Author Archives: Allie Burnett

Uni Students win a mac book air

Prize Draw Alert: Win 1 of 10 MacBook Air Laptops

We know that acing your studies is helped by having top quality tools at your disposal, so what better way to do this than with a new MacBook Air?

Back by popular demand, our partner Santander Universities, are once again giving away 10 MacBook Air laptops in their latest student prize draw.

Entering the prize draw is quick and easy. Just follow these steps:

  1. Register for Santander Open Academy – a free online learning platform (if you’re not already signed up)
  2. Follow the verification link in your confirmation email
  3. Log into the Open Academy platform and select ‘Get Started’ to complete your entry into the Santander Universities MacBook Air Prize Draw!

All university students can enter. Including undergraduates, postgraduates, part-time and full-time students. You also don’t need to bank with Santander to get involved. So be sure to share with your friends, coursemates and anyone else who could benefit from this opportunity.

Enter by 11pm on 29 February 2024 for your chance to win!

Enter Now

laptop

KentVision update: now available

**13:00, 30 January 2024 – KentVision is now back online, ahead of schedule **

The KentVision system will be unavailable for all users from 17:00 on Friday 26 January 2024 until Wednesday 31 January 2024 at 12:00 due to planned maintenance.

If you need to view your timetable during these times, you can integrate your timetable with a personal calendar (e.g Outlook or Google calendar) on a mobile or computer through iCal. Please go to the my study webpage and click the cog in the top right-hand corner to see the subscribe to calendar options.

You will be unable to submit an Extenuating Circumstance request (Extension / Late Submission) during this period and you should aim to meet the original assignment deadline, but should that not be possible please submit your work within 7 days of the deadline and apply for a late submission, with supporting evidence, advising us why you could not meet the deadline once Kent Vision is up and running again.

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

Student smiling to camera

Join Kent’s New Mentoring Scheme: Celebrating Mentoring Month

January marks Mentoring Month, and there’s no better time to invest in your personal and professional growth. If you’re a student looking to make strides in your academic and career goals, sign up for the Career Mentoring Scheme, which partners students with alumni who work in their chosen industry or sector.

By participating in the mentoring scheme, you’ll gain a unique perspective on your chosen profession, develop key skills and knowledge, and prepare for life after graduation.

You can take part in the programme for one or two terms, depending on your needs and availability. The programme is available to all undergraduate and postgraduate students, with applications accepted throughout the year.

The Career Mentoring Scheme is an excellent opportunity to build your professional network, connect with alumni in your field, and receive valuable advice and guidance. Take advantage of this opportunity to enhance your career journey and apply today!

Students walking towards University Medical Centre

Have you had your vaccines? Free walk-in clinic on 29 Jan

Infectious diseases can spread easily at unis so make sure you’re up to date with your vaccines and aware of the common signs and symptoms of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia.

If you have missed one or more vaccines, make an appointment with your GP as soon as possible.

After arriving at university it is important you register with the local GP surgery, who will also be able to advise regarding your vaccinations. We have a GP surgery on the Canterbury campus you can register with.

Covid and flu vaccine clinic on Monday 29 January

There will be a walk-in vaccine clinic at the Canterbury campus on Monday 29 January, from 12:30-14:30, in Senate committee room 2. There is no need to book, you can just show-up and get a free covid and/or flu vaccine.

Advice and information is available on the NHS website:

student presenting at i-teams

Apply now for i-teams

i-teams is an innovative programme that allows Kent students to work in interdisciplinary teams, solving real-world problems and gaining valuable experience in a variety of fields.

Whether your passion lies in sustainability, healthcare, or technology, i-teams has a project for you. Work alongside mentors from industry and academia to develop your skills and knowledge in your chosen area. Not only will you gain valuable experience, but you will also have the opportunity to make a difference in the world.

But don’t just take our word for it. Previous i-teams participants have gone on to launch their own successful startups, work for top companies, and even pursue further education in their chosen field. The skills and experience gained through i-teams have proven invaluable in their future careers.

So what are you waiting for? Join the i-teams programme and start making an impact today! Visit the our careers webpages to learn more and apply by 29 January 2024.

Take the NSS today

In your final year? Here’s why you should fill in the NSS

The National Student Survey (NSS) is now open at Kent and final year undergraduate students are invited to complete it.

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

The NSS: what you need to know

📣The University and Kent 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.  

📧If you are eligible, Ipsos will email you on Thursday 25 January and will continue to email, text and call you until you complete it (so we recommend you do it early). 

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

🎓 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.

Student on PC in Drill Hall Library

Changes to how you get financial support at Medway

From 15 January 2024, at Medway you will only be able to book virtual appointments with the University’s Income Office. If an in-person appointment is essential this will be arranged for you but you won’t be able to drop in the office.

How to book a virtual appointment:

  • Virtual appointments are available Monday – Friday, from 10:00-15:00. Complete the online form to book a virtual appointment.
  • You can also contact the Income Office by phone – 01227 824242. The opening hours are Monday – Friday, 10:00-16:00.

Get in touch with your Division’s Income Office by email:

If you have an account controller, you will receive a welcome email from your new account controller shortly.

Two students walking down steps in Canterbury Cathedral

A Student’s Guide to the Winter Break for International Postgrads

International postgrad student Caroline shares her experience of spending the winter break on campus

“As an international postgraduate student in the UK, spending the Christmas holidays away may seem lonely and daunting at first. However, it can be a unique and enriching experience. Canterbury, with its rich history and charming atmosphere, offers lots of activities to make your holiday season memorable. In this blog post, I will share my recommendations for what you may wish to consider doing during the Christmas holidays when you decide to take a break from your studies.”

Explore Canterbury’s historic sites

“There is a range of activities to enjoy in the City Centre, while the campus is quieter. One of my favourites is the iconic Canterbury Cathedral, which is free for University of Kent Students to visit. Just bring your KentOne ID and browse all the events they have to offer.”  

Join festive events and the Canterbury Christmas markets

“Canterbury comes alive with festive cheer during the Christmas season, with the ‘Christmas Light Switch-on’ and the arrival of the Christmas marketplace. Visit the Christmas lights in the city centre to experience the enchanting atmosphere and definitely don’t pass up the chance to explore the Christmas markets; you can indulge in seasonal treats, shop for unique gifts, and enjoy the vibrant ambience with friends or colleagues.”

Participate in University events

“Check online for uni-led special events or gatherings during the holidays. Both Kent Union’s ‘Give it a Go!’ scheme and the ResLife team will be hosting events throughout the Christmas break, so make sure to check out what events they have planned. Some schools will also be hosting Christmas parties, cultural celebrations, and activities for students staying on campus, so keep an eye on your emails. It’s an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow international students and create new holiday traditions.”

Embrace British Christmas Traditions

“Immerse yourself in British Christmas traditions by attending local events such as carol services, pantomimes, and festive concerts. If you haven’t had the chance to go into the city centre to try some of the local food or pubs, now will be the best time to experience the joy of a traditional Christmas dinner with all the trimmings.”

“Have a very Merry Christmas in Canterbury!”

Check out the winter break webpages for service opening times, advice and support.

 

students in Bangladesh

Go Abroad Story: Bangladesh

Kent MSc Development Economics students, Gladness and Rebecca, studied abroad in Bangladesh. Hear what they had to say about their time studying abroad…

Gladness said:

“I embarked on a journey to Bangladesh for my MSc Development Economics dissertation, I did not plan for it initially. However, the opportunity presented itself, and I grabbed it. I felt like I needed a change of scenery to concentrate on my dissertation without distractions for four weeks. Additionally, my love for travel, exploring new places, and meeting new people influenced my decision.

“I studied the Effectiveness of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Program, specifically the Coastal Climate Resilience Infrastructure Programme (CCRIP), on Food Security in Bangladesh. I received fantastic guidance, a lot of assistance, and plenty of attention during my research. The team at BRAC University was incredibly supportive, aiding me in tasks such as data collection and arranging transportation. Their help significantly improved the entire research process.

“During this experience, I gained valuable insights into Bangladesh’s geography, particularly in the coastal areas where my research was focused. Concepts like Regions, Districts, and Upazilas became familiar, with Upazila being a new term for me. Immersing myself in the culture, I appreciated the local food and clothing, savouring the unique herbs and spices in their meals. The religious influence in an Islam-dominated country like Bangladesh was a captivating experience, with the city resonating with prayers every few hours.

“The hands-on experience at BRAC University was instrumental in my academic growth. Guided by a supportive supervisor, I learned the intricacies of empirical studies, including sourcing and cleaning raw datasets. The collaborative efforts of the supervisor and co-workers were crucial in overcoming challenges in data cleaning and processing. As a result, my dissertation earned the highest mark, igniting a newfound passion for research and a desire to explore further opportunities.

“Reflecting on this experience, I wholeheartedly recommend it to other students, especially those eager to explore new places. Being away from the familiar environment allowed me to focus solely on my dissertation, eliminating the distractions of daily routines. Despite occasional challenges like the monotony of daily rice consumption and language barriers, the hosting team’s unwavering commitment to our comfort and the friendly nature of the people in Dhaka made the experience enriching.”

Rebecca shared:

“Bangladesh was the perfect study abroad location for me and my research. My research project explored remittance and household expenditure behaviour, drawing a comparison between Bangladesh and Uganda. Bangladesh’s unique position as one of the top receivers of global remittances made it an ideal location to study how these financial transfers impact the daily lives of Bangladeshi families.

“The trip helped me understand the Bangladesh dataset better before starting the econometric analysis. Being on the ground provided me with a broader cultural understanding and helped interpret the data more accurately. I also gained valuable insights into the social, economic, and political context in Bangladesh.

“My time in Bangladesh provided me with a profound appreciation for the rich tapestry of Bangladeshi culture, the warm hospitality and resilience of its people.

“This experience honed my intercultural communication skills and deepened my understanding of global issues. I cannot stress enough the importance of such immersive experiences for personal and professional growth.

“I wholeheartedly recommend this opportunity to fellow students. It’s not solely about conducting research and acquiring knowledge; it’s also about broadening your horizons, fostering empathy, and forging lasting memories.

“To those considering this adventure, I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone, seize the opportunity with an open heart and eagerness to learn, and you’ll return enriched in more ways than you can imagine.”

For Economics students interested in this amazing opportunity in Bangladesh please email A.Gschwandtner@kent.ac.uk

See Go Abroad opportunities and funding for the full range of international opportunities available to all Kent students.

Kent Law School's mooting team

Kent Law School Mooters reach Grand Final

During the previous academic year, students from Kent Law School (KLS) accomplished remarkable successes in mooting and mock trial competitions. Several teams advanced to the semi-finals in various national mooting competitions in 22/23, with the most significant accomplishment being the team’s advancement to the National Finals of the prestigious OUP/ICCA Moot. This competition, which has been running for decades, is highly competitive, with over 60 universities vying for a spot in the grand finals.

In a first for KLS, our team of mooters earned a place in the Grand Finals of the OUP/ICCA Moot, an outstanding accomplishment.

Darren Weir, Director of Lawyering Skills said, ‘For many years KLS has entered the competition and has reached the semi-final stage more than once, which is an amazing achievement.  But, to see our team get through to the Grand Final held at Middle Temple was fantastic.  A huge well done to Raph and Victoria for breaking records and getting us to the final’.

Raphael Hardy said:

‘It was a wonderful experience to moot against some of the best teams in the country on such a wide range of legal issues. The competition is tough, your submissions need to be on point and that is why the moot is regarded as one of the most prestigious in the country.  It is a good challenge for those looking to improve on the existing skills they have built up at Kent’.

Victoria Bradshaw said:

‘It was an incredible experience and one I will remember into my career at the Bar.  It is a chance to practise your advocacy skills against some of the best mooting teams in the UK. The renown competition tested our legal and oral argument skills like no other. Getting through each round was a testament to our commitment, hard-work and team work. We couldn’t have reached the finals without the help of our wonderful mentor Darren Weir, who is a valuable asset to Kent Law School. It was extremely challenging but very rewarding – an opportunity one should not pass!’

What is mooting?

Mooting is a popular activity among law students and legal professionals. It is essentially a simulated court proceeding where participants argue hypothetical legal cases. Moot courts give law students a chance to develop their argumentative and public speaking skills, as well as their knowledge of legal research and writing.

Mooting is just one of the lawyering skills offered at Kent Law School and is part of our outstanding co-curricular Lawyering Skills Programme. Owing to KLS’ growing reputation for practical lawyering skills, KLS has teamed up with Thomson Reuters Case Center to host the National Law Student Triathlon for the third successive year.