Winter vacation is just around the corner! As you’re probably aware, the University closes its doors for a festive break on Friday 20 December 2024, reopening on Thursday 2 January 2025.
So, what does this mean for you?
Self-catered accommodation
If you live in self-catered accommodation, you don’t need to move out over the festive break. You are welcome to stay, although as you might expect, the campus will be operating a little differently.
If you intend to stay, just let us know by Wednesday 11 December 2024. If on the other hand, you’re lucky enough to be off for winter vacation to a sunny, hot, deserted island (we wish) you’ll need to check out this helpful leaving checklist so your accommodation is all good to go when you return.
Accommodation with a meal plan
Our accommodations with a meal plan don’t include the winter break, so you’ll need to move out of your accommodation for this period. Meal plans will come to an end for the vacation period from Saturday 14 December 2024 – Saturday 11 January 2025. Vacation accommodation is available on a self-catered basis only and you will have access to a kitchen to cook your own meals.
For Becket Court and Keynes College (blocks F, G ,H and I) you’ll need to move out by 10am on Saturday 14 December 2024 and can return from Saturday 11 January 2025. Meanwhile, Eliot and Rutherford residents will need to leave before Thursday 19 December 2024, returning Thursday 2 January 2025.
However, if you want to stay, we can make your Christmas wish come true! You’ll just need to book your vacation accommodation online, at least one week before you are meant to move out. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to stay in your usual accommodation or access this space over the closure, though you can safely leave any belongings you don’t need locked in your room.
Check out our Vacation Accommodation page for further details about moving out of Keynes, Eliot and Rutherford College and Becket Court and available vacation accommodation.
What do I need to do before leaving?
Before you head off, look over our checklist to ensure your accommodation is in tip-top condition for your return in the New Year. To get you started:
- Pack up your belongings and take all important items with you
- Turn off and unplug all electrical items (except the fridge!)
- Put the rubbish out and clean out any perishable foods from the fridge – no one wants to return to a mouldy lettuce!
- Close any windows (leaving the vent open) and lock all doors
- Collect any mail/parcels from your letterbox/reception
- If you live in part-catered accommodation, you’ll also need to return your fob to reception to reactivate it for the next term. Make sure you don’t forget this one as it’s important.
Staying with us
If you are planning on staying on campus for a festive Kentish Christmas, please remember to let us know using our form by Wednesday 11 December 2024.
If you’ve booked vacation accommodation because you are a meal-plan student, you can collect your vacation room key from Darwin Reception on Friday 13 December (Keynes and Becket students) or Thursday 19 December (Eliot and Rutherford students). You can start moving your belongings from this date, with ample time to put up the decorations, should you be inclined!
Remember all meal plans (including purchased Flex Catering Packages) will end on Saturday 14 December 2024 and restart on Saturday 11 January 2025, and limited catering outlets may be open during the intervening period.
Welcome back in 2025!
We look forward to seeing you return to Kent in the New Year!
We wish you all a fantastic winter break, however you choose to spend it!