Author Archives: Miriam Sandiford

Get involved with EmpFest, 7-18 October

What is EmpFest?

EmpFest is a two-week Employability Festival run by your Careers and Employability Service. There will be a programme full of presentations, workshops, guest speakers and opportunities to meet with industry experts.

Who is EmpFest for?

EmpFest is open to all Kent students at all stages of their degree. Whether you are in year 1, 2, 3 or you are postgrad student, there is something for everyone. Explore career sectors that interest you, meet employers, say hello to your Careers and Employability team and discover opportunities to enhance your career prospects.

While the majority of events will take place on the main campus at Canterbury, there will also be some events in person at the Medway campus (which will be clearly indicated on the programme) and, of course, online events. You can catch the Campus Shuttle to travel between Medway and Canterbury campus for free.

What events should I join?

There’s a huge range of events you can join including Employer in the Foyer, skills development workshops, panel events, networking events and the Autumn Careers Fair.

You can gain at least 10 Employability Points by attending all events organised by the Careers and Employability Service. Find out what EP points are and how you can use them to gain employability opportunities!

Browse all EmpFest events.

What is the Autumn Careers Fair?

Our Autumn Careers Fair also takes place within EmpFest and is an amazing opportunity to meet with a wide range of employers and organisations. Taking place on Thursday 17 October 10:00-15:00 in Colyer-Fergusson, the Careers Fair is a chance to scout out work experience, placement and internship opportunities, as well as a graduate career opportunities.

Find out more about EmpFest 2024.

Free Destination Success Bootcamp, 8-10 Nov

The Careers and Employability Service are running the ‘Destination Success Bootcamp‘. This is an exciting, 3-day intensive training programme with the purpose of helping you map out your journey to success and build confidence in your abilities. This programme is suitable to those across all years, including recent graduates.

This programme will be delivered face to face on the Canterbury Campus (Friday 8 November 12L00-16:00, Saturday 9 November 10:00-16:00 and Sunday 10 November 10:00- 16:00).

The programme will focus on:

Understanding you – This module aids self-reflection so you can better understand how you work, this will include completing a personality profile, exploring your personal values, your strengths and development areas, imposter syndrome and the power of positivity, finishing with looking at what you want to get out of life.
Navigating you – This module with focus on how to nurture and build good relationships, focusing on team dynamics, exploring learning styles and rules of teamwork, having challenging conversations and how to communicate in the workplace.
Universal Life Hacks – This final module will give you a toolbox of ideas to hit the ground running, including decision making, planning, prioritising and delegating, mapping your skills and looking at whether you would employ yourself.

Find out more and book your place.

If you have any queries, please email studyplus@kent.ac.uk

Black History Month: find out what’s on

Black History Month national theme – Reclaiming Narratives

October can only mean one thing. Black History Month is once again being celebrated at Kent across all our sites. This year, the national theme is Reclaiming Narratives and this has never felt more pertinent. This theme is not just about revisiting history; it’s about taking ownership of the stories that define Black culture, Black contributions, and Black identity. It’s a call to action for Black communities across the UK and here at Kent to step into the role of storytellers, historians, and custodians of Black heritage. For far too long, Black histories have been narrated by others, leading to distorted portrayals that fail to capture the full breadth and depth of Black experiences.

Black History Month is an opportunity for us as an organisation to celebrate and recognise the myriad of ways in which Black people have contributed to the arts, science, culture, history and technology of Britain and the wider world. It allows us to shine a spotlight on those achievements, and also provides a platform for staff and students to discuss and reflect on their own experiences. It is organised by a team of people that include the BAME Staff and Student Networks and representatives.

What’s on at Kent

Events to look out for include the Vision and Voices student showcase featuring a panel discussion on the topic of Reclaiming Narratives, the Nigerian Independence Day party in the Venue, an Afrobeats Brunch, the Woody’s BHM Quiz, an exhibition in Keynes featuring the work of Abolore Sobayo on the life and works of Professor Wole Soyinka and inspired by his significant literary works, quotes, book cover designs and his beliefs in Yoruba mythology, guest speaker Andrew Morris, film screenings and more, including a wealth of online resources.

You can find out about everything that is on offer on the Black History Month webpages

Get involved with our Caribbean Creation series

At Kent, we are committed to ensuring that all our students and staff, including our Black students and staff, have the best experience possible whilst they are with us. It is important for us not to limit this celebration to just one month a year. That is why we have #Black365; a series of events and activities that take place throughout the year that continue the legacy of Black History Month. This BHM we are launching our Caribbean Creations series, and are asking staff and students to get in contact with us to showcase their Caribbean heritage inspirations and heroes. These can be individuals from the worlds of politics, food, literature, academia, sport, music, art, science or even your friends and family who have inspired you. Please send us a short piece (written or filmed) and a picture describing who they are and why they are a hero to you by the end of the month. All entries will be showcased as part of the #Black365 campaign after Christmas. Entries and queries should be sent to Becky Lamyman on StudentEDI@kent.ac.uk.

Race Equality Charter Bronze achievement

This year we are delighted to announce that we have achieved Race Equality Charter Bronze status. This achievement acknowledges the work and labour that our staff and students have undertaken over recent years to make Kent a place that strives to be anti-racist, advances equality of opportunity, is committed to a decolonised curriculum and advocates for students and staff from racially minoritised backgrounds. The award is just the start of the journey; now the real work towards the realisation of our 5-year Race Equality Charter action plan begins. You can find out more about this work on our Challenging Racism webpages.

Report + Support

Black History Month can be a time of celebration, but also highlights injustices, past and present. The increased awareness of racism during Black History Month can be challenging. Use our online reporting tool ‘Report and Support’ to be part of a culture shift and get the support you need.  

Feedback

We really hope you explore and enjoy all the different events and activities that have been organised by staff and students for staff and students. We are always seeking to improve though, so if you have any ideas for the future, or feedback, please do get in contact with us on StudentEDI@kent.ac.uk

Happy Black History Month 24!

#BHM24

Events roundup: 30 September – 6 October

This week sees the start of Black History Month with events including a coffee morning, inspirational speaker talk, art exhibition and film nights. See all Black History Month events.

Plus, there’s lots more happening this week including sessions to improve your skills, meet others and challenge yourself to try something new.

Monday 30 September: IT skills and board game night

Do you need to brush up on your basic IT skills? Join this Skills for Academic Success Team’s webinar about using the Windows Operating System including formatting Word documents and saving files in different formats.

Live in on-campus accommodation? On Monday evening you can join ResLife Ambassadors Himadri and Elyse for board games, puzzles and card games in DG-01 in Templeman Library.

Tuesday 1 October: finding a part-time job and PGR time management

Thinking about finding a part-time job? This in-person session in Keynes will cover different options for part-time work, what might be best for you and steps you need to take to apply for roles.

The Graduate and Researcher College are running a time management and habits in-person session for postgraduate researchers including topics such as prioritisation and procrastination.

Wednesday 2 October: Social justice talk, ResLife Cup, Business Start Up Journey Launch and GOLD programme info session

As part of Black History Month, Andrew Morris, activist and founder of the New Wave Trust joins us for the first in our series of talks on the topic of social justice. Andrew will share his unique and personal perspective on Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPPs) and discuss the wider issues that surround the current justice system in the UK.

The first event of the ResLife Cup is here with an inflatable assault course, hungry hippos, gladiators and much more. Score points for your accommodation (or just for fun if you live off campus) and enjoy trying out some exciting new activities with friends.

Interested in starting your own business? Join the Business Start-Up Journey Launch event on Wednesday afternoon to find out more about the University’s flagship entrepreneurship programme and hear from two Kent alumni as they share their inspiring stories of starting their own businesses. The Business Start-Up Journey is run by ASPIRE, the University dedicated space to support student entrepreneurs.

Open to all students, the Global Officer Leadership Development (GOLD) programme is a year-long course designed to develop your leadership skills, global citizenship and cultural intelligence. Come along to the GOLD programme information session in Ingram to find out more. There is an additional info session at Medway next week.

Thursday 3 October: participating in seminars, social sports (Medway) and launch of Pop ‘n’ Soul Choir

The Skills for Academic Success team are running a webinar all about participating in seminars. Learn key tips on how to make the most from your seminars, what to expect and how you can perform at your best within the seminar format.

At Medway, you can give Social Badminton or Social Cricket a go for free at Waterfront UTC which is just down the road from Pier Quays accommodation.

Postponed from last week, the Pop ‘n’ Soul Choir is launching on Thursday evening. Open to all without audition and there’s no need to read music. Just come along!

Friday 4 October: Farm visit with afternoon tea and volunteer at the Kent Community Oasis Garden

If you live in on-campus accommodation, you can join a farm visit and afternoon tea for just £5. Meet and brush friendly horses and enjoy a tasty afternoon tea in a local village.

Each Wednesday and Friday, you’re welcome to go along to the Kent Community Oasis Garden (KentCOG) located near Park Wood. KentCOG is a collection of students, staff and community members working to create a sustainability hub centred around growing food.

See all student events.

Black Student Market sign up form

Following the success of the previous student-led markets, Kent Students’ Union is looking to organise another Black Student Market this Black History Month (BHM)!

In celebration of BHM, we eagerly anticipate the participation of a diverse array of student businesses, all led by Black students, who will showcase their products at the University of Kent. Hundreds of staff and students are invited to join us at the Plaza on our Canterbury campus to support and purchase from these Black-led ventures.

For further details, the event will take place between 12:00 and 15:00 on Tuesday, 29 October. Businesses are encouraged to set up between 11:00 and 12:00, and dismantle their stalls at 15:00.

If you’re a Black student entrepreneur and interested in securing a stall to showcase and sell your products, we’d be delighted to hear from you. Stall spaces are limited and filling up fast, so please ensure your spot by registering your interest on the online form.

Closing date for registration of interest: 1 October 2024

20% off Student Art Pass until 30 September

A Student Art Pass lets you dive into culture on a budget with FREE entry to hundreds of museums and galleries across the UK, and 50% off major exhibitions.

Plus, you’ll gain access to paid arts opportunities and grow your network by joining the #WeAreArtful @StudentArtPass community.

Limited offer: Use code FRESHERS to get 20% off your Student Art Pass before Monday 30 September.

Available for a limited time. Get your pass today.

Business Start-Up Journey Launch, 2 October

Two University of Kent alumni share their inspiring stories of starting their own businesses at the launch of this year’s Business Start-Up Journey, the University’s flagship entrepreneurship programme.

Nadia Simpson, a Kent Business School graduate and founder of the London-based fragrance and wellness brand From Amora, will share her experience of building a business that specialises in cruelty-free and alcohol-free perfume oils. With 25k TikTok followers and over 10k Instagram followers, Nadia has built a strong following and brand in a competitive industry.

Alex Ford, a Business and Computer Science graduate and serial entrepreneur, co-founded the fintech company Claro Wealth, based in London, which has secured over £7 million in funding and grown to a team of 32 professionals. The company has been featured on national TV and now has over 40,000 app users with £6 million deposited. Alex’s journey will offer incredible insight into what it takes to build a successful fintech start-up.

Both Alex and Nadia will talk honestly about being an entrepreneur and the ambition which drives them through the lows, to the highs.

What is the Business Start-Up Journey?

The Business Start-Up Journey is a 15-week programme packed with interactive and practical workshops that guide participants through every stage of launching a business. From coming up with an idea and testing it, to marketing, finance, and pitching to investors – the programme covers it all.

Whether you’re at the very beginning of your entrepreneurial journey or looking to refine your business idea, the Business Start-Up Journey offers the support and resources you need to succeed.

Business Start-Up Journey launch event

The 2024 launch will take place on October 2 in Lecture Theatre 1, Sibson, Canterbury. As the University of Kent’s largest extracurricular entrepreneurial programme, the event will be a fantastic opportunity to meet inspiring business owners and likeminded students.

The Business Start-Up Journey is run by ASPIRE, the University of Kent’s dedicated space to support student entrepreneurs. ASPIRE is open to all University of Kent students and helps develop the entrepreneurial skills needed to turn ideas into successful businesses. Join us on 2nd October for an inspiring event and learn more about how the Business Start-Up Journey can help you take your business ideas to the next level.

Register for the launch event.

Apply to be a Global Officer

We are delighted to invite Kent students to apply for this year’s Global Officers Leadership Development (GOLD) Programme. The programme is a co-curricular venture, designed to fit around your academic studies. It provides a framework of activities for globally-minded students at Kent to develop their leadership skills, global citizenship and cultural awareness.

There are 5 components which can be completed throughout the academic year.

Benefits include:

Employability Points awarded per activity
Certificate of recognition and open reference from the Director and Dean for Global and Lifelong Learning
Practical event & project management experience
A chance for you to record your international skill development in the Kent Global Passport.

This programme is also offered as a credit-bearing ‘wild’ module, GOLD5000.

For further details please see our website or you can come along to our information sessions:

Canterbury campus

Wed 02 Oct, 16:00-17:30 in Ingram LT
Wed 09 Oct, 14:00-15:30 in Ingram LT

Medway campus

Thurs 10 Oct, 12:00-13:00 in Oasis Lounge, Medway Building

Deadline to apply is 12:00 (noon UK time), 14 October, 2024.

(If considering taking this as a wild module, usual module registration deadline applies).

What past students have said:

I would highly recommend this programme to any student who is globally minded and wants to be more active on campus, as well as wanting to learn new skills that you don’t get when you join a society.

Preena Dodhia, BSc Biomedical Science

My time on the GOLD Programme has been absolutely amazing. I truly enjoyed learning about different cultures, meeting new people and taking part in the initiatives under it. Not only have I become more confident as an individual, but I have also improved in my leadership and cultural awareness capabilities.

Global Officer, 2023-24

The GOLD programme is a GREAT opportunity for anyone looking to place themselves out of their comfort zone, gain skills and meet like-minded people. It gave me the chance to develop new interests and connect to other programmes and opportunities with international universities, all of which can be utilised in my search for a job after university. I have made amazing friends who I will keep in touch with, and felt like I have extended my year abroad experience in the comfort of Kent, keeping my passion for understanding cultures alive! I would recommend GOLD to all Kent students with an interest in the international and encourage you to put yourself out there.

Lucy Lavender, BA Politics and International Relations with a Year in Continental Europe

Welcome Week events roundup: 16-20 September

Welcome or welcome back to Kent! This week is Welcome Week, and there’s a ton planned to help you meet new people and settle in.

New students – don’t forget to prioritise your School and Division Welcome events so you’re ready for when teaching begins next week. There are also drop-in library tours each day during Welcome Week and Week 1 (11:00 morning tour and 15:00 afternoon tour) so you can familiarise yourself with Templeman Library.

Monday 16 September: Try new things

Welcome Week kicks off with the Fun House at the Venue with laser tag and games. On the library lawn you can try to be the Last One Standing on the podium, avoiding the big, sweeping arm!

In the evening there’s a Karaoke Night at K-Bar, Drag Bingo at Woody’s and then ChuckleVision Freshers Party at the Venue.

At Medway, there’s a Welcome to Kent event in the Oasis Lounge, plus Try it Out (Sports and Societies) and an International FoodFest. If you’re a new student based at Medway, don’t forget to pop into Medway Building during Welcome Week to pick up your KentOne card (ID) and finish any admin tasks.

Tuesday 17 September: Bubble Football and movie nights

Give Bubble Football a try on Tuesday, or relax at the Crafternoon on the library lawn where you can make friendship bracelets or paint a tote bag. In the evening you can watch Barbie at the Gulbenkian’s free outdoor cinema event! Or head to the Venue for the ACS Freshers Takeover.

At our Medway campus, you can meet some cute animals at the Picnic and Pets event at The Hub. There’s also laser tag and then a movie night at The Hub.

Wednesday 18 September: Medway Welcome Fair and Canterbury Global Hangout

Wednesday is the Medway Welcome Fair at The Hub. Meet all the societies and sports as well as students’ union and university support teams. Plus, there will be lots of freebies on offer. In the evening you can join the popular Music/Karaoke Night at Medway.

At Canterbury, there’s an orientation and welcome for short term and exchange students. Meet new and returning international students at the Global Hangout event in Darwin Conference Suite – enjoy crafts, games and refreshments in a relaxed environment.

On Wednesday afternoon, you can pick up some preloved household items donated by students at the Kent Students’ Union Campus Freecycle in Eliot car park. Items include bags, books, crockery and more.

Thursday 19 September: Canterbury Welcome Fair day 1 and Colour Fun Run

The Canterbury Welcome Fair is across Thursday and Friday and is a chance to meet societies and sports clubs whether you’re a new or returning student. There will be different student groups each day so try to visit both days if you can. Plus, great freebies including Domino’s pizza.

Join a Colour Fun Run on Canterbury campus where you get covered in powdered paint! On Thursday evening it’s Dancing Queen at K-Bar, a DJ night designed especially for Kent’s LGBTQ+ community who want to dance the night away.

At Medway you can enjoy Pancakes and Prosecco at The Deep End. You can also get creative with a Crafternoon at The Hub. Crafts include decorating scrapbooks, photo frames and wooden signs.

Friday 20 September: Canterbury Welcome Fair Day 2 and Medway Bollywood Night

Friday is Day 2 of Canterbury Welcome Fair, another chance to meet societies, sports teams and student groups. There’s also Nerf in the Venue and a Silent Disco at Woody’s in the evening.

At Medway, there’s GlobalFest which is a lively celebration of cultures from around the world with traditional performances, authentic foods and cultural music. Then we continue the celebrations with a Bollywood Night at The Deep End.

This is just a small selection of what’s on! See all Welcome Week events.

Don’t forget you can also travel to and from Canterbury and Medway campuses for free on the Campus Shuttle, so you can attend events at both campuses.

Reminder: have you had your vaccines?

Infectious diseases can spread easily at unis so make sure you’re up to date with your vaccines and aware of the common signs and symptoms of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia.

If you have missed one or more vaccines, make an appointment with your GP as soon as possible.

After arriving at university it is important you register with the local GP surgery, who will also be able to advise regarding your vaccinations. We have a GP surgery on the Canterbury campus you can register with.

Advice and information is available on the NHS website: