January starters: What you need to know if you have a meal plan included in your accommodation

Welcome to Campus Life!

As you prepare for your arrival at the University of Kent this January, we want to make sure you’re fully informed about your Flex Meal Plan and accommodation details. Here’s everything you need to know to plan for a smooth start to your term.


A Flex Meal Plan: What You Need to Know

The Flex Meal Plan is a fantastic part of our Accommodation with a meal plan package, giving residents £14 per day (2025/26) to spend on food at a variety of campus cafés, restaurants, and bars during term time. This means you’ll have plenty of options to explore and enjoy!

However, as the meal plan only covers term time, it will not be available until Saturday 10 January 2026. If you’re arriving before this date, don’t worry – you’ll still have access to:

  • Campus catering outlets and the Co-op Shop (open with limited hours)
  • Local shops and takeaways in the area.

For details on catering outlet opening times, check out our catering page. Regular operating hours will resume on Monday 12 January 2026.

A female student holding a try and plating up food from the serery


Temporary Accommodation Discount

This discount applies only to students who have a meal plan included with their accommodation and access to a kitchenette (not a full kitchen).

We understand that students arriving from Thursday 8 January 2026 in Becket Court and Keynes College may not have full catering available until the term officially begins. To compensate for this, we’ll apply a discount of £8.40 per night for Thursday 8 January and Friday 9 January, totalling £16.80.

This discount will be applied manually, so it won’t appear on your initial accommodation invoice. Please remember to deduct £16.80 when making your first payment.


Facilities in Your Accommodation

If you’re staying in Becket Court or Keynes College, which include a meal plan, you’ll find:

  • A small shared kitchenette equipped with a microwave, kettle, and fridge.

Note: There is no oven in this type of accommodation.

Most students will not return to campus until Saturday 10 January 2026, so you may have your accommodation to yourself until then.


Option to Switch to Self-Catering Accommodation

If you’d prefer to move into self-catered accommodation for greater independence, let us know – we’d be happy to look into this for you.

Three housemates sitting around the kitchen table, chatting.


Need Assistance?

We’re here to support you every step of the way. If you have any questions about your accommodation, meal plan, or anything else, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

We look forward to welcoming you to campus soon!