This is our guide to our January Welcome Week, including what’s on and what you’ll need to do!
You’ve arrived, you’ve checked in to your accommodation, so what’s next? January Welcome Week takes place from 23-27th January. It’s a perfect opportunity to familiarize yourself with the campus, meet new people, make friends and join our community!
Things you’ll need to do
Firstly, you’ll want to register as a University of Kent student. In order to do this, you’ll need to have enrolled online. Look out for an email titled ‘How to Enrol’ in your Kent Vision in-tray and follow the instructions to complete enrolment.
Registration will take place once you have enrolled. You’ll receive an email when registration is complete. Make sure you register by Friday 10th February (or Monday 30th January if you’re a Kent Business School student).
Next, you’ll want to collect your KentOne student ID card. Head to the Nexus, the one-stop student helpdesk in the Templeman Library, from Monday 9 January to pick up your card. You’ll need to wait 48 hours after receiving your registration confirmation before collecting it.
You’ll also want to make sure you’ve registered for the modules you’d like to study. You can do this online and you’ll need to make your choices by Friday 27th January (i.e., the end of Welcome Week).
And you’ll definitely want to download the Uni Kent Student Mobile App! You’ll get quick access to Moodle, emails and Kent Vision, plus details of events, news and details of how to access support.
Plus, you’ll want to check your University of Kent email regularly throughout the week to make sure you’re aware of any Welcome Events taking place in your individual academic school or for your chosen degree course. Make sure you attend these events to ensure you have all the information you need to begin your studies.
Events you’ll definitely want to attend
- Tuesday 24th January, Main Hall, Sports Centre, 10am-3pm – The Big Fair 2023
Don’t miss The Big Fair, your opportunity to join student groups and societies, find out about key services, volunteering and job opportunities, meet landlords to find out about accommodation options, and receive tons of freebies and information. It’s a great way to learn about what the University community has to offer and find out where you fit in!
- Wednesday 25th January, 2-4pm, Darwin Conference Suites – Welcome Week Global Hangout
The University’s Global Hangouts are termly events organised by our student Global Officers, and they’re an excellent way to meet new people and make new friends! Come along to our Welcome Week special Global Hangout, where you’ll enjoy free refreshments, fun activities, and lots of opportunities to find out about key services across the University.
- Thursday 26th January, 2-3.30pm, Online – International Wellbeing Group
Are you an international student at Kent? Meet other international students online at this virtual weekly peer support group.
- Friday 27th January, 6-8pm, K-Bar – Keynes Pub Quiz
Bring your film knowledge to this fun, informal movie-themed student quiz. Gather a team or turn up and join one on the day.
Places to seek out and explore
Find where your School is based
Each of Kent’s academic schools is situated in a particular part of the campus. Find out which building your academic school is in and where your school’s reception area is (if it has one) in case you have any enquiries.
Explore the campus restaurants, bars and cafes
There are over 12 eateries on campus, from bars like K-Bar and Woody’s to cafes like Dolche Vita and Gulbenkian Cafe. You can find halal, gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan dining options; just check the dietary requirements information to find out what’s available.
Find out where key support services and amenities are
- Visit the Templeman Library in the centre of campus, where you can access a vast collection of books, e-books, journals and multimedia resources.
- Look out for Student Support and Wellbeing situated behind the Keynes College building, where you can get access to a wide range of support and wellbeing services
- Register online with the Medical Centre located on Giles Lane or look out for the Nursing Services building next to Campus Security
- Join the Sports Centre to get active and participate in a range of classes and activities
- Find your nearest Co-op shop (there’s one in Parkwood and one on the Main Plaza).
Take a walk or a bus into Canterbury
You can catch a bus into town from the bus stops outside Darwin College, Keynes College and in Parkwood. Bus fare will set you back a few pounds and you can use cash or a contactless card to pay the driver for your ticket.
Or why not take the Eliot footpath or Whitstable Road down the hill and head into town on foot?
Welcome Week Benefits
Welcome Week provides a great opportunity for you to find your feet, explore your surroundings at your own pace, and settle in before your studies begin. Events organised by your individual School or Department will introduce you to your courses, while University-wide events provide the chance to meet new people, make new friends and learn about services available to you.
Make the most of Welcome Week by using the time to find out about your course, your campus and your community!