Over the winter vacation, the University is closed from Wed 21 December to Tues 3 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!<\/p>\n
Check what you need to do before the holidays begin<\/strong><\/p>\n 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. If you live in part-catered accommodation, you will need to book vacation accommodation online<\/a>.<\/p>\n Notify the University of your plans<\/strong><\/p>\n If you live in University accommodation, fill out the online form<\/a> before Wed 14 December to let your accommodation know that you\u2019re planning to stay. You can sign up for email notifications about activities taking place and it will enable us to ensure they can be sustainable in their energy use. If 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 Christmas goody bag<\/strong><\/p>\n If you\u2019re staying on campus over the break, pick up your free Christmas goody bag, available from Nexus in the Templeman Library from 19-20 December or the Oasis Lounge in the Rochester Building in Medway from 19 December.<\/p>\n Be aware of services available (and unavailable) over the vacation<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The Student Support and Wellbeing offices will be open until 20 December, reopening on 4 January. During this period, you can find details of contacts available to support you here<\/a>. Plus, check out their handy guide to coping with difficult feelings during the holidays<\/a>.<\/p>\n Be aware of campus closure times<\/strong><\/p>\n It\u2019s common for shops to close on 25th<\/sup> and 26th<\/sup> December, so ensure you don\u2019t get caught out by double checking campus winter closure details<\/a> well in advance.<\/p>\n Join the Winter Buddy Scheme<\/strong><\/p>\n A non-academic support scheme organised by Kent Union, providing opportunities to connect with other students across the University. You\u2019ll be matched on the basis of your preferences \u2013 things like hobbies and interests and level of study. Sign up<\/a> by 5pm on Friday 16 December to be paired with a buddy.<\/p>\n Attend the Winter Wonderland Global Hangout<\/strong><\/p>\n All international students who are staying on campus over the winter break are invited along to the Winter Break Global Hangout to Hyde Park\u2019s Winter Wonderland<\/a> on 21st<\/sup> December. Book your place to enjoy thrilling rides, magical ice sculptures, Christmas markets and street food (ice rink and additional attractions require advanced booking). Tickets will cost \u00a35 and include your coach transport on the day.<\/p>\n Stock up on supplies<\/strong><\/p>\n The Plaza Co-op will close from 21 December until 4th<\/sup> January, but the Parkwood Co-op will only be closed on 25th<\/sup> and 26th<\/sup> December. Make sure you stock up on fresh supplies to get you through the Christmas closure period.<\/p>\n Take time to rest and reset<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Get some fresh air<\/strong><\/p>\n 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<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n Whatever your plans over the winter vacation, we hope you have a wonderful time!<\/p>\n For more information about staying on campus over the winter vacation, see the University of Kent Christmas on Campus<\/a> page.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"