Author Archives: Miriam Sandiford

Kent Culture

Kent is an open, friendly, and inclusive environment for everyone. The people around you will be from a variety of backgrounds, faiths, belief systems, viewpoints, nationalities, sexualities, and gender identities. This mix is one of the things that makes Kent, and higher education in general, so special and we are proud to be classed as a University of Sanctuary. You are likely never again going to be in an environment with such a rich and vibrant mix of opinions and viewpoints!

We want to take this opportunity to remind all students that we expect people to be treated respectfully and that you can expect to be treated with respect.

You can find out more about this by taking our Expect Respect e-learning module.

Visible expressions of beliefs or viewpoints such as lanyards, posters, badges, flags etc, whilst welcomed, come with an expectation that you will still behave in an appropriate way and in line with the Kent Student Charter and Respect at Kent policy.

We do not expect people to be challenged about their backgrounds, faiths, belief systems, viewpoints, nationalities, sexualities and gender identities beyond reasonable academic debate and the exercise of freedom of speech within the law in appropriate settings, such as seminars and organised debates; if you are challenged inappropriately please do contact Campus Security if you are feeling threatened or at risk or report via the online reporting tool Report and Support. You can also access support via the SafeZone app; do download it onto your phone. In an emergency you should always dial 999.

We do not tolerate bullying, discrimination or harassment of any groups or individuals on any basis.

If you have been impacted and need further support, we do have several avenues available for students:

• Student Support and Wellbeing: If you need urgent support, Mon-Fri, 9-5pm, contact and ask for urgent mental health support. 01227 823158 / KentSSW@kent.ac.uk
• Spectrum Life: provides free, 24/7 online, text and telephone support from qualified counsellors and mental health professionals
• Togetherall: provides free, 24/7 online mental health and wellbeing support
• Chaplaincy offers a space for quiet reflection. Chaplains are here to listen, to care and to help all staff and students
• Academic Advisors: if you feel that your academic work is being negatively impacted, speak to your Academic Advisor for advice

Remember, everyone has a part to play in ensuring that Kent remains an inclusive, kind, and welcoming environment for all.

Dog

‘Pause for Paws’ at the Templeman Library

Need some furry comfort to help ease into Uni life? We got you!

‘Pause for Paws’ in Templeman Library is back at 15:00 in Nexus (Block D, Ground Floor).  Running nearly every Tuesday during term time, this weekly initiative is one of our favourite ways to bring joy, relaxation and sense of wellbeing to students and staff at Kent.

So take a break from your hectic schedules and visit Templeman Library to say hello to Pancho. He is a certified Pets as Therapy dog, very friendly, calm and loves being fussed over!

It’s an opportunity to boost mental wellbeing, alleviate stress and recharge amidst your daily commitments.

Upcoming dates (autumn term)

  • Tuesday, 23 September, 2025
  • Tuesday, 30 September, 2025
  • Tuesday, 7 October, 2025
  • Tuesday, 14 October, 2025

Keep up to date with our events!

As the ‘Heart of Campus’ we believe in embracing a spirit of discovery and providing an enriching environment beyond the conventional expectations of a library.

At the Templeman Library you always get more than you expect. Library events page.

Make a difference! Join our Widening Participation Student Advisory Panel

 Are you passionate about equality of opportunity in higher education? Do you want to ensure that the student voice is at the heart of decisions shaping your university experience? Then the Widening Participation Student Advisory Panel (WPSAP) is the opportunity for you #YourUniYourSay

Applications to become a Widening Participation Student Advisory Panel member open on Monday 29 September and close on Thursday 9 October – don’t miss your chance to apply! Interviews will take place the week commencing 13 October. 

Who can apply? 

Any current student can apply (UG or PG). We are particularly keen to have representation from students who identify with one of the following characteristics:  

  • Mature students (aged 21 or over on starting a current undergraduate degree) 
  • Students from a global majority background (Black, Asian & minority ethnic) 
  • Students currently studying at the Medway campus 
  • Students that are male 
  • Students who are the first in their family to go to university (not including siblings) 
  • Students who are young carers 
  • Students studying without the support of their family 
  • Care leavers or care experienced students 
  • Students who are unaccompanied asylum seekers or refugees 
  • Students from the Gypsy, Traveller, Roma, Showman or Boater communities 
  • Students who are part of a military family 
  • Students in receipt of the Kent Financial Support Package  
  • Students from POLAR or TUNDRA Quintiles 1 or 2 (check your postcode). 

What to expect? 

We will invite successful applicants for a short, informal, interview on the week commencing 13 October. 

Successful candidates will then be invited to attend a training session on the  21 October. The training session will be recorded, so don’t worry if you cannot make it! 

 The WPSAP will meet at least once per term. Meetings are held on the Canterbury Campus (with the option of attending virtually if required) and usually last 2 hours.

2025/26 WPSAP meetings: 

  • 28 October 10:00 – 12:00 
  • 20 Jan 10:00 – 12:00  
  • 28 April 10:00 – 12:00  

Students are remunerated for their time by way of a £10 gift voucher for every hour of attendance at meetings and are eligible for 20 Employability Points throughout the academic year for their involvement on the WPSAP.

Why Apply? 

This is your chance to make a real difference to the student experience at Kent while building skills in teamwork, communication, and leadership. For further information and to apply, please visit: Widening Participation Student Advisory Panel – Schools and Colleges – University of Kent 

Bookwith with Zeelo just got easier

Campus Shuttle Service is Back – Book Your Seat Now!

We are excited to let you know that the Campus Shuttle booking system is now live, with services resuming from 27 September 2025.

To travel, you’ll need to book your seat in advance through the Zeelo app. Here’s how to get started:

  1. Download the Zeelo app (IOS or Android) or visit Zeelo.co. 
  2. Search for the University of Kent Campus Shuttle.
  3. Claim your free University of Kent Travel Pass.
  4. Use your pass to book journeys between Canterbury and Medway.

We recommend using the Zeelo app so you can be notified of any disruptions to your booked journeys.

All passes are valid for any of the below serviced stops between Canterbury and Medway.

  • Keynes bus stop
  • Pier Quays
  • Historic Dockyard
  • Pembroke.

If you are travelling from Pier Quays or the Historic Dockyard, please make sure to check the pick-up/drop-off times on the timetable. This may differ slightly from the time shown in your app and on your booking.

Need help booking? You can watch the booking video or read the step-by-step booking guide.

Accessibility:

Wheelchair users or passengers with restricted mobility who may find it difficult to board a standard coach, you can still book a place by contacting Zeelo directly with at least 12 hours’ notice.

Tyler Court building

Welcome Week accommodation for commuting students

Don’t let your commute stop you from having the best Welcome Week ever! If you usually travel to campus, you can now stay right here at Kent, where everything’s happening.

This special Welcome Week accommodation package is for both new and returning students who want to experience everything the university has to offer. Instead of rushing to catch the bus or train, you can book a room on campus for the whole week and join in all the fun, meet new people, and make lasting memories.


Package details

  • 5 nights for £200 (per person)
  • Sunday 28 September – Friday 3 October 2025
  • An en-suite room in Tyler Court
  • Self-catered
  • Spacious shared kitchen
  • Bed linen, towels, and basic kitchen equipment provided
  • Check in: 15.00
  • Check out: 11.00
  • Bookings close on Thursday 25 September 2025

Please note: There will be no housekeeping during your stay. Students are responsible for cleaning the kitchen after use and taking rubbish to the main bins outside the block. If you need fresh towels, you can swap them at the Tyler Court reception during opening hours.


What’s included in your Welcome Week stay:

  • A full line-up of activities and events – From themed parties and quiz nights to fairs and workshops, the week is full of ways to meet new people and make memories.
  • A buzzing campus atmosphere – Soak up the festival-like atmosphere, meet new people, make friends, and join the hive of activity.
  • Freedom to explore – Get to know campus at your own pace, without the rush of commuting. Familiarise yourself with the library, local eateries, nightlife spots, and student services.
  • Easy access to Canterbury – Explore a historic city with medieval streets, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture just minutes away.
  • The city’s nightlife at your doorstep – Historic pubs, lively bars, live music, and nightclubs – all within walking distance or a short bus ride.

… plus much more!


Ready to book?

We’d love to welcome you on campus for Welcome Week. Rooms are limited, so if you’d like to stay, be sure to book your place soon.

Don’t forget to use the promo code ‘COMMUTING’ when booking.

If you have any questions at all, we’re here to help:

  • Call us: +44 (0) 1227 828000
  • Email us: conferences@kent.ac.uk
  • Office hours: 09.00 – 17.00 (Monday – Friday)

We can’t wait to see you on campus and make Welcome Week unforgettable!

Group of students

Employability Points: More chances to apply for rewards

This year there are some changes to the Employability Points (EP) Scheme.

First off, the reward structure will be different. There will be three periods where you will be able to apply for rewards rather than just the one deadline in March. The first period will be in November 2025, the second period will be in February 2026 and the third and final period will be April 2026. This means you can cash your points in more frequently throughout the year. 

Secondly, there will be only two types of rewards you can apply for; a two week Insight Programme (formerly work experience) and paid internship roles. You will only need 200 points to apply for these rewards and we will be sending out the opportunities via email and uploading them to Careers Hub in the weeks before you can apply.

You will apply through Careers Hub and if shortlisted there will be preplanned interview dates with the employer or EP interviewer. Don’t worry though, the reward types no longer included, such as company experiences and skills development sessions, will now be featured within the general Careers events programme 

The way you log your points will remain the same and what you get points for will remain the same, but allows for you to apply for rewards and work with our sponsors throughout the year and work on getting experience in relevant fields before the end of the year.

We look forward to seeing what this year has in store for you!

Get Involved. Get Rewarded.

Learn more about the EP Scheme.

plane wing

Will you be returning from overseas after the summer break?

Are you travelling overseas over the summer break? You can use our airport transfer service for your return to campus for the new year.

Our Airport Transfer Service will operate from London Heathrow and London Gatwick airports on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 September 2025. The service will meet students whose flights arrive between 06:00-16:00 and will travel to the Canterbury campus. You don’t have to be living on campus to use the service. The price is £50 per person.

Booking is now open and will close at 09:00hrs (UK time) on Tuesday 23 September 2025.

Find out more and book your place.

Any queries contact: AirportTransfers@kent.ac.uk 

Outdoor zumba

Free outdoor Zumba class, 22 August

To celebrate the start of bOing! Festival 2025, Kent Sport is running a free outdoor Zumba class on Friday 22 August at 17:30 in front of the main bOing! stage, next to Templeman Library.

From seasoned dancers to complete beginners, everyone is welcome to join in. No membership needed, no booking required – just turn up, take part, and enjoy!

Zumba is a lively dance workout set to Latin and chart music, with easy moves to suit all abilities. Think less “exercise class” and more “bank holiday dance party.”

Wear comfortable clothing and trainers, and bring a bottle of water. You’ll finish feeling energised, refreshed, and ready to kick off your weekend (and the bOing! festivities) in style.

So bring your friends, loosen up those shoulders, and get ready to dance your way into the bank holiday weekend!

Please arrive at 17:15 for a 17:30 start. The class will last approximately 50 minutes and will include a warm-up and cool-down.

Sports massage

Summer sports massage offer

After a summer of sports, sunshine and staying active, now’s the perfect time to unwind with our fantastic massage offer!

From Monday 11 August to Friday 29 August 2025, all 30-minute qualified sports massages are available at the reduced rate of just £25 per session.

Whether you’ve been running, swimming, playing team sports – or just dealing with daily life – this is your opportunity to treat tired muscles, reduce tension, and support your recovery.

How to book

To take advantage of this offer, book your massage via your Kent Sport online account or by calling 01227 823623.

You’ll need a minimum of a Kent Sport Pay to Play membership, which is free when you create an online booking account.

Appointments must be attended between 11–29 August 2025 to qualify for the discounted price. Bookings are open now!

For questions about the Clinic or services, email sportsclinic@kent.ac.uk.

About the Kent Sports Clinic

We’re not just here for sports-related injuries. The Kent Sports Clinic combines Kent Sport’s physiotherapy and massage expertise with the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, offering one of the most extensive performance, rehabilitation and therapy services in the region.

Services include:

  • Performance – athlete-focused support and bespoke programming
  • Physiotherapy – injury management, recovery, and prevention
  • Sports rehabilitation – targeted recovery support
  • Respiratory clinic – advanced testing and custom solutions
  • Massage – for recovery, relaxation, and wellbeing

Young men playing football in the sunshine

Why massage?

Massage therapy isn’t just for athletes – it’s for everyone. Whether you’re feeling stiff, stressed, or sore, massage can help. It supports your body by:

  • Increasing dopamine and serotonin levels to reduce stress
  • Enhancing blood flow and circulation
  • Promoting muscle recovery and toxin removal
  • Helping ease tight muscles and knots

Our qualified massage therapists will work with you to target problem areas and support your wellbeing – whether it’s stress relief or injury recovery.

Ready to relax?

Qualified massages are 30-minute appointments as standard. If you’d like a 60-minute session, please contact sportsclinic@kent.ac.uk directly.

If you’re already a customer, simply book and pay through your online booking account. If you’re new, you’ll need to create a free account first – it only takes a few minutes!

Once booked, all that’s left to do is arrive at the clinic, take a deep breath, and let our expert staff work their magic.