iQ in the city: Kingston

Kingston upon Thames is an area of south west London with lots of history and opportunities for students. It's a student-friendly city, with Kingston Business School, Kingston College, Kingston University and nearby St Mary’s University attracting lots of young people every year. Kingston University London has appeared in different international rankings as one of the top universities for courses such as Business, Fashion, Sports Science and Nutrition. 

iQ Kingston is just a 10-minute walk from Kingston University, right in the centre of the town, and 2 minutes from the train station. Here's our guide to what else you can find around and about Kingston.

 

Entertainment

The Viper Room – 2 minute walk

This modern nightclub has 3 rooms with booth seating and river-view terrace. Their DJ nights are loved amongst students, as well as their delicious cocktails.

The Rotunda – 5 minute walk

Just around the corner from iQ Kingston, at the Rotunda, you’ll have a number of restaurants and shops. You’ll also find a bowling park and Odeon IMAX cinema, where you can watch 2D and 3D blockbusters.

Hippodrome – 5 minute walk

This night club is the perfect spot for alternative live music and meeting new people. Don’t miss out on the atmosphere, especially if you love rock and indie music.

Rose Theatre – 5 minute walk

The Rose Theatre is the largest producing theatre in south west London, with lots of regular home-grown productions. They offer great value for money, including selected seats for under £15 and off-peak tickets.

Kingston Historic Market – 5 minute walk

Right under The Royal Charter and open seven days a week, in Kingston Historic Market you’ll find anything from fruit and vegetables to food stalls, and even entertainment acts during the weekend.

PRYZM – 6 minute walk

One of the best student clubs in Kingston and definitely the largest, housed in a former 1930s cinema converted into two clubbing spaces and five bars. The venue hosts regular events, including student nights featuring the biggest DJs and acts on the scene.

The Kingfisher Leisure Centre – 10 minute walk

If you like swimming, this is the place for you! Open until 10pm every day, you’ll have access to a pool, gym and their squash courts.

Bushy Park and Hampton Court Palace – 20 minute walk

Linked to Hampton Court Palace by the Longford River, Bushy Park is famed for its waterways, gardens and grassland, as well as roaming herds of red and fallow deer. The perfect choice for a day out, picnic or a jog with your new friends.

 

Food and Drink

Slug & Lettuce – 3 minute walk

Part of the smart bar chain, in Slug & Lettuce you’ll find an amazing cocktail list and menu at affordable prices. The venue is modern and often plays lively music, perfect for dinner before a night out.

GBK – 8 minute walk

This restaurant serves gourmet British beef, chicken or veggie burgers and great shakes. They offer amazing loyalty discounts and freebies through their app, and are known for their delicious blue cheese dip.

The Mill – 10 minute walk

The Mill is a student pub with a conservatory, regular events calendar and great student deals on food. It is the go-to place for High Street shoppers at lunch but it also offers great nights out at student-friendly prices.

The Boaters Inn – 10 minute walk

Located on the river Thames within the beautiful Canbury Gardens, this riverside beer garden also backs directly onto the park and features a quiet sunset balcony. Their live jazz nights on Sundays and microbrewed pints have given them a great reputation amongst the locals.

Best One Express – 10 minute walk

The only place that is open 24 hours in Kingston for snacks. The perfect go-to after a night out (and on the way back to iQ Kingston).

 

Shopping

Bentall Centre – 1 minute walk

With over 75 stores, the perfect place to do all your shopping is just outside our door. From fast food chains to gaming stores, you’ll find everything you need, moments from your new home.

Supermarkets – 5 minute walk

When you need to stock up, iQ Kingston is just around the corner from supermarkets such as Waitrose, Sainsbury’s and Marks and Spencer.

Argos – 5 minute walk

The place to buy home accessories and everything needed when you move in, from bedding to kitchenware.

Banquet Records – 7 minute walk

Legendary local record store with a great vinyl selection, which is also a club and concert promoter. You can get tickets to their exclusive events in Kingston, and sometimes catch intimate appearances in store.

Travel

It's easy enough to walk, but there's a free bus for Kingston University students that you can pick up from Cromwell Road Bus Station. It’s the KU3 and you will have to show your uni ID to take it. Wherever you need to go around the local area, these nearby bus and train links should get you there.

Kingston University Knights Park – 10 minute walk

Kingston University Penrhyn Road – 15 minute walk

Kingston University Kingston Hill – 20 minute bus

Kingston University Roehampton Vale – 20 minute bus

85 and KU3

St. Mary’s University – 15 minute train

Kingston Business School – 22 minute bus

85 and KU3

Kingston College – 7 minute walk

Kingston Train Station  –  2 minute walk

TFL Buses outside iQ – 30 second walk

281, 411 , 285

 

Your iQ team will be happy to help you get to know Kingston better, so please ask at Reception if you need any help. And if you find somewhere in town that you think everyone else should know about, let us know on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using hashtag #MyiQLife