Over the winter vacation, the University is closed from Fri 20th December to Wed 1st January. If you’re planning on staying on campus over the winter break, make sure you’re fully informed about what’s available and what isn’t. Here are our top tips!
Catering
Self-catered: If you live in self-catered accommodation, you don’t need to move out over the winter break, but make sure you follow the University’s vacation checklist before you go.
Part-catered: If you live in part-catered accommodation where the vacation periods are not included in your contract you will need to move out or book vacation accommodation online at least one week before you are due to move out if you wish to stay on campus. When leaving your room we kindly ask you follow our leaving checklist so that your accommodation is ready for when you come back.
Make sure to also familiarise yourself with the opening times for the bars, cafés, and restaurants on campus over break!
Notify the University of your Plans
If you are staying on campus between 20 December 2024 and 2 January 2025, please complete the Staying on Campus form so we can ensure the heating remains unaffected within your accommodation. If you don’t fill out the form, they will assume you are going away for the winter break, so be sure to let them know if you’re planning to stay.
Pick up your Free Take Home Craft Kit
Kent Union have put together craft kits to keep you busy during the Winter Break; do them by yourself or get together with some others staying on campus over the break and craft together. Thanks to to Student Support and Wellbeing and Student Experience for providing some extra goodies! The link to book your kit and for collection times can be found here: Take Home Craft Kits | Kent Union.
Be Aware of Services Available (and unavailable) Over the Vacation
For urgent maintenance and non-emergencies, Campus Security is available 24 hours a day, all year. College and accommodation receptions will be closed over the break. All launderettes will be open except those in Keynes College, so you will need to use a different one over the break. Catering outlets will be closed over the Christmas break.
The Student Support and Wellbeing (SSW) reception is open until 17:00 on Thursday 19 December. It will then be closed from Friday 20 December and re-open Thursday 2 January. During this period, you can find details of contacts available to support you here.
Be Aware of Campus Closure Times
It’s common for shops to close on 25th and 26th December, so ensure you don’t get caught out by double checking campus winter closure details well in advance.
Attend the Christmas Craft and Chat
Come along on 18th December in the Library Café to this relaxed session where you can connect with other students staying on or near campus, and join in with some seasonal activities; festive crafting, making tree decorations, decorating gingerbread biscuits, and finding out what’s happening in the local area! Sign up here for the Christmas Craft and Chat.
Request a Winter Parcel
With Mandela being closed for the break, the Pantry will be unavailable, so students needing a some assistance this winter break will be able to request a parcel with supplemental food. The parcels are pre-made bundles containing core items such as cereal, pasta, tinned fruit and tinned veg, as well as other items. (Note- These are just examples of what the parcels may contain, and not an exhaustive list). Complete this form to request your parcel. These will also be available to collect from w/c 16th December.
Stock up on Supplies
The Plaza Co-op will close from 20th December until 2nd January, but the Parkwood Co-op will only be closed on 25th and 26th December, and 1st January 2025. Make sure you stock up on fresh supplies to get you through the Winter closure period.
Attend the GLL New Year’s Dinner
Come along to Global and Lifelong Learning’s New Year’s Dinner on Monday 6 January 2025, in Rutherford Dining Hall. This is a great opportunity to meet with other students who have stayed on campus for the winter break, and will include a traditional 2-course dinner alongside an evening of relaxed games and activities, for only £6.50! Sign up for the New Year’s Dinner here.
Take time to rest and reset
You’ve worked hard this year and you’ve earned a break! Make the most of the vacation by ensuring that you take the rest you need.
Get some fresh air
It’s cold outside, but don’t hibernate for too long! The Canterbury campus has lots of green spaces and woodland to explore. Try to get at least half an hour of outside time every day. Why not explore the Crab and Winkle Way which starts at the edge of the Sports Field behind Parkwood? Or take the opportunity to explore the city of Canterbury while the shops are shut.
Whatever your plans over the winter vacation, we hope you have a wonderful time!
For more information about staying on campus over the winter vacation, see the University of Kent Christmas on Campus page.