Author Archives: Miriam Sandiford

Students in seminar

Preparing for final year exams

Exams can take many shapes and forms, but one thing they all have in common is that they make a lot of people anxious. Fear of the unknown, poor preparation, lack of confidence in your abilities in the exam room are all causes of stress. The Student Learning Advisory Service (SLAS) has produced guidance including SkillsBuilder videos around exams that will help you manage those anxieties.

It’s a good idea to start your revision as early as possible. Here are a few other stress-busting tips:

Eliminate the unknown: Find out about the exams you are taking, when, where and how will they take place, and what modules and topics they will cover. If you are unclear, ask your module convenor for more information. You’ll feel better for knowing, and be able to organise your revision effectively.

Plan your revision: Work out which modules and topics you need to revise most. Using a calendar or term-planner, create a revision schedule so that you revise each topic efficiently in time for the relevant exam.

Test and practise: As you revise, test yourself to see what you know and what you still need to remember. Sitting an exam is a form of performance, so rehearse, by practising answering questions under timed conditions using past papers.

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

There are also plenty of events to help you get exam ready. And keep an eye out for any subject specific exam guidance events from your School.

See our exams webpages for full information including FAQs, events and support.

Students serving food at Iftar dinner

Events roundup: 11-17 March

This week join the Uni Mental Health Day events, the WorldFest celebrations and start to prepare for exams.

Monday 11 March: Worldfest Global Hangout and Girls in Charge Q&A

WorldFest celebrations continue this week with a global hangout in Sibson on Monday from 14:00-17:00. Try crafts, games and food from around the World!

Come along to Woody’s for a meet-and-greet social with Girls in Charge’s Co-Director Niamh Carter on Monday evening.

Tuesday 12 March: Get help finding a part-time job and writing your dissertation, plus find out about therapy and mindfulness

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 you can fit around your studies.

Writing your dissertation? Join this online workshop that goes through the keys steps you need to take when planning for and writing a dissertation at uni.

Unwind with mindful colouring and ask questions about therapy and mindfulness to members of our Counselling Team in DG 01, Templeman Library.

Wednesday 13 March: Language tasters, grad scheme advice and revision tips

Want to know more about what a graduate scheme is, what they involve and hints and tips on how to get one? Then don’t miss this grad scheme information event at Wednesday lunchtime.

Learn how to effectively revise at this study workshop at Canterbury and online.

As part of WorldFest you can try free language taster sessions in Spanish, French and Italian on Wednesday.

Thursday 14 March: Uni Mental Health Day

Thursday is Uni Mental Health Day (UMHD) and to mark it, there will be a free plant giveaway and therapy dogs sessions in Nexus, Templeman Library (Canterbury) and in the Oasis Lounge, Rochester Building (Medway).

There will also be a Plant Hospital pop-up on the Plaza in Canterbury, from 9:30-11:30, where you can get free plant care advice.

UMHD activities continue at the Sports Centre (Canterbury) with free exercise classes on 14 and 15 March.

Finally, get help managing exam stress and learn exam techniques at study workshops in Canterbury (in person) and online.

Friday 15 March: Iftar dinner, WorldFest Quiz and LinkendIn Drop-in

On Friday, join the International Student Voices group for a free, memorable Iftar dinner experience and a chance to have your say in how the University can improve the international student experience. Or if you’re based at Medway, you can join the Medway Islamic Society’s annual Iftar celebration event.

Get a team together and take part in our WorldFest Quiz Night run by our student Global Officers.

Develop and improve your LinkedIn profile at this careers drop-in session.

See more student events.

Reminders and opportunities

See more student opportunities.

laptop

Choose your modules for the next academic year!

From Monday 18 March to 09:00 on Tuesday 2 April 2024, Online Module Registration (OMR) is open for you to choose the undergraduate modules that you wish to study in 2024/25.

You will receive an email when OMR is open. Prior to this, you should read your Subject Requirements and view our guidance to make sure that you are fully prepared. If you are not sure which modules to choose, please speak to your Academic Adviser.

OMR is not first come first served. In order to give you the best opportunity to register for your preferred choice of module, please ensure that you have submitted your selections by 09:00 (GMT) on Tuesday 2 April 2024.

You do not need to select modules if:

  • You’re on a Year in Industry in 2024/2025
  • You’re going abroad as part of your course in 2024/2025
  • Your modules are entirely compulsory

If you are on a course that is affected by the course consultation changes, you do not have to register your modules by 2 April. We will be in touch with you once your module options are finalised so you can confirm your choices from an up-to-date list of options. Thank you for your patience in this moment of transition.

If you have any questions, please contact the Student Record Administration Office:

Canterbury students – csao@kent.ac.uk
Medway students –  msao@kent.ac.uk

See Online Module Registration guide.

Two students walking through field with canterbury cathedral in background

Kent 2030: Consultation update

Next phase of consultation

As you may know, consultation closed on 7 March on proposals to cease recruitment to some subject disciplines (Anthropology; Art History; Comparative Literature; English Language and Linguistics; Health and Social Care; Journalism; Modern Languages; Music and Audio Technology; and Philosophy and Religious Studies) at the University of Kent. Counter proposals submitted by staff in those areas are now being reviewed, with recommendations then made to Executive Group colleagues to decide on the way forward, meaning that final outcomes are likely to be known towards the end of March.

If it affects you, we’ll be in touch

Once outcomes are shared in late March, we will be in touch with students who are affected to explain what this means for the future of their particular subject areas. There will then be more details to work out in terms of teach-out for any area where the final decision is to cease recruitment. We will keep affected students updated by email each step of the way as those plans are scoped out, as we have more clarity on individual student circumstances and options, and can share how we will support you through the remainder of your degree, whatever your stage and type of study.

Opportunity for all students to hear more and ask questions

We invite you to sign up for an Undergraduate Student Open Forum from  12:00-13:00 on Thursday 28 March or to sign up for an Postgraduate Student Open Forum from 14:00-15:00 on Wednesday 3 April to hear from  Richard Reece, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Education & Student Experience, and Mica Rose, Head of Student Experience. They’ll explain updates on Kent 2030 plans and what they mean for students, and invite you to ask questions. These online meeting will be recorded and shared afterwards, so don’t worry if you are not able to attend. We will continue to update information and FAQs on the Kent 2030 student webpage.

Exercise class

Free exercise classes, 14-15 March

In support of University Mental Health Day (Thursday 14 March) and Red Nose Day (Friday 15 March), Kent Sport will be offering 180 free spaces on our fitness and dance class timetable across both days to allow everyone within our community to join in exercise for free. This includes many popular classes such as Zumba and pilates, as well as our range of exciting virtual instructor-led classes from LES MILLS.

For all class descriptions, visit our Classes webpage.

To book a free class as a Plus, Pay to Play, or non-member, visit the Sports Centre reception and fill out the paper form for the class(es) you would like to join. There are 10 free spaces in each class so sign up quickly before they’re gone! If you’re a Premium Plus member, all classes are included in your membership so you can book online as usual.

If you’re not yet a Kent Sport member, you’ll need to create a free Pay to Play membership before you’ll be able to join the classes. You can create an account quickly and easily through our online booking system.

Donations for Red Nose Day can be made on the Comic Relief website.

Lead Kent

Kent Union elections: voting now open

Voting is now open for your Kent Union full-time Officers.

The full-time Officers work and support the student priorities that are picked by students for students. These make up the core campaigns of Kent Union’s Officer team. We currently have five full-time Officer positions that all focus on different remits for students:

There are three days of voting and there will be five polling stations spread around campus, plus you can vote online at any time during these three days. Voting closes Thursday at 17:00.

There are also chances to win a range of prizes if you vote in the Kent Union elections. Some of the top prizes include an Apple iPad, Xbox X and weekend getaways for two.

Group of Kent Grads

Events roundup: 4-10 March

This week marks the start of Worldfest, our celebration of cultural diversity at Kent, as well as International Women’s Day.

Plus, don’t forget to vote in the Kent Union elections between Tuesday 5 March and Thursday 7 March (closes at 17:00). You’re voting for your full-time Officers who will represent you for the next academic year.

Find out what’s on this week:

Monday 4 March: PGT presentation skills and mindfulness colouring

If you’re a PGT student, you can join this presentation skills online workshop which offers practical advice on how to prepare and deliver an effective presentation.

On Monday evening you can join ResLife Ambassadors in Keynes for a quiet environment where you can do some studying mixed with some mindfulness colouring to help you unwind.

Tuesday 5 March: Coffee with a Security Officer and LinkedIn photos (Medway)

Would you like to have a chat with our friendly Security Team? Each Tuesday lunchtime you can pop in to speak to one of the officers and ask any questions about the Safezone app, the role of Campus Security or for advice. And you can get a free cup of tea or coffee to enjoy while you chat.

Are you interested in pursuing postgraduate study in business? Even if you are not currently studying a business-related subject, you might be able to study a Master’s in Business. Find out more at the Ask the Experts: Kent Business School drop-in session in Nexus, Templeman Library. See all postgraduate study events.

Do you need a better LinkedIn photo? You can get a professional portrait taken by Matt Cook Photography free of charge in Medway building on Tuesday.

Wednesday 6 March: Graduation Launch event (Medway) and Worldfest international dishes and using GenAi in your studies

In your final year at Medway? You’re invited to the Graduation Launch event in Rochester Building where you can find out your graduation ceremony date and ask any questions you may have. You can also try on caps and measure your height for your gown, as well as write a message to your supporters to be displayed on the screens during your graduation ceremony.

As we celebrate Worldfest, enjoy a taste of Japanese and Arabic Cuisine. Our World language tutors will provide you on a journey to learn how to cook some of your favourite international dishes from Japanese and Arabic cultures.

Find out how you can use GenAI legitimately in your studies at this in-person workshop in Canterbury or you can join online.

Thursday 7 March: Canterbury Graduation Launch and how to network (Medway)

In your final year at Canterbury? You’re invited to the Graduation Launch event in Darwin Conference Suite where you can ask all your questions and find out the individual School dates for the 2024 graduation ceremonies. There are opportunities to try on caps and measure your height for your gown and write a message to your supporters to be displayed on the screens during your graduation ceremony.

Learn how to network effectively at this Aspire workshop in Medway building, plus you can grab some free pizza.

Friday 8 March: International Women’s Day events and katsu cooking class

To celebrate International Women’s Day on Friday, you can join various inspiring talks with successful Kent alumni; Balancing Acts: Navigating the Workplace as Women of Worth in Keynes, In conversation with: Elouise Mitchell, Senior Planning Consultant  in Keynes and Female Changemakers: In conversation with Bethany Matthews, Access Coordinator at ITV Studios which is taking place online.

As part of Worldfest, learn how to make Japan’s katsu curry from scratch from Chef Benjamin Elsbury, so you can get together with friends and re-create at home.

Sunday 10 March: Howletts trip and gallery hopping

If you live in on-campus accommodation, you can join the ResLife Ambassadors for a trip to Howletts Wild Animal Park where you can see elephants, gorillas, rhinos and much more. (£10 which covers coach and entry fee).

Join the ResLife Ambassadors for some gallery hopping in Canterbury City Centre. Canterbury has lots of galleries and museums to explore including The Beaney and Canterbury Roman Museum.

Opportunities

  • Looking for housemates? On the Umii app you can now add a signifier to show you are looking for someone to live with.
  • If you’re based at Medway campus, make the most of Medway Move, a series of free exercise classes including yoga, Jiu Jitsu and social badminton.
Find your housemates with Umii

Find your housemates with Umii

Struggling to find housemates? The perfect people might be waiting…

Find housemates on Umii app

The Umii app connects you with other students at the University of Kent based on your interests, course and societies, helping you to find new friends and housemates all in one go!

“I downloaded Umii as I wanted to make new friends, find out about student life and meet people with similar interests. Umii also helped me secure accommodation with a connection I had made.”

– Mohammad
Postgraduate Student

New housemate signifier

You can now add housemate signifier to your profile to show that you are looking for someone to live with. How to set up your profile:

  • Download the app
  • Select “University of Kent”
  • Add your course, interests and societies
  • Build your profile including choosing the housemate signifier
  • Verify your email
  • Get new matches every day!