Monthly Archives: February 2025

Kent drama workshop programme for refugees returns for a second year

PROJEKT ENCOUNTER, a free community engagement programme for refugees, asylum seekers, and first-generation migrants in Kent, is returning to the University for a second year.

In partnership with theatre company PROJEKT EUROPA, PROJEKT ENCOUNTER is a weekly workshop series hosted by the University’s School of Arts and Architecture, led by professional migrant artists from the local community including Kent alumni. The programme is specifically designed for underserved migrant communities with limited access to theatre, offering free transport from Napier Barracks and providing interpreters at each session.

The first year of the programme saw strong participation, culminating in a powerful final performance. The devised piece, titled ¡Tranforma!, explored the theme of change — a subject close to the participants’ experiences — and involved navigating multiple languages.

This year’s drama workshops will be led by Kent drama alumni, theatre-maker Francisca Stangel, supported by another Kent alumni Surya Chandra and current MA drama student Adane Shikur.

This year, Dr Angeliki Varakis (Drama) and Dr Kaveh Abbasian (Film) from the School of Arts and Architecture have secured funding from the AHRC (Impact Stimulator Fund) to expand and diversify PROJEKT ENCOUNTER. New additions to the programme include three weekly workshops on mask-making and three on filmmaking, running from 11 March to 22 April 2025. The mask-making workshops will be led by Kent drama alumni, theatre practitioner and professional mask-maker, Peter Morton (Artistic Director of the Half a String theatre company). The completed masks and short films will be showcased as part of the final performance during Refugee Week, taking place on 17 June 2025.

As well as hosting the PROJEKT ENCOUNTER programme, the University of Kent will also offer a few placement opportunities for Kent drama and film students to assist in delivering the workshops and performances.

Dr Angeliki Varakis, Lecturer in Drama and Theatre at Kent’s School of Arts and Architecture, said: ‘We are thrilled to be hosting PROJEKT ENCOUNTER for a second year at Kent. The programme provides refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants with the chance to engage in a meaningful, community-driven initiative. Through the workshops, we aim to support participants in developing new skills while improving their mental well-being and sense of achievement and belonging.’

PROJEKT ENCOUNTER drama workshops for first-generation migrants are already underway. No prior theatre experience is necessary. To register, email hello@projekteuropa.org or simply attend on the night (every Tuesday, 6-8pm, at the Aphra Theatre, University of Kent).

For more information about the new mask-making or filmmaking workshops contact Dr Angeliki Varakis at a.varakis@kent.ac.uk or Dr Kaveh Abbasian at k.abbasian@kent.ac.uk.

Stills from ¡Tranforma! – the final performance from Projekt Encounter 2024

National Student Money Week 2025: Events and support

This week is National Student Money Week (3-7 March 2025). This year’s theme is Survive and Thrive: Building Financial Resilience. Find out what’s on and how you can get support.

Basket challenge, Monday 3 March 11:00-15:00 – guess the amount and you could win the whole basket!

Notice how the amount your shopping costs sometimes jumps up so quickly? Kent Students’ Union is putting brand-name items up against their value counterparts. Come and look at their two shopping baskets in Nexus, Templeman Library, and work out the difference those shops cost and see which option offers the best value for your budget.

Guess how much each of the baskets cost and whoever has the closest guess will win that basket. (Two baskets available so 2 chances to win). Each basket will have 10 items, one basket will be the branded items and the other will be the value options.

Kent Students’ Union Advice Team pop-up on the Plaza, Wednesday 5 March 11:00-14:00

Speak to the KSU Advice Team on the Plaza on Wednesday about tips and strategies to manage your money effectively. They will be there to discuss budgeting tips as well as giving out freebies.

More support available

Here’s a reminder of some of the support on offer from Kent and KSU:

We have a range of financial support you can apply for if you are facing financial difficulty including the emergency hardship fund and an emergency short-term loan.
The KSU Campus Pantry provides short-term support to students in need of supplemental food. The first time you use the service there will be no questions asked, just show your student ID.
You can pick up free sanitary products at both Canterbury and Medway campuses.
Find part-time work through JobShop.
If you’re in your first year or live on campus, don’t forget to make use of your free gym membership!

See more support on our Cost of Living support webpage.

What is Accident / Incident reporting?

ISARR is the University’s health, safety and environmental incident reporting system that students and staff can use.

Incident reporting refers to the reporting of incidents (e.g. slips, falls, manual handling injuries, burns, cuts), near misses (where no injury or damage has occurred but it had the potential to), fire related incidents (e.g. False fire alarms, fires) and environmental incidents (e.g. spills, fly tipping).

It is important to report health, safety and environmental incidents that occur at Kent for several reasons;

Ensuring Care and Follow-up: Most importantly, reporting incidents where an injury has occurred allows us to check on the injured individual and ensure they receive the appropriate care.

Identifying Root Causes: Incident reporting enables the university to investigate the causes of incidents. By identifying hazards or areas requiring improvement in procedures and equipment, we can address these issues and ultimately reduce the risk of further incidents.

Legal Compliance: There are legal requirements for reporting certain incidents. Proper documentation ensures compliance with these regulations, and failure to report could lead to fines, penalties, or legal action.

Improving Safety: Incident reports provide valuable data that can be analysed to improve safety and environmental protocols, training programs, and workplace design.

Promoting a Safety Culture: Encouraging the reporting of incidents fosters a culture of safety within the university. It supports vigilance, open communication, and collaboration to continually improve health and safety practices.

Insurance and Compensation: Health and safety incidents, particularly those resulting in injury, may lead to insurance claims. Proper incident reporting ensures that all necessary information is available to process claims.

We all play a part in reporting of incidents and the HSES Department actively support and encourage good reporting via the ISARR system. If you see something the poses a threat of injury or damage, report it here – Incident/Accident Reporting

Online Module Registration for 2025/26

With Online Module Registration opening soon we wanted to reminder you of the changes to the selection process. These changes are being made following student feedback on how students want to study and how to improve your experience at Kent.

We’ve been in touch previously letting you know about the changes to term times, starting this coming September. The 2025/26 academic year will change to three 10-week terms, instead of the current two 12-week terms and a 6-week assessment term. As we updated last summer, the way you select and take your modules will be changing.

Generally, from September 2025 you’ll study two 20 credit modules in each of the three terms, (four terms for Postgraduates) or sometimes larger modules will be studied across multiple terms. The amount of teaching you receive, and broad module content will remain the same, but with the assessments within each term rather than the end of the academic year.

When Online Module Registration opens (Monday 24 March – Friday 4 April) you will need to select your modules for the next academic year based on your Subject Requirements. Most students will be able to choose from a selection of Optional Modules, which will continue to feature popular topics. If your modules are all compulsory they will be added automatically, and you will not be required to take part in OMR.

Find out more

For full information check the Online Module Registration guidance including Subject Requirements, Exemptions and an FAQ section. You can read more about the Education Modernisation changes here.

You can also drop us a line at csao@kent.ac.uk if you want to talk it through.

Cultural Support for Ukraine

As we reach the milestone of three years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Professor Paul Allain is working with the university’s Special Collections team to make a cultural contribution to support the country.

Professor Allain from the School of Arts and Architecture visited Ukraine in summer 1993, when he was finishing his PhD about Polish theatre. His visit to rural areas of Polissia, Poltava and Bessarabia – which are all now facing regular bombardment – was with Polish company Gardzienice and specifically Ukrainian singer and collaborator Mariana Sadovska. The pair went across the country to meet villagers and record traditional songs and music as preparation for a subsequent visit by the theatre group.

Thirty-two years later, Professor Allain learnt that Sadovska had created an archive which included his photos as well as some of their recordings. Crucially, he realised that for Bessarabia, which borders Romania, the music was missing.

With the expert help of Special Collections, he has now digitised his own collection of songs, music and stories recorded in the field, contained on seven cassette tapes, and shared them with Sadovska and her colleague Jurij Josyfovych, who is working on the archive’s technical side.

Professor Paul Allain says: ‘As Ukraine faces the spectre of Russia trying to erase its people and culture, such memorialisation and recording of their rich musicality and heritage has a renewed purpose. I’m extremely proud of how I and the wider university have been able to make this small cultural contribution to support Ukraine’s fight.’

Sadovska and Josyfovych thanked Professor Allain and colleagues in Special Collections as well as the UK more widely for their ‘unwavering support’ in these ‘turbulent days’.

Events roundup: 24 Feb – 2 March

There’s lots happening this week including WorldFest events and Kent Students’ Union Lead Kent elections!

Lead Kent elections: Who do you want to represent you next year? Vote for your Kent Students’ Union Officers this week! Voting is open Monday 24 Feb from 9:00 until Thursday 27 February at 17:00. You can vote online or in person at one of the polling stations on campus.

KentVision reminder: The KentVision system will be unavailable from 08:00 on Monday 24 February until 17:00 on Wednesday 26 February due to essential maintenance. You can still view your timetable on the My Kent Student app and website during this time, just not on KentVision.

Monday 24 February: Finalist planning and Global Food Fest

In your final year? Join this planning session for Finalists to help you consider how ‘work ready’ you are and what you need to do next.

Enjoy a Global Food Fest this week from 24-28 February in the Plaza. Explore cuisines including Greek, Moroccan, Caribbean and more!

Tuesday 25 February: English Club, make a Pride bracelet (Medway) and Food-fluencer talk

This WorldFest join us for a step into Ukrainian culture and share your own experiences in our English Club with Kherson State University. Meet students and staff from our Ukrainian university twinning partner at our weekly English Club which offers their students a chance to develop their English Language.

At the Hub, Medway, you can make a Pride bracelet at the LGBTQ+ Crafternoon. All materials provided and everyone is welcome.

Join us for a panel discussion with the Food Foundation to tackle the question of who is really in charge of what we eat. ‘Food-fluencers: How big brands and the media are manipulating your diet and what can you do about it?’ Our panel of experts will talk about food marketing and how as regulations on junk food marketing change in the UK this October, big businesses may be looking for loopholes. This event is taking place at the Gulbenkian and is open to all.

Wednesday 26 February: Language taster sessions, Talking Cultures workshop and PG Open Event

As part of our WorldFest celebrations, you are invited to join a language taster session. Languages include Italian, Spanish, French and German. Look out for more language taster sessions next Wednesday!

Learn all about intercultural communication at this Talking Cultures WorldFest workshop in Templeman Lecture Theatre. The aim of the workshop is to enhance your understanding of communication behaviours to identify differences and commonalities across cultures. 

Are you interested in postgraduate study? Come along to our Postgraduate Open Event in Sibson to learn more about our PG courses and scholarship and to speak to students and staff.

Thursday 27 February: Careers in teaching and navigating academia as Black researchers

Wondering if a career as a teacher is the next step for you? Why not come along to a presentation about the skills teachers use and take time to identify the transferrable skills you already have. You can also book a 30-minute 1-2-1 information meeting with a Teaching Adviser for the Department for Education, to ask your questions about a career in teaching.

The Black Intellectuals Society, in collaboration with the Graduate and Researcher College, are hosting an event which will feature speakers sharing their journeys, challenges, and insights into navigating academia as Black researchers.

Friday 28 February: Cooking class and Lead Kent results

As part of our Worldfest celebrations, Chef Benjamin Elsbury will be showing you how to make from scratch, Rummaniyeh, a naturally vegan dish from the Middle East, so you can get together with friends and share your new culinary skills to re-create at home.

Find out who has won the Lead Kent Elections and who will representing you next year! Come to the Venue to find out who your next elected officers will be and to celebrate the results with all the candidates.

See more student events.

Opportunities

Are you an entrepreneur or small business owner looking for a platform to promote your products or services? The ASPIRE pop-up market on 19 March is the perfect opportunity to connect with students, staff, investors, and the ASPIRE community—all at no cost to you!
Santander is back with their popular tech prize draw, this time with the chance to win 1 of 10 MacBook Airs! Entries to the prize draw close at 23:00 on 6 March 2025.
The Parkinson’s Centre for Integrated Therapy is opening the first charity shop on our Canterbury campus on Saturday 1 March! But, they need your donations to make it happen. They are taking donations of clothing, accessories, books, homeware and more.

See more student opportunities.

Donate items today – help us launch a charity shop on campus!

We’re launching the first-ever charity shop at the University of Kent, raising vital funds to support people living with Parkinson’s and brain injuries—but we need your donations now to make it happen!

We’re accepting:

✔ Clothing & accessories

✔ Books & homeware

✔ Small household items (no electricals)

✔ Unused gifts & more!

Every donation will help fund life-changing rehabilitation services, while also creating an affordable, sustainable shopping space for students and the local community.

Our volunteer-run shop opens on Saturday 1 March at Woodlands, Giles Lane, and we need your help to fill the shelves before launch.

📍 Drop off your donations at Tanglewood, Giles Lane, anytime between 9:00-17:00.

Your generosity makes a real difference—thank you for your support!

📍 Shop Location: Woodlands, Giles Lane

📅 Shop Opening: 1 March 2025

KentVision unavailable from 24 -26 Feb

** Update: Tuesday 25 February, 10:40 – the system maintenance has been completed and KentVision is available again. **

The KentVision system will be unavailable from 08:00 on Monday 24 February until 17:00 on Wednesday 26 February due to essential maintenance.

You can still view your timetable on the My Kent Student app and website during this time, just not on KentVision. Please make a note of your timetable, including timings and locations, ahead of this KentVision outage.

During this time, if you need to request an extension or late submission of work for any deadlines, please email extension/late submission requests to your School Engagement Support team so that they can log that a request has been made, and then update the Kent Vision records once KentVision is available. Please note that to consider your request, you will need to list the modules, assignments and deadline dates impacted, explain why you need to request extension or late submission, and attach any evidence or documentation that you may have to confirm the circumstances impacting your submissions.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused while this essential work is carried out.

Should you have any concerns or queries please contact helpdesk@kent.ac.uk

Showcase your business at the ASPIRE pop-up market, 19 March

Are you an entrepreneur or small business owner looking for a platform to promote your products or services? The ASPIRE pop-up market is the perfect opportunity to connect with students, staff, investors, and the ASPIRE community—all at no cost to you!

Date: 19 March
Time: 9:00 – 13:00
Location: Sibson Atrium, Canterbury

Secure a FREE stall and gain valuable exposure while expanding your customer base. Whether you offer handcrafted products, innovative services, or unique merchandise, this is your chance to grow your brand in a dynamic marketplace.

Spaces are limited—reserve yours today! Email us at aspire@kent.ac.uk to secure your spot.

Events roundup: 17-23 February

Find out what’s on this week including wellbeing activities, career support and LGBT+ History Month events.

Monday 17 February: Wellbeing workshop, working abroad (Medway) and Lupino Film Club

Student Support and Wellbeing are running a new monthly wellbeing workshop. The first month’s theme will be ‘Life is like a box of chocolates’ and is taking place in Keynes.

Are you based at Medway and thinking of working abroad? Join this in-person session to find out information and tips for opportunities abroad.

The Lupino Film Club, part of the Film, Media, and Culture Research Group, has put together a month-long programme of free screenings for LGBT+ History Month. On Monday evening you can watch the film ‘Dear Tenant’, a 2020 Taiwanese drama.

Tuesday 18 February: Career planning, ResLife Garden and managing stress workshop

The Careers team are running a ‘How to plan your career’ session which will explore strategies to manage your career path as well as developing your ability to benefit from any opportunities you come across.

Join your ambassadors Elyse and May to help us get the ResLife Garden up and running. You can find the garden in Keynes College, past Dolche Vita. They have lots of plans including a pond, hedgehog hotel, sensory garden and more!

Stress is something that affects everyone. Find out how to manage stress well when you are busy or have a high workload at this online Study Plus workshop.

Wednesday 19 February: Wellbeing activities (Medway), drop-in study support, goat walking experience and Climate Café

Take a midweek pause to focus on your mental and physical wellbeing with this Wellbeing Wednesday event at The Hub, Medway. It’s all about relaxation, self-care, and connecting with others in a positive, supportive environment.

Do you have a nagging feeling that there is something not quite right about your assignment? The Skills for Academic Success team will be available for a drop-in service in the Templeman Library this term on most Wednesdays until the Easter vacation.

If you live in on-campus accommodation, you’re invited to join a goat walking experience! This includes a walk with the goats through a wild valley and giving the goats a brush.

Feeling concerned about climate and nature? Drop in to Climate Café, a chance to share your thoughts and feelings in a safe space, while taking part in an activity for change too. Led by students for students.

Thursday 20 February: Employability Points, placements and CVs and cover letters (Medway)

Find out more about the application process of applying for rewards through the Employability Points scheme. The deadline to log your points so you can apply for paid summer internships is 10 March.

Are you considering a placement year? Taking a placement year has many benefits and industry experience is highly recommended when it comes to your graduate job search. Find out all you need to know in this session.

Get help with your CV and cover letter at this in-person Medway workshop. Critique an example CV and cover letter and reflect on how you can improve your own.

Friday 21 February: Makeup and mingle, FIFA tournament (Medway) and LGBTQ+ friendly social

The ResLife team are hosting a ‘Makeup and mingle’ event in DG-02 in Templeman Library. Have fun playing with makeup and experimenting with different styles. This is a supportive, judgement-free environment for all skill levels.

The Hub, Medway, are hosting a FIFA tournament on Friday afternoon. Compete against fellow gamers for the chance to win a £20 Amazon voucher.

ResLife Ambassadors May and Taylor would like to invite you to join them for an LGBTQ+ friendly social. However you identify, come and chat to others in your community in our safe space in the library with games, colouring and hot drinks.

See more student events.

Opportunities

In your final year of undergrad? Complete the National Student Survey (NSS) to give your feedback about your time at Kent and for the chance to win cash prizes up to £150
Considering postgraduate study? Find out how to take the next step at Kent. Learn about flexible study options, scholarships and Postgraduate Open Events.
WorldFest begins next week! WorldFest is our celebration of cultural diversity at Kent. Find out what’s on for WorldFest, 24 Feb – 7 March.

See more student opportunities.