Most students start at Kent in September, however for some courses you’ll be getting ready to arrive on campus in January. Here’s what you need to know about applying for accommodation.
Firstly, let’s start with the big question, you’ll need to apply for accommodation online between 1 November and mid December (depending on your course). We offer accommodation on a first come-first-served basis so it’s always a good idea to apply as early as possible. As long as you apply before 8 December, you are guaranteed to receive an offer of accommodation at one of our campuses. You’ll then hear from us about your application before the University closes for the Christmas break in December.
Secondly, lots of the prices you see on our website are for September starters. As you will only be staying with us for part of the year, you will be allocated and only charged accommodation fees that match the duration of your course rather than the whole academic year. The best way to get an idea of what you’ll need to pay is to look at the termly amounts as listed on our prices webpage for Canterbury.
With that, here’s what you need to know about applying for accommodation and arriving as a January starter.
Ok good news, it’s easy to apply. Our online application pages open on 1 November 2023 for January 2024 arrivals, after this date just create an account and follow the on-screen instructions. This is exactly the same process that students who are due to start in September, which leads us to the two biggest questions we’re asked:
How do I apply?
Online through the MyAccommodation Portal found on the University of Kent Accommodation website.
To start an application you will need to register for an account. Only your surname (as on your UCAS application), date of birth, and Kent Applicant ID number (found at the top of any correspondence from the University) is needed to create a new username and password. It’s a good idea to use your personal email address rather than your school email address so that you can access any emails we send you. Keep a note of your username and password so you can always log in to start or edit your accommodation application.
If you’re applying for Canterbury, you’ll be asked to select four room choices in your order of preference. A maximum of two of these can be en-suite, however, please be aware that there is limited availability of en-suite accommodation options and we would recommend considering prioritising non-en-suite accommodation choices. Which rooms you apply for depends upon what you are looking for in your new home. If you’re unsure, give our ‘What accommodation is right for me?’ post a quick read first and take a look around our website.
If you’re applying for Medway, then you’ve got it a little easier as all our rooms in Pier Quays are en-suite so there’s only one type of room you can select when making your application. Find out more about life at Pier Quays on our website.
When should I apply?
You should submit your application before Friday 8 December 2023 if you are an exchange, postgraduate or UKIC student in order to receive your guaranteed offer.
When you receive your offer will depend on your application date, however, if you have applied before the 8th then you will be contacted by us (using the email address you applied with) on/before Wednesday 20 December 2023. If you’ve applied for Canterbury accommodation then the email will come from us in the Accommodation Office, whereas if you have applied for accommodation in Medway keep your eyes open for an email from Unite Students (this is the company that manages Pier Quays) as they will be sending you your offer information.
All accommodation offers are made on a first-come, first-served basis and subject to availability so when you apply please give enough time between your application and arrival date for this to be processed.
Should you apply after the dates mentioned above for either Canterbury or Medway accommodation, you will also need to email us in the Accommodation Office to let us know you have applied.
Arrivals advice
If you are a University of Kent International College (UKIC) student you should aim to arrive on Saturday 6 January 2024, postgraduate students should aim to arrive on campus for Thursday 11 January 2024.
There will be welcome events taking place across campus from that week onwards from Kent Union, the ResLife team and your academic department so keep an eye on your emails for what’s happening. Obviously, plans can change and you may not be able to travel or arrive on the 8 January, if that happens don’t worry, just let us know if your arrival will be delayed beyond the start of your course.
You will be asked to accept your offer in our MyAccommodation Portal before completing your accommodation e-induction. At the end of this process, you’ll be asked to register your arrival date, which will let us know when you are aiming to arrive on campus. You can also log in to the MyAccommodation Portal to update your expected arrival date up to 48 hours before you’re due to arrive (any later than this just email us).