The 5-week Mindfulness course, organised by the School of Economics, but open to all students in the University showed that there is an increasing appetite for these kinds of tools to support learning.

The course, facilitated by Mindfulness practitioner Lorrainne Millard, had over 50 registrations.

‘The dimensions of the course that seem to have helped students most were dealing with feelings of anxiety, the ability to focus and feelings of happiness and joy.’ convener Dr Adelina Gschwandtner told us. ‘Most participants were women, 50% from a BAME background. 45% percent were studying at a postgraduate level and most of them came from the School of Psychology (48.5%) followed by the School of Economics (24.2%) and the School of Politics (9%). The overwhelming majority preferred that the course was run online offering more flexibility.’

Tiffany Akurut an MSc Economics student had not taken part in anything regarding mindfulness or mental health before but was persuaded by the virtual nature of the course.

‘No one could see you during the exercises, so you could just let go and just be yourself.’ Tiffany told us ‘Going into a room with other people, I don’t like being in such situations, just cause I’m shy. But if you wanted to speak up, you could and if you didn’t want to, you could just be quiet in the background and just listen.’

The course came at an ideal time for her.

‘Around the time when we were approaching exam season, we had multiple deadlines and I experienced a lot of anxiety that meant I was unable to focus. Then I would feel I didn’t deserve to sleep because of how little I have accomplished during the day. So then I am more tired, which makes me more stressed. So I end up in this cycle that I’m really unable to get out of.’

Portia Chere expressed that travelling to the UK from Botswana to study a financial economics MSc was overwhelming at times. 

‘Yeah, it has been a culture shock, but it was also an exciting opportunity for me to travel from Africa because it is my first time travelling Internationally.’ Portia left her son and husband at home for the year while she studies. ‘I think maybe because being an international student, having to come here alone without my family, was a bit of a challenge to settle in so I really needed something that could keep me motivated throughout the my journey in learning.‘ 

Gladness Sebifelo has been studying an MSc in development economics after studying for her undergraduate at the University of Botswana ten years ago.

‘When I arrived in the UK. I had to start teaching myself to learn again, and because I arrived two weeks late, I couldn’t catch up easily, you know? So that alone gave me a lot of stress. Like, will I make it? Just being in a different environment was stressful. So I was always asking myself what can I do? Where can I get help?’

Before this Gladness’ only experience of mindfulness came from social media ‘-just the memes that you always read that encourage people.’

‘I think I had a stubborn mind. I was like, ohhh will it work?’ 

‘But I was like, 5 weeks. One hour a week. It wont hurt.‘

The structure of the course was varied.

‘It was a mixture of everything. So you do a practical exercise with everyone, like breathing techniques or like a physical exercise and then, Lorraine, would you usually go into the theory behind it,’ Tiffany explained ‘Then you would go into breakout rooms and discuss the weeks homework, what you did, if you’re able to do anything, what you’re accomplished, how it made you feel.’

Participating alongside others who are also struggling with stress and anxiety turned out to be helpful in and of itself Tiffany found.

‘I think sometimes you think that you’re the only person feeling this thing, going through this, but when you talk to other people, you understand you are experiencing the same thing. It’s great feeling that you’re not alone in this.’

‘However we respond to situations, we hold that power ourselves.’  Gladness Sebifelo

‘I know now it’s me who is in control. Nobody else. So if I don’t control the situation I’m in, nobody else will come out and and and do it for me. So it’s all about me and how to tackle my situations.’ 

Portia suggested that the course would be suitable for anyone ‘I don’t think it’s there’s somebody who is tailor made for it, because I think it it cuts across so many things, whether it’s to improve on your relationship with your family, your communication, your wellbeing. So I think everybody can use this course.’ 

Due to the tremendous positive feedback and the large number of registrations this year we are planning to organise the course again in 2023-2024.

Read about Lorrainne Millard’s book Mindfulness and Wellbeing for Student Learning.

Nexus staff can help with any query, signposting you in the right direction. You can ask Nexus for help with accommodation, course queries and admin, KentOne card issues, support and much more.

Between 17-21 July, Nexus will operate online only while the Nexus staff help out at the graduation ceremonies.

From Monday 24 July, Nexus will reopen in Templeman Library. The summer opening times are Monday – Friday, 9:00-17:00.

Congratulations to MA Ancient History student Jonathan Hollow whose book “How to Fund the Life You Want” recently won its category at the UK 2023 Business Book Awards, a major national publishing award! 

Before starting his part-time Master’s at Kent, Jonathan had worked at the Government’s Money and Pensions Service, which runs the Moneyhelper website. It was there that he learned all about the problems people have understanding pensions and planning for future, inspiring him to write this book with co-author Robin Powell.  

Jonathan says “’How to Fund the Life You Want’ is designed to explain the pensions and investment puzzle for UK readers. There are lots of US-based books about money and investing, but my co-author Robin Powell and I wanted to write one that exactly fitted the laws and circumstances in Britain. We also included a downloadable workbook; we wanted to make it a highly practical book, which people could apply to their own lives (so not just a theoretical exercise).” 

The judges commented on the book “How to Fund the Life You Want takes a subject which is often viewed as dry and brings it to life with good, punchy writing, great book design and clear diagrams and images. The end result is an accessible and practical guide to personal finance that dispels myths, busts jargon and clarifies the best options for the reader to build their wealth through savings, pensions and investments. Robin and Jonathan show solid expertise on the topic and place important focus on evidence-based strategies rather than simply whatever is currently in fashion, making this a refreshingly honest look at personal finance.” 

Jonathan also recently interviewed our Kent Star Alex Davis on the Second Lives podcast which looks at choices about money and meaning in later life. Listen to the Jonathan’s interview with Alex on the Second Lives podcast. 

This month’s Kent Stars are the Postgraduate Network, who have organised events to build a strong postgraduate community, persevering to ensure the postgraduate student voice is heard at all levels.

Maureen – “My name is Maureen Bungei, a PG student pursuing an MA in International Relations with International Law. I have been the Postgraduate Network Chair during the academic year 2022/2023 and handed over to Miquel Santos at the end of my term in April 2023. I was also supporting the College and Community Life team as a Resident Life Assistant in creating a community and sense of belonging for students on campus. As a member of the Kent Model UN Society, I have attended several conferences in London and the World Harvard MUN, a global event in Paris, France.”

Miguel – “I am Miguel Santos, a Master’s by Research student in English. I’m the de facto Chair of the Postgraduate Network, taking over from Maureen Bungei. My research focuses on 20^th century Anglo-American experimental poetry. I am also a PGR Student Rep for English; the editor-in-chief of the university’s postgraduate, peer reviewed literary journal Litterae Mentis; and a committee member of the Research Salon. I have contributed to the Templeman Library’s ‘100 Years: T.S. Eliot and The Waste Land’ exhibition. I did my undergraduate at Kent as well, where I was involved as Environment Officer and in the Turing College Committee.”

Tell us about the Postgraduate Network and how you are making sure the postgraduate voice is represented at Kent.

Miguel – “The Postgraduate Network is led by postgraduate volunteers and aims to ensure that postgraduates get the most of their time here. We create campaigns and events, representing the voice of the postgraduate community to the university and Kent Union. 

Our committee members include Megan Brown and Nteteawan Bassey-Duke. We’re proud to have a mix of taught and research students, as well as Ntete acting as our Medway representative.  

Our aim is to ensure that the postgraduate experience is as thriving and vibrant as possible. Kent has an incredible postgraduate community who has shown so much support and kindness to me.  

Students enjoying a PG Network event

To support the postgraduate voice, we sit at boards and meetings to represent student feedback. In the autumn term, there was a proposed restructuring of Kent Union’s Officer Team. We organised a student feedback session at Jarman Plaza to gather the views of postgraduates. Because the PG community felt this was a step in the wrong direction, we were able to successfully push Kent Union to drop this proposal in January.

We have hosted events, both in Canterbury and Medway, including socials, study meetings, and a hustings session for the Kent Union elections. With the GRC, we co-organise monthly coffee mornings with guests, including Ben Bradley (Kent Union’s VP Postgraduate Experience), Mark Bass (Careers and Employability Service), and Professor Gordon Lynch (Graduate and Researcher College Director).

On a personal note, I’m indebted to the phenomenal work of postgraduates when I was an undergraduate here, particularly Rowena Bicknell and Tom Ritchie, who inspired me to care about the postgraduate community. I hope that our contributions will ensure that people feel part of the community in the same way Rowena and Tom made me feel.”

What advice would you give to other students?

Miguel – “I would encourage anyone to get involved with co-curricular activities, volunteering or representation. Be optimistic that every action you take and every discussion you have will inform your personal development.

I should also highlight the mental health challenges postgraduates face; as such, it is important to remember you are part of a supportive community here.

Finally, while being nominated for a Kent Star means a lot to me, being part of the postgraduate community at Kent means even more. Although awards and recognition are lovely, we care about the postgraduate community simply because it is the right thing to do.”

PG Summer Coffee Morning.

Maureen – “You have the best time now to take part in co-curricular activities alongside your studies. The university has over 250 clubs and societies where you can take part and nurture your soft skills or sports fitness at your comfort. There are exciting opportunities like student representatives, student ambassadors, and Kent Union Network chairs that will give you an exciting experience that will give you an edge in your CV or interview not forgetting the employability points. Please take them up.

Your health and well-being is the most important aspect of your student experience here at Kent. The university provides academic and wellbeing support services that you are free to utilise and enhance your stay at the university.”

What are your plans for the next year?

Miguel – “The entire Postgraduate Network committee will finish our courses in September; we believe we’ve set a strong foundation for next year’s committee to work closely with the Graduate and Researcher College and Kent Union’s Ben Bradley. The GRC Team and Ben are our biggest supporters!

For myself, I hope to have a job prior to applying for a PhD. I would love to work in higher education in a professional/academic-adjacent role. I’m so grateful for my time at Kent and for all the people who have supported me; I can only hope that my involvement has helped make a difference.”

Students sat together at PG Network event

Maureen – “As I look forward to graduating this July, sadly I might not be here at Kent to oversee the network, but I strongly believe that we as the network committee (Miguel, Ntete, Megan  and I) have done our best and created a sense of belonging for PG community. We hope the next network chair/committee sustains the vibrant community as they will be lucky to work with Ben Bradley who actively supported us during our tenure. Personally, I would be considering doing my PhD sometime later, and the University of Kent definitely has a spot in the top 3.”

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

Learn more about the Kent Stars campaign.

The Careers and Employability services are dedicated to empowering students and graduates on their career paths, providing you with the tools and guidance necessary to realise your ambitions. Recent events included a 3-day career-boosting workshop, and there are lots more opportunities to follow during the summer and beyond.

Destination Success Bootcamp: Empowering students for a bright future

The recent Destination Success Bootcamp, hosted by Study Plus, provided a three-day training program to enhance students’ employability skills. With 45 participants from diverse university divisions, the bootcamp focused on collaboration, self-awareness, and practical guidance in areas such as CV writing and job interviews.

Participants engaged in thought-provoking sessions on CV writing, job searching, and interview techniques, gaining valuable insights and refining their employability skills.

Missed the bootcamp? Don’t worry!

Study Plus will be offering similar sessions next term, alongside virtual opportunities like the FDM Career Match and bite-sized video workshops.

In the meantime, throughout the summer break the Careers and Employability Service will provide support through virtual or in-person appointments, including Quick Advice and longer Career sessions. Additionally, a range of workshops will be available to support your career development. Log on to the careers portal with your Kent ID to find out more.

Continued support for graduates

Even after graduation, the careers portal remains accessible for up to three years with an alumni account. Find out more about careers support after you graduate.

24/7 career advice

In addition to appointments and workshops, the Careers and Employability Service webpages offer online resources for CV writing, cover letters, and career development advice which you can access any time.

By Susannah Gilbert, Employability Advisor, 12.06.23

Starting 20 June 2023 Kent Sport will be introducing womxn and non-binary only hours in the gym!  

In collaboration with Kent Union, Kent Sport are supporting the initiative to remove barriers for womxn looking to use the gym and create a non-judgemental space which will motivate and empower womxn to be physically active, giving them the confidence to go into the gym and exercise on their own. 

These sessions start on Tuesday 20 June 2023 and will run weekly at the following times; 

• Tuesdays between 10:00-12:00 
• Thursdays between 17:00-19:00

These sessions will be open to all who self-define as women, including those with complex gender identities which include ‘woman’, and those who experience oppression as women. We believe that self-definition is at the sole discretion of the individual in question and as such Kent Sport will inform all members of the detail above and therefore will not challenge those entering the gym during this time. 

These sessions are for access to all areas of the gym at the Sports Centre including the ground floor weights and functional zone, and the cardio area on the first floor. All other facilities including exercise classes and changing areas will remain open and accessible to all during these times.  

*Womxn is an intersectional term intended to signal the inclusion of those who have traditionally been excluded from white feminist discourse: Black women, women of colour, and trans women.