Welcome or welcome back to Kent! This week is Welcome Week, and there’s a ton planned to help you meet new people and settle in.
New students – don’t forget to prioritise your School and Division Welcome events so you’re ready for when teaching begins next week. There are also drop-in library tours each day during Welcome Week and Week 1 (11:00 morning tour and 15:00 afternoon tour) so you can familiarise yourself with Templeman Library.
Monday 16 September: Try new things
Welcome Week kicks off with the Fun House at the Venue with laser tag and games. On the library lawn you can try to be the Last One Standing on the podium, avoiding the big, sweeping arm!
In the evening there’s a Karaoke Night at K-Bar, Drag Bingo at Woody’s and then ChuckleVision Freshers Party at the Venue.
At Medway, there’s a Welcome to Kent event in the Oasis Lounge, plus Try it Out (Sports and Societies) and an International FoodFest. If you’re a new student based at Medway, don’t forget to pop into Medway Building during Welcome Week to pick up your KentOne card (ID) and finish any admin tasks.
Tuesday 17 September: Bubble Football and movie nights
Give Bubble Football a try on Tuesday, or relax at the Crafternoon on the library lawn where you can make friendship bracelets or paint a tote bag. In the evening you can watch Barbie at the Gulbenkian’s free outdoor cinema event! Or head to the Venue for the ACS Freshers Takeover.
At our Medway campus, you can meet some cute animals at the Picnic and Pets event at The Hub. There’s also laser tag and then a movie night at The Hub.
Wednesday 18 September: Medway Welcome Fair and Canterbury Global Hangout
Wednesday is the Medway Welcome Fair at The Hub. Meet all the societies and sports as well as students’ union and university support teams. Plus, there will be lots of freebies on offer. In the evening you can join the popular Music/Karaoke Night at Medway.
At Canterbury, there’s an orientation and welcome for short term and exchange students. Meet new and returning international students at the Global Hangout event in Darwin Conference Suite – enjoy crafts, games and refreshments in a relaxed environment.
On Wednesday afternoon, you can pick up some preloved household items donated by students at the Kent Students’ Union Campus Freecycle in Eliot car park. Items include bags, books, crockery and more.
Thursday 19 September: Canterbury Welcome Fair day 1 and Colour Fun Run
The Canterbury Welcome Fair is across Thursday and Friday and is a chance to meet societies and sports clubs whether you’re a new or returning student. There will be different student groups each day so try to visit both days if you can. Plus, great freebies including Domino’s pizza.
Join a Colour Fun Run on Canterbury campus where you get covered in powdered paint! On Thursday evening it’s Dancing Queen at K-Bar, a DJ night designed especially for Kent’s LGBTQ+ community who want to dance the night away.
At Medway you can enjoy Pancakes and Prosecco at The Deep End. You can also get creative with a Crafternoon at The Hub. Crafts include decorating scrapbooks, photo frames and wooden signs.
Friday 20 September: Canterbury Welcome Fair Day 2 and Medway Bollywood Night
Friday is Day 2 of Canterbury Welcome Fair, another chance to meet societies, sports teams and student groups. There’s also Nerf in the Venue and a Silent Disco at Woody’s in the evening.
At Medway, there’s GlobalFest which is a lively celebration of cultures from around the world with traditional performances, authentic foods and cultural music. Then we continue the celebrations with a Bollywood Night at The Deep End.
This is just a small selection of what’s on! See all Welcome Week events.
Don’t forget you can also travel to and from Canterbury and Medway campuses for free on the Campus Shuttle, so you can attend events at both campuses.