This spring, we are excited to offer a unique opportunity for care-experienced young people aged 14-19 to explore university life through a free, three-day non-residential programme. Hosted across the Canterbury campuses of Canterbury Christ Church University, the University of Kent, and the University for the Creative Arts, this event introduces students to what it means to be a university student, offering a hands-on, interactive experience of university life.
What’s in Store?
Throughout the three days, participants will:
- Explore Campuses: Take part in on-campus sessions at each of the three universities in Canterbury. See what it’s really like to study at a university and get to know the spaces where learning happens.
- Meet Student Ambassadors: You’ll work closely with friendly student ambassadors who will share their own university experiences, answer your questions, and guide you through activities designed to give you a taste of student life.
- Discover University Subjects: Whether you’re interested in the arts, science, or something else, you’ll have the chance to try creative workshops and subject insight sessions that let you explore the range of opportunities universities offer.
- Insights into University Life: Get the chance to dine in university canteens, learn in the classrooms, and meet university staff.
- Learn About University Options: Find out about pathways to university and how students get there.
- Have Fun and Be Creative: From hands-on activities to team-building exercises, you’ll have the chance to meet new people and explore your own creativity in a relaxed, supportive environment.
Why Participate?
This programme is designed to give you an introduction to higher education and a sense of what university life is really like. It’s a chance to:
- Gain a better understanding of university life and what being a student involves.
- Experience different university campuses, including the unique offerings of Canterbury’s universities.
- Work alongside supportive student ambassadors who are there to help guide you.
- Take part in fun, engaging workshops that spark your creativity.
- See if university could be part of your future.
When and Where?
The Spring School is Tuesday 08 – Thursday 10 April 2025, 09:30-15:30 each day.
The Spring School will take place over three days at Canterbury Christ Church University, the University of Kent, and the University for the Creative Arts. Each day will involve visits to different campuses, giving you a taste of what studying at these universities is all about.
How to Get Involved
This programme is open to young people who meet the following criteria:
- Care-experienced young people. Being care experienced means you will have spent time living with foster carers under local authority care, in residential care (e.g. a children’s home), looked after at home under a supervision order, or in kinship care with relatives or friends, either officially (e.g. a special guardianship order) or informally without local authority support.
- Aged 14 to 19 years old. in years 9-14 or FE equivalent.
- Residing in Kent and Medway (from any local authority).
You do not need to have a definite plan that you want to go to university in the future, or attend any of the universities in Canterbury. This is an opportunity to explore and see what university might be like. It’s completely free, and lunch will be provided. All you need to bring is yourself and a curiosity about what university could offer you!
Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to explore, create, and discover what your future could hold!
How to Apply
Please complete the application form, and colleagues from Canterbury Christ Church University will be in touch with more details. Please note that if a young person is under 18, we ask that a responsible adult (e.g. foster carer, PA, social worker) complete the form on their behalf. If you are over 18, you are welcome to complete the form yourself.
Deadline for applications: Friday 21 March 2025. If you have any enquiries, please contact SCE@canterbury.ac.uk.
Opening Doors Spring School 2025 Application Form
About Opening Doors
Opening Doors is a collaborative programme of activities to support care-experienced young people into higher education. the University of Kent, Canterbury Christ Church University, University of the Creative Arts, and Kent and Medway Progression Federation work together on the following events:
- Opening Doors Webinars For Foster Carers and Supporters: Insight into higher education for care-experienced learners
- Opening Doors CPD For Professionals: Supporting care-experienced young people into higher education
- Opening Doors Campus Days For Students: Spring School
The session will be led by Outreach staff from the University of Kent, Canterbury Christ Church University, and the University of the Creative Arts, and supported by care-experienced student ambassadors.