Are you a home undergraduate (on your first degree) or a home taught master’s student? If you’re getting a loan from Student Finance but not the full amount, you might be able to get more support.

If your household income hasn’t been assessed yet —or your financial situation has changed this academic year (for example, your parents’ or partner’s income has dropped) —you could be eligible for extra funding.

But don’t wait! The deadline to report a change in financial circumstances is the end of May.

Updating your financial information with the Student Loans Company could increase your loan amount. It could also strengthen your case if you apply for University Hardship Funding.

What to do now:

1. Check if you’ve had a full financial assessment.
2. If not, update your household income details with Student Finance.
3. If your circumstances have changed, report it ASAP.

Need help?
Contact Kent Students’ Union’s Advice Service for support, and check out the official guidance on the GOV.UK website.

Kent Students’ Union (KSU) is calling on all students and staff to sign a petition aimed at improving employment policies for those holding a student visa.

International students contribute greatly to the vibrant and diverse communities within universities, yet many face financial strain due to the current restrictions on working hours and the inability to engage in independent work.

The petition, created by Cláudia Moreira (VP for Postgrad and International Student Experience at KSU), seeks to make changes to the current employment restrictions.

Key changes the petition advocates for:

1. Increasing working hours: The petition calls for the cap on working hours for international students to be raised from 20 to 30 hours per week. This would enable students to better support themselves financially without affecting their academic performance.
2. Independent work and entrepreneurship: It also advocates for international students to have the right to engage in independent work, such as freelancing, or even start their own small businesses. This would provide them with more opportunities to gain real-world experience and further their careers.
3. Flexibility during intermission periods: Students currently can only work full-time during the holidays. The petition calls for full-time work flexibility during intermission periods as well, giving students a chance to work without constraints.
4. Extension of intermission periods: Finally, the petition calls for an extension of the intermission period from 59 to 120 days. This will provide international students more time to balance their academic commitments and prevent burnout.

How you can help

Signing this petition is an easy yet impactful way to support international students at Kent and beyond. You can sign the petition and learn more by visiting the petition page here.

The Main Entrance to the Templeman Library will be closed during the first week of the Easter vacation from Monday 7 until Sunday 13 April. This is to enable essential building work to replace old light fittings and install Smartscan lighting as we continue our journey towards Carbon Net Zero.

The Library will remain open 24/7 and be fully accessible via the three alternative entrances: Library Road, Terrace and Grimond. All Library services and facilities will be available during these building works.

Kent students and staff will need to use their KentOne cards to access the building. Visitors are advised to use the Library Road Entrance intercom system to request access.

Welcome Desk services will be available from the Welcome Hall, and Nexus and Library & IT Support will remain open in D Block ground floor.

We are sorry for any inconvenience.

It’s time for continuing undergraduate students from England to apply for student finance.

Apply now to make sure your funding is in place for September 2025.

Before you apply:

• Check your tuition fees for 2025-26
• Find out what type of funding is available and if you can get any extra help
• Get an estimate of how much Maintenance Loan you’ll get using the Student Finance Calculator
• Find out if you’re eligible for student finance on GOV.UK.
• Check what identity documents you’ll need to apply. For most students this can be a valid UK Passport number on your application
• Speak to your parents or partner and let them know you’ll need their National Insurance number if you’re applying for funding based on your household income

Tuition fees for 2025-26

The UK government announced back in November 2024 that tuition fees across the country will increase from August 2025, as such the amount of Tuition Fee Loan students can apply for has increased. Maintenance loan amounts have also increased. Here’s a reminder of tuition fees at Kent for the 2025-26 academic year.

During the spring vacation period, which is from 5 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 18 April, Monday 21 April and Monday 5 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 7 April – 6 May, Nexus is open Monday – Friday 09:00 – 18:00, Saturdays 12:00-18:00 and closed on Sundays. Nexus will be closed for the Bank Holiday weekend Fri 18 April – Mon 21 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 09:00-16:45 throughout the Spring break, apart from national bank holidays. You can also get support and counselling from our telephone, text and app 24/7 from our wellbeing partners Spectrum Life.
• Exam preparation and study support: The Skills for Academic Success team is available throughout the Spring break, apart from the national bank holidays. 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 the Sports Centre and The Pavilion will be closed on Good Friday (18 April) and Easter Monday (21 April). Check out Kent Sport opening hours.
• Campus Shuttle: The Campus Shuttle, between the Canterbury and Medway campuses, doesn’t run out of term time.
• 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.
• Mitigation and further support: Student Engagement is another point of contact for support over the break if you need help (apart from the national bank holidays). We are here if you need help to submit an end-of-year mitigation request, if you think you might need to miss an exam, if you have an emergency and need help with costs over the break, or if you need to speak to someone about personal circumstances.
• Kent Students’ Union services and campus shops: See the KSU webpage for Co op, Campus Pantry, Library Cafe and KSU Advice Service opening times.

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

We wish you a restful break!

This month’s Kent Star is Aashvi, who has organised community events, including the celebrated Iftar Dinner. Her leadership extends to numerous roles, such as chairing the Racially and Ethnically Marginalised People (REMP) Network and serving as President of the Geography Society. Aashvi’s commitment to inclusivity, sustainability and environmental justice is evident in all her endeavours. Hear from Campus Champion Aashvi:

“Hi, my name is Aashvi. My pronouns are she/her and I’m studying Environment and Sustainability at the University of Kent.”

Tell us about the Iftar Dinner you’ve organised this evening? 

“I am a ResLife Ambassador and organise events for people that stay at the University of Kent accommodation. And last year, as part of Kent Students’ Union, the International Student Voices research project, I helped, along with my partner at the time Hur Aly, host the first university-wide Iftar Dinner at Rutherford. And through my role this year, I along with my partner Nehi Eigbefoh, wanted to bring that back again, because it’s so nice to have a community, where people can break their fast and also invite other people to come, join in and learn more about Ramadan, Eid and Iftar.”

Please tell us about your other roles at the University? And can you choose a favourite? 

“Where do I even start? I’m the chair of the Racially and Ethnically Marginalised People (REMP) Network and the President of Geography Society. The Social Secretary of the Sustainability Working Group, Student Ambassador, a ResLife Ambassador, and a Student Trustee at the Kent Students’ Union Board of Trustees.

“Last year, I was a Student Rep for the School of Anthropology and Conservation. I was part of the BioBlitz Organising Committee, as part of the Marketing Officer. So I have lots of roles, but it’s really hard to choose a favourite because I love what I do in all of them. But my passion really lies in sustainability and environmental justice.

“It’s definitely a lot to say, but it’s impossible to choose a favourite. Because I have a passion for each and every one of the roles. And they’re also unique in different ways. I love environmental justice and sustainability, and I hope to also make my degree a part of my everyday life through decolonisation and equity.”

Aashvi at the Iftar dinner she helped organise

What advice would you give to other students? 

“University is a time to explore and get out of your comfort zone. It’s easier said than done, but really lean into doing and exploring new things. Finding what makes you, YOU, and I guess having fun through all of it – and definitely utilise the student discounts!”

What are your plans for next year? 

“Honestly. No idea. As a type A person, I usually have everything scheduled, but I am embracing the unknown. I don’t know where I’m going to be. But hopefully either at a placement year or university. I definitely want to attend more concerts and travel a lot because the UK is great for that, but we’ll see where it goes.”

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

Learn more about the Kent Stars campaign.