The contribution the university sector makes to the UK economy has increased by 25 per cent from four years ago, according to a report for Universities UK. 

Students make a significant economic contribution, and Kingston University estimates that the full time student body contributed over £72m to the local economy in 2008. It estimates that full-time students spend on average £4,000 a year each on food and entertainment in Kingston. 

Emily Moseley, a third year English Literature student, said: “£4,000 seems a lot, but yes probably more in the first year. Now I am spending less and less each year going out only once every three weeks.”

“It is easy to spend a lot in Kingston though,” added Janea Minar, a third year English Literature student.

First year biomedical science student Farida Majidy said: “We spend a lot!” Coursemate Nadia Werfalli  added she spends more time at the Westfield shopping centre than Kingston: “If I’m not at uni I’m there – it’s got everything!”

The impact university spending has on the local and national economy is significant in the recession, with the university helping to support projects like the Rose Theatre and the opening of a training and skills centre to support local people through the recession.

Vice Chancellor Professor Sir Peter Scott said: “There will be no weakening of Kingston’s core commitments.”  But he also suggested that there may be a slowing down in the growth of the university while the future of the economy is unclear.

The university is also a major employer in the area with over 2,000 permanent staff thousands more part-time staff, and it is continuing to recruit with 121 jobs created last year.