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Dealing with worldwide events

You may be feeling disturbed by images in the news, or worried about the safety of loved ones. Find out how to look after your wellbeing and where to go for support if you need it.

It is absolutely natural to feel anxious and frightened, and to feel that events are out of our control. You may be feeling disturbed by the images you have seen on the news. You may be feeling worried about the safety of loved ones. If you have lived through similar events yourself, the current crisis may be bringing up some very traumatic memories. Staff in Student Support and Wellbeing are here to support you during these unsettling times.

Support available at Kent

24/7 support services

For support at any time of day or night, check out the Emergency Support page with details on online and telephone support available round the clock for Kent students, including our support partners:

  • Spectrum Life, who you can call in the evenings and at weekends on 0800 0318227 pressing option 1, and
  • Togetherall, the safe anonymous peer to peer online support forum free to Kent students.

Although you may wish to stay informed, it is important to be aware of your limits.

Distressing world news can certainly affect our mental health. Here are some things you can do to retain some balance.

Try to be intentional in how you are consuming news, avoid long ‘scrolling through’ sessions

  • Take a break from watching the news – consider checking in at certain times of the day only.
  • Mute or turn off news notifications on your phone.
  • Mute or unfollow social media accounts if you are feeling overwhelmed, or limit your news intake to once or twice a day.

Make time for people, activities and actions that are positive for your wellbeing

What helps will be different for each person, but here are a few ideas;

  • Connect with friends and family members.
  • Go for a walk in the fresh air.
  • Listen to a podcast.
  • Listen to some soothing or inspiring music.
  • Write out your thoughts and feelings in a journal.
  • Go to the gym.
  • Grab a coffee with a friend.
  • Connecting with nature can be very soothing, there are some lovely walks on campus or along the river Stour.
  • Have you caught the bus to Whitstable yet, why not have a walk along the beach?
  • Try to have a regular sleep pattern.
  • Try to eat healthily which will help when you are feeling emotionally depleted.
  • Listen to some guided meditations as these can really help as a distraction from racing thoughts.

Focus as much as you can on hope

Remember that distressing events are relatively rare and amidst all the horrors, there are also reports of wonderful acts of courage, bravery and compassion.

Positive News

It can seem like mainstream media is overwhelmed with bad news, but good news itself is not in short supply; the broadcasting of it is! Take a look at the Good News Network website, which seeks to be an antidote to the barrage of negativity we get from major news outlets. The Good News Network also has an app, and a weekly Good News Gurus podcast. A similar website, Positive News also has articles about what you can do to make a positive impact in the world today, such as How to help people in Ukraine and What can I do about climate change?

For inspirational videos from our Medway University Chaplain, check out Take Ten with Lynne on YouTube, covering topics such as kindness, how to be a people helper, and conflict resolution. For more Chaplaincy information and activity from faith groups in Canterbury and Medway, explore the Chaplaincy webpages.

Student Support and Wellbeing – professional support at university

Did you know that Kent has a professional support service of over 100 specialist staff? We’re here to support you with mental health, disabilities, and neurodiversity such as specific learning difficulties or autism, through 1:1 support as well as peer support groups and events. Here’s a video of top mental health tips from our mental health team.

 

Calling Black Student Changemakers: A National Opportunity to Influence and Inspire

The Living Black at University Commission is excited to launch recruitment for the Living Black at University Co-Creation Partnership Group, an initiative that brings together Black students from across the UK to help shape national toolkits, guidance, and best practice for improving the experiences of Black students in student accommodation and beyond. Kent has been involved in the project from the outset, developing Living Black at Kent, supporting and working with our Black students.

This paid opportunity offers students the chance to collaborate, co-create published works, and influence change at a national level. Participants will engage in monthly virtual meetings and have the opportunity to attend and speak at in-person sector events.

Applications are open until Friday 27 June – apply here.

Photoshoot Opportunity

We are recruiting students to take part in a subject specific photoshoot during the week starting 19 May 2025.  The aim is to capture a set of images for each subject that can be used by the University on web, emails, socials – including paid ads etc.

This opportunity is open to all current Kent students, all students that take part will receive a £50 Amazon voucher for your time.

Apply here.

The Kent 2030 Student Advisory Panel

Students from all backgrounds and levels of study have joined the Kent 2030 Student Advisory Panel, working alongside the Kent 2030 Student Experience Working Group. The panel members provide insight, feedback, and ideas that will directly influence student-centric decision-making and co-creation opportunities #YourUniYourSay

Students of all levels of study and from both of our Kent campuses, including those from underrepresented and marginalised communities were encouraged to apply. Their lived experiences and perspectives are invaluable in shaping an inclusive and diverse student experience at Kent.

Further details about the panel, it’s remit, outcomes and discussions in the meetings below will be published shortly.

Planned Meeting Dates:

  • 26/03/25, 12:00 – 14:00 (In-Person & Online)
  • 23/04/25, 13:00 – 15:00 (Online)
  • 20/05/25, 15:00 – 17:00 (In-Person & Online)
  • 12/06/25, 15:00 – 17:00 (In-Person & Online)
Image of Pope Francis by Ashwin Vaswani on Unsplash

Passing of Pope Francis

Many of you may feel a loss and be grieving following yesterday’s sad news about the death of Pope Francis. It’s natural to feel sad and a sense of reflection, particularly for those within associated faith communities. 

Student Support and Wellbeing can offer support and information on dealing with grief and bereavement, and you can access self-help resources here. 

Father Mark Wharton of the University Chaplaincy team welcomes you to contact him if you would like to talk, especially if you are struggling. The student-led Catholic Society of Canterbury campus is also open to all students. 

St Augustine’s Chapel at Canterbury Cathedral is available for those who wish to pay their respects, pray or sign a Book of Condolence.

Exam techniques and strategies

Get started with these SkillBuilder videos on how to approach exams, then check out the tips below on how to prepare and manage your exams.

Exam Techniques

Essay writing in exams

Make a note of your exams
  • Number of exams
  • Exam dates and times
  • Duration of exams
  • Exam/coursework weighting
  • Credits of modules
  • Type of exams – e.g. essays/multiple choice/ problem questions/ exercises
Revising for exams

Please see the guide on revision planning and strategies it is important that you have:

  • Developed an understanding of each exam topic.
  • Memorised key elements needed to complete the exam.
  • Given yourself some exam practice.
The night before the exam
  • Try not to cram revise unless you really have to, it’s important to get a good night sleep.
  • Check exam details – location, time, any required equipment.
  • Plan your route and schedule if you are having to travel to an exam location – leave plenty of time for issues with parking, buses etc. If you are doing an online exam, get your space prepared in plenty of time.
  • Pack or prepare everything you need for the exam e.g. water, student ID, any medication you take, any required equipment e.g. calculators, pens etc.
  • Plan your arrival, as no bags are allowed in Exam Halls. You will only be allowed to bring small items such as your phone, wallet, bottle of water in to the exam hall. If you arrive on campus with a bag you MUST place this in one of the free Day Lockers available on campus. Be sure to arrive on time to organise this.
  • Get a good night’s sleep.
The day of the exam
  • Avoid large quantities of caffeine or sugar, as this is likely to give you a crash in energy.
  • Eat breakfast/lunch before your exam.
  • Arrive in plenty of time to store your bag if you have brought one with you in one of the free campus Day Lockers.
  • Confirm the exam venue and aim to arrive at least 15 minutes in advance of the start of the exam.
  • If you are in an exam hall, ensure that you sit  in the right seat and have the correct paper.
  • Pay attention to any instructions given by the invigilators prior to the exam.
Starting the exam: planning & time management
  • Read the information on the exam paper very carefully, you need to ensure you follow all instructions accurately.
  • Look at the weighting of questions (the exam marks given to each) if there are any, it may be worth attempting the questions with highest points first – on a scrap paper you might wish to plan your order.
  • It is worth spending a few minutes dividing the exam time between the tasks/questions you have to complete, this will give you mini deadlines to follow. Ensure you allow some time at the end for reading through and checking your responses.
Multiple choice / single answer questions in exams

Planning

  • Divide the exam time between the number of questions you have, allowing a little extra time at the beginning for skim-reading the paper and at the end for checking your responses. This will give you a rough idea of how long you have to answer each question, so that you can keep to time.
  • Skim-read the paper and questions:
    • Make a note of the question numbers that you are certain you can answer correctly straight away.
    • If you think of a piece of information or point related to a question, make a very brief note of what you think of with the question number.

Answering questions

  • If there is no weighting for particular questions, start with the questions you are certain of the answers to.
  • You may then wish to go onto the questions where you recorded some information for.
  • You may wish to end with the questions you are not sure of.
  • It is usually better to answer all questions, even if you are not sure of the answer, but check that you do not get points deducted for wrong answers.
  • Try to allow time for editing/going back through answers.
Essays in exams

Essay prep & planning 

You will usually get approximately 1 hour to complete most exam essays, this allows for: 5-10 minutes planning; 40-45 minutes writing and 5-10 minutes for editing and proof-reading.

  1. Read through all the questions and select correct number to answer. Re-read your chosen questions carefully, ensure you:
    • Know what to do.
    • Can answer all parts of the question.
    • Understand the instructional verb (e.g. ‘discuss’, ‘compare’, ‘analyse’) so you know what you are going to do with the topic.
  1. Start with the easiest question.
  2. Note down any thoughts in response:
    • Key points or arguments.
    • Theories (names/dates).
    • Evidence/examples/case studies (names/dates).
    • Connections to module learning outcomes.
  1. Make an essay plan:
    • Decide on which thoughts are relevant to your exam question.
    • Group these ideas, evidence and examples into themes or key points.
    • Arrange them in a logical order.
    • Structure your answer – introduction –> 4-5 paragraphs –> conclusion.

Writing 

  1. Label your answer (you don’t need to write out the question).
  2. Write up your answer according to your essay plan following your time plan.
    • Write on every other line to allow room for corrections.
    • If you get stuck, look at your essay plan and re-read your answer so far.
    • If you run out of time, write up your remaining ideas in bullet points or notes, but write a short conclusion in full sentences.

Editing & proofreading 

  • Allow 5-10 minutes to re-read your answer and edit/correct/amend it.
  • Cross out any rough drafts or notes that you don’t want to be considered.
Panic recovery during the exam

The following table offers guidance on different scenarios you may need to recover from.

Mind goes blank Put pen down, read what you’ve done so far, plan next steps.

Note everything you know about the topic.

Leave a gap and move to next question. Go back later.
Running out of time Divide remaining time between number of answers – better to put some information in each rather than leave any blank if you can help it.

Get main points down and any evidence, even if it is just in bullets. Go back later to fill in detail if you have time.
Losing focus / getting confused Stop writing and re-read the question.

Re-look at your plan – have you gone off track?

This guide has been created for you by the Skills for Academic Success (SAS) Team. During the exam period they offer academic exam support and advice for all students.

For more detailed guidance from an SAS adviser, please book an appointment for yourself or a group.

Are exams something to worry about?

There’s a fine line between being serious about your exams and worrying about them. It’s normal to be apprehensive or feel a little nervous from time to time. However, if you are, very stressed or anxious, worrying excessively or struggling to sleep, it’s time to talk to someone. It’s also OK if you don’t have any real feelings about exams; some people even enjoy the process and are able to take each day as it comes, so don’t worry if you’re not worrying!

How can I look after myself?

There are steps you can take to look after yourself during your exams:

  • Make sure you have all the information you need about each exam – date, time, place, what you need to take with you…and what subject it is! Keep a copy at home so the people you live with know what you’re doing and when. Being well organised will help you stay calm.
  • It’s important to revise but you need to rest too. Too much revision is as unhelpful as too little – find a balance between revising and take time out to do the things you enjoy.
  • Go outside. Take your books and sit in the park in the sunshine; it’s good for the soul and the fresh air will do you good.
  • During exam time, it’s normal to feel some stress or anxiety, so keep some perspective. You might find it helpful to practise techniques like relaxation, mindfulness, and breathing exercises.
  • What are panic attacks and how to cope with them. Includes tips for helping yourself and how to access treatment and support.
  • Talk to people. Exams shouldn’t make you feel upset, so if you need support, talk to your academics or someone else. Speak up about any worries or fears you may have – you’ll be surprised how many other people feel the same. You’re not alone.
  • Leave the exam at the door. When it’s done, it’s done. Don’t rush home and flick through your work to find all the things you might’ve forgotten and avoid comparing notes with friends. You can’t go back, so don’t waste energy on something you can’t change.

How can I look after my friends?

  • Spend time together, revising, resting, and staying in touch. Don’t let anyone feel lonely.
  • Listen to your friends. You may love the buzz of exams but not everyone will feel that way. If a friend says they’re worried or anxious, take it seriously and ask them what you can do to help.
  • Help your friends to get help. You can support your friends and be there for them, but sometimes that might mean you need to speak to someone to tell them that you’re worried about a friend.
  • If any of your friends don’t seem to be sleeping or they are more anxious than usual or tearful, please speak to someone, even if your friend doesn’t want you to. Your friend might not realise how much they need some support until it arrives – and you might be the friend who has made that happen.

Top Tips

  • Try not to compare yourself. The first step in managing exam stress is to not judge yourself against others: ‘Everyone learns in different ways and at different paces.’ Focus on what you want to achieve, not what others around you are doing.
  • Create a strategy. Create a timetable and a plan of what you want to do, and how you will manage that time effectively. Remember that everyone learns in different ways.
  • Study together. Youth mental health charity YoungMinds suggests forming a study group with friends, which can help with making revision less intimidating. And don’t forget to take breaks.
  • Talk to people you trust. YoungMinds says: ‘If you’re struggling, it can help to let your friends and family know so they can offer support’. It’s completely normal to feel stressed and moodier during exam time. Talking to people can help you offload and realise you’re not alone.
  • Keep things in perspective. YoungMinds suggest making a list of all the things you want from life that don’t relate to exams. Shantanu advises focusing on what you want and your goals and trying to resist parental and other pressure.
  • Don’t forget to have fun. It’s important to make sure you also find time to do things you enjoy, even if you’re very busy. Constantly revising without a break can make you feel emotionally and physically drained, so it’s crucial that you take time to step back and do something that you enjoy.

If you have persistent stress and anxiety or you are developing unmanageable physical symptoms then you should speak to your doctor or contact Student Support & Wellbeing who can discuss putting in a support strategy to help you through this time.

Additional support

You can use the free Spectrum Life app to help manage your wellbeing during exams. The app is free to all Kent students and comes with helpful advice, online workshops, guided meditation, and resources to manage your wellbeing during stressful times. You may also find this Student Minds Exam Stress Support useful.

 

staff and student talking

Updating how our teams work together

At Kent, we’re committed to ensuring you have the best possible experience while you study with us. Universities across the UK are facing significant financial challenges, and we’re taking steps to address these at Kent in a way that prioritises your education and wellbeing.  

As we updated previously, we recently ran a Voluntary Severance Scheme to make savings by supporting staff who are looking to leave the University. Alongside this, we are making some higher-level changes to how support and administration teams work together. There is no change to the support teams you currently work with at this stage – we’ll let you know if anything student-facing does change if and when this is confirmed. 

The proposed changes don’t affect our new Academic Schools and are intended to improve alignment with the new structure. The changes will enable back-office functions to be more student-focused, helping us meet students’ needs now and in the future. 

Under the proposal being discussed with staff now, we would bring existing teams together into nine new directorates: 

  1. Finance
  2. Information Technology Services
  3. Marketing, Recruitment and External Engagement 
  4. Research, Innovation and Business Development
  5. Student Life 
  6. Campus Services
  7. Planning, Insights and Improvement
  8. Human Resources and Organisational Development 
  9. Governance, Assurance and Legal Services  

Several of the current student-facing teams would come together within Student Life, ensuring better cohesion between key teams who support you throughout your time with us. This includes postgraduate support, with dedicated PG activity delivered through the Student Life directorate along with your academic support via your School. 

Your Support at Kent  

We understand how important it is to have consistent and reliable support throughout your time here. Our teams remain focused on ensuring continuity of support in all areas of university life, from your academic studies to wellbeing, accommodation, and campus services. No matter what changes happen behind the scenes, you can rely on dedicated teams to provide a consistent experience through the changes. This includes:  

From September 2025 we are also making broader changes to support your studies, following the changes to our course portfolio last year. This includes new modules with more industry and employability links, along with a revised academic year structure which means your assessments will happen much closer to when you study your course content. Keep an eye out for further updates on this throughout the term. 

Get Exams Ready

If you are sitting exams at Kent this summer, our Exams 2025 guidance is now out!

Guidance includes technical support with online exams, what to expect from in-person exams and support available to you. Your exam timetable will be available on KentVision around two weeks before the end of the Spring term, so week commencing 24 March.

Apply for Exam Adjustments by Friday 7 March

If you need, or think you need, adjusted exam arrangements because of a disability, medical condition, or mental health condition and haven’t yet arranged your ILP, the deadline is this Friday 7 March.

Online Module Registration for 2025/26

With Online Module Registration opening soon we wanted to reminder you of the changes to the selection process. These changes are being made following student feedback on how students want to study and how to improve your experience at Kent.

We’ve been in touch previously letting you know about the changes to term times, starting this coming September. The 2025/26 academic year will change to three 10-week terms, instead of the current two 12-week terms and a 6-week assessment term. As we updated last summer, the way you select and take your modules will be changing.

Generally, from September 2025 you’ll study two 20 credit modules in each of the three terms, (four terms for Postgraduates) or sometimes larger modules will be studied across multiple terms. The amount of teaching you receive, and broad module content will remain the same, but with the assessments within each term rather than the end of the academic year.

When Online Module Registration opens (Monday 24 March – Friday 4 April) you will need to select your modules for the next academic year based on your Subject Requirements. Most students will be able to choose from a selection of Optional Modules, which will continue to feature popular topics. If your modules are all compulsory they will be added automatically, and you will not be required to take part in OMR.

Find out more

For full information check the Online Module Registration guidance including Subject Requirements, Exemptions and an FAQ section. You can read more about the Education Modernisation changes here.

You can also drop us a line at csao@kent.ac.uk if you want to talk it through.