Cost of living

We know that rising costs and squeezed finances are impacting you, and we are here to help.

We conducted a research project to understand how your lives and experiences have been impacted by the rising cost of living. We have carried out:  

• Desk-based research. 
• Consultations with students, including a survey, two focus groups, and in-person engagement on all campuses. We engaged 236 students on the survey and 14 students in the focus groups.
• Conversations with University staff to discuss the themes that emerged from the student consultations.

Read our report

We are bringing all of that research together in our report, including a list of recommendations for both the Union and the University to help you cope with the rising cost of living.

We are awaiting a response from the University on the recommendations. Once we have this, we'll create an action plan together to address your feedback within the report.

Read our report

 

Finance support

Uni can support you in times of financial difficulty. There are funds available to you, as well as money advisors and budgeting advice.

Student Support Fund if you’re struggling to meet reasonable living expenses.

Back on Track Grants to address a short-term financial problem 

Travel Bursary Fund for Faculty organised field trips, study visits and study abroad.

Kingston University cost of living hub

 

Top tips

• Free period products are available at the Union Helpdesk on Penrhyn Road campus. 
• We host free events to join in, from sports to arts and craft sessions.
• Microwaves to heat up food on campuses
• Local cafes and restaurants sell discounted food on 'too good to go' or ‘OLIO’ at the end of the day
• Pay just £5 for £20-25 worth of groceries from the Kingsgate Student Pantry 
• Carry a reusable water bottle to save on buying bottled water
• Use reusable coffee cups as coffee shops often give discounts for using one 
• Utilise discounts and loyalty schemes, such as from U Pay to buy coffee on campus 

 

Speak to our advice team

If the cost of living crisis is impacting your studies, we want to help you. 

We have dedicated advisors that can provide free, impartial, non-judgmental advice in academic related matters, such as interruption from studies and academic appeal, as well as matters related to complaints and student conduct.  

Speak to our advice team