Author Archives: Miriam Sandiford

Ukraine flag

Solidarity event with Kherson State University, 7 March

In light of the anniversary of the war in Ukraine, we invite you to join the University of Kent and Kherson State University (KSU) for a solidarity event on Tuesday 7 March at 16:00 UK time and 18.00 EET, via Teams.

In light of the anniversary of the war in Ukraine, the University of Kent will be holding a solidarity event in collaboration with Kherson State University.

During the event, KSU colleagues will show a presentation on their book, Chronicles of a Displaced University where they have gathered their thoughts and memories about a world in occupation and their new lives in Ivano-Frankivsk.

Colleagues from across the University of Kent will then show their support through a series of messages of support and relaying of plans to collaborate with KSU in the upcoming months. Kent is proud to support our twinning programme partner, Kherson State University as a wider UK effort to aid Ukrainian institutions affected by the war.

Please register to attend.

Student looking at computer

Planning, researching and writing your dissertation

A dissertation is a long, formalised form of essay, in which you generate a topic or enquiry, plan and execute a project that investigates it, and write-up what you did and what you found.

It may be the most substantial assignment you undertake at university, the one which potential employers may ask you about, or academics in your field may look-up and read. You want it to be good. Or, rather, you want it to be great!

The Student Learning Advisory Service (SLAS) has produced guidance on ‘Dissertations’, ‘Literature Reviews’, ‘Researching your dissertation’ and ‘Writing up your dissertation’ that will help you produce an excellent piece of work.

For now, here are three tips that may help you:

Be inspired: Choose a research topic that really interests you and adds in some way to the knowledge in your field of study. Dissertations take time and commitment to complete, so you will need to stay engaged.

Be organised: Organise your work and your time. Identify the stages of work required to complete your dissertation, calculate how long each stage will take, and plot them on to a calendar.

Be discerning: The research methods you choose, and the sources of information you use, should all be of the highest quality. A dissertation, like a cake, can only be as good as its ingredients.

SLAS can offer guidance on these and many other aspects of your dissertation – just book an appointment with one of our advisers.

Pets as Therapy dog

Events roundup 27 Feb – 5 March

This week (and throughout March), we have lots of events to support your wellbeing for Uni Mental Health Day.

Monday: Wellbeing Café, Oscars movie dance class and UV Games (Medway)

Our weekly Wellbeing Café is a space to connect with other students in a relaxed environment with a focus on promoting your wellbeing and mental health through activity.

Enjoy dancing? Bust out some moves at this Oscars movie magic dance class at the Venue. From Disney to Marvel, from Stage and screen to Classic movies from the past, dance along to movie soundtracks.

Try  some UV Games at The Hub on Thursday evening, combining the classic sports of badminton and table tennis with a twist – all the action takes place under black lights!

Tuesday:  Inspiring Women Week career’s events, Mindful colouring and yoga (Medway)

Join Residential Life Assistants Sarah and Ashutosh at the Oasis Lounge in Rochester Building for a hot drink, some mindful colouring and practising gratitude.

Try out Yoga for free at The Hub on Tuesday lunchtimes. This is a great way to de-stress and gently exercise.

This week is Career’s Inspiring Women Week and on Tuesday there are lots of events you can join including Improving your network, Giving Women The Fair Advantage: In Conversation with Code First Girls and Inspiring stories from people in Health and Care.

Wednesday: Mental health webinar, University Community Choir and Turkey-Syria earthquake support drop in

Join this mental health webinar discussing the importance of creating an open culture around mental health, building a good support network, and exploring the resources available to you and your peers. The webinar is hosted by Keith Walsh (Radio DJ, Writer & Presenter) featuring Lee Fellows (Head of Student Support and Wellbeing at Kent) and Dr Aman Kwatra (Chartered Psychologist).

Love to sing? Become a part of the University Community Choir! Create new connections within the University community and take a break from your work and study in a relaxed and uplifting environment.

If you’ve been affected by the Turkey-Syria earthquake and would like a space to talk about how you are feeling, please come along to Locke Building 13:00-14:00 for a friendly and supportive drop in with Student Support and Wellbeing Advisers, College and Community Life Officers and Kent Union staff.

Thursday: Wellbeing activities including therapy dogs!

On Thursday we have lots of activities to boost your wellbeing. Head to Nexus in Templeman Library to see some cute therapy dogs, try some mindful colouring and even pick up a small succulent plant (until they run out!)

There’s also a free lunchtime journalling for wellbeing workshop. Find out how journaling can help support your mental health and your studies, with Ali McDowell, Co-Founder of The Positive Planner.

And on Thursday evening join us in Waterstones Canterbury for a mindfulness book talk, live music, and a 15% discount on all books!

See more student events.

Student opportunities

See more student opportunities.

Cost of Living Hardship Fund opens 6 March 

To help support students facing hardship as a result of the increased cost of living, the UK Government has provided additional funding of £15m to English universities. Of that, the University of Kent has been allocated £126k, which must be awarded to students by 31 July 2023, to add to existing hardship funds. 

We have created a Cost of Living Hardship Fund to release these funds to Kent students. The fund can be used to help with rent or any other increased living costs due to the cost of living crisis. The Cost of Living Hardship Fund will open on 6 March 2023. 

Students who are facing financial hardship due to the increased cost of living are invited to apply for an individual award of £300 to help with any increased living costs. Priority will be given to students who have not been awarded other hardship funds. However, if you have previously received a hardship fund but are still in financial need please apply as your application will still be considered.

The Cost of Living Hardship Fund will open on 6 March 2023. We encourage you to read the guidance on how to apply in advance so you can apply quickly once the Cost of Living Hardship Fund opens on 6 March. Once we reach the application threshold, we will close the fund so we can begin processing applications. 

 

£3 meal deal at Medway campus

To help with the rising cost of living, the Deep End at The Hub are offering a £3 meal deal during term time so you can get tasty food at a great price.

Plus, you can help yourself to free porridge, tea and coffee for breakfast in the Oasis Lounge in Rochester Building.

More support with cost of living

You can see all the financial support available to students on our Cost of Living Support webpages.

And please remember, if you are struggling financially, get in touch for support.

Industrial action

Strikes postponed this week and next

From Professor Richard Reece | DVC Education & Student Experience

Late on Friday night UCU announced that all strike days this week and the one after have been postponed. This means that, unless informed otherwise, your lectures and classes for the next fortnight will go ahead as planned. 

We’re really pleased to see this step by UCU, which has been done to support the progress of the national negotiations happening throughout. This isn’t necessarily the end of the current dispute, but it is the sincere hope of all parties that this pause will give national bodies the space to reach a long-standing deal that avoids further action. 

As it stands, if no agreement is reached the next strike day will be Thursday 16 March. UCU are also reballoting their members so that they keep a number of options open if talks break down. However, this postponement is a positive sign and we urge all parties in the negotiations to use it to reach common ground. 

I will be in touch again when we have a clearer picture of what the weeks ahead will look like. In the meantime, I am glad you will have a few weeks of normality after so much disruption and thank you again for your patience with this throughout. Do also remember to submit any claims for expenses you may have incurred during the earlier strike days by 31 May.   

Pancakes

Events roundup 20-26 February

Here’s a roundup of what’s on this week, including more LGBT+ History Month events, talks and workshops you can join and of course some pancakes for Pancake Day!

Industrial action update: All UCU strike days this week (and next week) have been postponed, meaning your lectures and classes for the next fortnight will go ahead as planned.

Tuesday: Pancake Day and LGBTQ+ events

Tuesday is Pancake Day and you can find lots of pancake options from our catering outlets including the Gulbenkian Café, Mungo’s and Dolce Vita. Or if you feel like making your own, you can join the Keynes Residential Life Assistants for their Pancake Party in Dolce Vita.

Make your own pronoun badge at The Hub or join this online session about how to find LGBTQ+ inclusive employers when applying for jobs and placements.

Wednesday: Postgrad Open Event, managing stress and anxiety workshop, Turkey-Syria support drop in and Medway Talks

Considering postgrad study? Book a place at our Postgraduate Open Event in Sibson on Wednesday evening to find out more about our PG courses and exclusive scholarships and funding for Kent grads.

If you need some better ways to manage stress, consider joining this practical online workshop for managing stress and anxiety. Find out how mindfulness practice can give us tools to build our resilience in the face of study, work and life challenge.

If you’ve been affected by the Turkey-Syria earthquake and would like a space to talk about how you are feeling, please come along to Locke Building 13:00-14:00 where Student Support and Wellbeing Advisers, College and Community Life Officers and Kent Union staff will be there to talk to you and offer support.

The Medway Talks open lecture series continues with ‘Mathematics, Memetics and Artificial Intelligence: An exploration through performance’ by Dr Neil Saunders from University of Greenwich.

Thursday: Heartstopper Marathon (Medway) and effective job applications

You can binge watch the entire series of Heartstopper on Thursday at the Hub (or join for however long you want!) as part of LGBT+ History Month.

Build your confidence by attending this online session all about job applications. Learn about different application processes and how to effectively use job descriptions and person specifications to make successful applications.

Friday: Zine making workshop

Come and explore zines from the visiting Queer Zine Library – a mobile library celebrating LGBTQ+ self-publishing. Create your own zine or just browse and discuss zines.

See more student events.

Opportunities

See more student opportunities

Take your ambition further. Discover how at our postgraduate open event.

Postgraduate Open Event, 22 Feb 

Are you considering to stay on for a Master’s? Come along to our Postgraduate Open Event on 22 February at the Sibson building, Canterbury Campus.  

Find out more about:  

Speak to our friendly academic and support staff, as well as our own undergrad to postgrad students. See if postgraduate study may be an option for you.  

Book your place now.

Daisies and string in heart shape

Events roundup 13-19 February

Find out what’s on this week, including Valentine’s Day events, LGBT+ History Month activities and careers events.

Industrial action reminder: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday are UCU strike days, so your teaching may be affected on these days. The College and Community Life Team are offering drop-in support sessions on these days in Locke Building between 9:00-17:00. How to prepare for a strike day.

Monday: Finding LGBTQ+ friendly employers, grad schemes session and pre-Valentine’s events

On Monday there’s a Work-Study drop in at Keynes Atrium where you can chat to the Careers and Employability Team to learn how to find LGBTQ+ friendly employers and support for your future career.

Wondering about grad schemes? Join this online session about graduate schemes to find out more about what they involve, how to get one and alternative routes.

On Monday evening you can have a Valentine’s movie night in Eliot College, or you might want to try Valentine’s Burlesque at the Sports Centre, which is suitable for all levels.

Tuesday: Valentine’s Day activities

Happy Valentine’s Day! If you’re looking for things to do, why not try the Love Nature Wellbeing Puzzle Trail at the Kent Community Oasis Garden, Valentine’s Karaoke at K-Bar or head to the Gulbenkian to watch a preview screening of Joyland. Plus it’s 2 for Tuesday for students so tickets are only £3 each for Joyland! Or at Medway you can try out some treat yourself activities at The Hub.

Wednesday: Turkey-Syria earthquake support drop-in, Careers Service and Kent Community Oasis Garden

If you’ve been affected by the Turkey-Syria earthquake and would like a space to talk about how you are feeling, please come along to Locke Building 13:00-14:00 where Student Support and Wellbeing Advisers, College and Community Life Officers and Kent Union staff will be there to talk to you and offer support.

Find out how to make the most of our careers service. Our Careers and Employability Service have so many resources and services you might not even know about. Come along to this event in Keynes or join online.

If you want to get some fresh air and meet new people, try volunteering at the Kent Community Oasis Garden near Park Wood. Kent COG is a collection of students, staff and community members working to create a sustainability hub centred around growing food.

Thursday: LGBT+ History Month events and working abroad

As part of LGBT+ History Month, join this virtual talk by Rebecca Milsom who works at the Social Mobility Foundation and is a Just Like Us Ambassador. Just like Us is the LGBTQ+ young people’s charity and as an ambassador Rebecca speaks about her experiences growing up LGBTQ+ to young people via school talks, articles and TV/radio opportunities.

In the evening, you can join this LGBTQ+ quiz night at Medway in the Deep End. Questions will be about pop culture and LGBTQ+ History.

Interested in working abroad as part of your degree, summer break or after graduation? Learn more at this information session including how to get the most out of GoingGlobal – a platform to find opportunities and detailed information about working abroad.

See more student events.

Opportunities

See more student opportunities.

Students on trip at Dover

Become an International Programmes Ambassador!

International Programmes is seeking to employ two ambassadors to help organise and provide a programme of social events and activities for Pre-sessional and short course students.

Do you have an interest in, and awareness of, intercultural issues? Do you have an understanding of what it’s like to be an international student in the UK? Do you enjoy working with an interesting and diverse group of people? Would you like to work during the summer holidays?

We’d love to hear from you!

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for two students to work on Band B contract (School Experience Placements; £13.81 per hour), reflective of the level of responsibility required.

The role will be from May to September 2023, with the potential to extend to December 2023.

It will involve occasional work between May and July, with most hours falling in August when we are at our busiest. Applicants need to be available to work flexible hours and this would be discussed at interview stage in greater detail.

Responsibilities

Key duties would include:

  • Meeting and greeting students and escorting visiting students
  • Providing campus tours and tours of Canterbury
  • Assisting & leading on-campus activities run by International Programmes
  • Leading outreach trips to local areas of interest on both weekdays and weekends
  • Leading enhancement activities on a weekly basis
  • Helping to organise and advertise the social programme to students in person, via social
    media and email
  • Basic administrative tasks for outreach activities under the direction of a member of
    University staff
  • Appropriate additional activities as and when required

We would also like our Student Ambassadors to plan and run weekly online enrichment sessions that will be open for all Pre-sessional students to attend, and potentially opened out to our short course students.

You will work closely with our Student Support and Experience Officers to promote and organise the social programme. You will be expected to use your own initiative to oversee day trips and organise and run online and in-person events as and when required.

What our previous Ambassadors say

Pre-sessional Student Ambassador Rosie says:

My time working as a student ambassador for the International Programmes was incredible, I was lucky enough to explore new places and revisit cities I had not been to for a while, all whilst meeting people from many different cultures. I highly recommend this job to anyone who loves exploring and meeting lots of amazing new people.

How to apply

To apply, please send a CV and a statement of interest by email to Amy Moses at a.moses@kent.ac.uk by Midnight on Sunday 26 February.

If you have any queries, please email Amy Moses.

Subject to selection, interviews will take place on Tuesday 14 March 2023.

For an insight into our Pre-sessional courses and the impact you would have as an ambassador, check out our Pre-sessional Video Competition First Place Winner 2022 and our Second Place Winner videos.