Community engagement
Find out more about how Kingston University contributes to the local community. Read about volunteering opportunities, learning, mentoring, culture and more.
Why Kingston University is great for the region
Community impact is a big part of life at Kingston University. From research and volunteering to educational support and our equality strategy, we’re always aiming to do our bit locally.
We contribute £920 million every year to the national economy, and our academics and researchers help many local organisations innovate and compete.
Almost half of Kingston students come from within a 10-mile radius of our University. We offer older residents the opportunity to continue their education, and add to the region’s skilled workforce by helping more than 6,000 students graduate each year.
Read on to discover everything from how to report community issues to what services we offer for local residents.
Learn more about our local contributions
Culture and leisure
We play a key role in bringing public performances and sports facilities to residents, businesses and community organisations. We even helped open the Rose theatre in Kingston.
New learning opportunities
We work with schools, colleges and more to create new opportunities for learning. We’ve invested in a new STEM Outreach Centre, plus two mobile labs for outreach events.
Community recognition
In 2016, we were the NEON University of the Year for widening social inclusion. Our work around inclusive curricula won the 2017 Guardian University Award for teaching excellence.
Mentoring
Our Beyond Barriers mentoring scheme pairs students and staff from underrepresented groups with experienced professionals to offer advice, guidance and support.
Equality and diversity
Our Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion sits on the executive board of the Kingston Race and Equalities Council, and we celebrate individuals and communities through engagement. Read our equality strategy.
Sustainability
We’re always improving our campus, and regularly work with our local community on environmental projects such as clean-ups and recycling initiatives.
Read more about sustainability.
Educational support
Our school visiting programme encourages local children to aim for university, particularly those whose families have no previous experience of higher education.
Volunteering in the community
Want to give your time to a good cause in the community? Through our award-winning volunteering scheme, 300 people offer more than 3,500 hours of service every year.
The scheme gives students and staff the opportunity to:
- Work in schools
- Volunteer with charities
- Contribute to community groups
- Help out with one-off projects
- Access funding for your own project
- Get training, advice and support with personal development
If you know of a charity, group or event that needs volunteers, please get in touch at volunteering@kingston.ac.uk, or by calling +44 (0)20 8417 2709.
Community events
From prospective students and graduates to external groups and local residents, Kingston University welcomes lots of people to campus each week.
Keep an eye on our forthcoming events to check out what’s coming up in the Kingston community.
Residents’ enquiries and complaints form
If you live in Kingston and have a community enquiry or would like to log a complaint, please fill out your details. Someone will be in touch soon.
Contact us
Need more information?
Contact us to find the right person to reach out to, or call our switchboard on +44 (0)20 8417 9000.
