Kingston University

The most obvious would be Richmond Park and Hampton Court. These parks are massive, stretch to no end and there is so much to explore. Not to mention you will run into so many animals! Adorable creatures! There are so many deers, ducks, coots and various geese! I must say though - be careful during rutting season. You can also just take a nice walk, cycle through and have a picnic. The sunsets are to die for - from pink skies to fiery clouds. I personally quite enjoy just walking around the cobble streets of Kingston Town and the River Thames has charms of its own. There are many art installations that you might run into! Have I mentioned that there are Egyptian geese near the river Thames?? They are so gorgeous! Sometimes I enjoy a nice walk around the campus too 😅 as strange as it may sound, it's great fun. I don't think I will ever get bored of admiring the architecture. To this day I'm still waiting for the access to the balcony of Town House haha. I can only imagine the stunning view from there! So where to walk in Kingston? EVERYWHERE MY FRIENDS. Take a stroll. Get to know the town. Find ur fav spots 😁🌼

One of the best things about studying in Kingston as an international student is the support offered to us. Academically, all students are assigned a personal tutor for guidance and advice throughout their course. There are also facilities for advice on assignments that are incredibly helpful for those just getting acquainted with the education system here. Non academically, the Uni offers solid mental health support as well as help with career and employment opportunities, skills and even personal CV advice. The Union of Kingston Students is also an active student union who extend support to students in various ways. Overall, there is always someone to get help from, no matter what the circumstances may be. As an international student myself, I am incredibly appreciative and thankful for it!

How safe is Kingston you may ask? From my personal experience - safer than a room padded with pillows haha. Kingston is a very safe area. I've lived in Surbiton last year and this year I'm living in Kingston. Although these two areas are very close to each other, a short walking distance, I feel like like Kingston is definitely safer! (not to knocking Surbiton though 😅 it has the friendliest cats). Be it a simple walk during the day or returning from a late night out, I've never felt any discomfort being outside by myself - and I'm truly paranoid! IThe street are always well lit and very busy during the daylight. Throughout my year of being here I've not once heard of any commotion! And the police station is literally few jumps from the main square. BUT! My words alone are probably not enough...according to the crime rate, Kingston is second safest city in London and OneDome rates Kingston as one of the safest! All is swell and well around here so take yourself out for drinks and trust me that you will get home safely every time!

The best thing about living in Kingston for me is— getting the best of both worlds! I love that Kingston is a quiet and beautiful place, with lots of greenery and a bustling town centre. I also love the kind people of Kingston! I’ve met and interacted with so many locals and I’ve always been left with a great impression due to their kindness. It’s absolutely wonderful to live in a place where you walk by and get greeted by warm smiles and kind words! With its great transport connections, Kingston is only a short ride away from Central London, the part of the city that never truly sleeps and is intense but beautiful in its own way. Many might say you can’t have both, but if you live in Kingston, it’s fully possible.

Leaving my home country to move to the UK was definitely a decision that needed a ton of courage and faith! While it certainly made me nervous, I’m glad I made the move as I have learnt and grown so much over the past months here in London. Living on my own scared me a little, but as time grew, I got used to the place and began to enjoy my independence. The happiness I get from doing things on my own is boundless! The one thing I did while getting used to the change was to be kind to myself and to allow mistakes to happen. I did not push myself too hard and celebrated even the small wins. Also, I kept my friends and family close, ensured I spoke to them regularly to keep the confidence up. Finding friends takes a bit of work though, especially if your course has a smaller number of students and you’re a post grad. I made sure to socialise as much as I could and joined workshops and clubs to meet people. The key is to take every opportunity and to put yourself out there to finally find your people.

Kingston is such a beautiful place! Here are my favourite spots to visit in and around Kingston— 1. Kingston Riverside: This is probably the most beautiful spot in all of Kingston that you just won’t get enough of. Day or night, rain or shine, the riverside is a serene beauty no matter what! I always grab something to eat and relax here in the silence of the river and the many different birds. 🌊 2. Richmond Park: This place feels almost like you’re in Monet’s painting. Perfect place for a little picnic or even a relaxing evening with friends. 🏞️ 3. Kingston Museum: If you’re interested in learning the history and culture of Kingston, I highly recommend visiting this site. They also have an exclusive exhibit of Eadweard Muybridge and his work in moving image, so if you’re a film enthusiast and or a student, make sure you pop by soon! 📽️ 4. Stanley Picker Gallery: Located near Knights Park campus, this gallery is ultra modern and is full of character! 🎨They have events happening there quite often so if you’re into art, you’ll love the beautiful art installations right from the entrance all the way through the exit. 5. Bushy Park: Only one bus ride away from Kingston town, Bushy park is a huge park with plenty of green and space. If you’re lucky, you might also spot a few deer! 🦌

Kingston University has a whole department called "Careers and Employability"! They have drop in sessions for general help with CV, cover letters and more. But they specialised faculty advisers to help you and perhaps even guide you through all the the options and paths after graduation! They also set up plenty of events such as job fairs where you can go and meets the employers in various fields. These happen quite often so it's worth keeping an eye on the mails. I personally love those event! You get to speak to people and find out a bit more about jobs.... And you get plenty of freebies 😅😂 If you are looking to get a placement, definitely big help! You can subscribe to a placement package and get notifications on placement and various events that inform you about how to get a placement and how the whole thingy thing works. The is a whole website called jobs central dedicated to supporting our students and graduates with relevant links, job offers and you can also book appointments with advisers! And yes... These services are available even after you graduation! Although I haven't secured a placement they were a great help to me during the application processes. Also.... I have recently had issues with my current employer and so I contacted the team and they scheduled a call with me really quickly and were great support and gave me a sense of clarity. Gotta love them!

Some tips I would give to budget while at university are: 1. Track Your Expenses: The first step in budgeting is to understand where your money is going. Keep a record of all your expenses, big and small. This includes rent, groceries, transportation, eating out, and entertainment. You can use a notebook, spreadsheet, or a budgeting app to track your spending. The key is to be diligent and honest with yourself about where your money is being spent. 2. Set Spending Limits: Once you have a clear picture of your expenses, it's time to set spending limits for each category. Start by identifying your fixed expenses, such as rent and utilities, which typically remain the same each month. Then, allocate a portion of your income to variable expenses like groceries, dining out, and entertainment. Be realistic about what you can afford and prioritise your needs over wants. 3. Use Budgeting Tools: Technology can be your best friend when it comes to budgeting. There are plenty of budgeting apps available for students. Find one that works for you and make it a habit to regularly input your expenses. 4. Take Advantage of Student Discounts: As a university student, you're eligible for a wide range of discounts and perks. Whether it's discounted student meal plans, public transportation passes, or software subscriptions, make sure to take advantage of these offers. 5. Prioritise Saving: It's never too early to start saving, even if it's just a small amount each month. Aim to set aside a portion of your income for savings, whether it's for emergencies, future goals, or retirement. 6. Review and Adjust Your Budget Regularly: Your budget is not set in stone. Life happens, and your financial priorities may change over time. Make it a habit to review your budget regularly, ideally at the end of each month. 7. Seek Support if Needed: If you're struggling, the university offers guidance and help and is here to support you.

To request a CAS from the university, you will need to follow a few steps: 1. Once the CAS portal is open, you will be able to request a CAS on OSIS. This is subject to receiving an unconditional offer from the university. 2. Provide the required documents such as your passport, academic transcripts, English language proficiency (if required). So, make sure you have all documents ready. 3. International students may be required to pay a deposit towards their tuition fees before they can issue a CAS. Please make sure to check with the CAS team for their deposit requirements. 4. You will need to fill out the CAS request form. It is usually questions about your personal details, course details, any scholarship or sponsorship you may have. 5. Next, you will need to submit the form and wait for the CAS team to process it. Please note that the information provided on your CAS application is very diligent and important for the team to go through it thoroughly. It may take some time to process it during peak application periods. Always try to apply as soon as possible.

A few things I wish I knew before starting university are Time Management and ulitising resources. Balancing academics, social life, and personal time is challenging at times and if you follow a set routine early on it becomes easier along the way. Kingston University offers numerous resources such as study supports, libraries, counseling services, career center and much more. There are also various schemes and societies and clubs to be a part of. Taking advantage of these and participating in them significantly enhanced my university experience.

Kingston University provides many facilities to student. I am based on Penrhyn Road campus which offers a newly build library - the Town house - that has all the resources (and more) related to your course. It also has the perfect study environment for everyone, i.e. Floor for quiet study or group study. You can also book a whole room for group studies so you wouldn't get interrupted by anyone! For the coffee lovers, the campus offers 4 coffee shops - 2 in the Town House and 2 in the main building. We also have plenty of hangout spaces. The student union room in the main building has couches and chairs where you can just chill with you friends or play some pool or table football. For the fellow biochemist the University provides high tech laboratories and equipment to guide you through your course. Each lab is quite specific so expect getting lost and running around to find the correct lab 😂😅 haha

Making the UK and Kingston feel like home starts with getting involved in university life. Join clubs, societies, and attend events – it’s a great way to meet new people and build a community. Spend some time exploring Kingston and London; find your favorite cafes, parks, and local spots to get a feel for the area. Staying connected with friends and family back home is important, but also make an effort to build new relationships here. Embrace the local culture by trying new foods and participating in UK traditions. Personalizing your living space with items that remind you of home can make a big difference. Make use of the university’s resources like academic support and counseling services. Balancing your time between studies and social activities, staying active, and managing your budget wisely are also key to settling down comfortably.

Where do I even start! There are so many recipes I would love to share, but today I'm just going to talk about tofu in tomatoes sauce. This dish is so simple and all you need is: • Block of tofu (cca. 400g) • Tomatoes – sliced (cca. 3; depends on how tomatoey and saucy you wish your dish to be) • White onion – roughly sliced (just one single one) • Green onion – chopped (optional) Seasoning wise I recommend (although I am including measurements, I usually cook by heart so I do recommend you to taste as you for and adjust to your liking!) : • Salt (cca. 2tsp) • Sugar (1.5 tsp) • Black pepper (few cracks) • Soy sauce (1 tbsp) • Oyster sauce – 1tbsp (optional) • MSG powder – pinch (optional) All you need is one single pan! So let's get started. 1. Drain your tofu block, cut it in half or thirds and then cut it into blocks. (About 1.5cm thick) 2. Heat up oil on a pan until hot and then carefully place in your tofu blocks. Fry until golden on boths sides and then put aside! 3. Remove most of the oil from the pan. Keeping about 2 tbsp of oil in. 4. Heat up the oil and drop in the onion. Fry on medium high heat until slightly translucent and soft. 5. Drop in the tomatoes and decrease the head to low medium! 6. Season with salt and sugar. Mix it up and let it melt into a sauce, stirring ocasionally. (Here you can also add the soy sauce, oyster sauce and msg powder) 7. When your tomatoes are soft and have realeased all the juice, forming a sauce – put in you tofu! 8. Stir. 9. Add you green onions if using and black pepper. 10. Stir it up and serve! I like to have this dish with some rice but it would be nice with some bread as well or just on its own! Hope you enjoy!

Reading weeks is usually dedicated to studying, revisions and whatnot as many exams and test come right after. More often than not haha. No labs, no lectures or workshops. Just you and... Well, you. Biochemistry as a course has quite a lot to remember, understand and to expand on. I spend my reading week studying, unsurprisingly 😅 even if I attended all the lectures and memorized all the words spoken by the lectures, I would still need the help of the textbooks. So during reading week I read all the material provided, some extra things and I take notes. I try to do some quizzes to solidify my learning. I also try to get ahead a little bit if I can and of course, I try to stay on top of all of my assignments - although last minute submission are sometimes inevitable, haha 😁 And of course - I take breaks. I try to do things I may not have had time for during the term - such as 24h baking experiments 😅 while I want to stay on top of my studies, without breaks I would go crazy. And honestly.... Reading week is kind of like a really short term break! One day trips are great! I love going on one day trips to rest, clear my head and get ready for more study sessions haha 😁 if possible I also try to set up group studies during reading week, sometimes the best way to learn is with good company. Not to mention... Working with someone else helps me to really focus. 🌼

Start it as soon as! Last minute essay are the worst nightmare you could put yourself in. My advice is to first thing first to dissect your topic so you know what you are looking into and what are the main and most relevant things to look for. Is it a question? Is a topic? What am I trying to find or prove? What complications may arise? While you are trying to prove a point of some sort, stay objective and use evidence to support all your claims. Next find your resources and organize them! Use resources that are reliable and always double or even triple check found information - just in case, right? Divide you essay into part and focus on each part separately. Don't forget to reference as you go! And definitely check what kind of refencing is required - you can even use the help of reference generators to cut down on time. You will probably go through load of draft and that's fine! It's perfect actually! Because that is also how you refine your work. And last but not least, take a break. Multiple breaks in fact. Step away from your essay, so when you come back you can objectively point out mistakes as you re-read your writing and correct/improved what needs it. Always triple check! And I know that this may be a bit extra but - set yourselves a nice environment to have a productive time! P. S. Always check your work for accidental plagiarism before submission!

Kingston is in fact one of the safest areas in London according to onedome and crimerate. I have lived her for 2 years now and it feels very safe from my experience. Some may even go as far as to call is boring but I will take boring over danger any time of the day! 😁 Yes, now and then you might see a fight occur somewhere but it is such a rare thing to happen. But other than that I personally have not experienced anything remotely close to danger. The closest I've been to being hurt was because of the occasional uneven pavement and my heels, haha. Kingston is in fact very peaceful and most people are quite friendly, returning small smiles and such, even though most don't really care for others and just go on about their day which is absolutely fine! There are police officer walking around the city centre during the daytime to make sure that there aren't any disruptions. Sometimes they make me a bit nervous even though I know I haven't done anything wrong 😅 but alas, that's just me. It's like walking out of a shop without buying anything. Anyway. There were instances when I returned home quite late and the sun was gone. I hate going home at night as it doesn't feel safe and I'm constantly worried about things, but there aren't many people out an about at night. If there ever was anyone, they were most likely just trying to get home like me. Even the roads are very safe! Designed to have plenty of crosswalk to use and there are separate paths for cyclist and walkers - win win situation for everyone as no one gets hurt! So is Kingston safe? From my experience, very much so!

Finding part time job can be a dreadful experience - personal experience here, I've so many rejections it still hurts, haha. Jokes aside. The university has a career centre that can help you find a part time job. We have a website called Handshake for student to use for finding job, internships and placements. There are many listings you can look at an apply for - many even relevant to your course. I used handshake to find placements to apply for! But! The university also offers part time jobs for students and it is very flexible and very much fun! At least I've been having fun times. You can become student ambassador, student blogger or blogger and so on. There are lot of opportunities and the best part is that the job works around your uni shedcule as you educations is very much important! Another great way to find a job is to look at LinkedIn or Indeed. Sometimes when you wlaka round you could even spot "recruiting for part time position" at local caffees and shops. I hope this helps!

In this semester, all our assignments are group-based. So we have created groups on WhatsApp and Teams and have regular meetings. If one member is lagging, then others will nudge him/her to make sure everyone is in par. We have set deadlines as well, so everyone has to submit their work before the deadline.

There are many facilities avaiable to undergraduate students. We have libraries that offer not only books but also study spaces. Penryn Road specifically has Town House that is divided into 5 floors with each floor being for different purposes, I.e. Group study, whistles study and silent study. My absolute favourite is silent study on 4th floor. There are little cubicles you can sit in and do your work and it is a great little focus box. 😊 5th floor has a lovely coffee shop and access to balcony with a beautifull view. Other than that there are many coffee shops and canteen on campus. When is comes to course related facilities, there are workshops rooms and laboratories. If you decide to pursue a degree in life sciences, you will likely be spending some time in these labs! There are so many of them, I don't even know what happens in half 😁 haha Next we have a career zone you can pop in to get some advice on you... Well, career. Finding job, crating cv and even getting some advice for after graduation plans. They also hold many event you can join! To be completely honest! The campus is quite large and even I haven't been able to explore all the nooks and crannies 😅

One of my favourite parts of studying at kingston University so far has been the diverse community here.. it is amazing. I've met people from all over the world. The quality of education is also good and there are so many different courses to choose from. Plus, the location is perfect. Being in Kingston upon Thames means I get a nice balance of city life and a more relaxed, suburban feel, and it's super easy to get into central London when I want. Another factor I like are the support services.. they are really helpful. Whether it's academic support, career advice, or mental health resources, there's always someone to help. And I love the range of extracurricular activities, there are so many clubs, societies, and sports teams to get involved in.

I think to ensure best living experience is to ensure that you are compatible with someone. If you are looking online, you should speak to the person a bit. Get to know them. Not only their personality and likes but also their boundaries. What do they expect of you as housemate? What do you expect of them? Before you even move in with someone, you should properly discuss everything. Yes, living with a friend sounds fun and all. But hanging out with someone for few hours is very different from living with them 24/7. And as to where to look - well, you can put an ad on social media (such as Facebook groups for Kingston University students, Kingston accommodation etc.). Write something about yourself, what you are looking for, your budget and so on Perhaps even include some pictures! Another place is a spare room. Be active in your search! Don't wait for people to reach out. Reach out to people. If you see an add and that person seems fitting, contact them. Many people might look for a replacement housemates and so on. The simplest way to find friends to live with is to ask friends you have haha. Anywho - I hope this helps you with your search!

I'm mostly a fictions kind of gal, but if I could recommend some of the books that really helped me to move forward and inspired me to be better then I have few 🌼 101 Essays That will change the way you think. It is literally 101 short essay that are written in a very simple, heart grasping language. The essays cover simple issues and while it may seem like lots of simple and common sense stuff, sometimes reading such things make you realize them to their full potential. The books encourages you to think and explore within yourself. The second book would be The Immortal life of Henrieta lacks. This book was recommended to me by my tutor and it inspired me to do EPQ on cancer research! It is also one of the many reasons why I'm studying biochemistry. I've shed many tear reading this book and it is very dear to me. The empire that her cells have become and yet her story took years to be told. Do all of us remember the Marie Kondo craze? Well another recommendation I have is The Life changing magic of tidying up. Pretty sure this one is self-explanatory haha. Clean space, clean mind! And those are some inspirational books recommendedation from me! 🌼

Making friends at University is a concern for a lot of people, mostly when you have to leave your country. But do not worry, at Kingston University you have lots of opportunities to make friends. The easiest way will probably be in your classes. Other than that, you can join societies (Sports, Culture, Religion, etc.). There are more than 90 student clubs and societies for you to choose from at Kingston University. You can connect with your community, country, political group and much more. Also, if you decide to find a part time job outside the university, you may make some friends from there.

One of the major reasons I gravitated towards Kingston University is the extensive support it offers. The dedicated teams at Careers and Employability not only put together events to increase gradate prospects, but also offer personalised advice and guidance to graduate students seeking jobs. The best part is that this support is available up to two years after completion of the course! Additionally, as a graduate, you have access to Handshake, a platform where you can find work of any kind as well as reach out to the Careers team for support. The Graduate Careers Community also has excellent resources that are helpful to graduates, whether it’s hearing from employers or other graduate students alike. Apart from this, you also have access to Career Zone and the fairs that happen across campuses. With all this support and guidance, graduate job search becomes a much less daunting task, thanks to Kingston University!

Depends on where you want to go. If you are hanging out in Central Kingston then most of places are within walking distance. I personally like to walk everywhere as I just simply enjoy the view. But there are buses available that will get you to places, quickly and more often then not quite reliable. The university also provides free buses for the students that to and from the halls - each bus dedicated to different hall with various stop along the way. And they are free! The best way to get around if you know where you are planning to go is by using Google maps that will check the differents routes you could take. There is also trains available - these go to Central London and bunch of places around Kingston too. You can also get a bike! You can buy one new, secondhand or just simply rent one. There are safe bike paths and the roads themselves are relatively safe too. The easiest way to get around is to walk. The fastest is to take a bus. But at the end of the day - it really depends on where you are and where you are trying to get 😁

There is a lot of diversity in Kingston students. Honestly, it's one of the coolest things about being here. Everytime i go around campus, i hear so many different languages being spoken. There are students from all over the world— a few people i have met and spoken to are from different countires from the continents of Asia, Africa, Europe, the entire America. It's not just about where people come from, though. There's a huge mix in terms of culture, religion, and even perspectives. You'll meet people with totally different backgrounds and worldviews, which makes for some pretty interesting conversations. And the food is amazing. There's this occasions where everyone brings a dish from their cuisine specially during class and society events. Plus, the university really supports this diversity. There are tons of events celebrating different cultures—Diwali, Lunar New Year, Black History Month, you name it. They also have various support systems in place, like international student advisors, to help everyone feel welcome and settled. So, if you're into meeting new people and learning about different ways of life, Kingston's the place to be.

Kingston University provides plenty of support to its students. There is student union who are here for students. They organise events, societies and you can turn to them with any questions that you might have. They may not know everything but will definitely point you in the right direction! Then there is our mental health team. Kingston University offers many forms of counselling - mental health, listening sessions, stress and management sessions. They even have drop ins! So you don't have to book a session. I have recently booked a stress and time management session due to all the deadlines and personal problems and while some things were hard to hear, talking to them really helped to realise some things and to gain back my motivation. Academic wise - there are your professors, library resources but also! We have language courses and some courses for academic writing and rasing that can help you improve your reports. Not only that - there is also a department that can help you with any problems with math and statistics! Kingston University also offers LinkedIn learn if you are interested in some extra curricular course! And all of these are available to everyone!

My most favourite things about my course is the structure of it and the right blend between theory and practical work. We also have tutorial and workshops alongside ob laboratory practical and lecture to solidify our learning and to practice as well. I have thoroughly enjoyed the content of certain modules as well – some more than others haha, but that is bound to happen. I did review the modules prior to applying for the university so I was quite satisfied and happy with the content and what we would be roughly doing. The most exciting part of my degree was getting to the third year and to pick my optional modules. To be completely honest, my most favourite part of my course depends on my mood. Sometimes I am madly in love with the laboratory practicals and other times I am just happy to sit at the table reviewing lecture notes and doing some extra reading. The campus on the other hand... Well. It isn't the most spacious campus and it probably doesn' give of that "university life" vibe like you would see portrayed in the media. But again – I love it! The architecture is just impecable. The new library – Town House – has the perfect study space for everyone, be it study rooms, quiet and isolated study cubicle or large tables for group studies, we have it all. The Town house has the optimal study spaces but also has outside spaces, with 2 coffee shops and terraces that you can go out to to hang out and have some fresh air. The rest of the buildings are not lacking either. The John Galsworthy building is very modern and clean. I hope this makes sense but it literally scream STEM, haha. And last but not least – specialized labs with the equipment. Probably my favourite rooms on the campus. The clean, sterile place where the magic (science) happens!

The easiest way to get around is to use your google maps, haha. The little smart app! Most of the places within Kingston are quite close to each other, so you can just walk to majority of places. That way you also get to know the town a bit better and also to enjoy it more – it is truly stunning! Another way to get around is using buses, we have 2 major bus stations where all the buses go. The university itself also has its own buses – you can spot them quite easily as they are blue and have KU on them, very easy to distinguish. They are free and will take you to campuses and student halls! A nice way to get to know the city and to get around are bikes! Environmentally friendly and fun as well. Little fun work out! You don't even need to buy a bike, you can just rent one for a day! And last bot not least – scooters. Now and then you will see these little thing parked around and if they have a QR code, you can rent them! Just scan the code, hop on and have a blast!

I suppose I wish I knew that it's going to be big change. While I am really happy the change from college to university was hard. You become an independent adult and you are responsible for yourself. No one will check your attendance and report it to your guardian, no one is going to check whether you are doing your assigned work. It's up to you, either you fail or you do it and pass. Another thing I wish I knew is that a lot of household items, while separately quite cheap - it all adds up 😅 Next thing - mental health is so so important. I just kind of flew around until I crashed and then I struggled to get back. So take care of yourself and rest as much as you need! Overproductivity can turn into an illness pretty quickly. Student discounts! There are so many! Unidays, Groupon and almost every restaurant has student discount too! So does boots and super drug! I could have saved so much money if I knew 😅 And lastly, I suppose I wish I knew how much work outside of lecture I would have to do. Obviously, many people only need lectures to understand the topics - not my case unfortunately. But that's okay! That's why we have access to so many textbooks and articles in our library. I swear this is last one - about library.... I wish I knew that had online textbook! I like a silly sausage have dragged so many home the first week and my back was not happy about it 😅

Where you decide to live will have a significant impact on your day to day life. It is important to familiarise yourself with the people you choose to live with. It may seems exciting at first, moving away from home, staying with friends in a house, and so on. Things can go sideways when you notice the little things start to bother you. You need to consider how to split the rent, who is going to cover the bills, grocery shopping, the cleaning, and more. Everyone has different interests and priorities. Personally, I have always lived on my own since I moved to London. I am a very tidy and organised person that likes my own space. I have had experiences where I had to stay with some friends over a period of time and I found it hard to cope with. It is important to consider your studies as well. You will need the “quiet” time to focus on your work. As always, do what you believe is best for you.

There are several opportunities for part-time work on campus and outside in and around Kingston. On campus: 1. You can be a part of the student ambassador scheme which posts different day, weeks and a few months contractual jobs everyday working with different departments within the University. 2. Working with KUSCO, you have options for several admin jobs. 3. There are opportunities within cafes and bar around all campuses. 4. University has a careers department where they can help with finding work during and after your course. Always ask staff and they might be able to guide. Outside campus: Kingston is a student town with all major chains and local businesses hiring part-time workers. You can find opportunities just by visiting handshake, other major platforms or just by dropping in and chatting with the staff. All the best!

There are many places to find private accommodation such as zoopla, right move, spare room and even Facebook groups! I personally prefer going through zoopla and right move as most of the listings are handled by real estate agencies, so I can trust the paperwork provided. I do have to mention though, that as international student renting through agency is quite difficult as we do not have a proof of income or a UK guarantor. This is why you might have to pay a certain amount rent rent upfront as opposed to just pay in deposit and the first month. I personally had to put 3 months upfront which was actually quite a good deal as most agencies would ask for at least 6 months of rent! After that you can always ask to pay month to month. Another downside is that these two websites usually list whole properties so you would need to get a group of people together, which might be tricky if you are just about to move to the UK on your own. But it is great if you are here already because you get to love with friends! When it comes to Facebook groups and spareroom, the listing are more likely to consist of one room within a property so you don't have to worry about finding people to fill in the blank spaces. Not only can you find accommodation there by looking at listing but you can also write a post and people will offer you places. You can use these to find people to live with as well! Facebook and spareroom are also great for finding temporary accommodation.