Welcome to Kent! As a first-year student on the Canterbury campus, you will have FREE Kent Sport Premium Plus membership soon after you arrive. Your membership gives you access to the gym, all fitness and dance classes, indoor and outdoor sport bookings, social activity sessions with the ALL Active team, and much more.
If you’re returning for the next year of study, there are loads of free events and taster sessions for you to get involved in. Check out the below for details on how to participate.
Here’s a quick guide to some of the things you can do with Kent Sport when you arrive on campus:
Create your online booking account
This is a must! In order to book recreational sports, fitness and dance classes, Kent Sports Clinic appointments, and social sports sessions, you will need to create or update your online booking account with Kent Sport. This is really easy to do and only takes a minute. You will need your Kent email address to create your account. Check out our blog post about creating or updating your online booking account if you have any problems. You can also view our online booking system guidance blog post for information on how to use the system.
Please note: booking for the gym isn’t required.
Book Welcome events
With so much to do on campus, it’s difficult to know where to start. The Kent Union events calendar on the Kent Union website has loads of fantastic events to get involved in, including Kent Sport events, and they are open to all September and January arrival students.
View the timetable of events from across the University.
Attend the Welcome Fairs
University of Kent Welcome Fairs are open to all students (new and returning) and are the biggest and best opportunity to meet all our amazing student groups and find out everything the University has to offer you! Have a walk around all our stalls and discover which activities and sports you can take part in throughout the year.
Welcome Fair for September arrivals is on Thursday 21 and Friday 22 September 2023, 10am to 4pm on the main campus (outside the Mandela building).
Kent Union’s Big Fair will take place in the main hall at the Sports Centre on 23 January 2024, from 10am to 3pm.
Club taster sessions
Sports clubs, run by Kent Union, will be offering free taster sessions during the first two weeks of term one, from Monday 25 September. Speak with our club members at the Welcome Fair (see above) to find out more about our club taster sessions and when these will be taking place.
Use the Kent Sport facilities
Kent Sport facilities are open from the day you arrive on campus. As a first-year student, you will have free membership with us, so, once you’ve created your online account (see above), you’re free to start using the wide-range of facilities across campus. Fancy a game of badminton? Book a court in the Sports Centre. Want to use the gym? Just visit the Sports Centre and check-in at the kiosks or reception.
Get involved in social sports and activities
If you’re looking for something a bit more relaxed, then join our Sports Development team on the ALL Active programme. These fun, social sessions are for all abilities and everyone is welcome to attend. ALL Active sessions are free to all Kent Sport Premium Plus members. You can see the full timetable of weekly activities on the ALL Active webpage.