Kingston University last week received a 5.3% increase in its government grant for research and teaching. The Higher Education Funding Council for England announced that Kingston would receive £73.3m in 2009/10. The average national increase was 4%, while a number of universities, including the London School of Economics, saw their funding reduced.

A Kingston student won Microsoft’s 'Intern of the Year' award after a process he created was used by the computer giant’s worldwide sales force.  George Avlastimovas, a Business Information Technology student, came up with a new form for staff requesting bonuses while on a placement as part of his course.  He said that the internship gave him “a fantastic opportunity to shape and mould the role to suit my skills.”

A money saving scheme has been extended to the Penryhn Road campus. Lecturers and students who bring their own mug to the Picton Room will receive a 5p discount off any hot drink. The scheme, already trialling at Kingston Hill, was introduced in a bid to encourage sustainability and cut back on packaging produced by the university. If successful, it will be extended to all the foodstores.

Gorgeous George the cat is much loved and petted by the residents and staff at Middle Mill Halls, but, his cheeky antics have got him into trouble.  He can often be found pacing the car park meowing at passers by, lounging in reception or nipping into halls for extra strokes.  However, halls management are now concerned that this felicitous feline is breaching the licence and have put up a sign asking students to prevent him sneaking into bedrooms and becoming overfed.

One of the leading lights behind the Rose Theatre received an honorary degree from Kingston University last month in the building he helped to create.Robin Hutchinson, 50, worked for over 25 years to bring the theatre to reality.  The former director of communications and fundraising for Guide Dogs for the Blind said: “To be recognised by Kingston University was a wonderful honour and to receive it at The Rose was incredibly special.”Click here for more.