Preparing for Kent: top tips from English Language and Linguistics

Students in a kitchen

Welcome to all our new students who will be joining us in September! We’ve put together some top tips to prepare for your course, and for university life.

  • At this stage, parents or guardians may still have lots of questions (and you may not yet have all the answers!). There’s lots of information on application, fees, funding, accommodation, visit days and more at www.kent.ac.uk/parents.
  • Before you go, set up a social media thread (WhatsApp, FB Messenger etc.) to keep in touch with multiple groups at once. A message from home every day can make a big difference!
  • Check out the module catalogue in advance of the start of term, and think about the modules you’d like to take. Any beginning with ‘3’ are for first-years, e.g. LL302
  • When you’ve found modules you like, it’s a great idea to make a head start before term! Using the module code (e.g. LL302), you can search the reading lists for different courses online. Items marked as ‘core’ are essential: chase these up in the library when you arrive, or buy second-hand copies online.
  • When you arrive at Kent, never hesitate to get in touch with a member of staff if you’d like further guidance about getting ahead on the modules you’re interested in. You can look all of us up in the directory which also gives our email addresses so that you can make an appointment to see us.
  • Be sure to make a note of the different lecturers’ office hours. ‘Office hours’ are set times of the week where academics run drop-in sessions. You can just pop in any time during those hours and we’re guaranteed to be there to answer any questions or offer advice. Information on each lecturers’ office hours is available in the staff directory.
  • The University also recommends useful apps that can help you to manage your time and information effectively. For example, the Assignment Survival Kit creates a deadline calendar for you. Study Guides give a survey of all aspects of academic practice necessary for you to master as an undergraduate. MyFolio is an online journal where you can record your reflections and achievements, and is really useful when you come to write a CV later.
  • In September, get into the habit of checking your Kent student email every day. Make it part of your daily routine: this is how most important information gets sent around.
  • During Welcome Week, be sure to attend all the meetings scheduled, especially induction and your first academic adviser meeting. If you’re struggling to find your way to any of these meetings, don’t forget the campus map!

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