Studying at university is a big change for most people. You can help ease the transition by taking care of your mental and physical health. Try some of these ideas to get started.

Build your support network

Surround yourself with supportive friends and family who will be there for you through both the ups and downs. Invest time in maintaining existing relationships through video calls or meetups, and be open to meeting new people on campus.

There are also peer support groups and one-to-one appointments available to help provide you with a sense of community at Kent, whatever your circumstances. Find out more on the Student Support and Wellbeing pages.

Embracing change

Starting a new chapter in your life can be thrilling, but it may also bring uncertainties. Remember, it takes time to adjust to your new environment, and feelings of homesickness or loneliness are normal.

Reach out and share your experiences with fellow students – you’ll likely find many others who can relate. University life offers an opportunity to explore new hobbies, join societies at Canterbury or Medway, and immerse yourself in the vibrant Kent community.

Don’t forget your physical health

Kent Sport provides a range of on-campus classes and facilities, and first years and students living on campus get a free membership.

You can also explore the beautiful green spaces and woodland trails on the Canterbury campus – they’re perfect for walking or cycling. If you’d like to be matched with another student for a walk on campus or to meet in a café, consider signing up for the Walking Buddy or Just Coffee schemes.

Also, make sure to register with a local GP to access physical healthcare and advice whenever needed.

Feeling stressed?

University life can sometimes feel overwhelming, but there are strategies to regain balance.

• Take advantage of the team of expert mental health professionals available to you throughout your time at Kent.
• Explore resources and regular meetings of the Mindfulness Society to cultivate a sense of calm.
• Tap into the academic support provided by the Student Learning Advisory Service (SLAS) for workshops on enhancing study skills.

Remember, the Student Support and Wellbeing team is here to ensure you have a fulfilling and successful journey at Kent. Stay connected and informed by following @UniKentSSW on Instagram for the latest information and resources to support your wellbeing.

Going on a night out? Don’t forget to plan your journey home. 

Check bus services 

Depending on how late you stay out, you might be able to catch a bus home. Arriva is the main bus operator in Medway. Find out more about bus services in Medway. 

Booking a registered taxi 

If you’re booking a taxi, make sure it is registered. You can tell if a taxi is licensed by checking if there is a licence plate on the front and back of the vehicle. They are usually positioned under or next to the vehicle registration plate. Drivers of licensed taxis will also be wearing an ID badge and you can ask to see this if it is not immediately visible. 

Recommended walking routes on campus 

If you’re walking across campus at night, we recommend you use the following walking routes that are fully lit: 

• Historic Dockyard from Universities at Medway 
• Medway Road 

Campus Security Walking Taxi service 

If you don’t want to walk home alone on campus, you can call Campus Security on 01227 82 3300 and they can arrange for a member of Security to walk with you.  

Look out for your friends and don’t leave anyone behind #StaySafe 

Going on a night out? Don’t forget to plan your journey home. 

Catch the night bus 

You can catch the Stagecoach Uni2 bus after a night out in Canterbury. It’s a 24 hour service (excluding Sundays, bank holidays, Christmas and Summer vacation). Learn more about Stagecoach bus routes and discounts.  

Student safe taxi scheme 

In Canterbury, we operate the student safe taxi scheme with Longleys Private Hire, a local taxi firm. The scheme gives students who find themselves in a vulnerable situation safe travel to their accommodation or another destination, such as a police station or local hospital. Students can request a taxi through the scheme even if they do not have the funds to pay the fare at the time of booking, as fares can be paid later on the Online Store. 

We recommend you sign up to the scheme in advance in case you ever find yourself in a situation where you need to use it. Registration is quick and simple and all students who register will be entitled to discounted taxi fares on all journeys with Longleys. 

Booking a registered taxi 

If you’re booking a taxi, make sure it is registered. You can tell if a taxi is licensed by checking if there is a licence plate on the front and back of the vehicle. They are usually positioned under or next to the vehicle registration plate. Drivers of licensed taxis will also be wearing an ID badge and you can ask to see this if it is not immediately visible. 

Campus Security Walking Taxi service 

If you don’t want to walk home alone on campus, you can call Campus Security on 01227 82 3300 and they can arrange for a member of Security to walk with you.  

Canterbury Connected Routes 

Connected Routes is a joint initiative been University of Kent, Kent Union and Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU). By joining up, we can offer support to you in Canterbury city as well as on campus. Any activation of SafeZone on the Connected Routes will give the Kent or CCCU security control room your location, so they can offer you support. Plus there are refuge points where you can go if you ever feel unsafe or need support. Find out more about the Connected Routes. 

Look out for your friends and don’t leave anyone behind #StaySafe 

Going on a night out or to house parties are a fun way to meet new people and have a laugh with friends. Here’s a reminder of safety tips to help keep you and your friends safe: 

Drink spiking 

It’s your choice whether you want to drink alcohol or not. Don’t pressure others to drink if they don’t want to. Adding alcohol to someone’s drink without their consent is still drink spiking. Never spike someone’s drink.  

Watch the video below to find out what you should do if you think your friend’s drink might have been spiked.  

Find out more about drink spiking. 

‘Ask for Angela’ initiative  

If you’re on a night out and you don’t feel safe, or you feel uncomfortable and you want to leave discretely, you can ask for ‘Angela’ at bars on campus. All our bar staff at University and Kent Union outlets have been trained on this so they can support you. The initiative also runs in many bars in Canterbury and Medway. You can often spot the ‘Ask for Angela’ sign in the bar toilets to indicate the service is available.   

Canterbury Connected Routes 

Connected Routes is a joint initiative between University of Kent, Kent Union and Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU). By joining up, we can offer support to you in Canterbury city as well as on campus. Any activation of SafeZone on the Connected Routes will give the Kent or CCCU security control room your location, so they can offer you support. Plus there are refuge points where you can go if you ever feel unsafe or need support. Find out more about the Connected Routes.  

‘Zero Tolerance’ to harassment and discrimination 

Our Kent and Kent Union bars and outlets operate a Zero Tolerance policy on harassment and discrimination. Report incidents to premises staff and immediate action will be taken.  

Consent. Get It. Full Stop. 

The University of Kent and Kent Union do not tolerant any form of sexual misconduct, assault or harassment. Check out the consent website to find out how to get consent (it doesn’t have to be awkward!)  

Let’s look out for each other. Enjoy your night! #StaySafe