There’s still time to book your place on our Language Express courses starting on Tuesday 9 October 2018! Choose from a wide variety of languages at a number of different ability levels.

Learning a language is a great way to enhance to your CV whilst improving your communication skills and opening your eyes to a different culture.

The courses run throughout the autumn and spring terms and take place in the evening from 18:00 – 20:00.

For more information please visit the Language Express webpages or email languageexpress@kent.ac.uk.

Or if you would like to book your place, please visit our Online Store.

The Learning and Teaching Network provides sessions based around the categories used in the National Student Survey for staff working towards enhancing learning, teaching and assessment. All staff are welcome to attend.  The events are intended for staff who work with students or are in learning and teaching roles.

To confirm your attendance at an event please complete the online booking form.

For further information and suggestions contact Dr Silvia Colaiacomo, Curriculum and Educational Developer – s.colaiacomo@kent.ac.uk

See well-renowned poet, Patience Agbabi, deliver an incredibly moving poetry performance inspired by the Dockyard.

The lecture is at the Royal Dockyard Church on Thursday 27 September and begins at 19.00.

The lecture is FREE to attend and places can be booked on Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust website.

Once you have registered make sure you get involved in all that Welcome Week (or as some people call it, ‘week 0’) has to offer.

This week is a helpful introduction to the University and its services, including the Library and your students’ union, getting you ready for when teaching starts on 24 September 2018.

Even if you’re not living in University accommodation you still need to attend Welcome Week.

Get the most from Welcome Week and make sure you…

• Go to the Welcome Fair on Wednesday 19 September. This is your opportunity to find out more about all the societies and sports teams you can join. You can also pick up a few freebies from local businesses.
• Attend your school’s induction events. School induction events are a great opportunity to meet fellow students studying similar courses to you, while discovering the wide range of support services provided by your school. Contact your school for more information.
• When studying at university, the Drill Hall Library will be a key resource, so it’s important you know how to use all the services and where to go for help. Find out more about Library and IT services.
• Follow UKM Student on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. These accounts are managed by fellow student Arun and will feature opportunities and events for Medway students.

International student?

As well as all the Welcome Week activities, there’s a special welcome programme for international students.

Make sure you’re up-to-date with your measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) and MenACWY vaccines. And if you’re not, book in with your GP Surgery to get the vaccines before you come/return to campus.

University campuses are the perfect environment for measles and meningococcal diseases to spread.

Make sure you register with the local GP surgery and look out for symptoms of measles and meningitis.

Facts about measles:

• Measles is circulating in England and in Europe, particularly among 15 -25 year olds.
• Measles is very infectious, it can cause serious complications and, in rare cases, can be fatal.
• Measles can be more severe in young people and adults, often leading to hospital admissions.
• Measles starts with cold-like symptoms and sore red eyes followed by a high temperature and a red-brown blotchy rash. If you experience these symptoms, call NHS 111.
• The best way to protect yourself against measles is have two doses of the MMR vaccine. It is never too late to get the vaccine. There are no risks to your health if you get an extra dose.
• Young people are strongly advised to check if they had the MMR vaccine. Check if you have had two doses of the vaccine with your GP and arrange a catch up NOW if necessary.
• If you suspect you have measles stay away from others for at least four days after the rash has appeared.
• Call NHS 111 if you think you might have measles or have been in contact with someone who has had it.

Facts about meningococcal disease:

• Meningitis and septicaemia can develop suddenly and can kill or leave people with life changing disabilities and health problems.
• There has been a rapid increase in MenW, a type of meningococcal disease in recent years in the UK.
• This recent MenW strain has been particularly serious and can be difficult to diagnose because it has been associated with symptoms less frequently seen with meningococcal disease, such as severe diarrhoea and vomiting.
• Symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia include: a blotchy rash that doesn’t fade when a glass is rolled over it, fever, aching muscles and joints and a stiff neck.
• The MenACWY vaccine is available free to students who are going to uni for the first time up until their 25th birthday. 
• Any student born after 1 September 1996 who missed the MenACWY vaccine at secondary school can have the vaccine before their 25^th birthday.
• Higher Education students, particularly freshers, are known to be at increased risk of meningitis and septicaemia. Being in confined environments with close contact, such as university halls, hostels when travelling, or attending festivals, increase the chances of infection if unprotected.
• Students should be aware of the symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia and tell someone if they or their friends feel unwell.
• It is vital for students to register with a GP and take up the vaccination as soon as possible. You can book an appointment to get the MenACWY vaccine via your GP.

Read 5 avoidable health threats every student should know about for more information.