Author Archives: Miriam Sandiford

Staying on or near campus over the winter break? Let us know and connect with other students

Staying in campus accommodation

Autumn Term finishes on Friday 15 December. Let us know if you’ll be staying in your campus accommodation over the winter break in Canterbury by Wednesday 13 December. If you are staying at Pier Quays, Unite Students will be in touch with you.

Don’t forget if you’re living in part-catered accommodation and want to stay on campus over the winter break, you’ll need to book vacation accommodation at least one week before you’re due to move out.

Connecting with other students staying on or near campus

Winter Coffee and Chat Break, 19 December

On Tuesday 19 December, you’re invited to join the Winter Coffee and Chat Break in Nexus, Templeman Library. Connect with other students staying on or near campus over the winter break and find out what’s happening in the local area.

Meet with ResLife Ambassadors, who are also staying on campus, and share with them your suggestions for events you’d like them to plan on campus over the winter break.

More events over the winter break

Check out the winter break events page which includes festive themed events before term finishes as well as a few events happening over the winter break. These include a board games socials and a New Year Festive Dinner (5 January).

Umii app icon to show you’re staying on or near campus

You can also download the free Umii app, which helps you connect with other verified students at Kent. From 1 December, you can choose an icon to your profile which shows others that you will be on or near campus over the winter break, helping you find with students who might want to hang out over the holiday period.

Check out the winter break webpage for more information, support and events.

Airport transfer service: Return from overseas after winter break

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

Our Airport Transfer Service will operate from London Heathrow airport on Thursday 11 January. The service will meet students whose flights arrive between 6:00-15:30, and will travel to both the Canterbury and Medway campuses. The price is £45 per person.

Booking is now open and will close at 23:59 (UK time) on Monday 8 January 2024.

Find out more and book your place.

Events roundup: 11-17 December

It’s the final week of the Autumn Term! Find out what’s on as we wind down the end of the year.

Monday 11 December: Support session and Cathedral Carol Service

Student Support and Wellbeing (SSW) are running a support session for students affected by the recent terrorist attacks in Israel and ongoing war and humanitarian crisis in Gaza. This is a drop-in session taking place from 13:00-14:00 on Monday, upstairs in Locke Building near the Coop, staffed by a mental health adviser and counsellor from SSW. All students are welcome.

On Monday evening, it’s the University of Kent Christmas Carol service at Canterbury Cathedral, a magical evening featuring the University Chamber Choir and Kent Gospel Choir. Tickets are now sold out, so make sure to attend if you were lucky enough to get one!

Wednesday 13 December: Create a winter garland and Student Life from a Deaf Perspective talk

Create a sustainable winter garland at the Kent Community Oasis Garden. The Gear up to Grow sessions provide core gardening and nature-based skills, centred on understanding the sustainability challenges our world is facing.

As part of Disability History Month, deaf influencer and content creator Kirsty Jade will be sharing her experience of university life and what she wishes hearing people knew about Deaf culture and British Sign Language. Kirsty’s talk will take place in Keynes Lecture Theatre and on zoom 17:00-18:00.

Thursday: Finding a part-time job and Crimbo Queen at K Bar

Thinking about finding a part time role? Come along to this session to find out what steps you can take to secure a part time role. There’s also an online CV and Cover letter session including recommended structures as well as hints and tips.

K-Bar and UKC LGBTQ+ Society are thrilled to bring you Crimbo Queen – a fabulously festive Christmas party designed especially for Kent’s LGBTQ+ community, and those who just want to dance the night away.

Friday: Term End Stress Buster (Medway)

As term finishes, you can head to PK107 in Pilkington for an evening of karaoke and sing-along sessions to help you unwind. This is a laid back evening, organised by the students’ unions at Medway.

Winter break events

Staying on campus over the winter break? Check out the winter break webpages for events and support.

Where to buy food: supermarkets and eating out

Welcome to Kent! We’ve compiled some information for you around where you can buy food once you arrive, including supermarkets and places to eat out.

Canterbury

Supermarkets

On campus we have a two small Coop supermarkets – one in the plaza on central campus and one in Park Wood. Between 8-12 January, the Coop on central plaza will be open 7:00-22:00 (Park Wood Co op will be closed). From Saturday 13 January, the open times for both Coops will return to normal: 8:00-22:00 on Saturday and 12:00-18:00 on Sunday (Plaza Coop) and 8:00-22:00 on Saturday and Sunday (Park Wood Coop).

For larger supermarkets, you might want to catch the bus into town to Sainsbury’s, Asda and Lidl.

See this Canterbury google maps showing supermarkets, international food stores and other useful shops.

Places to eat on or near campus

Between 8-12 January, Rutherford Dining Hall will be open for lunch between 12:00-16:00, the Gulbenkian Cafe will be open 8:00-17:00, Dolche Vita will be open 8:00-17:00 (hot food served between 12:00-16:00) and Sibson Cafe will be open 8:30-16:00.

Over the weekend (13-14 January), Rutherford Dining Hall will be serving food between 8:00-21:00, the Gulbenkian Cafe will be open 8:00-21:00. On Sunday (14 January), K Bar will be open 16:30-00:00 and Hut 9 will be open 17:00-22:00.

Once term begins on 15 January, all our outlets will be open during their usual opening times. See catering webpage to learn more.

In Canterbury city centre, there are loads of places to eat. Look out for student discounts at some cafes and restaurants.

Medway

Supermarkets

Next to Pier Quays accommodation there is a small Tesco Express supermarket which is open 24/7. Across the road, less than 5 minutes walk away, there is also a large Asda supermarket.

See this Medway google maps showing supermarkets, international food stores and other useful shops.

Places to eat on or near campus

There is a Subway and Domino’s very close to Pier Quays accommodation. There is also a range of restaurants and cafes at the Dockside Outlet Centre which is a 10 minute walk down the road.

Once term begins on 15 January, you can also check out some places to eat at the Medway campus including The Deep End which is part of the Student Hub, the Archibald Hay Mess in the Drill Hall Library and the Venue Cafe in Pilkington.

Free tickets for University of Kent Cathedral Carol Service, 11 Dec

Cathedral Carol Service Tickets now available. Tickets are free but limited, so make sure you get yours quickly!

The University Carol Service in the amazing setting of Canterbury Cathedral takes place on Monday 11 December at 19:30. It is planned that event will feature the University Chamber Choir and Kent Gospel Choir.

Admission is by free ticket only, and students may request up to 2 e-tickets – e-tickets are given out through Eventbrite.

Would you like to be a student helper at the event? email Stephen Laird s.c.e.laird@kent.ac.uk and hear about how you get a special ticket, and help make the event happen!

There will be a great atmosphere with plenty of well-known Christmas carols for everyone to sing and you will hear traditional readings which will be read by staff and students representing various roles and groups from across the University.

This year’s appeal is for Porchlight, Canterbury’s homelessness charity.

For information on accessibility, please visit the Cathedral’s official accessibility web page.

Events roundup: 4-10 December

Find out what’s on this week as we get closer to the end of the Autumn term.

Staying on campus over the winter break? Let us know.

Monday 4 December: Support session, badge and lanyard making and therapy dog (Medway)

Make a decorative badge or a lanyard for Disability History Month at the Venue. This is an artistic outlet to say who you are and wear around whenever you want.

Over lunchtime at Medway, you can meet the Pets as Therapy dog Bailey and friends! Chill out and have some cute cuddles.

Wednesday 6 December: Using AI in your studies and festive events

Do you want to know how you can use Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your studies? This workshop will explore fears, misconceptions and opportunities offered by AI.

And if you want to get in the festive mood, why not head to The Hub for the Winter Wonder Wednesday with a crafts corner, stalls, live music and festive treats!

Or if you’re at Canterbury campus, there’s a special festive Pause for Paws in Nexus with therapy dog Coco. You can also wrap up a book for a stranger or pick a surprise one for yourself.

Thursday 7 December: Self defence class and Cookies and Conversation

On Thursday lunchtime there’s a free self defence class for all students who identify as women and non-binary. The hour-long class is taken by an expert at Kent Sport, who will teach you practical skills to equip yourself and make you feel prepared for any situation.

The library invites you to join their Cookies and Conversation event. Help shape your university experience by giving you feedback about library services while enjoying free cookies and hot drinks.

Friday 8 December: Winter Global Hangout

Come along to the Winter Global Hangout in Colyer-Fergusson Foyer for an afternoon filled with festive cheer, where you can enjoy seasonal free food and drink while getting to know other students. Take part in bauble making, craft tree decorations, write Christmas cards and more. This cosy gathering is a perfect opportunity to meet new friends over the holiday period.

Saturday 9 December: ResLife festive events

Your ResLife Ambassadors are running a range of events on Saturday. You can join a paint and sip in Keynes where you’ll enjoy an afternoon of watercolours and mocktails, a free screening of the Muppets Christmas Carol in the Gulbenkian, and a Christmas quiz following the film. Why not join? Book your place on the Home at Halls app.

See more student events.

Events roundup: 27 November – 3 December

Find out what’s on this week, with Disability History Month events, Kent Union’s Cultural Celebrations Week and much more.

Monday 27 November: Support session and Disability History Month events

Our Accessibility at Kent: Empower Showcase is aimed at disabled students, to help you find out about all the services at Kent and Kent Union and how we can help you to learn, work and grow.

At lunchtime on Monday at the Hub, you can join us for an engaging and informative British Sign Language Basics Workshop. This workshop is your gateway to the fascinating world of British Sign Language (BSL). Whether you’re a complete beginner or simply curious about sign language, this event is for you.

Tuesday 28 November: Staying safe and Right to Food event with free meal

Meet our Specialist Advisers, part of Student Support and Wellbeing, at Medway campus. They are expert professionals who help students who have experienced or witnessed sexual assault, harassment, bullying, hate crimes and discrimination. Come along to find out more about Report + Support, our online anonymous reporting service and grab some freebies to help you stay safe.

At Canterbury, you can chat to Kent Police at their drop-in clinic in Locke Building. Talk to them about crime prevention, safety or any general enquiries you might have.

Our students are central to the success of the Right to Food initiative – a commitment to help ensure that everyone has the right to healthy, affordable and sustainable food. Come along to find out more about this exciting project and how you can get involved, then join us for a free meal and drink in the Gulbenkian afterwards.

Wednesday 29 November: Staying safe, mind maps and Coco the therapy dog

Kent Police are holding a drop-in clinic at the Drill Hall Library on Wednesday morning. Drop by and ask them any questions you have around safety and crime prevention. In Canterbury at the Sports Centre you can take part in a free self-defence class, helping to keep yourself safer in the modern world.

Take your mind mapping to the next level with this assistive software skills workshop. Student Learning Advisory Service (SLAS) will show you the wonderful world of mind maps, and how they can help you plan your assignments.

Looking for an easy way to de-stress? ‘Pause for paws’ and head to Nexus in Templeman Library for some cuddles with Coco the therapy dog.

Thursday 30 November: Christmas decoration making and Cultural Food Festival

Get in the festive mood by making some Christmas decorations in the Venue. Kent Union will provide the decorations so all you need to do is come along and start decorating, enjoying the Christmas tunes while you get creative.

On Thursday evening, come along to the Cultural Food Festival in Rutherford Hall. It’s a celebration of different cultures here at Kent and our student groups will be cooking dishes that you can buy! One meal token is £3 and 3 meal tokens are £7.

Friday 1 December: Your Uni Your Say festive giveaway and Neuro-Insurgence Open Mic Night

Come along to Nexus in Templeman Library for free festive treats including mince pies, fruit cake and Malteser reindeers! All you have to do is write a Christmas wish for what you’d like to see at the uni next year and pop it in the jar. Your wishes (or feedback) will then be shared with Mica – the Head of Student Experience at Kent.

In collaboration with the Stand-Up Society and the Accessibility Students Network, Kent Union is hosting the Neuro-Insurgence Open Mic Night. It’s a one-of-a-kind event at Woody’s that promises a night of laughter, connection, and solidarity amongst neurodivergent students and their allies. This event will include a variety of spoken word poetry, comedy and music acts in 5-10 minute slots, plus some free snacks and drinks.

Saturday 2 December: Trips to Rochester Christmas Market and London Museums

Explore Rochester’s Christmas Market and find some unique gifts for friends and family or try a range of delicious food. Meet outside the Hub, Medway.

Join your Res Life Ambassadors for a trip to London to visit The Natural History Museum, The Victoria and Albert Museum and the Science Museum. These museums all have free entry and are close to each other so you can visit one or all three if you wish. Meet outside the Venue. You will need to pay for your train ticket to London.

See more student events.

Opportunities

You’re invited to take part in one of the largest studies on student mental health. Complete the Cibyl student mental health survey for the chance to win £100 voucher or smart watch.
Are you planning to stay on campus over the winter break? Let us know! And find out how you can meet others who will also be staying on or near campus.

See more student opportunities.

Complete student mental health survey and win £100 gift card

Cibyl would like to invite you to take part in one of the largest studies on student mental health. We want to navigate the conversation and address how universities and employers can support you as you study and when you enter work. Take part in our 10-minute survey to have a chance of winning:

a £100 Just Eat, Deliveroo or Uber Eats gift card (given away every week – 8 to give away!)
an Apple or Samsung Smart Watch – you decide! (one given away when the survey closes!)

Take the survey now!

Mental health can be a sensitive topic for many, but please remember your answers will always be treated confidentially, anonymously and will never be analysed individually. Most questions are not compulsory, and you can stop at any time.

Events roundup: 20-26 November

This week there’s lots on including events for Disability History Month, sustainability and opportunities to spend time with others in nature.

Monday 20 November: Support session, British Sign Language and advanced essay writing

Fancy learning some British Sign Language? Come along to free BSL lesson in Pilkington, Medway, over lunchtime on Monday.

Improve your essay technique at this advanced essay writing workshop at Canterbury campus.

Tuesday 21 November: Bali summer school, bookmaking workshop and advanced essay writing (Medway)

Udayana University in Bali is running three exciting Summer Schools in 2024: Sustainability and Ecotourism, Intercultural Communication, and Coral Reef Restoration. Find out more at the online information session about spending your summer in Bali.

Come along to our drop-in book making workshop to explore the creative, therapeutic and educational potential of a unique collection of artist books and learn to translate your emotional reality by making one for yourself.

Improve your essay technique at this advanced essay writing workshop at Medway campus.

Wednesday 22 November: Therapy dog, University Community Choir and sustainability workshop

Take a break with Coco the therapy dog, a certified Pets as Therapy dog with Pause for Paws in Nexus, Templeman Library. Coco is very friendly, calm and loves to be fussed over.

Try something new and feel more connected by joining the University Community Choir. They meet every Wednesday during term-time at the Canterbury campus.

Want to learn more about sustainability advocacy, and what Kent is doing in response to the sustainability emergency? Find out more about Sustainability at Kent, why it’s important, and how to develop your skills at our sustainability workshop in Jennison Lecture Theatre.

Thursday 23 November: CV and cover letter help and gleaning info session

Find out the essentials for CVs and cover letters, including trends, hints and tips. This event is taking place in Keynes and will also be livestreamed.

Are you interested in how we can prevent food waste by collecting growers’ surpluses and redistributing them to charities and food banks? Come along to the Gleaning info session at Woody’s.

Saturday 25 November: Outdoor activities

Your Residential Life Assistants (RLAs) are running multiple outdoor activities on Saturday. Choose between a nature walk in Blean Woods, meeting Ponies or a women’s social walk around Canterbury campus. Book your place on the Home at Halls App.

Sunday 26 November: Christmas arts and crafts

As we get closer to December, why not join the ResLife Ambassadors for an afternoon of Christmas themed arts and crafts in Keynes to get into the Christmas spirit.

See more student events.

Useful apps to download

Here are some useful apps, services and social media channels to download, use and follow as you start your studies at Kent. From getting around to helping you study smarter, here are a few of our suggestions!

Apps to download

Uni Kent Student App – This will hold all the information you need about becoming a student at Kent – a must have! It has quick links to key services such as your Kent email and Moodle as well as other useful features.

Safezone – This is the campus safety app which gives round-the-clock safety reassurance to all students and staff. It’s free to download and easy to use. You can access first-aid, security, or safety assistance via your phone.

Order Up! – Skip the queues with Kent’s app for table service and click & collect. The app can be used in all University of Kent catering outlets. Simply scan the QR code on the table to order.

Bus apps – These apps have a journey planner, live bus information (in real time) and you can even purchase mobile bus tickets at discounted prices. For Canterbury students, download the Stagecoach app. For Medway students, download the Arriva app. Find out more about travel and discount offers available to students.

Train apps – Southeastern. The ‘on Track’ app helps you access (also) real-time information on trains in Kent. Especially helpful if you’re looking to travel to London from Canterbury West and want to find out when the next train is! There is also National Rail Enquiries which provides information on trains for the whole of the UK if you are travelling outside of Kent.

Taxi apps – Only a few of the companies have an app some of which include: Longley’s Private Hire (Canterbury), Computer Cabs (Medway), and Vokes Taxi (Medway). You can find more information about booking a taxi in the UK and the full list of the services the University of Kent uses. If you’re a Canterbury student, check out the Student Safe Taxi scheme.

Circuit – This is the campus laundry service app. All launderettes on campus are card or app operated so if you need to do a wash, make sure you familiarise yourself with the app ahead of time. Find out more about laundry services on campus.

Home at Halls – This app is here to make your life easier whilst living on campus. It has a range of great features meaning you can report any accommodation faults you find, complete your room inventory when you arrive, access important information about your accommodation agreement, contact the team for support and receive updates and more all in one place on your phone. The app is free and whilst you should download the app in advance, you won’t be able to sign in with your Kent login until after you have collected your keys from reception.

Students’ Union app – Get the most from your student experience with Your Students’ Union App! Your one-stop-shop for getting involved with your Students’ Union. It’s your SU – at your finger tips! Discover events, vote easily in elections and join sports and societies with a few quick steps.

Other things to look at

Who doesn’t want to work and study smarter? Make sure to check out our software finder to discover free apps and software for students and staff to help you make the most out of your time at Kent. From helping you stay focused to supporting accessibility needs, we’d highly recommend you have a browse. Did you know, you can download Microsoft Office 365 for free?

For student discounts check out Unidays. From discounts on food and drink to clothes to technology it’s a must to check out! Happy browsing!