Cost of living support
Uncertain about your finances due to the rising cost of living? Everything you need to know about getting the support you need is right here.
Access a range of financial support
We know how tough financial difficulty can be.
That’s why we do everything we can to help you thrive during your studies at Kingston University. Find out more about what’s on offer below.
- If your household income is less than £25,000, you can apply for the Kingston Bursary
- We offer a range of other bursaries to support students in a variety of circumstances
- Learn about more support funds and access budgeting advice on the student intranet: Cost of living guide
There are plenty of paid roles available on campus. These include:
- Student ambassadors
- Academic mentors
- Inclusive curriculum consultants
- Student equality collaborators
- Careers consultants
We are an accredited living wage employer with strong local connections.
All Kingston University campuses offer warm spaces for students. Our libraries are open in the evenings throughout the week, and for 24-hours a day at our Penrhyn Road campus.
Penrhyn Road campus has an exchange bookcase, where staff and students can pick up books for free.
More than 250 students get a free winter layer each year thanks to our warm coat initiative.
If you need extra help with your finances, there are plenty of resources available beyond the on-campus team at Kingston:
- Access cost of living support through Kingston Council
- Get practical financial help from national charity, Turn2Us
- Find support and ways to avoid slipping into debt through the National Debtline on 0808 808 4000
- Discover savings opportunities through The Money Charity
- Access free debt help and advice through StepChange on 0800 138 1111
- Get help with the cost of living from London City Hall
- Read about our two-year study on the traditional food bank model
Prepare your budget for living in London
Planning ahead and having a clear view of your financial outgoings are essential steps towards manageable budgeting.
You can find information on each course page about your fees and any additional costs for textbooks, technology, trips, or materials.
Our accommodation pages also provide a clear breakdown of costs. Rental costs for university halls include utility bills; so you don’t have to worry about paying for electricity, gas, water or WiFi separately.
If you’re new to Kingston or London, we recommend researching common costs to help you know what to expect. Some useful costs to consider include:
- Average minimum weekly grocery bill (food, basic laundry and toiletry items): £40+
- Your shopping list is likely to include:
- 1 litre of milk: £1.30
- A loaf of bread: £1.55+
- Average pub meal: £15
- Average restaurant meal: £20
- Regular cappuccino: £3.50
- Pint of beer: £5.50-6.50
- Glass of wine: £5-£6
- Cocktail: £10+
- Movie at the cinema: £15+
- West End theatre (central London): £35–£60+
- Club/pub entry: £5–£20
- Live music/concerts: £15+
- Gym membership: £20-50 (monthly)
A weekly travelcard for travel on public transport within zones 1-6 costs £54.60. You can find all public transport prices on the Transport for London website.
Remember, as a student at Kingston University, you will have free access to different bus routes travelling all over Kingston. This allows you to get to and from any of the University’s four campuses, and from your accommodation to the city centre and train station.
Get in touch
If you need practical or emotional support at any time during your studies or career at Kingston University, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Current students:
- Log in to MyKingston for cost of living support
- Find information on the Student Wellbeing Hub website
Staff:
- Log in to StaffSpace to learn more about support and cost-saving schemes