Monthly Archives: January 2024

Two students talking sat at bench

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Students sitting round table chatting

Events roundup: 15-20 January

Welcome to the start of the Spring Term! And a warm welcome to all our new students who have joined us in January.

Campus Shuttle update: From 15 January, a new provider, Zeelo, is running our Campus Shuttle service between the Canterbury and Medway campuses. The timetable isn’t changing but it will take some time to set up the new booking system. So for now, you just need to show your KentOne card to the driver to use the Campus Shuttle. There is no need to book.

Find out what’s on this week:

Monday 15 January: CV and cover letter help (Medway)

Find out the essentials for CVs and cover letters, including trends, hints and tips.

Tuesday 16 January: Speed Friending (Medway) and learn more about volunteering

Ready to expand your social circle? The students’ unions at Medway are running a Speed Friending event where you engage in quick, fun conversations, share stories and discover common interests.

Want to start volunteering in 2024? Come along to this online session by the Careers and Employability Service who explore where you can find volunteering opportunities.

Thursday 17 January: Managing your time effectively and opportunities to get creative

Do you want to improve your time management this year? Join this online Study Plus session to find out all about how to manage your time efficiently, including common barriers to good time management and building a practical plan specific to your needs.

If you’re feeling creative, join the ResLife Ambassadors in Keynes for a relaxing mindfulness colouring and painting session. Tea and coffee will also be provided.

Or if you’re at Medway, you can go to a Crafternoon at The Hub and create dreamcatchers, personalised coasters and more.

Friday 18 January: Live music at Woody’s and UV Games (Medway)

Grab your racquet or paddle and step into a world of UV-lit fun at The Hub, with UV games including table tennis and badminton.

On Friday evening, head to Woody’s for their live music night, hosted by the Live Music Society, showcasing some of the best student and local bands.

Saturday 19 January: Wildwood trip

On Saturday you can join ResLife Ambassadors Ben and Rebecca for a trip to Wildwood Kent, where you can come nose-to-nose with more than 200 British animals in natural enclosures, set in 40 acres of ancient woodland.

Student opportunities

Woman looking at painting in gallery

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Student on PC in Drill Hall Library

Changes to how you get financial support at Medway

From 15 January 2024, at Medway you will only be able to book virtual appointments with the University’s Income Office. If an in-person appointment is essential this will be arranged for you but you won’t be able to drop in the office.

How to book a virtual appointment:

  • Virtual appointments are available Monday – Friday, from 10:00-15:00. Complete the online form to book a virtual appointment.
  • You can also contact the Income Office by phone – 01227 824242. The opening hours are Monday – Friday, 10:00-16:00.

Get in touch with your Division’s Income Office by email:

If you have an account controller, you will receive a welcome email from your new account controller shortly.

Campus Shuttle Cross Keys Vehicle

Campus Shuttle update

From 15 January 2024, a new provider (Zeelo) is running our Campus Shuttle service between the Canterbury and Medway campuses.

The timetable isn’t changing but it will take some time to set up the new booking system. So for now, you just need to show your KentOne card (Student ID) to the driver to use the Campus Shuttle. There is no need to book.

Throughout the year we will be working with Zeelo to bring you a new and improved booking system as well as many more exciting developments to simplify how you use the service.

You can still follow the Campus Shuttle X page (formerly Twitter) for any significant shuttle disruptions.

Working out

Kent Sport activities: January free weeks

At Kent Sport, we want to help you meet those new year goals of being healthier and more active, and that’s why we’re bringing in our new promotion for January 2024; Free Weeks! For the first two weeks of January, we’ll be offering a range of activities each day for University of Kent students and staff to join in with, and they’re all absolutely free! So, kick-start your active 2024 with Kent Sport!

Each week, we’ll have a timetable of activities to join in with, from our popular fitness and dance group exercise classes to indoor and outdoor sports as part of our ALL Active programme.

Kent Sport Free Weeks will run from:

  • Week 1 – Tuesday 2 to Friday 5 January
  • Week 2 – Monday 8 to Friday 12 January

Exercise class

The available sessions:

There’s loads to get involved in during our Free Weeks at Kent Sport.

Group exercise timetables

We have a fabulous weekly timetable of in-person fitness and dance classes, including popular classes such as BodyPump, spinning, and Zumba. Or why not experience world-class Les Mills instructors with our Virtual Instructor timetable, featuring unique classes like Barre, The Trip, and BodyAttack.

View the fitness and dance class timetable.

Playing tennis

ALL Active social sports

Our ALL Active programme is a weekly timetable of social, low-commitment sports and fitness activities for all ages and abilities. These sessions are aimed at those new to sport and fitness, with each session being guided by an experienced member of the Sports Development and Fitness teams. All equipment is provided at each session. Make sure you pick up a loyalty card and get a stamp for each session you attend!

View the ALL Active timetable.

ALL Active sessions are bookable through your online account (see information about creating a free Pay to Play membership below).

Please note that the This Girl Can sessions within the gym are women-only.

Here’s how it works:

Each day of the Free Weeks, there will be a range of activities already set up for you to join, including indoor social sports, fitness and dance classes, and some outdoor sports too.

To attend an event, you’ll need to book the activity you want to do either through your online booking account, or via the online sign-up form. We would advise booking your space in advance as spaces are limited per activity.

You’ll need to arrive at the activity location (either the Sports Centre or The Pavilion) at least 5 minutes prior to the start time to sign in at reception, and setup your space for some classes.

How to book an activity:

We welcome all University of Kent students and staff to join us during our Free Weeks. You’ll need to have a minimum of Kent Sport Pay to Play membership to book on to our free sessions – this is a free membership and is created automatically when you create your online booking account.

ALL Active sessions can be booked through your online account. Please note that Pay to Play members can book these sessions three days in advance.

Classes can be booked through our online booking forms*:

Week one class booking form

Week two class booking form

*Each class will be limited to 10 free spaces; however, we will monitor bookings and increase this number if required.

Student and staff Pay to Play members won’t be charged for attending our Free Week activities. If you attend activities not included in the Free Weeks (like using the gym), then you will be charged the Pay to Play per-session rate. See our membership webpage for more information.

Unfortunately, we won’t be able to send reminders for the Free Week sessions, so make sure you add them to your calendar once booked!

What you need to bring:

We’ll provide everything you need for our classes and social sports (rackets, balls, weights etc.). Just make sure you’re wearing suitable clothing and comfortable shoes (clean, non-marking please!), and we advise you also bring a water bottle. We have changing rooms, showers, and toilet facilities at both the Sports Centre and The Pavilion.

When you arrive at the Sports Centre or The Pavilion for your activity, please make sure you check in at reception.

If you have any questions about our Free Weeks, please contact us on sportsenquiries@kent.ac.uk or 01227 823 623.

We look forward to seeing you in the new year!