Starting My Journey
Joining the University of Kent during one of the COVID-impacted years was daunting, and I arrived with a lot of anxiety. My first year was challenging as I worked to adjust, but Kent’s incredible support system—from societies to mental health services—helped me settle in and feel comfortable in my new environment.
Discovering Canterbury
Canterbury is a beautiful and vibrant city full of history and activities. Coming from a rural area, I was thrilled by the convenience of city life—being able to walk to McDonald’s was a novelty! During my first year, I found a part-time job at the M&S in Canterbury, which helped me support myself financially.
One of my favourite aspects of living in Canterbury is the access to nature and scenic walks. Beyond exploring the city’s rich history, I recommend day trips to Folkestone and Margate, or a walk along the Crab and Winkle Way from Canterbury to Whitstable. Celebrate the end of that walk with some Whitstable Bay beer and their famous oysters! Closer to campus, the Blean Forest is a perfect spot, especially in the autumn, and for the more adventurous, the White Cliffs of Dover offer stunning views—just pick a sunny day!
Joining Societies and Building Community
I was initially nervous about joining societies, but I quickly realised how welcoming and inclusive they are. In my second year, I joined the Korfball Society, where I competed for Team Kent at BUCS. Despite starting as a beginner, the supportive environment made me feel very comfortable.
I also joined the LGBTQ+ Society, which frequently held events at K-Bar, affectionately called “K-Bar-Gay-Bar.” Canterbury Pride became a yearly highlight, and I enjoyed the inclusive celebrations and vibrant nightlife at venues like The Cuban. Kent also introduced me to cultural celebrations, such as singing at the Chinese New Year Gala with my Mandarin classmates and taking part in Holi festivities with Indian friends.
A society I recommend all Politics and International Relations students to take is Model UN, a great way to build crucial skills like public speaking and debating, also a great way to meet people with similar interests.
Academic Adventures
I pursued a degree in Politics and International Relations, but Kent gave me the freedom to explore beyond my primary subject. I took Mandarin Chinese modules, chose the Quantitative Research pathway in my second year, and added a year abroad in my third year.
Through the Quantitative Research pathway, I gained practical experience with Thriving Places, a charity focused on well-being frameworks. By helping them work on their Thriving Places Index I was allowed to apply data analysis to real-world challenges, helping policymakers improve quality of life in local communities.
The lecturers at Kent deserve a special shoutout here, throughout my years at Kent I have always been able to go to them for help and they have consistently been encouraging.
Global Opportunities
Kent provided incredible international opportunities which were supported amazingly by the Kent Go Abroad team (I cannot thank them enough). Excelling in my Mandarin modules earned me a month-long language exchange in Xi’an, China ,supported by my Kent Mandarin Teacher, and funded by the Turing Scheme. I immersed myself in the language, helped local students practice English, and explored Chinese culture.
I also spent a year studying at the University of Hong Kong, an experience that was truly transformative. I connected with top lecturers and brilliant students, deepened my understanding of East Asian politics, and travelled extensively across East Asia accompanied by other Kent students. Highlights included a solo trip to Taiwan, celebrating Chinese New Year with a friend’s family in mainland China, and winning an award for the best quantitative research project.
Career Development and Support
Kent’s focus on employability was a standout feature of my experience. I participated in the Common Purpose global citizenship program, collaborating with students worldwide to address global issues and earning a micro-credential.
As I prepared for graduate applications, the Careers and Employability Service was invaluable. They provided tailored advice, helped refine my CV, and directed me to job opportunities, making my career path much clearer.
Reflecting on My Experience
Looking back, my time at Kent was filled with growth, discovery, and unforgettable experiences. From the supportive community to the academic and global opportunities, Kent gave me everything I needed to thrive. For future students, my advice is to embrace every opportunity—whether it’s joining a society, exploring the beautiful surroundings, or studying abroad.