Author Archives: Miriam Sandiford

Restorative Justice Clinic – resolving student conflicts

Conflicts are a natural part of university life, but they don’t have to be disruptive or damaging. Our free service offers a constructive approach to resolving conflicts involving students.

What is the Restorative Justice Clinic?

The Restorative Justice Clinic is a student-led service which deals with minor conflicts and harms involving students. The Clinic helps students to find a mutually agreed, positive solution. The service is free, confidential and professional. The Director is Dr. Giuseppe Maglione, an international expert and practitioner in the field.

How can I access it?

Any student can freely access the Restorative Justice Clinic directly by emailing rjclinic@kent.ac.uk. Alternatively they can be referred by relevant student services.

Benefits

Ask any unanswered questions in a safe space
Get the chance to speak and be heard
Explain the impact that the conflict had on their life
Encourage future positive behaviour and find a solution

Services

There are two types of Restorative Justice, direct and indirect.

Direct Restorative Justice would involve a meeting between the people involved in the conflict. A trained facilitator and the Clinic Director would be present in the room at all times.

Indirect Restorative Justice means that the dialogue takes place through letters, videos etc.

What types of conflicts can be referred to the Restorative Justice Service?

Any conflict involving students, including roommate disputes, academic disagreements, interpersonal conflicts, and more.

Find out more about the Restorative Justice Clinic.

Free sanitary products available on campus

15.9% of Kent students bought less sanitary products over the past 12 months because they were worried about money, according to the 2023-4 Cost of Living survey results.

Period products are not a luxury, and we want to make it easier for you to access them. Find out where you can pick them up for free on campus:

Canterbury campus

Thanks to the ResLife team and Kents’ Students Union, you can now find free sanitary products in the following locations on campus:

Mandela Student Centre – pick up individual pads or tampons
Campus laundry facilities in each College – pick up individual pads or tampons

The Cost of Living Taskforce are looking at ways we can increase the number of free sanitary products available to students.

Medway campus

At Medway, you can pick up free sanitary products from the following location:

Bathrooms in the Deep End, The Hub – pick up individual pads or tampons

See more cost-of-living initiatives and support.

Kent Stars: Airport Helper Heroes

This month’s Kent Stars are our wonderful student helpers who gave up their time over Arrivals Weekend so they could welcome our new international students at Gatwick and Heathrow airports. Working with the Global and Lifelong Learning team, they welcomed 250 students and helped them and their luggage onto 13 coaches and 8 taxis to get to our campuses! Hear from one of our student helpers, Thomas:

“My name is Thomas, a 4^th year Politics and International Relations student who has just recently finished my Year Abroad in Tokyo. I am really interested in international politics and contemporary history and have been since I was young, therefore, I am really glad to have chosen this course at Kent.”

Tell us about your experience welcoming new students at the airport over Arrivals Weekend.

“Welcoming international students has always been something that I wanted to do for a long time given I am also an international student myself. I can completely understand the mixed emotions new students might have when they first arrive in the UK, the excitement of being in a fresh environment, but also the worries or fear of not getting used to it. Therefore, the role we played during the Arrivals Weekend was very important. We were the first people the students would have talked to, and we did our best to make sure they were as comfortable as they could possibly be.”

What advice would you give to other students?

“My advice to all the international students would be a quote that I hold very dear to myself, ‘don’t be afraid to fail, you can’t always win, but don’t be afraid to make the decision’. The key message here is that you have to be openminded and brave, be ready to try new things, explore everything around you as much as possible because while you are still hesitating, time will fly by silently and cruelly.”

What are your plans for the next year?

“I am graduating next summer, so I am fully aware time is not necessarily on my side. Ideally, I would like to find myself a job in London or anywhere in the UK and stay in this country for a few more years. I might go to study another language if I have time, because I always believe language is the carrier and key of a culture, being able to speak and understand another language would open a new door in life for you to explore a whole new world.”

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

Learn more about the Kent Stars campaign.

Events roundup: 21-27 October

Find out what’s on this week including study support, crafts and Black History Month events.

Monday 21 October: Emotional support group and essay planning help

On Monday there is the War, Conflict and World Disasters Emotional Support Group in Keynes Red Room. This is a weekly drop in where specialist staff are on hand to help anyone affected by ongoing conflict around the world.

Get help with considering an essay question and planning an essay, taking place in-person at Canterbury and Medway campuses.

Tuesday 22 October: Crafts and thriving as an introvert

At Medway, you can join a Black History Month themed Crafternoon, exploring crafts that honour the contributions of Black artists and makers.

Are you an introvert? You can join an online session about thriving in the workplace as an introvert. From the interview stage onwards, owning and playing to your natural strengths as an introvert will have you standing out for the right reasons.

For students who live on campus, join the ResLife team for some air dry clay crafting and create decorations for your room, for example cute fridge magnets.

Wednesday 23 October: PG Talk, using AI and creepy crawlies (Medway)

If you’re a postgrad student, join the PG Talk: Climate Change and You, an in-person talk exploring how our planet’s climate is changing and what you can do to help.

Unsure how you can legitimately use artificial intelligence (AI) in your studies? Find out at this AI webinar, which will explore some of the fears, misconceptions and opportunities offered by AI software applications.

Experience creepy crawlies at The Hub, in Medway on Wednesday afternoon. Discover insects, spiders and other little creatures and learn about the vital role they play in our ecosystem.

Thursday 24 October: Guest speaker and Dancing Queen

As part of Black History Month, guest speaker Bryn Price, Director of Safer Kent will give an online talk about their personal journey, why change is needed and how you can lead change.

Each Thursday night is Dancing Queen at K-Bar, the DJ night designed especially for Kent’s LGBTQ+ community, and those who just want to dance the night away to cheesy pop and dance floor classics.

Friday 25 October: Gardening, graduate schemes (Medway) and feeling homesick

Get involved at the Kent Community Oasis Garden on Friday for one of their open volunteering sessions (Wednesdays and Fridays 10:00-14:00). It’s a collection of students, staff and community members working to create a sustainability hub centred around growing food.

Unsure about grad schemes? Join this in-person session at Medway to find out more about what a graduate scheme is, what they involved and hints and tips to get one.

Feeling a bit lost, lonely or homesick? Drop in and visit the Student Welfare and Community Life team. Stop by to chat with a friendly Welfare Officer, meet new people, or just hang out.

Saturday 26 October: R&B Throwback Brunch and brat halloween

Woody’s are holding themed brunches each month and for October it’s a R&B Throwback Brunch in celebration of Black History Month. Get ready for a lively afternoon of rum punch, street food, dancing and R&B throwbacks.

Brat summer might be dead, but brat halloween is here at the Venue!

Sunday 27 October: Halloween arts and crafts

If you live in on-campus accommodation, you can join your ResLife Ambassadors for some Halloween arts and crafts. There will be pumpkins to carve and decorations you can make.

See all student events.

Opportunities

Are you passionate, organised and motivated to represent international students at Kent and make a difference to their student experience? Apply to be on our International Student Advisory Board by 29 October.
Santander is giving away 10 lots of £1,000 for University of Kent students. Win £1,000 with the return of the Brighter Futures Grants Programme.
Join a Kent Students’ Union focus group and earn £20 cash for an hour of your time!

See all student opportunities.

Events roundup: 14-20 October

EmpFest continues with a load of opportunities to meet with different employers including at the popular Autumn Careers Fair on Thursday. Browse all EmpFest events.

Find out what’s on this week:

Monday 14 October: Emotional support group, securing a part-time job (Medway) and Speed Friending (Medway)

Are you based at Medway and looking for a part-time job? Join this in-person session to find out what steps you need to take to secure a part-time role.

There’s also a Speed Friending event at Medway in The Hub on Monday afternoon. It’s fast-paced opportunity to meet new people and make new connections in a relaxed setting.

Tuesday 15 October: ADHD Social Running Group, LinkedIn photography (Medway) and opportunities to go abroad

On Tuesday mornings, you can join an ADHD Social Running Group for students who have either been diagnosed with or waiting for assessment for ADHD. It’s a relaxed and sociable session and all abilities are welcome.

As part of EmpFest, Matt Cook Photography is back but this time at our Medway campus. Get a free professional headshot taken to level up your LinkedIn profile.

Interested in going abroad this summer? Come and meet Kent’s Go Abroad team and find out about exciting opportunities to study, work or volunteer abroad next summer, and the funding available to help get you there!

Wednesday 16 October: Gear up to Grow Up, board games (Medway) and Vision and Voices

Aimed primarily at neurodivergent students, Gear up to Grow Up is a small group session where you can learn about the garden, sustainable food systems and have a go at growing food to cook and eat.

Enjoy an afternoon of board games at The Hub, Medway. Games, snacks and drinks will be provided.

Join us on Wednesday evening for Vision and Voices, a special Black History Month event with guest speakers and a showcase of talent from Kent students. This event aims to provide Black students and staff with a platform to share their stories, challenge stereotypes, and engage in meaningful conversations about Black history, culture, and identity.

Thursday 17 October: Autumn Careers Fair, first in family launch event and yoga and writing retreat for PGR students

Open to all students, the Autumn Careers Fair is a great opportunity to meet with a load of employers and organisations. You can scout out opportunities for placements and internships, as well as exploring different sectors and potential graduate roles. The Autumn Careers Fair takes place in Colyer-Fergusson Concert Hall between 10:30-15:00 with a calm admission between 10:00-10:30.

Are you the first in your family to go to university? See what additional support is on offer to you at our social event on 17 Oct.

Postgraduate research students are invited to join a Yoga and Writing Retreat on campus, which is a guided yoga session mixed with opportunities for you to get on with your writing.

Friday 18 October: Writing your CV and overcoming imposter syndrome

Medway students – join this essential workshop around CVs and Cover Letters with practical information, hints and tips to create applications with impact.

There are also online sessions around writing creative CVs and legal CVs.

Do you struggle with imposter syndrome? Join this online workshop to demystify the truth behind imposter syndrome and tackle feelings of self-doubt and anxiety by learning practical tools and techniques so you can understand, communicate and celebrate your abilities.

Saturday 19 October: Ideas Hack and pick your own pumpkin

As part of the ASPIRE programme, you can join the Ideas Hack where you will explore the Sustainable Development Goals as inspiration for new business ideas. Plus enjoy a free lunch as you collaborate to find sustainable solutions to global challenges.

Get ready for Halloween by joining the ResLife Ambassadors for a trip to a local farm to pick your own pumpkin!

See all student events.

Successful launch of Business Start-Up Journey 2024

Two alumni entrepreneurs shared the highs and lows of founding their own businesses at the launch of the Business Start-Up Journey 2024 in Canterbury.

Speaking to a lecture theatre packed with students, Alex Ford, founder of fintech company Claro Wealth, and Nadia Simpson, founder of From Amora, a social media-based fragrance and beauty brand talked candidly about their entrepreneurial journeys.

Nadia Simpson, KBS alumna, shared valuable insights on running a successful e-commerce business with an impressive social media presence.

She said:

“I started my hair and wellness brand at the University of Kent in 2018, during my first year. It began as an idea to create natural hair care products that didn’t contain the toxins often found in commercial products.

Since then, I’ve started other businesses, but currently, I’m focusing on From Amora, which specialises in creating cruelty-free and alcohol-free perfume oils. My future plan is to merge my two businesses.

The advice I give to everyone is to never give up! Consistency is your best friend. You may not see results at first, and you may fail initially, but it’s up to you to get up and stay consistent!”

Alumni speakers Alex Ford and Nadia Simpson.

Alex, who studied computing and business at University of Kent, said:

“It was incredibly hard to get the business off the ground. We were challenging the traditional financial advice industry. As a start-up should, we were on a mission to disrupt the market. It meant long days, weeks, and months, with many pivots and changes, all in the hope that it would pay off in the end.

The best part of running your own business is working with amazing people on a project you’re passionate about. These people share the mission and are driven to achieve it, something you don’t always experience in a job.

My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: just go for it! I didn’t start my entrepreneurial journey straight out of uni, and I wish I had.”

After the keynote speeches, the audience quizzed the alumni founders touching on everything from the risks of starting up a business, to funding and finance. Afterwards there was the chance to network.

The event marked the start of the University’s flagship entrepreneurship support programme, the 15-week Business Start-Up Journey, which is run by the ASPIRE team.

Offering a step-by-step guide to starting a business, it inspires students with the knowledge and skills required to become successful entrepreneurs through interactive workshops and classes, delivered by ASPIRE’s entrepreneurs-in-residence and external experts.

The programme concludes with a pitching competition, where participants can win £1,000 in funding.

To join the Business Start-Up Journey or find out more about ASPIRE and how we support entrepreneurs and start-up, email ASPIRE@kent.ac.uk.

Apply to be on our International Student Advisory Board by 29 Oct

Are you passionate, organised and motivated to represent international students at Kent and make a difference to their student experience? 

The International Student Advisory Board launched in January 2023 and is in collaboration with Kent Student’s Union to ensure that the needs and voices of our international students are heard. 

The purpose of this Board will be:

To inform the inclusivity and accessibility of university-wide services and policies at both the University and Kent Union, for the benefit of all international students at the University of Kent

To provide feedback mechanisms to allow international students to actively contribute towards campaigns, awareness raising and submit suggestions for policy change

To support internationally focused activities and events such as, Welcome and Arrivals, Cultural Celebration Week and International Education Week.

We are looking for up to 30 individuals to join and work alongside our existing Board members. Whether you have been at Kent for a while or have just joined us this September, this is a wonderful opportunity for you to represent and make a difference to your student experience while at Kent.

To apply:
– You must be a current international student at the University of Kent
– You must have enthusiasm and commitment to improving the international student experience
– You must show engagement and commitment to attend meeting dates.

Board members will receive remuneration via credit on their Kent One Card (Canterbury-based members) or Deep End vouchers (Medway-based members) of £20 for active participation per meeting.  Up to 2 meetings take place each term.

For more information and to apply please see our FAQs and webpage. Deadline for applications is 29 October, with interviews expected to take place on 6 and 7 November.

Reclaiming Narratives: Finding Black History in the Archives

Join the team in Special Collections and Archives for a workshop exploring Black history in the University’s archive and book collections.

Location: Templeman Library, Room A108 (A Block – first floor)

In this workshop you will learn more about the University’s special collections, and have the opportunity to view some of the archive collections that highlight aspects of Black history. Workshop participants will learn archive research techniques, and be able to participate in our ongoing work to reveal and showcase the stories and experiences of people of colour that feature in our archive collections.

Through the workshop, participants will consider the challenges of trying to uncover hidden stories in the archives, touching on issues such as changes in terminology and the use of outdated language, and the lack of detailed cataloguing providing barriers to successful research.

Faustin Charles reading poetry in 1970s (Reference: UKA/ALU/CHARLESF/7/9)

Participants will be invited to spend time exploring archive catalogues to locate items of interest in the study of Black history, surfacing evidence of the activities and experiences of people of colour held within the archives. Your discoveries will be added to our list of sources supporting the study of Black history in the archive collections.

There will also be some free pizza at the end of the workshop as a thank you for your hard work!

To book a place on the workshop please contact Special Collections and Archives: specialcollections@kent.ac.uk

Kent stands for global ambition with another successful Turing bid

We are pleased to announce that the University has once again been successful in its bid for funding from the UK government’s Turing Scheme. This will enable us to support around 300 Kent students this year on study, research, work and volunteering projects around the world. With a strong focus on widening participation, additional funding will be available for less advantaged students, helping them grow their ambition on a global scale.

Group of students in front of waterfall.

Jerome and friends at a waterfall in Fiji. Jerome volunteered with Think Pacific

This will be Kent’s fourth year of participating in the Turing Scheme and almost 500 Kent students have already benefited from funding which has developed their skills and enhanced their employability through activities such as wildlife forensics training in South Africa, Mandarin learning in China, marketing internships in Madrid, conservation projects in Bali and Fiji and many more.

Nalini spent the Summer with Fund Amazonia in Peru.

Here is a quote from one student who returned from Peru studying primates in the Amazon, “I saw so many species, visited indigenous communities, worked with amazing people and I feel so lucky to of been able to do it all, I truly don’t believe I’d be able to ever replicate a trip like it.”

Kent offers year-long Go Abroad placements and one-month Summer Abroad opportunities around the world, which allow students to build international networks, develop skills and attributes that will enhance their employability, and gain life changing experiences.

Group with football and mountains in background.

Jerome and friends after playing sports in Fiji.

More details on our Go Abroad pages and at our series of Go Abroad events at EmpFest.

Email: goabroad@kent.ac.uk

Events roundup: 7-13 October

This week sees the start of EmpFest, two weeks of employability events run by our Careers and Employability Service. There’s a huge number of events including presentations, workshops, guest speakers and opportunities to meet industry experts. Browse all EmpFest events and sign up for any that interest you.

Reminder: KentVision will be unavailable from 7:30 until 10:30 on Tuesday 8 October 2024 due to essential maintenance. Please make a note of your timetable, including timings and locations, ahead of this KentVision outage.

Monday 7 October: Emotional support group, Black History Month Trivia Night and essay writing skills

On Monday you are welcome to join the War, Conflict and World Disasters Emotional Support Group in Keynes Red Room. This is a weekly drop in where specialist staff are on hand to help anyone affected by ongoing conflict around the world.

On Monday evening you can join the Black History Month Trivia Night at Woody’s, hosted by the Womxn in STEM Society in partnership with the Black Intellectuals Society. It will be an evening of friendly competition where you can forge new connections and celebrate the power of diversity in education.

If you’re a new student or a returner to education, join this in-person session by the Skills for Academic Success team for an introduction to Essay Writing Skills in Canterbury and Medway. This workshop will give you the skills you need to plan, research, write and check an academic essay.

Tuesday 8 October: World Mental Health Day activities including therapy dogs

On Tuesday you can join some World Mental Health Day (nationally celebrated on Thursday but we are starting early on Tuesday!) At Canterbury you can join Student Support and Wellbeing and Kent Students’ Union in Nexus, Templeman Library, for wellbeing chats and activities such as mindfulness colouring and boardgames. Plus, you can meet Coco the therapy dog and also pick up a free house plant!

At Medway campus you can join Student Support and Wellbeing and the Universities at Medway Chaplain for wellbeing activities and chats in the Oasis Lounge. They will also be joined by special guest Pets as Therapy dog Tommy!

Wednesday 9 October: EmpFest events and using AI in your studies

As part of the daily EmpFest events, on Wednesday you can join sessions on Marketing Careers in the Charity and Not-For-Profit Sector with BeeBee Communications, Introduction to Consultancy by James Brown and Building Confidence in the Selection Process by PwC. Plus, get a free LinkedIn headshot taken by photographer Matt Cook.

The introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) into academia has provided new ways of developing your writing, analytical and research skills. Join this webinar on Using Artificial Intelligence in your Studies to explore some of the fears, misconceptions and opportunities offered by this contemporary development in software applications.

Thursday 10 October: Medway Global Hangout, climbing trip and sign language for beginners

On Wednesday afternoon you can meet new people in a relaxed atmosphere at the Medway Global Hangout in the Oasis Lounge, Medway Building. Enjoy games and crafts as well as refreshments. At the same time, you can also find out about the Global Officers Leadership Development (GOLD) programme to become a Global Officer (open to all students).

If you live in on-campus accommodation, you can join the ResLife Ambassadors for a trip to Canterbury’s bouldering centre for £5. The climbing gym has a variety of different angled walls offering unique challenges.

You can also join a free Sign Language Class for Beginners in Grimond Building, where instructor Luis will be teaching you the basics of sign language.

Friday 11 October: Back History Month creative session and EmpFest events

If you live on-campus, you can join your ambassadors Aashvi and Nehi to celebrate Black History Month with some BHM flag making and glass painting.

As part of EmpFest, there’s plenty of employability events you can join including Unlocking Opportunities and Strategies for Success at the Careers Fair, Boosting your Memory and Productivity and Understanding Stress and Self-care when Planning for the Future.

Saturday 12 October: Accredited Carbon Literacy Training and trips to Canterbury Cathedral and Howletts Wild Animal Park

Develop your knowledge of climate change and addressing the worldwide climate crisis by taking Accredited Carbon Literacy Training here at Kent. The training is open and free to all students and on successful completion of the course you will receive official carbon literate certification from the Carbon Literacy Project.

On Saturday there’s an opportunity to join the ResLife ambassadors for a couple of different trips. You can either join a free Trip to Visit Canterbury Cathedral (you just need to pay for your bus ticket). Or if you live on campus, for £7.50 you can join a Coach Trip to Howletts Wild Animal Park to see elephants, tigers, monkeys and much more.

See all student events.