Monthly Archives: November 2023

Events roundup: 27 November – 3 December

Find out what’s on this week, with Disability History Month events, Kent Union’s Cultural Celebrations Week and much more.

Monday 27 November: Support session and Disability History Month events

Student Support and Wellbeing (SSW) are running a support session for students affected by the recent terrorist attacks in Israel and ongoing war and humanitarian crisis in Gaza. This is a drop-in session taking place from 13:00-14:00 on Monday, upstairs in Locke Building near the Coop, staffed by a mental health adviser and counsellor from SSW. All students are welcome.

Our Accessibility at Kent: Empower Showcase is aimed at disabled students, to help you find out about all the services at Kent and Kent Union and how we can help you to learn, work and grow.

At lunchtime on Monday at the Hub, you can join us for an engaging and informative British Sign Language Basics Workshop. This workshop is your gateway to the fascinating world of British Sign Language (BSL). Whether you’re a complete beginner or simply curious about sign language, this event is for you.

Tuesday 28 November: Staying safe and Right to Food event with free meal

Meet our Specialist Advisers, part of Student Support and Wellbeing, at Medway campus. They are expert professionals who help students who have experienced or witnessed sexual assault, harassment, bullying, hate crimes and discrimination. Come along to find out more about Report + Support, our online anonymous reporting service and grab some freebies to help you stay safe.

At Canterbury, you can chat to Kent Police at their drop-in clinic in Locke Building. Talk to them about crime prevention, safety or any general enquiries you might have.

Our students are central to the success of the Right to Food initiative – a commitment to help ensure that everyone has the right to healthy, affordable and sustainable food. Come along to find out more about this exciting project and how you can get involved, then join us for a free meal and drink in the Gulbenkian afterwards.

Wednesday 29 November: Staying safe, mind maps and Coco the therapy dog

Kent Police are holding a drop-in clinic at the Drill Hall Library on Wednesday morning. Drop by and ask them any questions you have around safety and crime prevention. In Canterbury at the Sports Centre you can take part in a free self-defence class, helping to keep yourself safer in the modern world.

Take your mind mapping to the next level with this assistive software skills workshop. Student Learning Advisory Service (SLAS) will show you the wonderful world of mind maps, and how they can help you plan your assignments.

Looking for an easy way to de-stress? ‘Pause for paws’ and head to Nexus in Templeman Library for some cuddles with Coco the therapy dog.

Thursday 30 November: Christmas decoration making and Cultural Food Festival

Get in the festive mood by making some Christmas decorations in the Venue. Kent Union will provide the decorations so all you need to do is come along and start decorating, enjoying the Christmas tunes while you get creative.

On Thursday evening, come along to the Cultural Food Festival in Rutherford Hall. It’s a celebration of different cultures here at Kent and our student groups will be cooking dishes that you can buy! One meal token is £3 and 3 meal tokens are £7.

Friday 1 December: Your Uni Your Say festive giveaway and Neuro-Insurgence Open Mic Night

Come along to Nexus in Templeman Library for free festive treats including mince pies, fruit cake and Malteser reindeers! All you have to do is write a Christmas wish for what you’d like to see at the uni next year and pop it in the jar. Your wishes (or feedback) will then be shared with Mica – the Head of Student Experience at Kent.

In collaboration with the Stand-Up Society and the Accessibility Students Network, Kent Union is hosting the Neuro-Insurgence Open Mic Night. It’s a one-of-a-kind event at Woody’s that promises a night of laughter, connection, and solidarity amongst neurodivergent students and their allies. This event will include a variety of spoken word poetry, comedy and music acts in 5-10 minute slots, plus some free snacks and drinks.

Saturday 2 December: Trips to Rochester Christmas Market and London Museums

Explore Rochester’s Christmas Market and find some unique gifts for friends and family or try a range of delicious food. Meet outside the Hub, Medway.

Join your Res Life Ambassadors for a trip to London to visit The Natural History Museum, The Victoria and Albert Museum and the Science Museum. These museums all have free entry and are close to each other so you can visit one or all three if you wish. Meet outside the Venue. You will need to pay for your train ticket to London.

See more student events.

Opportunities

You’re invited to take part in one of the largest studies on student mental health. Complete the Cibyl student mental health survey for the chance to win £100 voucher or smart watch.
Are you planning to stay on campus over the winter break? Let us know! And find out how you can meet others who will also be staying on or near campus.

See more student opportunities.

Staying well at uni

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.

Plan your journey home from a night out (Medway)

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

Plan your journey home from a night out (Canterbury)

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

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

Your Uni Your Say festive giveaway on 1 Dec

Come along to Nexus in Templeman Library on 1 Dec from 11:00- 14:00 for free festive treats including mince pies, fruit cake and Maltesers reindeers!

All you have to do is write a Christmas wish for what you’d like to see at Kent next year and pop it in the jar. Your wishes (or feedback) will then be shared with Mica – the Head of Student Experience at Kent. Your feedback is important to us so we know what we are doing well and how we can improve. To see all the changes the Uni and Kent Union have made in 2023 in response to student feedback, visit the Your Uni Your Say webpages.

Learn more about the event.

Cookies and Conversation on 7 Dec

Join us in the Library Café on 7 Dec, 15:00-17:00, for an opportunity to influence the services that matter to you, with particular focus on Library and IT services and how you search for information, resources, and books.

Your insights will help us create even better and more responsive services tailored to your needs.

Plus, enjoy some free yummy cookies and hot drinks as we enter into this holiday season together! We also have a few £10 Amazon Vouchers to give away!

Find out more on the events calendar.

See you there!

Find out more about how the University is listening to students. Have your say, make your voice heard and help us shape our services!

Safety support on a night out

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

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

Every year on the 25th of November, the world marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. But why this specific date? The answer lies in a tragic event that sparked an international movement. On 25th November 1960, the Mirabal sisters, three political activists from the Dominican Republic, were brutally murdered on orders of the country’s ruler, Rafael Trujillo. Since 1981, women’s rights activists have used this date to raise awareness of gender-based violence and campaign for its end. This day serves as a stark reminder of the violence many women and individuals who identify as women still face, even in the year 2023.

Let’s look at statistics

49 countries currently have no laws protecting women from domestic violence. 37 countries worldwide still exempt rape perpetrators from prosecution if they are married to or eventually marry the victim. And only two-thirds of countries have outlawed domestic violence. These figures paint a grim picture of the global state of affairs when it comes to violence against women.

Expect Respect at Kent

Every individual, irrespective of their gender, deserves to feel safe on campus. In light of this, here at the University of Kent we have a clear and strong message: we do not accept any forms of violence or abuse. But this commitment isn’t just a hollow promise. We believe that everyone has the power to do something about unacceptable behaviour.

Even if you’re not directly involved, if you witness any lack of respect, bullying, or abuse, you have a choice. You can call out the behaviour and report it. We believe that everyone’s voice matters and everyone can contribute to building a safer community.

If you see abusive behaviour, call it out

If you wish to report any incidents, the ‘REPORT + SUPPORT’ is our confidential online reporting tool. You can report and get advice about sexual misconduct and abuse, domestic abuse and stalking, physical and verbal abuse, spiking, harassment or bullying, discrimination or hate incidents. You can choose to report anonymously or get support from an adviser. If you wish to submit a report, provide details for our team to follow up on, or simply learn more, visit the Report and Support webpage. It’s a step towards taking control, getting support, and building a safer community.

Upcoming support events

To mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, we have organised the following events:

At Kent Sport on 7 Dec at midday there is a f ree self-defence class available for all students who identify as women, and non binary people.
There are also giveaways taking place on 28 November and 6 December in Medway. At the giveaways you can get free torches, gadgets to prevent drink spiking, condoms and more. There will also be specialist wellbeing advisers to talk through questions or concerns, or find out more about reporting issues.

Learn more

Want to learn more about the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women? You can navigate to the dedicated United Nations page to find out more about the scale of the problem and the initiatives that aim to pave the way towards a world free of gender-based violence.

Complete student mental health survey and win £100 gift card

Cibyl would like to invite you to take part in one of the largest studies on student mental health. We want to navigate the conversation and address how universities and employers can support you as you study and when you enter work. Take part in our 10-minute survey to have a chance of winning:

a £100 Just Eat, Deliveroo or Uber Eats gift card (given away every week – 8 to give away!)
an Apple or Samsung Smart Watch – you decide! (one given away when the survey closes!)

Take the survey now!

Mental health can be a sensitive topic for many, but please remember your answers will always be treated confidentially, anonymously and will never be analysed individually. Most questions are not compulsory, and you can stop at any time.

How to save money on your food shop

The rising cost of living is difficult for many of our students, and we understand that some extra help may be needed at this time. Here are some student tips to help you save on your food shop.

(1) Plan your weekly budget

The best place to start is having a weekly budget to work out how much you can realistically afford to spend each week on food. Start by working out your income – whether you have a part-time job or you’re getting money from your parents, every income you have should be accounted for. You’ll then need to make a note of your regular expenses and subtract this from your income. This should then leave you with the amount you have available for food, activities, shopping, and anything else you need to buy over the week. Make sure you set aside a fair amount for food and necessities, and use this weekly budget to inform your spending decisions and plan your food shopping accordingly.

(2) Take stock and make a list

Make sure you check your cupboards before you head to the shop so you don’t buy duplicate items that you won’t need, and jot down any ingredients you’re missing. This also helps you use up food before it goes out of date. Try to plan what meals you might like to have for the week and make a list of what you need. It can also be helpful to make extra food so you have leftovers for the next day’s lunch. Making a list of what you actually need will help to keep you on track with your shopping.

(3) Do your food shop in the evenings

Most supermarkets start reducing the price of food after about 18:00 so that they can get rid of stock before the end of the day, and make things cheaper that they will no longer be able to sell as ‘fresh’ the next morning. This is great for getting a cheaper food shop – the food will still be fine to eat, just less expensive.

(4) If you can, buy in bulk

Buying in bulk can work out cheaper in the long run. For items with a long shelf life that you know you’ll use – like pasta, rice, and washing up liquid – it’s cheaper and easier to buy larger quantities than to keep getting small packets. Look out for the price per kg or per litre on these items to make sure you’re getting a good deal. If you can afford it, it can make more sense to bulk buy items once rather than buying smaller amounts of items each week.

(5) Keep an eye out for student discounts and cheap deals

There are lots of money-saving discounts online and in stores. As students, you should be able to access student discounts for a range of shops and restaurants, so make sure you always ask if this is available when shopping. For discounts on the Canterbury campus, grab yourself a Totum discount card or a Co-op membership to access rewards and offers in our two Co-op stores. It’s also a good idea to do your food shops at cheaper supermarkets (like Aldi and Lidl) if possible, as this will save you a lot of money in the long-run.

If you’re still struggling, please reach out to our Student Support and Wellbeing team for help. You can also access Kent Union’s Campus Pantry at Mandela Student Centre, and can speak to their Advice Service about any extra support or advice you might need. We also offer a range of emergency financial support options.

For more information on budgeting, check out our Budgeting Guide.