our restaurants and cafes are open to members of the public. Visitors are welcome to make use of our libraries on a reference basis.

Sports, recreation and complementary therapies

The University provides a fantastic outdoor sports facility, offering a variety of sports pitches, parking and an impressive sports pavilion at its sports ground in Tolworth. The outdoor sports facilities are available for hire by organisations, clubs and members of the local community.

Our Fitness Centre at Penrhyn Road boasts a fully-equipped, air-conditioned gym, complete with the top-of-the-range fitness equipment. Local residents can use this facility at competitive rates.

The University also supports talented athletes living in the local area who are not studying at the University through its Sports Performance Programme. Talented athletes competing at the highest level and living locally can apply to get access to a variety of support services from the University.

Our Volunteers Inspiring People via Sport (VIPS) programme provides our students with training and sports coaching qualifications. These students then volunteer in the local community, contributing to the development of sport in the area.

Independent external therapists and practitioners offer a range of complementary therapies from the University's Penrhyn Road Health Centre. Services include massage, aromatherapy and reflexology all at competitive rates.

Book a Kingston University venue or a live musician for your function

We have a range of flexible event spaces available for hire, suitable for anything from a business meeting or conferences to a personal celebration.

Why not hire a musician for your event? Our student, staff, and alumni musicians offer a range of music from background classical at private parties, to cover bands at weddings and corporate events, at lower than market rates.

We have a range of great facilities suitable for private events at Dorich House and on some of our campuses. Please telephone the Conference Office to discuss your needs on 020 8417 5519, email conference.office@kingston.ac.uk or visit www.dorichhouse.com.

Arts and events – a broad range of arts activities in and around the University

The University runs many events open to the public including lectures, conferences, performances and exhibitions throughout the year:

• The Stanley Picker Gallery, at Knights Park, runs exhibitions, events and workshops.
• The historic Dorich House Museum, former home of renowned sculptress Dora Gordine, hosts many exhibitions with monthly open days.
• The Rose Theatre, supported by Kingston University and the Royal Borough of Kingston, offers West End quality theatre at reasonable prices.

Get expert help with your business or hire a student

Your business or organisation can benefit from access to Kingston University's knowledge, skills and resources in many different ways. As well as carrying out specific research projects for business partners, we offer: consultancy services, academic or graduate placements, staff training and development and entrepreneurship support.

Working with a university can be a very cost-effective way to help your business or organisation become more innovative, competitive and efficient. Find out more from our services for business pages.

Many local businesses employ students on a part-time or work experience basis or our graduates when they have completed their studies. You can advertise your vacancies, free of charge, or find a student to do work experience through the Careers and Employability Service, by contacting us on 020 8417 7445.

Get our volunteers involved

Kingston Students' Union would love to hear from you if you know of a charity or community which need extra volunteers for a one-off event, such as a fundraiser, sports competition or practical project. For example, our students have helped marshal the Stroke Association's 15k run in Richmond Park, assisted on school trips, manned street collections for local charities and helped Kingston Young Carers Group put on a summer ball. Find out about volunteering.