{"id":1190,"date":"2025-10-14T12:01:38","date_gmt":"2025-10-14T11:01:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/accommodation\/?p=1190"},"modified":"2025-10-14T12:07:17","modified_gmt":"2025-10-14T11:07:17","slug":"exploring-campus-after-arrivals-top-tips-for-settling-in-at-kent","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/accommodation\/exploring-campus-after-arrivals-top-tips-for-settling-in-at-kent\/","title":{"rendered":"Exploring Campus After Arrivals: Top Tips for Settling in at Kent"},"content":{"rendered":"

Exploring campus after arriving on-site can feel particularly daunting, yet also incredibly exciting. Here are some of my top tips for getting the most out of your first week on campus and beyond!<\/p>\n

Using the Online Map<\/strong><\/h3>\n

After you arrive on campus, there is a high chance you may want to explore the nearby area. I highly suggest using the online map<\/a> that the university has to make your navigation easier. As the campus is spread over 300 acres, and while getting lost is pretty much impossible as everything is wonderfully signposted, I found that having a brief understanding of the area made things a lot calmer to deal with throughout the day.<\/p>\n

While the first place you will arrive upon coming to uni will be the reception of your accommodation (to collect your key) and your room, the other building that was especially important for me was the Templeman Library<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Templeman Library: Your Campus Hub<\/strong><\/h3>\n

In today’s world, the most highly sought-after thing is Wi-Fi, and especially for a university student, getting access to the internet on your devices is a must. I had issues connecting to the Wi-Fi<\/a> on my phone and laptop, and I quickly realised a trip to the IT Support Team<\/a> was necessary. The team can be easily found in the Templeman Library, entering from the main entrance and going right upon entry into Block D, Ground Floor.<\/p>\n

Here, you can ask them questions and get assistance from other students. I remember feeling quite awkward and socially anxious as I got assistance from a Law Student on accessing the Wi-Fi (which I conveniently locked myself out of because I forgot my password and was attempting it too many times), but after a bit of small talk, such as asking about the subject I was taking and about moving in so far, they made me feel very welcome, and the issue was quickly resolved. I also collected a wire to connect to the Wi-Fi through the plug in my room.<\/p>\n

The Templeman Library will also be accessible for you to pick up your Student ID here, which is very important. It\u2019s located on the left entrance, on the main side (facing the beautiful view on the hill toward Canterbury Cathedral) where the lovely caf\u00e9<\/a> run by the Kent Students’ Union<\/a> is conveniently located.<\/p>\n

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Top Tips for Shopping & Food<\/strong><\/h3>\n

While you may arrive at uni with some prior shopping, if you have forgotten anything you need or don\u2019t want to make your way into the gorgeous Canterbury town just yet, the Co-op\u2014found in the Plaza or right next to Woody\u2019s in Parkwood\u2014is the perfect place to get last-minute bits and bobs. (I suggest you invest in the Co-op app<\/a>; it\u2019s only \u00a31, and you save loads of money on offers every week!)<\/p>\n

The Plaza is also very handy, as there are always food trucks selling all sorts of cuisine throughout the academic year. Caf\u00e9 Nero and Blackwell\u2019s bookshop are sweet little places that I\u2019m sure you will step into once or twice for a quick coffee!<\/p>\n

The Venue and the Kent Students’ Union are also located here. The Venue will be busy every night during Freshers with some amazing events! The same can be said for Parkwood\u2019s small plaza, where Woody\u2019s is located<\/a>. It\u2019s a lovely bar that does seasonal food and offers drinks for society days out, with a Co-op right next door and practice studios upstairs that can be booked out.<\/p>\n

Exploring with Others<\/strong><\/h3>\n

I found that the best, most rewarding way to explore campus is with others. During Freshers’ Week, I attended the society fair and had a little wander around the plaza, exploring and collecting free items alongside flatmates or recently met coursemates. I also went on a walk with my flatmates to get to know them more. We walked to all our lecture buildings and discussed how Freshers was going, etc.<\/p>\n

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The Best Spots on Campus<\/strong><\/h3>\n