Over the winter vacation, the University is closed from Fri 20th December to Wed 1st January. If you\u2019re planning on staying on campus over the winter break, make sure you\u2019re fully informed about what\u2019s available and what isn\u2019t. Here are our top tips!<\/p>\n
Catering<\/strong><\/p>\n Self-catered: If you live in self-catered accommodation, you don\u2019t need to move out over the winter break, but make sure you follow the University\u2019s vacation checklist<\/a> before you go.<\/p>\n Part-catered: If you live in\u00a0part-catered accommodation\u00a0where the vacation periods are not included in your contract you will need to move out or\u00a0book vacation accommodation online<\/a> 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\u00a0leaving checklist<\/a>\u00a0so that your accommodation is ready for when you come back.<\/p>\n Make sure to also familiarise yourself with the opening times<\/a> for the bars, caf\u00e9s, and restaurants on campus over break!<\/p>\n Notify the University of your Plans<\/strong><\/p>\n If you are staying on campus between 20 December 2024 and 2 January 2025, please\u00a0complete the\u00a0Staying on Campus form<\/a><\/b>\u00a0so we can ensure the heating remains unaffected within your accommodation.\u00a0If you don\u2019t fill out the form, they will assume you are going away for the winter break, so be sure to let them know if you\u2019re planning to stay.<\/p>\n Pick up your Free Take Home Craft Kit<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Be Aware of Services Available (and unavailable) Over the Vacation<\/strong><\/p>\n For urgent maintenance and non-emergencies,\u00a0Campus Security<\/a>\u00a0is 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.<\/p>\n The\u00a0Student Support and Wellbeing<\/a>\u00a0(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.\u00a0\u00a0During this period, you can find details of contacts available to support you here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Be Aware of Campus Closure Times<\/strong><\/p>\n It\u2019s common for shops to close on 25th<\/sup>\u00a0and 26th<\/sup>\u00a0December, so ensure you don\u2019t get caught out by double checking campus\u00a0winter closure details<\/a>\u00a0well in advance.<\/p>\n Attend the Christmas Craft and Chat<\/strong><\/p>\n Come along on 18th December in the Library Caf\u00e9 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\u2019s happening in the local area! Sign up here for the Christmas Craft and Chat.<\/a><\/p>\n Request a Winter Parcel<\/strong><\/p>\n 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).\u00a0Complete this form to request your parcel.<\/a> These will also be available to collect from w\/c 16th December.<\/span><\/p>\n Stock up on Supplies<\/strong><\/p>\n The Plaza Co-op will close from 20th December until 2nd January, but the Parkwood Co-op will only be closed on 25th<\/sup>\u00a0and 26th<\/sup> December, and 1st January 2025. Make sure you stock up on fresh supplies to get you through the Winter closure period.<\/p>\n Attend the GLL New Year’s Dinner<\/strong><\/p>\n Come along to Global and Lifelong Learning’s New Year\u2019s 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 \u00a36.50! Sign up for the New Year’s Dinner\u00a0here<\/a>.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Take time to rest and reset<\/strong><\/p>\n You\u2019ve worked hard this year and you\u2019ve earned a break! Make the most of the vacation by ensuring that you take the rest you need.<\/p>\n Get some fresh air<\/strong><\/p>\n It\u2019s cold outside, but don\u2019t 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\u00a0Crab and Winkle Way<\/a>\u00a0which 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.<\/p>\n Whatever your plans over the winter vacation, we hope you have a wonderful time!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n For more information about staying on campus over the winter vacation, see the University of Kent\u00a0Christmas on Campus<\/a>\u00a0page.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"