From Monday 3 – Sunday 16 February, part of Giles Lane will temporarily be closed due to works planned to be undertaken by WW Martin Ltd. The road will be closed between 1 Giles Lane and the University Medical Centre, indicated by signs and barriers on site.

The alternative route for any through traffic is via Giles Lane, St Stephen’s Hill, Beaconsfield Road, Forty Acres Road, A290 Whitstable Road, St Thomas Hill, Whitstable Road, Giles Lane and vice versa. Pedestrian access will be maintained during the works.

University Road will remain open throughout.

Campus travel updates

Visit the Campus Travel updates page to help you plan your journey with information about planned travel disruptions that the Transport Team have been made aware of. We recommend that you check this page regularly, but please be aware the team are reliant on receiving information from third parties and this may affect the notice we are able to provide.

Savings at Kent

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. Find out more about the savings being made at Kent.

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Coming up this week: Holocaust Memorial Day exhibition and talk, find out more about taking a ‘Year In’ something new to boost your career opportunities and study support sessions for you or your project group.

Monday 27 January: Holocaust Memorial Day video exhibit and Health and Social Care Careers Fair (Medway)

Monday is Holocaust Memorial Day and from 27 January – 2 February there will be a small exhibit in the Templeman Café where Holocaust survivor video testimonials will be displayed on a screen alongside information booklets provided by the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust.

At Medway there’s a Health and Social Care Sector Careers Fair in the Oasis Lounge. This is a great opportunity to network with employers and find out more about careers in social work and the healthcare sector.

Tuesday 28 January: Skills for Academic Success support, Welcome (back) Global Hangout (Medway) and Holocaust talk

Not sure how to use feedback from your assessment? The Skills for Academic Success (SAS) team are running a webinar about how to understand and respond to tutor feedback, so you can improve going forward. SAS are also providing the opportunity for group appointment bookings for students with group projects or presentations.

Join us for an afternoon of fun games and creative activities at the Welcome (back) Global Hangout in the Oasis Lounge, Medway. Drop in any time between 11:00-14:00. Meet fellow students and start to build your university community.

On Tuesday 28 January at 14:00 in Templeman Lecture Theatre, the Jewish Society will be hosting Sam Rogoff, who will tell the story of his mother, an Auschwitz survivor.  Holocaust Memorial Day this year marks 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau.

Wednesday 29 January: Study support drop-in appointments (Medway), ‘Year In’ info sessions and PG Talk

The Skills for Academic Success team are running drop-in appointments at Medway. Drop ins are for quick queries; for example, checking referencing or a brief appraisal of the structure and coherence of an assignment.

Have you considered taking a ‘Year In’ a different subject? If you are in stage 2 or 3 of an undergraduate degree, you can take a ‘Year In’ Computing, Data Analytics, a Language, Television Production and online Broadcasting or Management. On Wednesday at 13:00, there’s a Year In information session in Keynes followed by a series of in-depth sessions giving greater detail about what is involved in specific Year In programmes. These subject sessions will be delivered in person and online.

The next PG Talk is on Wednesday afternoon and is on the topic of ‘2035 and the Future of AI’ and is open to all postgraduate students.

Thursday 30 January: Emergency first aid training and relaxation colouring

Ever wondered what to do in a medical emergency? You want to help but you’re not sure how? Study Plus brings you this introduction to first aid on Thursday evening with this practical 2-hour emergency first aid session.

If you want a space to be mindful, come along to DG-01 in Templeman Library for some relaxation colouring. This is an opportunity to unwind and recharge.

Friday 31 January: Business emails for work session and CV and cover letters workshop

Could you benefit from improving your business email skills? Join this online Study Plus session where you can learn about the basics of business email etiquette, tone and how to structure your email for the intended audience.

Need to update your CV or cover letter? The Careers and Employability Service are running a workshop for all students with practical information, hints and tops for creating CVs and cover letters with impact.

See more student events.

Opportunities

• The National Student Survey (NSS) is now open to eligible final year undergraduate students. Complete the NSS now to give your feedback about your time at Kent and for the chance to win cash prizes up to £150!
• Want to win a MacBook Air? Santander are giving away 10!
• It’s the final week of double stamps on plant-based loyalty cards for Veganuary.

See more student opportunities.

Monday 20 January: Employability Points, goal setting and Monday Funday (Medway)

Find out more about the Employability Points scheme and how it can benefit you at this online session.

Have you set yourself goals for this year? This Study Plus goal setting workshop can give you the boost you need to achieve them.

At The Hub, Medway, you can join Monday Funday! There’s a range of activities and challenges, as well as tips and tricks for cooking, crafting and more.

Tuesday 21 January: The Big Fair, study support drop-in sessions, Covid and Flu vaccine clinic and Speed Friending (Medway)

Tuesday is Kent Students’ Union’s Big Fair! Meet new people and student groups to find your community and try something new. The Big Fair is also an opportunity to meet with landlords for off campus accommodation next year as well as a chance to chat to Jobshop about part-time work opportunities.

There’s also a Covid and Flu Vaccine Clinic at Senate on Tuesday afternoon, which is free for students who are eligible and this now includes those who live with someone who is immunosuppressed and all KMMS students. Private vaccines will be available between 14:00-15:00 at a cost.

At Medway, the Skills for Academic Success team are running drop-in sessions for quick queries such as checking references or the structure of an assignment. There’s also a Speed Friending event taking place at The Hub, where making connections is quick, easy and fun.

Wednesday 22 January: Wellbeing Wednesday activities (Medway) and January Welcome Global Hangout

At The Hub it’s Wellbeing Wednesday with mindfulness activities, therapeutic crafts and practical advice for managing stress and boosting your mood.

Come along to Darwin Conference Suite for the January Welcome Global Hangout. Open to all students, join us to meet new friends from across the University (and maybe across the world!) with music, games, crafts, food and refreshments.

Thursday 23 January: Sip and Paint and common interview questions

Enjoy a Sip and Paint event at K Bar on Thursday afternoon. Whether you’re an experienced artist or just looking to try something new, this session is all about having fun and letting your creative side shine.

Find out about common interview questions, why they are asked and how to answer them at this in-person session at Medway campus.

Friday 24 January: Volunteering info session, LGBTQ+ friendly social and Lunar New Year crafts

Interested in volunteering? Join this online session to find out how volunteering can give you valuable skills and experience, as well as where to look for volunteering opportunities.

On Friday evening there’s an LGBTQ+ friendly social is DG-02 in Templeman Library with the ResLife Ambassadors Elyse and Taylor. However you identify, come and chat to others in your community in a safe space, with hot drinks, biscuits, board games and more.

Or next door in DG-01, you can join ResLife Ambassadors Aashvi and Nehi to celebrate Lunar New Year with creative crafts. Make your own window decorations, dragon puppets, lanterns, and more, while learning about the significance of these festive traditions.

See all student events.

The Global and Lifelong Learning team, along with the International Student Advisory Board (ISAB), held events to bring together our (mainly) international students staying on or near campus over the winter break. 

Christmas craft and chat, 18 December  

In mid-December, students came together to create Christmas decorations and cards in Templeman Library. It was a great opportunity for students to make friends and build their network with others who were also around over the winter break. It was also a chance to embrace being creative, get in the festive mood and enjoy a free hot drink from the Library Cafe!  

New Year’s Dinner, 6 January 

Our annual New Year’s Dinner saw our international students enjoy a 2-course meal in Rutherford Dining Hall, as well as games such as Giant Jenga, Tic Tac Toe, Curling, board games and pool.

Thanks to Kent Sport for lending some of the games and to members of ISAB for helping host the event and for arranging the activities. There were plenty of laughs and smiles all round.  

It was also great to celebrate the New Year with some of Kent Students’ Union Officers and for them to hear directly about the international student experience.  

One student let us know – “I wanted to email you to tell you that the new years dinner was very nice and me and all of my flatmates that came really enjoyed it: the food quality was really good, it was all home made and fresh, and the activities were fun too :)”.

Support and events for international students 

Our next event is our January Global Hangout on Wednesday 22 January, where we continue to celebrate the New Year with a range of craft and other activities. Kent Sport will be present with many more exciting games, and there will be free food and performances from the winner of the Cultural Showcase, and even a Chinese Ribbon Dance as we head towards Lunar New Year!  Sign up for your free ticket.  

And look out for WorldFest, our celebration of cultural diversity at Kent, launching on 24 Feb 2025! 

See more support and events for international students. 

It’s the start of the Spring term! Welcome back and a huge welcome to our new students starting in January. Keep reading to find out what’s on this week.

Monday 13 January: Grad schemes and karaoke

Unsure about how to find or apply for a grad scheme? Join this online session all about grad schemes which will explain what they are, tips to get one and alternative routes.

Enjoy some karaoke at the weekly Karaoke @ K Bar event. Come along and enjoy a lively atmosphere filled with music and camaraderie.

Tuesday 14 January: Careers events

On Tuesday there’s lots on to help you get career focused. Clarify your career goals with the help of a mentor (online session), go to a CV and cover letter workshop in Canterbury or Medway, or if working abroad sounds good to you, join this thinking of working abroad online session.

Wednesday 15 January: Medway Welcome Fair and introduction to university studies webinar

New and returning students are invited to join the Medway Welcome Fair on Wednesday to meet student groups, university teams and more! Explore a diverse array of student societies, discover local services, and learn about campus resources. After the Welcome Fair, stick around for Sing it Loud Karaoke at The Deep End.

Just starting at Kent? If you are new to higher education or returning to study after some time, join this introduction to university studies webinar to help you get on the right track.

Thursday 16 January: Short-term and exchange student webinar, fun activities and alcohol and drug support drop in

If you’re a new short-term or exchange student, this webinar from the Skills for Academic Success team is for you. Learn what to expect in terms of UK academic culture and conventions, as well as writing formats, references and more.

Enjoy some chill out time with the ResLife Ambassadors in DG-01 in the Templeman Library with boardgames, Nintendo Switch and puzzles to choose from.

Are you worried about your or a friend’s drug or alcohol use? On Thursday, there’s a With You Kent drop-in drug and alcohol service where you can have a confidential chat and get support.

At Medway you can join a Crafternoon at The Hub  where you can paint a plant pot or pebble. It’s an opportunity to chat, share advice and connect with others.

On Thursday evening the Pop n Soul choir is back and new members are welcome! It is open to students, staff and the local community and there are no auditions and no need to read music. Just come along and enjoy singing as a group.

Friday 17 January: Academic CV support and cinema night

Are you a PhD candidate who is an aspiring lecturer or researcher? Join this online session for PhD students about how to write an academic CV.

Come together with the ResLife Ambassadors for a sleepover themed cinema night at the Lupino, Canterbury campus. Enjoy free hot chocolate and snacks while you watch a sleepover classic. The film will be decided by a vote on the day out of Mean Girls, Clueless and Legally Blonde.

See all student events

Music Performance Scholar Heather is a unique student, balancing her studies with performing and teaching folk music, as well as excelling in hockey and other sports. A perhaps unlikely pairing of passions, but she makes it work harmoniously! Hear from Stand-out Scholar Heather:

“I’m Heather Moss. I study Sport and Exercise Science at the University of Kent and have just started my second year. I am a sports fanatic, playing mainly hockey at Uni but also running, swimming, and going to the gym in my spare time. However, I am also a Folk Flute Musician. This has taken me all over the country, teaching workshops and tunes to many young people. A fun fact about myself is that I have been attending folk festivals since the year I was born!”

Tell us about the Folkshop group and your Folk-filled summer.

“I started Folkshop last year, about two months into Uni, not knowing what to expect from it. It started off with just a few people turning up but now has expanded into about 8 of us! The main difference between Folkshop and other music groups at the Uni is that I teach the music by ear rather than with sheet music which has been a new experience for the folk group members. We have just come back from playing our first professional gig at a Tenterden folk festival, which was an amazing experience! I hope to continue expanding Folkshop and have some new opportunities regarding folk music over the next couple of years.

“My folk-infused summer was a hectic, crazy but amazing opportunity! The summer started when I stewarded at Ely Folk Festival, helping at the box office and also playing in many different sessions throughout the weekend. Then Sidmouth Folk Festival followed this, which is a weeklong festival! I was a core tutor running youth music workshops, which happened daily and concluded in the participants performing all the tunes that we had taught them in a performance at the manor pavilion.

Then next stop was Folk East, where I helped steward on the youth tent which included helping in all the youth music workshops and other activities. I then attended Halsway Manor Advanced Youth Summer School for a week where I learnt so many different skills from new tunes to how to set up my own PA system and creating our own tunes. This week was led by some amazing and very talented musicians in the folk industry. I then attended Towersey Folk festival where I led a youth music workshop every day which involved teaching the participants tunes and arrangements and ended in a performance to the public.

My summer concluded with me running a two-day folk music residential alongside Finn Collinson. We taught youth participants, who had never played folk music before. Teaching them the basics of folk music and all the different styles of folk tunes.”

 What advice would you give to other students?

“My advice to other students is to go for any opportunity you have. I never imagined when I started at the University of Kent to set up and run my own folk group, but here I am running this amazing group. It has given me some great opportunities and I have made some wonderful friends. So even if it might seem scary, give it a go!”

What are your plans for the next year?

“Next year I will hope to have another crazy, folk-infused summer, attending all the same festivals as last year. I am also hoping to go abroad and attend an Ethno world music camp. This is where participants from many different countries meet and teach different tunes that originate from their own country (i.e., folk music). Then of course I will come back to Uni next year and hopefully finish my degree and live my crazy sport/music Uni life!

I will also continue to run Folkshop for another year. I am looking into maybe running my own folk music festival along with some other friends from around the area of Kent as unfortunately Tenterden folk festival is not happening again. I will also hopefully find someone to continue the tradition of folk music at Kent even once I’m gone!”

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

Learn more about the Kent Stars campaign.

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 two small Co-op supermarkets run by Kent Students’ Union – one in the plaza on central campus and one in Park Wood. January opening times:

Plaza Co-op

• Friday 3 January: 07:00-20:00
• Saturday 4 January: 07:00-20:00
• Sunday 5 January: 12:00-18:00
• Monday 6- Saturday 11 January: 7:00-22:00

Park Wood Co-op

• Thursday 2 January – Saturday 4 January: 09:00-17:00
• Sunday 5 – Friday 10 January: 08:00-20:00.
• Saturday 11 – Sunday 12 January: 09:00-Midnight

From Monday 13 January, both Co-op shops will be open as normal for the start of term.

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

Check out the catering outlets winter break timetable to see where and when you can purchase food on our Canterbury campus.

Kent Students’ Union also have the Library Café and Woody’s which sells food and drinks. See their winter break opening times.

Once term begins on 13 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 13 January, you can also check out some places to eat at the Medway campus including The Deep End which is part of the Hub, the Archibald Hay Mess in the Drill Hall Library and the Venue Cafe in Pilkington.