University of Southern Maine
Office of International Exchange

Kingston University
LONDON, ENGLND

 
JUST THE FACTS

Where is Kingston University?
Kingston is located in the southwest suburbs of London in a town called Kingston upon Thames. Kingston upon Thames is a vibrant riverside town with easy access to surrounding parkland and countryside. It is one of the most pleasant locations in the London area, and the capital’s shopping, restaurants and cultural activities are just 25 minutes away by train. Students often find that Kingston offers the ideal location because they get all the benefits of being in London (such as access to clubs, museums and galleries) without the hassle of living right in the city.
 

What can I study?                    
As visiting students, you will take the same classes and (usually) the same assessments as Kingston students. This gives you the opportunity to integrate fully with academic and student life at the university. You can select courses that will fulfill major, minor or general education requirements at your home institution. It is your responsibility to establish course equivalencies and to obtain agreement that your home institution will accept the classes that you wish to take.

Students can take courses from the following schools. You should note that each school is comprised of various subjects.

  • British Life and Culture
  • Business & Law
  • Computer Science
  • Design & Music
  • Engineering
  • Language Studies
  • Liberal Arts
  • Mathematics & Statistics
  • Sciences                  

Please note: While most courses are open to American visiting students, students cannot take courses from the following disciplines

  • Faculty of Health & Social Care Sciences
  • Education
  • Fashion
  • 3D Design
  • Graphics
  • Surveying
 
Where can I find Information on Courses?
Kingston’s most recent module descriptions can be found on-line under CLASS LISTINGS. Or you can go to the USM Office of International Exchange web page, look under “Study Away Opportunities” and click on Kingston University for an active link.
 

When can I study at Kingston?
Semester 1 (Fall) runs from mid September through mid December. Students must arrive prior to the start of the semester for a short orienation program.

 Semester 2 (Spring) begins in late January and ends in early June.

Students are off for a reading week in early April, and then they have a 2 week Easter break in late Apri.
 

Where will I live?
The University has a limited amount of accommodation in halls of residence and this is normally allocated to first year students. Visiting students who are attending for the whole year may apply for a room in a residence hall. Most are self-catering single rooms with shared bathrooms and kitchens but some en suite rooms are available at a slightly higher rent. Students are required to sign an agreement for 40 weeks.

Because of the need to sign up for 40 weeks, accommodation in halls is not practical for students attending for a semester or term, although in the Spring semester a few rooms may be available. For term and semester students, we recommend lodgings in local homes within easy traveling distance of the various sites. The accommodation is always a single room in a home and self-catering –which means you have access to the kitchen for he preparation of meals- and with a shared bedroom. Our Accommodation Office will locate lodgings for you.

Many students would prefer a flat or a bed-sit where there is no resident landlord. Students must rely on their own efforts to find such accommodation. It is scarce and expensive and we do not recommend students to do this. Details of letting agents in the area will be sent to the students on request.

More information about housing options and estiamted costs can be found on the Kingston Study Abroad website.

 
How Much Will it Cost?
Students who attend Kingston University pay a reduced rate for tuition and fees. Students pay locally for room and meals and costs will vary depending on the housing option selected. Budges are available in the International Prorgrams office at 101 Payson Smith.
 

Do I need a Visa?

Maybe. If you will be studying in the UK for 6 months or more you definitely need to apply for and receive an entry permit (or visa)  BEFORE you leave the US.  Once accepted into UCW they will mail you additional information on applying for a visa, but in the meantime you can visit http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/doineedavisa  

If you will be studying at UCW for less than 6 months you do not need a visa, but you may want to consider obtaining an entry permit (even if you do not need one as it allows limited work opportunities.)

 

Can I Work?
Immigration regulations allow US citizens enrolled in a course of study in the UK to work up to 20 hours per week. However, students should not count on being able to work while studying in the United Kingdom as jobs can be somewhat limited.  The process for obtaining work permission varies depending on the length of time you will be studying in the UK.
 

What about Summer?

Kingston University offers a great summer program that begins in late June and runs through the end of July. Students may take 1 or 2 courses in specific topics. Possible subjects include British Art and Culture, Museums, Theater, Shakespeare and International Business just to name a few. More information is available in the International Exchange Office or check out the Kingston Summer website.
 
For more information go directly to the
 Kingston University website.
 
 
Back to the USM International Exchange homepage