The University’s halls of residence include some accommodation that is accessible or adapted for disabled students. Wherever possible, we will further adapt accommodation to meet your individual needs.

Living in halls

Living away from home can be a daunting prospect, especially if you have health concerns, a disability or need additional support. Kingston University can provide support and make adjustments for you in University accommodation. You will need to let us know what your requirements are in advance so we can discuss what adjustments can be made for you.

If you have specific room requirements, you will need to notify both the Disability and Mental Health Service, and the Accommodation Team. Examples include needing an en-suite room due to a disability or impairment, or requiring a fridge to store medication in for a specific medical condition. For further details, check out our adapted and accessible accommodation page.

Complex conditions

If you have a complex condition, which calls for more extensive accommodation adjustment requirements, you should get in contact with us as early as possible. Examples include needing powered doors or a hoist.

We can also help arrange a visit to the University, so you can view our accommodation.

Applying for accommodation

When applying for accommodation, you will be invited to access the booking site via the accommodation web portal. You must make all requests clear on the application form. For example, if you need an automated door, a wet room, a ground floor room, en-suite facilities, a deaf alerter and any other requirements.

The Accommodation Team will allocate rooms using this information. Therefore, it is vital you give as much information as possible so the team can allocate you the most appropriate room.

Personal care support

Students who require daily personal care or assistance to live independently should contact the social services team from their local authority to discuss the options available to them. This will only be available for students who are based in the UK.

Organising a support package can take between 6 and 12 months. It is vital therefore that you contact your local social services team as early as possible. This will enable the funding to be organised and the appropriate support package to be in place from your first day at University. Kingston University are unable to fund or provide personal care support.

International students should make sure that they have funding in place, if they require care, before starting at the University.

Applying to stay in halls of residence after your first year

If you are an undergraduate student who can show a disability-related reason for needing to stay in halls of residence after the first year of study, you can apply to stay in halls of residence for the next academic year. Priority is however given to students whose disability would prevent them from living in the private sector e.g. students who require adapted accommodation.

You will need to be registered with the Disability and Mental Health Service and complete an application form and, if you haven’t done so already, submit supporting evidence of your need to remain in halls of residence.

Decisions are made by a panel, usually in the spring/summer term, and are based on the priority of need.

If you would like to discuss staying in halls of residence after your first year, please contact us.

If you have specific accommodation requirements, please contact our disability advisers to discuss your requirements. It is important to give as much information as possible so that the Disability and Mental Health Service can make the most appropriate recommendations for a room best suited to your needs. You will be asked to provide medical evidence to support your application for an adapted room.

Email address: disability@kingston.ac.uk
Phone number: +44 (0)20 8417 6000 (Option 2 for the Information Centre)