Most students start their journey at Kent in September, but if your course begins in January, you’ll soon be getting ready to join us on campus! Here’s everything you need to know about applying for accommodation and preparing for your arrival.
When to Apply
Applications for January 2025 accommodation open on 1 November 2025.
You’ll need to submit your application by Monday 8 December 2025 (dates may vary slightly depending on your course).
Accommodation is offered on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s best to apply as soon as possible. As long as you apply before 8 December, you’re guaranteed to receive an accommodation offer at one of our campuses.
You’ll hear from us about your application before the University closes for the Christmas break in December.
Accommodation Fees
Most prices listed on our website are for September starters who stay for the full academic year.
As a January starter, you’ll only be charged for the period you’re with us – so your accommodation fees will be adjusted to match the length of your course.
To get an idea of costs, check the termly rates on our Canterbury accommodation prices webpage.
How to Apply
It’s easy to apply! From 1 November 2025, simply visit the MyAccommodation Portal on the University of Kent Accommodation website.
Step 1: Create an account
You’ll need:
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Your surname (as shown on your UCAS application)
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Your date of birth
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Your Kent Applicant ID number (found at the top of any University correspondence)
Keep your username and password safe so you can return to your application at any time.
Choosing Your Accommodation
For Canterbury students
You’ll be asked to select four room choices in order of preference.
A maximum of two can be en-suite, but please note that en-suite rooms are limited. We recommend including non-en-suite options to increase your chances of securing a place.
Not sure which accommodation is right for you? Check out our What accommodation is right for me? blog and explore the options on our website.
For Medway students
All rooms at Pier Quays are en-suite, so your choice is simple! You’ll still need to apply through the MyAccommodation Portal. You can find out more about life at Pier Quays.
Application Deadlines and Offers
If you’re an exchange, postgraduate, or UK International College (UKIC) student, apply before Monday 8 December 2025 to receive your guaranteed offer.
You’ll receive your accommodation offer by Wednesday 17 December 2025 via email:
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Canterbury students: Your offer will come from the Accommodation Office.
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Medway students: Look out for an email from Unite Students, who manage Pier Quays.
If you apply after 8 December, please also email the Accommodation Office to let us know you’ve submitted a late application.
Arrivals Advice
If you’re a UKIC or postgraduate student, you should plan to arrive on Thursday 8 January 2026.
There will be plenty of welcome events organised by Kent Union, the ResLife team, and your academic department – so keep an eye on your emails for details.
If your travel plans change and you can’t arrive on 8 January, don’t worry. Just let us know if your arrival will be delayed beyond the start of your course.
Before You Arrive
Once you receive your accommodation offer:
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Accept your offer in the MyAccommodation Portal.
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Complete your e-induction.
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Register your arrival date – this tells us when to expect you on campus.
You can update your arrival date in the portal up to 48 hours before arrival. If it changes after that, just email us directly.
Get Ready for Kent
To help you prepare, visit our Arrivals webpage for:
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Information on where to collect your keys
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What to bring for your new home
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Next steps before moving in
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Tips and advice from current students
We can’t wait to welcome you to Kent this January!
If you have any questions, please get in touch with the Accommodation Team – we’re here to help.