Everything you need to know about applying for accommodation and arriving in September
Let’s start with the big one: when can you apply for accommodation?
Applications open online from mid-January, and if you apply before 30 June, you’re guaranteed to receive an accommodation offer from us. Win!
Missed the 30 June deadline? Don’t worry, you can still apply after that date, but offers will then be made on a first come, first served basis, depending on availability. So, if you’ve got your heart set on campus living, it’s best to get your application in early. You’ll hear back from us about your application after A-Level results day (from 14 August onwards) – so keep an eye on your inbox around that time.
How do I apply?
You can apply online through the MyAccommodation Portal, available on the University of Kent Accommodation website.
To get started, you’ll need to register for an account. It’s quick and easy – just make sure you have the following to hand:
🔹 Your surname (as it appears on your UCAS application)
🔹 Your date of birth
🔹 Your Kent Applicant ID number (you’ll find this at the top of any emails or letters from us)
We recommend using your personal email address instead of a school one, so you don’t miss any important updates over summer. And don’t forget to save your username and password somewhere safe – you’ll need them to return to your application later.
If you’re applying for Canterbury, you’ll be asked to choose four room preferences (with a maximum of two en-suite). En-suite rooms are limited, so we recommend including non-en-suite options in your preferences to boost your chances. Not sure what to choose? Our ‘Your guide to university accommodation’ guide and the website are great places to start.
If you’re applying for Medway, it’s even simpler – all rooms at Pier Quays are en-suite, so there’s just one room type to select. You can find out more about Pier Quays and student life at Medway on our website.
When should I apply?
To guarantee an offer of accommodation, you should submit your application by Monday 30 June 2025.
After that, offers will still be made, but it’s on a first-come, first-served basis and subject to availability, so the earlier you apply, the better your chances of getting one of your preferred room types.
📅 Key dates and details:
-
Apply by 30 June 2025 to guarantee an offer
-
Accommodation offers are sent out from 14 August onwards
-
Offers are made in the order applications are received
📩 Who your offer comes from depends on your campus:
-
If you’re applying for Canterbury, your offer email will come from the Accommodation Office
-
If you’re applying for Medway, you’ll hear from Unite Students (they manage Pier Quays)
🔁 For UG, Adjustment and Clearing applicants:
You’ll need to apply for accommodation online and make sure to select yes when asked if you require university accommodation as part of the Clearing application process. Once that’s done, your details will be sent directly to our Accommodation Office.
Arrivals Advice
We recommend that all students aim to arrive during Arrivals Weekend – Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 September 2025.
From that week onwards, there’ll be a range of welcome events hosted by Kent Union, the ResLife team, and your academic department – so keep an eye on your emails for updates and invites!
✈️ Can’t arrive on Arrivals Weekend?
No stress. We know plans can change. If you’re going to be delayed beyond the start of your course, just let us know so we can support you.
🧳 Before you arrive
You’ll need to:
-
Accept your accommodation offer via the MyAccommodation Portal
-
Complete your accommodation e-induction
-
Register your arrival date at the end of the induction process
Changed your plans? You can update your arrival date in the MyAccommodation Portal up to 48 hours before you’re due. After that, just drop us an email.
📦 Need help getting ready?
Check out our Arrivals webpage – it’s full of useful info on:
-
Where to collect your keys
-
What to pack
-
What to expect when you get here
-
Advice from current students
Ready to make Kent your home?
Whether you’re excited, nervous, or somewhere in between – we’ve got you. From applying for accommodation to settling in and finding your people, we’re here to help every step of the way. So get your application in, keep an eye on your emails, and start getting excited for the adventure ahead. We can’t wait to welcome you in September!