Monthly Archives: March 2024

Find your housemates with Umii

Find your housemates with Umii

Struggling to find housemates? The perfect people might be waiting…

Find housemates on Umii app

The Umii app connects you with other students at the University of Kent based on your interests, course and societies, helping you to find new friends and housemates all in one go!

“I downloaded Umii as I wanted to make new friends, find out about student life and meet people with similar interests. Umii also helped me secure accommodation with a connection I had made.”

– Mohammad
Postgraduate Student

New housemate signifier

You can now add housemate signifier to your profile to show that you are looking for someone to live with. How to set up your profile:

  • Download the app
  • Select “University of Kent”
  • Add your course, interests and societies
  • Build your profile including choosing the housemate signifier
  • Verify your email
  • Get new matches every day!
Campus travel - we aim to keep you updated on known local disruptions so you can stay prepared.

Campus travel and parking updates

The Transport Team have created the Campus Travel Updates Page to help you plan your journey with information about planned travel disruptions that they have been made aware of.

Where possible they will aim to to provide advance notice on full or partial closures of our campus car parks and any local roads. Please be aware that the Transport Team are reliant on receiving information from third parties and this may affect the notice they are able to provide to users. This is a new process and will replace the use of notices within the campus car parks. Therefore we advise that you check this page regularly.

Refer to our Planning your Journey page for further advice on how to check, who to follow on social media or apps to download for disruptions on local transport networks and roads.

Rutherford with blossoming tree

Easter Weekend service and facility opening times

Over the Easter Bank Holiday Weekend (Friday 29 March to Monday 1 April), there will be some changes to services and opening times:

  • Borrow books and study:Templeman Library at Canterbury, and Drill Hall Library at Medway will remain open over the Easter Weekend with reduced opening hours.
  • Ask Nexus: Nexus will be closed for the Easter weekend from Friday 29 March – Monday 1 April.
  • Food and drink on campus: Canterbury catering opening times will be different during the Spring Break. See Easter weekend times for catering outlets on the Canterbury campus.
  • Support: Student Support and Wellbeing reception will be closed over the Easter Weekend. You can also get in the moment support and counselling from our telephone, text and app for wellbeing support and activities 24/7 from our wellbeing partners Spectrum Life.
  • Exam preparation and study support: The Student Learning Advisory Service will be closed over the East Weekend. They will reopen at 9:00 on Tuesday 2 April. You can book face-to-face and online appointments on all areas of study support, including exam preparation.
  • Reception areas: Some receptions will be operating on different opening hours during the Easter Weekend. See reception opening hours.
  • Sport and exercise: You can still use the gym facilities with reduced hours over the Easter Weekend. Check out Kent Sport opening hours.
  • Kent Union services and outlets: See Kent Union’s services and outlets opening times.
  • Campus Shuttle: The Campus Shuttle will run a reduced service on Friday 29 March and Monday 1 April. See Campus Shuttle timetable.
  • Careers support and activity: The Careers and Employability Service will be closed over the Easter Weekend. It will reopen on Tuesday 2 April. Get in touch with Careers to book appointments and work on your career.

And of course, Campus Security staff are on duty 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

We hope you enjoy the Easter Weekend!

 

 

student looking at laptop

View your exam timetable

If you have exams at Kent in May/June 2024, you can now view your exam timetable in KentVision.

See how to view your exam timetable.

Get exams ready

There’s loads of free events and support to get you ready for exams this year, including:

📚 Revision and exam prep sessions from your School and the Student Learning Advisory Service.

🌈 Wellbeing events and support from our Student Support and Wellbeing Team.

💻 Library and IT resources to help with your studies and revision.

❔ If you have any questions about exams, your Divisional Team is on hand to help or you can email exams@kent.ac.uk

See all exams support and guidance

flowers on campus

Events roundup: 25 – 31 March

Find out what’s on this week including exam preparation events, ways to destress and Canterbury Varsity – Go Team Kent! 

It is also a bank holiday weekend from Friday 29 March until Monday 1 April, with many of the University services either closed or on reduced hours. See bank holiday opening hours.  

Monday 25 March: Exam prep, Holi celebrations (Medway) and Blind Date with a Book 

Feeling worried about exams? Join this online workshop focused on exam techniques and managing stress.   

At Medway campus you can join Holi celebrations to enjoy colour throwing and an after party at The Deep End.  

Try a blind date with a book in Templeman Library! Bring your own pre-loved book and wrap it and decorate it. Then choose another wrapped up book to take home with you and enjoy.  

Tuesday 26 March: Career Action Plan, part-time jobs (Medway) and Exam Room Experience 

In your final year? Join this online event to reflect and help you make decisions about your career action plan after you graduate 

Do you need some guidance finding a part-time job? Join this event in Pilkington building, Medway, to find out more about different part-time work options and where to find them.

You can also meet some cute spring animals at the Hub on Tuesday!  

If the idea of an in-person exam makes you feel stressed, why not try out an exam room experience in Canterbury to help you ease your anxieties. Explore your own stress response to exams and learn techniques in how to deal with them.  

Wednesday 27 March: Women’s Business Market, Exam Room Experience (Medway) and launch of FACE X HORNIMAN exhibition 

As part of Women’s History Month, Kent Union is running a Women’s Business Market in the plaza. Come along and explore a wide variety of women-led student businesses.  

If the idea of an in-person exam makes you feel nervous, why not try out an exam room experience in Medway to help ease your anxieties. This is an opportunity for you to experience what it is like to take an ‘exam’, explore your own stress response to exams and learn techniques in how to deal with them.  

As part of #Black365, March 2024 sees the launch of FACE X HORNIMAN: Hair Stories exhibition in Keynes. FACE and the Horniman Museum explores and celebrates the influence, importance and personal narratives attached to hair from Black, Brown and Asian perspectives within the UK. Join us at the launch of the exhibition for an evening of art, culture and Jamaican pasties and tropical juice.  

Thursday 28 March: Relaxation sessions (Medway) and Easter Pub Quiz 

On Thursday you can enjoy some relaxation sessions at The Hub. Choose from a 15-minute back massage or a gel manicure.  

Test your knowledge, enjoy good company, and win exciting prizes at the Mungo’s Easter Pub Quiz 

See more student events.
 

Opportunities and reminders 

  • Online Module Registration (OMR) is open for students to choose undergraduate modules for the next academic year. OMR closes at 9:00 on Tuesday 2 April.  
  • Looking for an elective module that will provide you with leadership skills and develop your Global Citizenship?  Go for GOLD5000.

See more student opportunities

Daffodils on campus with Canterbury Cathedral in background

Spring Break 2024: Opening Times

During the spring vacation period, which is from 6 April to 6 May, most of the University’s services are still available, some with amended opening hours. Many are closed on the national bank holidays, which are Friday 29 March, Monday 1 April and Monday 6 May.

Here’s a list of services and opening times:

  • Borrow books and study: Templeman Library at Canterbury opening times, and Drill Hall Library at Medway opening times 
  • Ask Nexus: From 6 April – 5 May, Nexus is open Monday – Friday 09:00 – 19:00, Saturdays 12:00-18:00 and closed on Sundays. Nexus will be closed for the Bank Holiday weekend Fri 29 March – Mon 1 April.
  • Food and drink on campus: Canterbury catering opening times will be different during the Spring Break. See vacation opening times for catering outlets on the Canterbury campus.
  • Support: Student Support and Wellbeing reception remains open 09:00-17:00 throughout the Spring break, apart from national bank holidays. You can also get in the moment support and counselling from our telephone, text and app for wellbeing support and activities 24/7 from our wellbeing partners Spectrum Life
  • Exam preparation and study support: The Student Learning Advisory Service remains open throughout the Spring break, apart from: national bank holidays, 10:00-13:00 on 11 April and 10:00-16:00 on 18 April. You can book face-to-face and online appointments on all areas of study support, including exam preparation.
  • Reception areas: Some receptions will be operating on different opening hours during the vacation. See reception opening hours.
  • Sport and exercise: You can still use facilities and join classes over the break. Please note there will be reduced hours on bank holidays. Check outKent Sport opening hours.
  • Kent Union services and outlets: See Kent Union’s services and outlets opening times.
  • Campus Shuttle: The Campus Shuttle will run a reduced service on Friday 29 March, Monday 1 April and Monday 6 May. Aside from these dates, the shuttle will operate to the usual timetable during term-time only. See Campus Shuttle timetable.
  • Careers advice and activity: The Careers and Employability Service remains open 09:00-17:00 throughout the Spring break (apart from the national bank holidays), so you can continue to book appointments and work on your career.

And of course, Campus Security staff are on duty 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

We wish you a restful break!

Templeman Library

Kent 2030: Consultation outcomes on course changes 

In order to help us meet future student demand we are making some changes to the courses we offer. This is linked to data on what students are looking to study nationally, recognising the different needs of new generations of students to come.   

Consultation process and outcomes 

We shared proposals at the end of January 2024 for courses that would potentially be phased out and not recruited to in future. Since then, we have been consulting with staff, during which colleagues from courses proposed for closure were invited to submit counterproposals.  

The Size & Shape Workstream staff, including Directors of Division, have been meeting to carefully consider the counterproposals and have made recommendations to our Executive Group on which courses to phase out and how, in order to allow the University to find the cost savings it needs. The Executive Group have reviewed these recommendations and have now approved plans. Outcomes of the consultation for all subjects proposed to be phased out can be found on the course changes webpage.   

Affected staff and students have been contacted about the outcomes of the consultation in their areas.  See timeline of when detailed information on course changes will become available 

Student Open Forums 

You are invited to attend one of our Student Open Forums to find out more about the Kent 2030 programme and to ask any questions you may have. If you are studying a subject which is unaffected by the course changes, you are still welcome to attend Student Open Forums to find out more: 

Emotional support

Student Support and Wellbeing (SSW) team can support you if you are worried about the impact these changes are having on your emotional wellbeing. As well as 1-2-1 support, SSW are also hosting some online group workshops on managing your emotions during a period of change or uncertainty on 28 March, 2 April and 11 April. Check out the SSW events calendar for more information and to book your free place, and  take a look at other online and telephone support which you can access 24/7 as a Kent student.

See the Kent 2030 course changes webpage for more information including a timeline and support for students affected by the course changes.  

Group of GOLD students

Go for GOLD5000

Looking for an elective module that will provide you with leadership skills and develop your Global Citizenship?  Go for GOLD5000.

GOLD5000 is a year-long 15-credit elective module open to all Year 2 undergraduate students at Kent who are eligible to take elective modules.

The module will fit around your academic studies so you can learn at a pace that works for you, choosing which times of the year to prioritize your involvement.

Find out more about elective modules.

Not eligible but still interested? Join the GOLD Programme.

GOLD students having a meal together

Why choose GOLD5000?

GOLD5000 will furnish you with a range of important global skills, adding value to your degree and providing opportunities to earn employability points.

Boost your leadership and project management skills, enhance your global citizenship credentials and improve your cultural intelligence – the ability to interact effectively with others across cultures.

You will become a Global Officer, working closely with the Dean & Director of Global and Lifelong Learning and other staff across the University to help organise, develop and support globally-minded activities throughout the year.

You’ll gain a deeper understanding of cross-cultural communication and improve your cultural adaptability, giving you a competitive edge in the future global workplace!

Plus, you’ll build confidence as you develop your project management and teamwork skills. You’ll get to see your ideas come to life and create a positive impact for other students. And you’ll get to make new friends along the way!

What’s involved?

The year long GOLD5000 module is made up of several components designed to fit around your degree studies.

You must complete all five components to complete the module.

Component 1: Getting started

At the start of the module, you will identify your skillset and your goals for the year.

You will attend:

  • an autumn-term welcome session where you’ll learn about cultural intelligence (CQ) and reflect on your skills and intercultural awareness;

This will give you an excellent foundation and roadmap for achieving your skills and ambitions!

Component 2: Training workshops and conference

Your leadership and global skills development will be supported throughout the year with training workshops.

You will attend:

  • workshops held throughout the year on topics such as Talking Cultures, Sustainability, Internationalisation, Leadership in a Global Context, and Event Management
  • opportunity to attend the Student Global Leadership Conference in London

The workshops will help you build and diversify your skillset, while the conference will introduce you to industry leaders and speakers and provide you with networking opportunities.

Component 3: Internationalised student engagement

You will participate in a range of engagement and information exchange activities on campus, such as:

  • marketing and promotion projects
  • student media campaigns
  • focus groups
  • campus tours
  • other engagement activities

Taking part in a range of activities will provide you with practical experiences to add to your CV. Plus, you’ll gain the satisfaction that comes from contributing to the University of Kent wider community.

Component 4: Project and event planning

Here’s where you’ll put your learning into action!

Based on your chosen goals, you’ll be allocated events and activities to plan and deliver, such as:

  • Global Hangout events
  • WorldFest
  • Sustainability Forums
  • additional events you organise yourself as part of the programme

This is where you really get to see your skills come to life!

Your creative and practical ideas will directly inform these regular events, and you’ll gain hands-on experience of planning and delivering them.

GOLD students holding up WorldFest boards

Component 5: Summer check-in and final review session

You will attend an interactive group session, co-delivered with the Careers and Employability Service  where you’ll reflect on your progress, consider your skills and set goals for the future.

This is your opportunity to consider how far you’ve come on the Programme and map out how you’ll put your skills into practice in the wider world!

What will you get out of GOLD?

In addition to earning Employability Points, you will also receive:

  • A Certificate of Recognition
  • An open reference from the Dean & Director of Global and Lifelong Learning
  • Practical event and project management experience

What do previous Global Officers say about the programme?

“It was enjoyable to see our work being put into practice, as a lot of university work is more theoretical and with GOLD, we had the opportunity to see the results of our work”

“I was able to improve my cultural awareness, communication skills, be more organised and learned how to plan my time more wisely.”

“I have felt more of a part of the university community. I have made many friends. I have felt my contribution positively impact other students.”

“In regard to career development, it helps me obtain project management and teamwork skills.”

How to register

You can choose to take the GOLD5000 module by registering during Online Module Registration (OMR), which will take place between Monday 18 March and Tuesday 2 April.

Queries? Contact: DeanGlobalLifeLong@kent.ac.uk

 

You will need photo ID to vote at a polling station on 2 May

You will need photo ID to vote on 2 May

On Thursday 2 May 2024, the Police and Crime Commissioner elections are taking place.

If you are not already registered, the deadline to register to vote is Tuesday 16 April 2024. The easiest way to register is online.

At these elections, you will need to bring photo ID to be able to vote at your polling station (the name on your ID should be the same name you used to register to vote). NUS cards are not accepted.

If you don’t have an accepted form of ID, you can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate. The deadline to apply is 17:00 on Wednesday 24 April 2024.

Alternatively email Electoral Services at electoral.services@canterbury.gov.uk or call Electoral Services on 01227 862 007.

Jarman Jam students smiling, laughing and pointing

Kent Stars: Jarman Jam

This month’s Kent Stars are Jarman Jam, a group of Arts students who run a bi-termly creative showcase for students to share their artistic works, helping to build a fun and supportive creative community. Hear from Jarman Jam:

“We are a group of eight School of Arts students, ranging from first year to postgraduate. Our degree programmes include Drama and Theatre, Film, Comparative Literature, and History and Philosophy of Art. Together we enjoy sharing our love of the arts and having a laugh before class! We are talented dancers, painters, comedians, musicians, magicians, digital artists, and podcast producers!”

Jarman Jam sat on the stairs

Tell us about Jarman Jam and how it’s helping strengthen the community within the School of Arts.

“Jarman Jam is a student-led, bi-termly, creative showcase providing people with a space for sharing their artistic works. The events bring in a myriad of performances as we are passionate about creating space for all different types of art including film, stand up, music, poetry, fine art, sketches, monologues, fashion, podcasts, and photography.

At the end of every Jarman Jam, we encourage people to share their passions by offering an open-mic slot. We find this boosts confidence as it is a chance to perform in the spur of the moment. We also leave time for audience members and performers to network with like-minded people. This not only benefits students by helping them create connections with students across courses, but also develops stronger bonds with staff and students in the School of Arts.

Performing work that is not assessed but is still open to feedback and constructive criticism is helpful for students to generate new ideas that they can take into their coursework. By holding the events in the Jarman building, a shared space for all disciplines within the School of Arts, we hope to turn the building into a space that fosters a lively and connected community.”

Jarman Jam sat joking with each other

What advice would you give to other students? 

“We would encourage other students to put themselves out there and share their work, no matter how confident they may or may not be. Performing and showing off what you have made can be so beneficial for your self-esteem and opens yourself up for developing new ideas. We would also say that you should never be afraid to try something new! So many members of the Jarman Jam team had no idea that they could run an event, be a successful compere, or create the perfect publicity materials before we threw ourselves into it and had a go!”

What are your plans for the next year? 

“Three of our members will graduate this year and start to pursue other creative opportunities. The rest will continue their studies at the University of Kent. We also absolutely intend to run Jarman Jam again next year! Our team has a lot of great ideas, and at the end of the term we will be looking for new School of Arts students to carry on the important work we have started. We think we could really establish a culture of creative sharing at Kent!”

Do you know an inspirational student or student group? Let us know.

Learn more about the Kent Stars campaign.