Monthly Archives: February 2025

group of students smiling on campus

Celebrate WorldFest 2025!

Join us for WorldFest 2025, a vibrant celebration of cultural diversity from 24 February to 7 March. This event showcases the talents and knowledge of our students and staff, continuing the spirit of Cultural Celebration Week from the Autumn term.

See all the WorldFest events, including…

Library and Films

Global Hangouts

  • Canterbury Hangout: Drop by on 5 March (14:00-17:00) for a chance to win film tickets and other prizes. Meet friends, try cultural crafts, and enjoy games.
  • Medway Hangout: Join us on 4 March (11:00-15:00) in the Oasis Lounge. Celebrate Pancake Day with fun activities!

Food Festivities

Language and Culture

Get Active

  • Bubble Football: Join Kent Sport on 3 March for a fun twist on football with inflatable bubbles.
  • WorldFest Games: Come together on 5 March for the WorldFest Games. Get a team of 5-6 friends and represent your culture, society or country for the WorldFest Games. Compete in 4 different sports; Badminton, Basketball, Pickleball and Table Tennis for your chance to win prizes.

Share Your Culture

Inspired to host your own event? Apply for our Cultural Events Fund to celebrate and share your culture. We look forward to seeing your photos on social media with #WorldFest25!

Santander giveaway artwork

Want to win a MacBook Air? Santander are giving away 10!

Santander is back with their popular tech prize draw, this time with the chance to win 1 of 10 MacBook Airs!

How to enter:

  1. Register for Santander Open Academy – a free online learning platform (if you haven’t already)
  2. Follow the verification link in your confirmation email
  3. Log in and select ‘Get Started’ to complete your entry into the Santander Student Tech Prize Draw 2025!

As a bonus, whether you win or not, you’ll still have access to browse the Santander Open Academy website for free, on-demand learning content that can help your studies.

Eligibility:
The prize draw is exclusively for UK students over 18, including undergraduates, postgraduates, part-time and full-time students. You don’t need to bank with Santander to get involved.

Key dates:
Entries to the prize draw close at 23:00 on 6 March 2025, so make sure to get your entry in ASAP!

Enter here

T&Cs apply

Group at Sandwich Guidhall Musuem Experience Day

Want to get rewarded over the summer and get a paid internship? 

Act now as the Employability Points deadline is fast approaching! The deadline to log your points is the 10 March 2025. Make sure that you have over at least 50 points to be able to apply for the rewards taking place this summer.

What are Employability Points? 

Employability Points is a scheme which gives you points for doing co-curricular activities and activities which contribute to making you more employable. With those points, you have the opportunity to apply for exclusive rewards in the summer which range from a paid summer internships, to winning a University of Kent hoodie. You can log any qualifying activity as long as you have been at university when you have participated, including if it took place in September of your first year!

All our opportunities are exclusive to the University of Kent. We have opportunities across several sectors with different sizes of companies.

We have:

  • The SEO company Studio Hawk offering a marketing internship based in London
  • AbBaltis Ltd based in Sittingbourne are offering a lab-based internship
  • FX Digital is offering a quality engineering internship based in London for connected TV platforms based in London
  • The Powell-Cotton Museum is offering an internship based on their collections in Birchington-on-Sea
  • Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce is offering a management account analyst internship in Ashford
Sevara, Faye and staff member smiling

Students Sevara and Faye did the Studio Hawk Marketing Internship.

 

You need 200 or more points to be able to apply for up to four internships and all of these are paid internships over the summer. In addition to the paid internships, we have work experience placements with Porchlight, Becket Chambers, Canterbury Cathedral, The Royal Engineering Museum, Medway Council, Franciscan Gardens, Stilwell and Singleton and many more. This doesn’t include our experience days with Cook Food, The Crown Prosecution Service and Sandwich Guildhall Museum to name a few.

Group of students and staff

FX Digital Experience Day.

 

The reward pack which outlines all of the rewards you can earn will be released on 3 March and will be available on our website from then. We will be emailing the reward pack to everybody on the scheme.

Don’t miss out, log your points and earn rewards.

National Apprenticeship Week – Apprentice Spotlight

To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week (10 – 16 February), we’re highlighting some of our amazing apprentices here at Kent and finding out what skills they’ve gained from doing an apprenticeship.

Meet Aaminah Ahmed who won the Apprentice of the Year award at the Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards 2024. We asked her a couple of questions and here’s what she had to share with us:

How did your apprenticeship help you gain skills for life?

“My apprenticeship was invaluable in helping me develop lifelong skills because it immersed me in the professional world from the onset of my journey. It allowed me to see how the theoretical knowledge from my university degree translated into real-world scenarios.

One of the most rewarding experiences was speaking with my lecturers, many of whom had extensive experience in management consultancy. Their practical advice not only enriched my understanding of the subject but also enabled me to take challenges from my workplace and directly apply them to my academic work.

This unique combination of academic insight and hands-on practice gave me a well-rounded foundation that continues to shape my career.”

What advice would you give someone just starting or considering an apprenticeship at Kent?

“My advice for anyone starting or considering an apprenticeship is always the same: be proactive and curious. In the early stages of your career, there will be people wanting to guide and support you, but opportunities won’t always come to you automatically.

Take the initiative—ask questions, seek out challenges, and show your eagerness to learn. By demonstrating curiosity and drive, you’ll not only gain more from your apprenticeship but also set yourself apart as someone ready to grow and succeed. When I was starting out my career in the early stages I found that the more I put myself out there the more I found new opportunities.”

Lots of students sat chatting on sofas

Events roundup: 10-16 February

This week is Careers’ Life After Uni Week, Valentine’s Day and LGBT+ History Month events continue.

Monday 10 February: LGBTQ+ community lunch (Medway), Life After Uni Week events and Valentine’s crafts

At Medway campus on Monday, you’re invited to the LGBT+ History Month community lunch at The Deep End (upstairs space). It’s a chance to socialise and meet new friends. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.

In your final year and thinking about what’s next? You can join this Life After Uni Week graduation reflection session. There’s also a CV and cover letter online workshop to help you get prepared.

If you live on campus, you can join ResLife Ambassadors Aashvi and Nehi for a creative evening of crafting Valentine’s cards and beautiful origami flowers, perfect for expressing love, friendship or appreciation.

Tuesday 11 February: Crafting for consent with therapy dog and group study appointments

Join the Specialist Wellbeing Team in Nexus as we bring together external support services to spend time crafting for consent. We will have canvas painting, pin badge making, and bracelet making. Come along and create for consent! Special guest Coco the therapy dog will also be making an appearance.

Are you working on a group project or presentation? Do you want to join with a few friends and book a skills appointment you can attend together? The Skills for Academic Success (SAS) team are now offering appointments for small groups between two – four students. For larger groups, get in touch with SAS directly.

Wednesday 12 February: Free LinkedIn headshot, meet the Employability Points team and attend a free lunchtime concert

A professional looking LinkedIn profile is an essential aspect of enhancing your chances of securing graduate employment. Photographer Matt Cook is back to take LinkedIn headshots, free of charge.

Meet with graduate recruitment agencies in Sibson Atrium and find out how they can help you with your search for a graduate job! Recruiters will be attending from Morgan Jones, Hays, Give a Grad a Go and Graduate Mentor CIC.

Come along and meet the Employability Points team in Templeman Library who will explain what the Employability Points scheme is and how it benefits you during your studies and how you can claim Employability Points and apply for rewards this academic year.

Enjoy a free lunchtime concert from alumnus Matthew Sotillo-Cooke in a recital of Schumann’s song-cycle in Colyer-Fergusson Hall.

Thursday 13 February: Drop-in study appointments (Medway), Valentine’s Crafternoon (Medway), LGBTQ+ student and staff lunch and Life After Uni Week drop in advice

The Medway Skills for Academic Success Team will be on hand for drop-in appointments. These are for quick queries; for example, checking referencing or a brief appraisal of the structure/coherence of an assignment.

Paint a mug with us to gift to a loved one, friend, family or just keep for yourself at The Hub’s Valentine’s Crafternoon.

The Staff and Student LGBT+ Networks and Societies have joined up for a joint social and lunch in Rutherford Dining Hall. Come along to meet staff and students from our LGBTQ+ community.

Graduating later this year and want some advice? Careers staff will be present to answer your questions, with space and time to work on your LinkedIn, CV or to help you make a checklist of what to do next.

Friday 14 February: Panel with recent Kent grads and Valentine’s/Anti-Valentine’s activities

In your final year and unsure what to do next? Join this online panel with recent Kent graduates who will answer questions about what their situation was just before graduation and what they did to help them find and secure a graduate role or postgraduate study place. They will offer advice and answer your questions.

Happy Valentine’s Day! If you don’t have a date, don’t worry! Students who live in on-campus accommodation can make a free mocktail in K Bar. There’s also an anti-valentines movie night in Eliot College.

Weekend 15-16 February: LGBTQ+ events

On Saturday there’s an LGBQ+ movie night in Eliot College and on Sunday there’s an online LGBTQ+ Kahoot quiz with catering vouchers for the winners.

See more student events.

 

Your Views Your NSS artwork

Take the NSS today for chance to win cash prizes

The National Student Survey (NSS) is now open for final year undergraduate students at Kent.

To say thanks for your feedback, when you complete the NSS you will be entered into a prize draw to win 1 of 25 cash prizes up to the value of £150!

The NSS is your chance to have your say on what you liked or didn’t like about studying at Kent.

Find out more and take the NSS

The NSS: what you need to know

🏆 There are 25 cash prizes up to the value of £150 to be won!

📣The University and Kent Students’ Union value your feedback and the NSS is one of the most powerful ways to have your say. See the Your Uni Your Say webpages for ways we have acted on your feedback.

📧Ipsos emailed you on Thursday 30 January and will continue to email, text and call you until you complete it.

🔒The survey is completely anonymous and confidential. It is run by Ipsos, an independent research agency.

🎓 The NSS is mainly open to final year undergraduates.

🕕The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete. However, please take the time to consider your answers and reflect on your whole experience at Kent.

Kent and KSU banners at Canterbury Pride event

Events roundup: 3-9 February

Find out what’s on this week including LGBT+ History Month events, a silent disco and assignment support drop ins.

It’s also Race Equality Week, an opportunity to pause and reflect on the progress made towards race equality. This week serves as both a celebration of our achievements and a moment to reassert our commitment to advancing race equality throughout the institution.

Monday 3 February: Taylor Swift PG Talk and making applications (Medway)

The next PG Talk is on the topic of ‘Look what you made me do: Tayor Swift and 21st Century Feminist Practice’, and will be given by Dr Clare Hurley, based on her book chapter ‘The Literary Taylor Swift’ and her student-led conference. The talk is open to all PG students.

Making applications to graduate schemes, job roles or postgraduate study? Come to this in-person session in Medway to discover how to create and submit engaging and targeted applications.

Tuesday 4 February: Pets as therapy (Medway), LGBT+ movie night and improving your work using tutor feedback

At The Hub in Medway, you can spend time with a Pets as Therapy dog to help you relax.

To celebrate LGBT+ History Month, join the ResLife Ambassadors for an LGBTQ+ themed movie night to watch ‘Everyone’s Talking about Jamie’.

Learn how to improve your work using tutor feedback at this Skills for Academic Success online workshop, helping you go from ‘Needs improvement’ to ‘Nailed it’.

Wednesday 5 February: Monthly seed sow, assignment drop-in service and a silent disco

Come down to Kent Community Oasis Garden (KentCOG) near Park Wood and help get the garden growing by joining our monthly seed sow activity. Plant this month’s vegetable and flower seeds in seed trays and compost to grow in the polytunnels on site.

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

On Wednesday evening, if you live in on-campus accommodation, you’re invited to join the Silent Disco in Eliot College. Choose from three playlists so there’s something for everyone. Plus, the first 150 students through the door (students in accommodation only) will get a free burger! There’s also snacks, and if dancing isn’t your thing, you can just listen to the music and enjoy some Valentine’s crafts instead.

Thursday 6 February: Assignment drop-in appointments (Medway), working in fraud investigation and growth mindset workshop

The Medway Skills for Academic Success Team will be on hand for drop-in appointments – no booking is required. Drop-ins are for quick queries; for example, checking referencing or a brief appraisal of the structure/coherence of an assignment.

Interested in a career in Fraud Investigation? Are you inquisitive, open-minded and objective, with strong IT and analytical skills, and a keen eye for detail? On Thursday afternoon you can join a talk by His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) about different careers in fraud investigation.

Join this online Study Plus workshop to find out all about what a growth mindset is and how it can affect you in life and in work.

Friday 7 February: PGR yoga and writing retreat and LGBTQ+ friendly social

PGR students are invited to join a yoga and writing retreat on campus. The workshop consists of guided yoga sessions mixed with opportunities for you to get on with your writing.

Our ResLife Ambassadors May and Victory are hosting an LGBTQ+ friendly social. However you identify, come and chat to others in your community in our safe space in Templeman Library. We will have hot drinks, biscuits, board games and colouring or have go at Super Mario Kart.

See more student events.

Opportunities

See all student opportunities.

Student sat on steps smiling holding phone

Free 5 week online mindfulness course

Are you busy living, working or studying? Do you need to take a moment to rest and recharge?

Dr Adelina Gschwandtner, Economics Lecture and Wellbeing Coordinator, is running the popular 5-week mindfulness course again this year.

There are many benefits associated with mindfulness including:

  • Reducing stress, anxiety and depression
  • Improved sleep quality
  • Improved job performance
  • Improved emotional and social skills

The course will start on Wednesday 26 February and will then run every Wednesday in March on Zoom, 15:00-16:30.  It is open to all students.

You will receive 15 employability points and a certificate after completing the course.

To register, email Adelina A.Gschwandtner@kent.ac.uk

students walking on campus

Race Equality Week (3–9 February)

Race Equality Week, (3- 9 February), offers Kent an opportunity to pause and reflect on the progress made towards race equality. This week serves as both a celebration of our achievements and a moment to reassert our commitment to advancing race equality throughout the institution.

Progress to Date
Kent has made significant strides in its race equality journey, with key initiatives and milestones marking our ongoing commitment. Notable achievements included the launch of our Challenging Racism Strategy, a comprehensive framework aimed at addressing and dismantling systemic racism within the university and a precursor to our work on the Race Equality Charter. Additionally, Kent’s recent attainment of the Race Equality Charter (REC) Bronze Award in October 2024 is a significant recognition of our efforts and a testament to the dedication of our staff and students in this area.

Role of the BAME Staff Network
The BAME Staff Network has played a crucial role in shaping Kent’s race equality efforts. Through its leadership, the Network has consistently challenged the institution to improve its support for racially minoritised staff. Their advocacy and expertise have been instrumental in ensuring that race equality remains a top priority within Kent’s strategic planning and day-to-day operations.

Kent Students’ Union Black Student Voices Project
Equally important has been the Kent Students’ Union Black Student Voices Project, which has amplified the voices of racially minoritised students across the university. This project has provided a vital platform for students to share their experiences, ensuring that their concerns are heard and acted upon. The insights garnered from this initiative have helped inform the development of policies and practices that better support students from racially minoritised backgrounds.

The 2025–2030 EDI Strategy Consultation
Kent is currently consulting with staff and students on its 2025–2030 Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy. This ongoing consultation is crucial in shaping the university’s long-term approach to race equality. By embedding race equality into the core of our EDI work, Kent is establishing a sustainable framework for continuous improvement, ensuring that progress is not just made but built upon year after year.

Race Equality Charter Monitoring Group
In alignment with the REC Action Plan, Kent will convene its Race Equality Charter Monitoring Group for its inaugural meeting on 7 February. This group will oversee and scrutinise the implementation of the REC Action Plan, holding the institution accountable and driving forward the race equality agenda. Through this group, we aim to ensure that our commitments are not only fulfilled but continually advanced in a meaningful and impactful way.

Race Equality Week is an opportunity to reflect on the work done and the work still to be done. Kent remains committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all, and the initiatives outlined above are just some of the steps we are taking on our journey towards full race equality. As we continue to build on this progress, we remain dedicated to ensuring that the voices of racially minoritised staff and students are heard, valued, and acted upon.