Monthly Archives: December 2023

Where to buy food: supermarkets and eating out

Welcome to Kent! We’ve compiled some information for you around where you can buy food once you arrive, including supermarkets and places to eat out.

Canterbury

Supermarkets

On campus we have a two small Coop supermarkets – one in the plaza on central campus and one in Park Wood. Between 8-12 January, the Coop on central plaza will be open 7:00-22:00 (Park Wood Co op will be closed). From Saturday 13 January, the open times for both Coops will return to normal: 8:00-22:00 on Saturday and 12:00-18:00 on Sunday (Plaza Coop) and 8:00-22:00 on Saturday and Sunday (Park Wood Coop).

For larger supermarkets, you might want to catch the bus into town to Sainsbury’s, Asda and Lidl.

See this Canterbury google maps showing supermarkets, international food stores and other useful shops.

Places to eat on or near campus

Between 8-12 January, Rutherford Dining Hall will be open for lunch between 12:00-16:00, the Gulbenkian Cafe will be open 8:00-17:00, Dolche Vita will be open 8:00-17:00 (hot food served between 12:00-16:00) and Sibson Cafe will be open 8:30-16:00.

Over the weekend (13-14 January), Rutherford Dining Hall will be serving food between 8:00-21:00, the Gulbenkian Cafe will be open 8:00-21:00. On Sunday (14 January), K Bar will be open 16:30-00:00 and Hut 9 will be open 17:00-22:00.

Once term begins on 15 January, all our outlets will be open during their usual opening times. See catering webpage to learn more.

In Canterbury city centre, there are loads of places to eat. Look out for student discounts at some cafes and restaurants.

Medway

Supermarkets

Next to Pier Quays accommodation there is a small Tesco Express supermarket which is open 24/7. Across the road, less than 5 minutes walk away, there is also a large Asda supermarket.

See this Medway google maps showing supermarkets, international food stores and other useful shops.

Places to eat on or near campus

There is a Subway and Domino’s very close to Pier Quays accommodation. There is also a range of restaurants and cafes at the Dockside Outlet Centre which is a 10 minute walk down the road.

Once term begins on 15 January, you can also check out some places to eat at the Medway campus including The Deep End which is part of the Student Hub, the Archibald Hay Mess in the Drill Hall Library and the Venue Cafe in Pilkington.

Free tickets for University of Kent Cathedral Carol Service, 11 Dec

Cathedral Carol Service Tickets now available. Tickets are free but limited, so make sure you get yours quickly!

The University Carol Service in the amazing setting of Canterbury Cathedral takes place on Monday 11 December at 19:30. It is planned that event will feature the University Chamber Choir and Kent Gospel Choir.

Admission is by free ticket only, and students may request up to 2 e-tickets – e-tickets are given out through Eventbrite.

Would you like to be a student helper at the event? email Stephen Laird s.c.e.laird@kent.ac.uk and hear about how you get a special ticket, and help make the event happen!

There will be a great atmosphere with plenty of well-known Christmas carols for everyone to sing and you will hear traditional readings which will be read by staff and students representing various roles and groups from across the University.

This year’s appeal is for Porchlight, Canterbury’s homelessness charity.

For information on accessibility, please visit the Cathedral’s official accessibility web page.

Events roundup: 4-10 December

Find out what’s on this week as we get closer to the end of the Autumn term.

Staying on campus over the winter break? Let us know.

Monday 4 December: Support session, badge and lanyard making and therapy dog (Medway)

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.

Make a decorative badge or a lanyard for Disability History Month at the Venue. This is an artistic outlet to say who you are and wear around whenever you want.

Over lunchtime at Medway, you can meet the Pets as Therapy dog Bailey and friends! Chill out and have some cute cuddles.

Wednesday 6 December: Using AI in your studies and festive events

Do you want to know how you can use Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your studies? This workshop will explore fears, misconceptions and opportunities offered by AI.

And if you want to get in the festive mood, why not head to The Hub for the Winter Wonder Wednesday with a crafts corner, stalls, live music and festive treats!

Or if you’re at Canterbury campus, there’s a special festive Pause for Paws in Nexus with therapy dog Coco. You can also wrap up a book for a stranger or pick a surprise one for yourself.

Thursday 7 December: Self defence class and Cookies and Conversation

On Thursday lunchtime there’s a free self defence class for all students who identify as women and non-binary. The hour-long class is taken by an expert at Kent Sport, who will teach you practical skills to equip yourself and make you feel prepared for any situation.

The library invites you to join their Cookies and Conversation event. Help shape your university experience by giving you feedback about library services while enjoying free cookies and hot drinks.

Friday 8 December: Winter Global Hangout

Come along to the Winter Global Hangout in Colyer-Fergusson Foyer for an afternoon filled with festive cheer, where you can enjoy seasonal free food and drink while getting to know other students. Take part in bauble making, craft tree decorations, write Christmas cards and more. This cosy gathering is a perfect opportunity to meet new friends over the holiday period.

Saturday 9 December: ResLife festive events

Your ResLife Ambassadors are running a range of events on Saturday. You can join a paint and sip in Keynes where you’ll enjoy an afternoon of watercolours and mocktails, a free screening of the Muppets Christmas Carol in the Gulbenkian, and a Christmas quiz following the film. Why not join? Book your place on the Home at Halls app.

See more student events.