Author Archives: Miriam Sandiford

Kent Sport activities: January free weeks

At Kent Sport, we want to help you meet those new year goals of being healthier and more active, and that’s why we’re bringing in our new promotion for January 2024; Free Weeks! For the first two weeks of January, we’ll be offering a range of activities each day for University of Kent students and staff to join in with, and they’re all absolutely free! So, kick-start your active 2024 with Kent Sport!

Each week, we’ll have a timetable of activities to join in with, from our popular fitness and dance group exercise classes to indoor and outdoor sports as part of our ALL Active programme.

Kent Sport Free Weeks will run from:

Week 1 – Tuesday 2 to Friday 5 January
Week 2 – Monday 8 to Friday 12 January

The available sessions:

There’s loads to get involved in during our Free Weeks at Kent Sport.

Group exercise timetables

We have a fabulous weekly timetable of in-person fitness and dance classes, including popular classes such as BodyPump, spinning, and Zumba. Or why not experience world-class Les Mills instructors with our Virtual Instructor timetable, featuring unique classes like Barre, The Trip, and BodyAttack.

View the fitness and dance class timetable.

ALL Active social sports

Our ALL Active programme is a weekly timetable of social, low-commitment sports and fitness activities for all ages and abilities. These sessions are aimed at those new to sport and fitness, with each session being guided by an experienced member of the Sports Development and Fitness teams. All equipment is provided at each session. Make sure you pick up a loyalty card and get a stamp for each session you attend!

View the ALL Active timetable.

ALL Active sessions are bookable through your online account (see information about creating a free Pay to Play membership below).

Please note that the This Girl Can sessions within the gym are women-only.

Here’s how it works:

Each day of the Free Weeks, there will be a range of activities already set up for you to join, including indoor social sports, fitness and dance classes, and some outdoor sports too.

To attend an event, you’ll need to book the activity you want to do either through your online booking account, or via the online sign-up form. We would advise booking your space in advance as spaces are limited per activity.

You’ll need to arrive at the activity location (either the Sports Centre or The Pavilion) at least 5 minutes prior to the start time to sign in at reception, and setup your space for some classes.

How to book an activity:

We welcome all University of Kent students and staff to join us during our Free Weeks. You’ll need to have a minimum of Kent Sport Pay to Play membership to book on to our free sessions – this is a free membership and is created automatically when you create your online booking account.

ALL Active sessions can be booked through your online account. Please note that Pay to Play members can book these sessions three days in advance.

Classes can be booked through our online booking forms*:

Week one class booking form

Week two class booking form

*Each class will be limited to 10 free spaces; however, we will monitor bookings and increase this number if required.

Student and staff Pay to Play members won’t be charged for attending our Free Week activities. If you attend activities not included in the Free Weeks (like using the gym), then you will be charged the Pay to Play per-session rate. See our membership webpage for more information.

Unfortunately, we won’t be able to send reminders for the Free Week sessions, so make sure you add them to your calendar once booked!

What you need to bring:

We’ll provide everything you need for our classes and social sports (rackets, balls, weights etc.). Just make sure you’re wearing suitable clothing and comfortable shoes (clean, non-marking please!), and we advise you also bring a water bottle. We have changing rooms, showers, and toilet facilities at both the Sports Centre and The Pavilion.

When you arrive at the Sports Centre or The Pavilion for your activity, please make sure you check in at reception.

If you have any questions about our Free Weeks, please contact us on sportsenquiries@kent.ac.uk or 01227 823 623.

We look forward to seeing you in the new year!

Love, actually is all around us

By Zoraya Yanar, Global Officer, studying Classics and an exchange student from New Mexico State University.

Zoraya shares with us her Christmas traditions and what this time of year means to her

Christmas, for me, as for so many others, is my favourite time of the year. It is a time to relax and be with family, I feel that I can be a kid again and forget about any worries I may have at the moment. The comfort and love that the holiday brings helps me to remember that things will be alright, because I have friends, family, and love.

As time passes and one grows older, it is easy to feel that the magic of Christmas has begun to dwindle away– which is why I believe it is important to have at least one Christmas tradition to keep you excited for the holiday and to keep reminding about what it is that you love so much about the season.

My own personal Christmas tradition is to pop a bag of popcorn, make hot chocolate, wear fuzzy socks and a warm blanket, and put on one of my favourite movies: Love Actually. The movie, which takes place during the Christmas season, follows eight London couples who are trying to navigate their relationships– it’s funny, but sad; wholesome, but vulgar, and everything in between. It shows love in all its forms and variations– romantic, familial, platonic, while also tackling love in the face of death and heartbreak. I personally relate to death and familial love because the same year that I first watched this film my grandfather passed away on the morning of Christmas Eve. It was a very hard time for my family, but I felt God was looking over us and chose the most appropriate time for us. It happened on a day that my entire family was already going to be together. What we all needed most in that moment was each other, and luckily we had it.

I usually spend Christmas in Mexico with family, or we, on occasion, spend it in Ruidoso, New Mexico — a cute, quaint village only a few hours from home which usually gets snow during the holidays. I am at Kent this term as an international student and this will be the first Christmas away from my extended family. I will, however, be spending it with my sisters and parents as they are coming to visit– I’m very excited to see them again and to get to spend it here. My love and nostalgia for Love Actually played a surprisingly big part in my decision to study abroad here during the winter term, so I’m very grateful for this time and opportunity. I get to see my family arrive at Heathrow Airport just as they do in the movie, and I’ll get to show them what Christmas in the UK is like. This term studying abroad has been the happiest I have ever been in my life and as sad as I am to see it come to an end, I know that good things are to come, and I think that Christmas and the New Year here will be a wonderful way to end my time here, at least for the time being.

Looking for a winter wonderland in Canterbury?

Written by Flavie Tristani.

Looking for a winter wonderland in Canterbury? Then you are at the right place to find the top guide to make your snowy dreams come true!

Global Officer, Flavie Tristani, provides her tips on how to get into the festive spirit, and where to go in Canterbury if you are stuck for ideas.

Is there a better way to start winter than by having fluffy socks? ☃

We all know that winters in Canterbury are frosty. This is why it is the perfect time to go to town and buy yourself the perfect socks to embrace the winter season. Whether you are at home or heading outside for a winter adventure, a pair of silky socks is a must have. Many shops in Canterbury have these kinds of socks. You can either find them at Primark or Poundland for little cost or you can find them at Fenwick if you want a better quality.

Now that your feet are nice and comfy, why don’t you go into town to look at the Christmas fair? ☃

The Christmas fair is a magical experience that you should do at least once while you are here. You will find stalls selling handmade crafts, little treats and fun winter clothes. The Christmas fair is a good way to get into the holiday spirit and create memories. Go get yourself the best hot chocolate and have a look at all the decorations in town. You cannot miss this winter wonderland! Don’t forget to look up to the sky to see the shining six miles of lights illuminating the city during all this period.

As you are in town, go get a look at the majesty of Canterbury Cathedral!

Canterbury Cathedral is one of the oldest structures in England. It is a true masterpiece that you absolutely have to see during winter break. Our cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so take your time to enjoy the beauty of it and the tranquil atmosphere.

Take time to cook recipes!

One easy recipe and a comfort to do are cinnamon rolls. There is a kit that is ready to use and available to buy from Tesco or you can make your own.
You can also get marshmallows to make the sweetest hot chocolate.
Or get some strawberries and dip them in melted chocolate.
For those who prefer savoury food, you can make yourself chips, popcorn, carrots and cucumber with tzatziki, humus, olives and cheese.

What is better than eating these snacks in front of your favourite movie? ☃

What better way is there to have the best night after a busy day in town? Go back to your home, have a hot shower, put on your fluffy socks. Then get your magic treats to have in front of your favourite Christmas movie.

My suggestions:

The Grinch
The Nightmare before Christmas
Elf movie
The Holiday
Home alone

Looking for a splash of excitement? The Marlowe Theatre is the best place!

Located in the heart of Canterbury, The Marlowe Theatre is a great way to have fun. Indeed, different showcases and theatre performances are proposed. The Marlowe has something for everyone; you can watch theatre productions, musicals, comedy or even live music. Marlowe theatre is a way to get an unforgettable experience.

Exciting campus activities to do during winter break!

Hop on over to the university website for more juicy details, but there are plenty of activities planned for you, such as:

19 December: Winter coffee and break chat
21 December: Painting and colouring
28 December: Board games social
5 January: New Year festive dinner

Shape wellbeing at Kent: Wellbeing Student Advisory Board

Applications for the Wellbeing Student Advisory Board are now open.

The Advisory Board’s purpose is to help guide Kent Union and the University of Kent in improving our approach to student wellbeing and ensuring our work is impactful and accessible to all students. This will involve discussing current and future plans and offering suggestions based on the board’s shared expertise and experiences. Topics discussed at meetings will include mental health, safety initiatives, the cost of living crisis, sense of community and belonging, as well as anything else that is important to you. You will help shape student wellbeing at Kent.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for 20 students on undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, from a range of courses and years to create a diverse and inclusive panel. Any student who is currently enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate degree at the University of Kent can apply to be part of the panel.

No prior experience is required to be a member. All you need is to be passionate about student welfare and helping all students to love their time at Kent.

What to expect?

A two-hour meeting will occur three times in the academic year with additional opportunities to get involved in projects and campaigns. Invitations for these meetings will be sent once membership to the board is confirmed.

Students based on the Canterbury campus will receive £20 KentOne credit in exchange for their active participation in the two-hour WSAB meeting. Students who are not based on the Canterbury Campus will be compensated for their time at the same rate through an alternative method. Students will also be able to earn Employability Points throughout the academic year.

How to apply?

To apply, please submit either a maximum of a 500-word response or a 2 minute long video telling us a bit more about you, what skills and experiences you feel you would bring to the role and why you would like to get involved.

The deadline to submit your application is Monday 8th January 2024 at 12:00.

Apply now via online application form.

If you have any questions please email Tom Freeston (Vice-President Welfare and Community) at Kent Union, t.freeston@kent.ac.uk.

Good luck with your application!

My advice on how to navigate the PG January start

Written by Caroline Harriman, PhD candidate.

Embarking on a postgraduate program in January can be an exciting but challenging experience. As a January starter, you will be joining the academic journey midway through the academic year, which may feel intimidating to some as they worry about missing out. However, as someone who began my PhD journey on the 14 January 2022, I have some key insights and tips to share about what I wish I had known before starting my postgraduate adventure in the middle of the academic year.

Academic and Wellbeing Resources

Make the most of the academic resources available and take a look at the resources available to you before starting. This includes the library, research databases, Nexus, PG study spaces, and academic support services such as the Student Learning Advisory Service. There is also Student Support and Wellbeing who can support you during your studies and can help you set up any special requirements.

Networking opportunities

Even though you’re not starting with the main cohort, there are still plenty of networking opportunities. Attend seminars, workshops, and conferences to connect with professors and fellow students and keep an eye out for any society-led events. Networking is key in any academic or professional setting. See Kent Union events and events at The Hub (Medway).

Kent Union’s “The Big Fair” and Medway Welcome Fair

It’s never too late to get involved! If you’re based at Canterbury, make sure that you attend “The Big Fair” in the Sports Centre (Main Hall) on Tuesday 23 January 2024, 10:00 – 15:00, for your chance to discover sports clubs, societies, or volunteering opportunities.

If you’re at Medway, head to the Medway Welcome Fair on Wednesday 24 January, 11:00-15:00, where you can find out about all the student societies, groups and sports clubs that you can join.

Embrace Change!

Be Open-Minded: Starting in January might mean adapting to a different environment compared to your peers who began in September however, embracing change, being open-minded, and viewing this as an opportunity to learn and grow both academically and personally will help you settle in quickly and get your PG study off to a brilliant start.

New year festive dinner, 5 January

Meet up with fellow students and enjoy a 2 course meal to celebrate the New Year.

Global and Lifelong Learning would like to invite students to a traditional 2-course New Year’s Dinner on Friday 5 January 2024 (during the winter vacation) in Rutherford Dining Hall.

Dinner will be served between 18:00-19:30, followed by an evening of relaxed games and activities. This is a great opportunity to meet with other students who may be staying on or near to campus for the winter break, and break the monotony of the winter holiday.

Members of our International Student Advisory Board, Kent Union Officers and ResLife Ambassadors will also be there.

Dress code is smart casual, but feel free to dress up if you wish.

Cost: £6 per person

You must book to guarantee your place. Bookings close 9:00 (UK time) on Wednesday 3 January 2023.

Essentials for postgraduate students starting university in January

Written by Caroline Harriman, PhD candidate.

Embarking on your postgraduate journey in January brings its own set of considerations. Whether you’re a seasoned student continuing your academic pursuits or a fresh face in the university environment, being prepared with the right essentials can make all the difference. Here are my must-have essentials for January starters, from one January starter to another to help you navigate the January start and set you up for a successful postgraduate experience.

Financial essentials

Manage your finances effectively by setting up a budget and exploring student discounts (Totem, etc.). A student ID card is a valuable asset that can unlock various discounts on books, software, and public transportation. Make sure that if you are an international student you have set up any payment plans, accounts or financial essentials needed.

Travel essentials

If you are planning to go to campus, it’s a good idea to consider the most efficient and cost-effective travel options. If you are commuting by train, you can purchase a Railcard to get a discount. On the other hand, if you are taking the bus to campus, there are discounts on the Stagecoach buses in Canterbury and Arriva buses in Medway.

Winter gear

Given the colder temperatures during the January start, investing in quality winter gear is essential. A warm and durable coat, gloves, a hat, and sturdy waterproof boots will be your best companions as you navigate the campus during the chilly winter months.

Tech tools for digital learning

Ensure you have a reliable laptop, comfortable headphones, and a high-quality webcam for any virtual meetings, seminars, and lectures. Familiarise yourself with essential software early on for productivity and collaboration, such as Microsoft Office, Zoom, and other communication platforms you may need to use during your degree.

Academic Supplies

Stock up on traditional academic supplies like notebooks, pens, highlighters, and sticky notes early on as this will help you settle in quicker and stress-free. A planner or digital calendar can help you stay organised and manage your deadlines effectively and investing in a good backpack or bag to carry your essentials around campus will help you in the long run.

Textbooks and learning materials

Check your course calendar early and acquire the essentials and recommended textbooks and learning materials. Some textbooks may also have digital versions, so explore both options based on your preferences. You can look into the university library database for additional resources and consider joining internal online study groups to share materials and insights.

Organisation tools

Staying organised is key to success in postgraduate studies! Purchase folders, binders, or an accordion file to keep your notes and documents in order. Investing in a reliable planner or using digital organisation tools to keep track of assignments, exams, and other important dates will help alleviate stress and get you into a routine quickly.

Health and wellbeing essentials

Taking care of your physical and mental wellbeing is paramount. Ensure you have a basic first aid kit, any necessary prescription medications, and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated. Explore local gym options or outdoor activities to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Coping at Christmas with an eating disorder

Written by Thomas Freeston, Kent Union Vice-President Welfare and Community.

Trigger Warning: Food and Eating Disorders.

The Christmas period can be a challenging time for those struggling with their relationship with food. Food undoubtedly plays a large part in Christmas and winter celebrations. From the social aspect (e.g., work Christmas outings, Christmas food markets with friends etc.), to the traditions (e.g., Christmas dinner or advent calendars). The large focus around food consumption can be potentially triggering and exhausting.

Regardless of whether you have a diagnosed eating disorder or not, the emphasis on food can be difficult to navigate. Feelings of guilt, shame and pressure are usually common at this time.

Guilt for not eating as much as others, or for having food related difficulties during what is meant to be a joyful season.

Shame for eating more than you usually would, or for not being able to keep up to the same pace as others.

Pressure to alter your eating and exercise habits. Diet culture has created the expectation that the mere days between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day are spent eating and should be followed by weeks of over exercising to compensate.

Here are some welfare tips to help you cope with the feelings that might arise due to the Christmas period:

Try to focus on the non-food related activities and discussions during Christmas. There is so much more that the festive season has to offer than just food! Focus on the aspects you do enjoy such as the Christmas lights or watching Christmas films or boardgames etc.
Make loved ones aware of avoiding questions based on food. You may decide to inform close relatives or friends to not mention these subjects as it could cause further anxiety and pressure in members who may be experiencing issues alone. For example, telling loves ones to not comment on people’s appearance or questioning what or how much food they are eating.
Have an exit plan – Christmas can be overwhelming to survive the holiday with an eating disorder, you may need to take some breaks. This can help you stay focused and calm. Find out where your Christmas lunch/dinner will be hosted. Work out some quiet places you can go off to and take some deep breaths just in case you need a break.
Signpost your family or friends to the Beat website so they have a clearer understanding of how they can support you during this time.

There is support available for you:

Beat – Eating Disorders: 0808 801 0677

Spectrum Life offers 24/7 emergency expert mental health support via phone, text, or WhatsApp.

Student Space: text STUDENT to 85258 or visit the student space website.

NHS Eating Disorders: Visit the NHS website to learn more.

Getting a new phone, tablet or laptop?

How to stay connected if you get a new device over the holiday period.

Stay connected to all Kent systems by adding a second authentication method (such as a home phone number and/or mobile number) now to your account. It’s quick and easy to do.

Choose a method that won’t be affected if you change device or mobile phone number. For example, if you use an authenticator app on a device you’re replacing, this won’t transfer to a new device.

Adding a secondary method such as your home phone number or mobile number (if you intend to keep the same number) will help avoid any loss of access.

This will be especially useful during the vacation when the University is closed and our staff won’t be around to help reset your account.

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is required for off campus access to email and other Kent IT systems and online services. It adds an extra layer of security to your IT Account. It provides a 99.9% reduction in compromised accounts and will also help to protect your own personal information.

User guide

MFA at Kent user guide

Help and support

If you have any questions, please contact IT and Library Support:

Nexus Self Service
helpdesk@kent.ac.uk
01227 824888
Use the website Chat to us button to launch online chat
Visit us: Block D, Ground Floor, Templeman Library

Being LGBTQ+ at Christmas

Written by Thomas Freeston, Kent Union Vice-President Welfare and Community.

Like in the song, Christmas is often described as ‘the most wonderful time of the year’. However, the reality for some LGBTQ+ people is that Christmas and its association are a much less positive time of year. It can be difficult going back home to a family that does not accept you for who you are, or perhaps having to hide your true identity.

Below are a few tips to help you during the Winter break:

Figure out friends you can call and text: Have a friend or two on standby that you can reach out to if you feel stressed or scared or if you’re family says something messed up. It’s useful to have someone you can chat to or vent to if needed.
Make time to be alone: Spending time with many people can be exhausting, especially unsupportive ones! Make time to sit in bed away from it all; go outside or do what you need.
Celebrate the holidays with your chosen family too: Remember to celebrate holidays with the people in your life who are supportive.
Prepare yourself for any questions that tend to come up at family gatherings: There are many questions that come up such as partner, kids, jobs etc. Know how you will respond to these. By doing this you will boost your confidence and reduce the anxiety you may be feeling. Only share what your comfortable with.

The most important thing to remember is that even though no one else is around, you are never alone. There is an entire community of people who care about and who love you.

There is support available for you:

Spectrum Life offers 24/7 emergency expert mental health support via phone, text, or WhatsApp.

Student Space: text STUDENT to 85258 or visit the student space website.

LGBT+ Switchboard: Phone us at 0300 330 0630 open every day between 10:00 – 22:00.