It’s the start of the Summer term! Best of luck to everyone taking exams over the next few weeks. Unsure what to expect? Watch our exams videos.

Tuesday 6 May: Spend time with animals and online Research Cafe

De-stress by spending some time with a cute dog in The Hub at Medway on Tuesday over lunch.

If you live in on-campus accommodation, you can join ResLife for a Goat Walking experience for £5 which includes your transport to the farm. You’ll walk through a beautiful wild valley taking in the views and wildflowers, with the goats to help keep you company.

PhD students are invited to join the online Research Café on Tuesday afternoon where you can share your research with peers and connect with others beyond your discipline.

Wednesday 7 May: Wilder Wellbeing and STEM placement bootcamp ‍

Every Wednesday between 7 May – 11 June, Kent Wildlife Trust are offering a free Wilder Wellbeing programme for students. These sessions will include gentle walks where you will learn relaxation techniques to experience the benefits of nature to improve and maintain your wellbeing.

If you are in your first year of a STEM subject and want to learn more about placements, you can join this placement bootcamp in Kennedy. Learn how to apply for placements, hear from past students and take part in a CV activity to get you application ready.

Thursday 8 May: Using AI in job applications and aromatherapy (Medway)

Unsure how to use AI in job applications? Join this online session to find out how generative AI can be used in job applications, as well as the dangers and what to avoid.

On Thursday you can give aromatherapy a go at The Hub, making up calming scents to help you relax during the Summer term.

Friday 9 May: Medway activities and awards, 3MT peer practice and games night

Friday is a busy day at Medway campus with the Spring into Summer day of activities including crazy golf and free candy floss, followed by the Medway Activities Awards at The Deep End, celebrating top-tier student members in societies and sports teams.

The 3MT (three-minute thesis) competition is coming up soon. This session on Friday is for anyone who wishes to practise their 3MT presentation and get feedback before the semi-final on 21 May.

On Friday evening head to DG-01 in Templeman Library for a Social and Games Night, where you can play board games and the Nintendo Switch. Open to all.

See more student events.

Reminders

• There is a bus diversion near Westgate Towers. The Uni1 and 400 service will be departing two minutes early from the Canterbury Bus Station and the 401 service will not be attending the Westgate Towers bus stop (outbound direction).
• Want to win £1,000? 10 Kent students will win £1,000 for simply registering with Santander’s Open Academy by 15 May.
• Postgrad student? You only have until 9 May to give your feedback on the postgrad experience at Kent and be in with the chance of winning 1 of 4 £250 cash prizes.

Opportunities

• Could a Year In be right for you? A Year In is a programme offered by Kent which allows you to take a year in another course. You can do this between stage 2 and stage 3 of your course or after you have completed stage 3. The programme you take will be added to your degree title which can really enhance your CV. Find out about Year In subjects and application deadlines.
• Paid job opportunity: apply by 11 May to be a 2025-26 Student Content Creator.
• Still sorting your housing plans for next year? There’s still time to secure a room on campus. It’s a great option if you haven’t arranged private housing or don’t have a group to live with, plus many of our accommodations come with an en-suite.
• We’re excited to announce the official opening of our new Enhanced PC Suite(also known as Templeman PC Room 3), a newly developed, high-spec PC space designed for both teaching and recreational use, for example Esports and gaming.

See more student opportunities.

This month’s Kent Star is Toyin, who is the Founder and CEO of The Wonder Lab Project, providing inspiring STEM activities for children aged 5 – 10 at schools in Medway. These activities are centred around helping children to focus, enhancing creativity and developing critical thinking skills, all through a STEM lens. Hear from Empowering Educator Toyin:

“I’m Toyin Sanyaolu, The Founder and CEO of The Wonder Lab Project and The Wonder Lab Academy.  I’m a Business and Management student at the University of Kent, and a mum of two. Having struggled academically as a child, I am thrilled to be a KBS student, breaking down barriers and thriving despite being dyslexic. Being neurodivergent and a parent is challenging, but my passion for what I do gets me through.

What is The Wonder Lab Project and why is this important to you?

“I started The Wonder Lab Project as a university project during my foundation year. Discovering many problems in education, the cost of living, and the links between young people, either out on the streets causing havoc or being in the NEET (Not in Employment, Education, or Training). I decided to do something to help the situation by creating The Wonder Lab Project, which provides STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths) activities for children aged 5 – 10 at schools.

The activities we create are centred around helping children focus, enhance creativity, critical thinking and begin to gain essential skills such as engineering, coding, and other sciences, for future employment. Many future jobs will depend on science and technology, so the world needs innovators, skilled workers, problem solvers, and sustainability.

We educate our students to think about their communities and the impact they will have with what they do, which is why the organisation started as a Community Interest Company. Not only do we provide activities that give children the opportunity to gain these essential skills but we teach them in a way that any child can learn simply by ‘doing’ and having fun. It helps them manage their emotions when they start to get frustrated and learn to persevere. When they finally complete their tasks, you can see the great sense of achievement and joy on their faces. Their competitiveness comes to light, but they also want to help each other out. That’s what we encourage at The Wonder Lab Project. A different way of learning. We help them see the opportunities ahead by teaming up with manufacturing companies that come and show them the opportunities available.

We encourage our students to be creative and think outside of the box. Since its success from the pilot in September 2024, I have started The Wonder Lab Academy, at the request of many parents in Medway. We have also provided activities for SEND schools in Medway and have increasing requests for secondary schools and tech colleges. The Wonder Lab Academy is a limited company that provides a STEM club for children aged 5-10 every week in Medway. This allows more children in the area access to our activities.

The Wonder Lab Project means everything to me. As a parent, I would like to see my children thrive with their friends. I relate to many parents that worry about their children’s safety, opportunities and affording activities that not only help them thrive but keep them in safe environments and away from negative influences. I want to see a better tomorrow and be a part of what creates that better tomorrow.  I hope to be a positive role model to not just my children but every child. Even if they have a learning difference, I want to show them they can break their barriers too.”

Can you tell us about your ASPIRE Business Start-up Journey experience?

“I attended the ASPIRE workshops in hopes of gaining business support, and it didn’t disappoint. Through ASPIRE I was able to obtain a grant for my business, which has helped tremendously with purchasing equipment and has enabled me secure exhibition bookings.

The ASPIRE workshops were insightful and enjoyable. Artur was very supportive of my business start-up journey. The weekly pizzas after each workshop were great too, giving us all time to socialise and share our business ideas. It was brilliant being connected to successful entrepreneurs who mentored me, right up to the pitching finals. I’ve stayed connected with many of them. The entire process helped build my confidence to enter the pitching competition and pitch in the finals, coming in 2^nd place. It helped me face my biggest fear, public speaking. And now, I feel ready to do more! I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to start a business.”

What advice would you give to other students?

“My advice to other students is don’t be afraid to follow your passion or share your ideas with those who can help you achieve them. Always know why you are doing what you are doing as it will get you through the difficult times and remind you of why you started it in the first place.  Be purposeful. If you have something great that is needed, don’t give up, but be open to changes. It’s important to be able to adapt.”

What are your plans for the next year? 

“My plans for next year are to grow the online presence of my business and provide activities in more schools and youth clubs across the county, extending into London. I would like to see a Wonder Lab Academy in every county and possibly host some larger Wonder Lab events.”

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

Learn more about the Kent Stars campaign.

KentVision will be unavailable on Tuesday 29 April between 8:30 and 11:30.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused while this essential work is carried out.

Should you have any concerns or queries please contact helpdesk@kent.ac.uk.

From June 2025, some University communications sent by email, such as student updates and announcements, will use a new address format: @lists.kent.ac.uk. 

You don’t need to do anything—emails will still arrive as usual, and the display name (e.g., “University of Kent”) will stay the same. The transition starts in April, with the full change happening in June. 

This update helps:
✅ Improve email security
✅ Reduce spam and phishing risks
✅ Make sure important emails reach your inbox reliably 

This won’t affect your personal @kent.ac.uk email.  

If you have any questions or concerns, please do submit a ticket (recommended) or email helpdesk@kent.ac.uk and we will get back to you.  

From the summer we will be making some changes to our catering offer on the Canterbury campus through a new partnership with Chartwells Universities, a catering firm who work with lots of other universities and colleges.  

We wanted to work with someone who could bring investment and modernise our outlets, helping us broaden menu choices and give you more great options to eat on campus. We’ve been working to give you more healthy and affordable options which will continue through the partnership, with Chartwells Universities also bringing links with high street brands.   

The contract will start on 1 June 2025. Refurbishment of outlets and menu changes will take place over the coming months, with Chartwells Universities engaging with students and staff throughout. This doesn’t affect outlets run by Kent Students’ Union, which include Woody’s, the Library Cafe and the Venue.  

All current catering staff – who have been committed to delivering the highest quality service – will become Chartwells Universities employees with protected salaries and conditions, meaning we will continue to see familiar faces around campus.   

Melissa Browne, Interim Director of Commercial Services and Estates explains: ‘We’re excited to announce this partnership with Chartwells Universities, which will further support our commitment to providing quality, healthy and affordable food on our campus. The partnership will bring much needed investment to our catering service, which will help us to deliver a fantastic catering experience on campus.’  

Rachel Carter, Managing Director of Chartwells Universities, said: ‘We are very excited about the opportunity to work collaboratively with the University of Kent to enhance the experience of students on campus. This is a symbiotic relationship, with shared values and beliefs around providing affordable, quality, nutritious food for students through the Right to Food initiative. Creating a compellingly positive student experience has never been more important. Under this partnership, we are committed to delivering great value to the University of Kent, its students and staff while embracing innovation and driving forward a dynamic food and drink offer that brings people together.’  

Last week student volunteers from across the University were presented with certificates on completion of their training as East Kent Mind Ambassadors. East Kent Mind, who run the  Kent Community Oasis Garden (KentCOG) in partnership with the University, have developed the Ambassador scheme as part of a newly launched East Kent Mind Society, which will run with a strong affiliation between the society and its parent charity to give support. To become an ambassador an individual completes a training package and takes on an element of social action volunteering for the charity.

Simon Dolby, Development Lead at East Kent Mind told us: ‘So far 30 students from the University of Kent have completed their ambassador training and are now planning social action to support the work of East Kent Mind, but we are keen for more potential ambassadors to come forward.’ 

Students who were a mixture of KentCOG Ambassadors, student volunteers and ResLife Ambassadors received their completion certificates from Professor Iain Wilkinson and were inducted to take part in EK Mind Social Action Projects. These include creating supporting East Kent Mind’s Wear It Blue campaign during Mental Health Awareness Week in May, encouraging positive conversations around mental health wider community, a fundraising fun run, as well as volunteering in the wider community for example, at Mind’s Revival Cafe in Whitstable. 

Earning their East Kent Mind Wellbeing Ambassador status with the charity, were third year students Katie Whitewood and Rosie Hawkins, Co-Presidents of the new society who helped create the initiative along with Simon Dolby.

Katie explained her motivation for getting involved: ‘Mind is all about connections and helping others feel seen and supported. I want to help strengthen our links with East Kent mind and really make sure that students are aware of our support off-campus.’ She added: ‘We are looking to expand our outreach, particularly to students at Canterbury Christ Church University, where bridging connections between universities is an important step in supporting mental health universally.’

Rosie told us why she feels this initiative is so important saying: ‘Mental health should always be top of our priority list. It is a given that Uni adds to mental health stresses, with deadlines, presentations and exams – it’s not easy. But one of our driving motivations is to create a safe space so you fell you have a shoulder to lean on, whether you need advice, guidance or a chat.’ 

There is also invaluable experience to be gained too. Wellbeing Officer, Reiss is thinking about this path for his ongoing career: ‘I hope to be able to take my training forward, as I go through a masters’ and hopefully a PHD.’

The full list of East Kent Mind Wellbeing Ambassadors are as follows:  

• Katie Whitewood 
• Gellian May Legaspi 
• Reiss Cordrey 
• Alisa Chin 
• Neive Wright (external to Uni)  
• Daisy Gower 
• Tabi Oyewumi 
• Mashaal Chughtai 
• Eren Newham 
• Balpreet Kaur 
• Ikeoluma Modebelu  
• Franco Brichetti 
• Neemisha Das 
• Dacian Stan 
• Nehi Eigbefoh 
• Preston-Paris Ingold  
• Zarine Zafar 
• Emily Catlin 
• Hayley Blackburn  
• Ria Groz 
• Rosie Hawkins
• Parvathy Rajeev
• Kerriva Kent-Ramotar
• Chloe Birkett
• Lauren Mansfield
• Himadri Himadri
• Melissa Da Silva

If you are interested in the East Kent Mind Society email ( society@eastkentmind.org.uk ) Rosie’s. If you would like to apply to become an East Kent Mind Ambassador contact the East Kent Mind Society ( ambassador@eastkentmind.org.uk ).

An exciting new fusion cocktail brand took top honours at the Business Start-Up Journey pitching finals in a close fought competition bringing together students from across the university. 

The winners

Kent Business School student, Danika Hossain, and her business partner, Arshia Bhatnagar, were crowned winners after a slick presentation of their start-up business, Bhangra Blends, a ready to drink cocktail combining traditional recipes with Indian flavours. 

Danika said afterwards: “Winning the competition was an incredible experience for us, and we’re truly grateful for the opportunity. We had a fantastic time participating.” 

Danika and Arshia win £1000 to support making their start-up dream a reality. 

The runners up

Runners up in the competition were Kent Business School students Toyin Sanyaolu with Wonder Lab an immersive STEM teaching programme and Akash Ramakrishna Iytha with Stitchcraft, a customised tailoring business aimed at the Indian wedding market. 

The both win £500 to support their business journey. 

The finalists

In total, eight Kent students entered the dragons’ den in to impress judges including the founder of international fashion brand Dune London, Daniel Rubin. 

They were selected following the inspiring 15-week Business Start-Up Journey programme. 

The other worthy finalists were 

• Jane Davidson (History) with Positive Procrastination – time management tools. 

• Felicity James (LSSJ) with Dive Right In – an inclusive swim school. 

• Aamir Khokhar (KBS) with Khocars tours – inclusive sports car road trips 

• Rhoslyn Singh (Engineering) – Rhoslyn’s Art – direct to consumer hand-painted artwork 

• Likith Reddy Ramidi (KBS) – Gigamesh – hybrid digital marketing agency 

The finalists competed in the pitching finals in Sibson on Wednesday 19 March.  

The judges

The judges were: 

• Emay Enemokwu, KBS graduate and founder of JEHUCAL streetwear brand  

• Nadia Simpson, KBS graduate and founder of Your Amora and NuEleFa beauty brands  

• Daniel Rubin, KBS graduate (second 500), Kent Hon Doc and founder Dune London  

• Alex Ford, Computer Science graduate, serial entrepreneur and founder Claro Wealth  

• Laura Bounds MBE owner of award-winning brands Kent Crisps, Kentish Oils, Kentish Condiments and A Little Bit Food Co  

• Debbie Zaman, Angel investor and mentor for the Innovation RCA incubator at the Royal College of Art. Supporter of woman in business and (Exited) Founder of With, PR agency. 

The finalists worked with mentors to help them prepare for the pitching finals. Mentors include owner of Garage Coffee, Luke Underdown, owner of Macknade Fine Food Hall, Stefano Cuomo and Dan Crooks, MD of iFruits. 

ASPIRE pop-up market

Alongside the pitching finals, the ASPIRE pop-up market saw students from across campus showcase and sell their wares with start-ups including fashion, jewellery, crochet, food and drink and a virtual reality world.  

Learn more about the Business Start-Up Journey.