Author Archives: Miriam Sandiford

Gulbenkian autumn offers- see films for just £3!

Have you visited Gulbenkian yet? We’re lucky to have a cinema and theatre at our Canterbury campus [see location on map].

Until the end of December Gulbenkian are offering all their standard film screenings (so not live and recorded or family films) for half price!

Half price films – This means students pay only £3 per ticket, and Gulbenkian student members pay only £2.50.

£1 filter coffee – Their filter coffee is supplied by Canterbury based Garage Coffee. If you love your coffee, enjoy a mug for only £1 from the Gulbenkian café.

Gulbenkian student offers

Gulbenkian Uncovered – gives students (18+) the chance to get behind the scenes, develop new skills and run events at Gulbenkian. Find out more about Gulbenkian Uncovered.

 

How to make the most out of Progress Profiles

Students have told us that it can be hard to know how well their studies are going. We created Progress Profiles to give our students a clear understanding of their performance. We think it is important to have regular conversations about your studies with your Academic Adviser. Progress Profiles can help focus these conversations.

Your Progress Profile is now available via a web based platform. It’s a summary of your academic progress to date and it shows your attendance and attainment. Your Progress Profile can be accessed directly from the Student Guide.

Screen shot of Student Guide showing Progress Profiles link in menu bar

Need help using Progress Profiles? Watch the video below for a detailed explanation of how Progress Profiles work and how you can make the most of them.

 

What do I do if I feel like I need some support?

We hope your Progress Profile will help you feel enabled to steer your studies. However, we recognise that in some cases it may make you feel like you need some support. Please do not feel like you need to work through this alone. We encourage you to speak to your Academic Adviser or to take a look at our student help webpages to see how you can access further support.

Student Alanah standing in front of lake and snow capped mountains in Canada

Global Pathways: Which one will you take to explore the world?

(Photo by Study Abroad student Alanah Moore taken in Canada.)

International Partnerships is currently working with Stage 1 and 2 students to offer support with their study placement opportunities overseas. On Friday 16 October, we hosted a virtual Global Pathways presentation and the recording can now be found on the DP6100 Moodle module.

Stage 1 and 2 students are encouraged to listen to this recording which outlines the application process to study abroad, the support available to students and any other important information including finances. Please note that only Stage 2 students are expected to complete the DP6100 Moodle module and application form. Stage 1 students will not come to apply until their second stage of studies.

The deadline for Stage 2 applications is Friday 20 November, 2020.

We will also be hosting a virtual Global Pathways drop-in session on Thursday 5 November from 14.00-15.00 in order to answer any queries that students may have at this stage. This session is open to both Stage 1 and 2 students. For details of how to join, please email internationalevents@kent.ac.uk.

Learn more about our Go Abroad opportunities.

We look forward to hearing from you soon,

The Go Abroad Team

 

Two students sat on low wall outside

Canterbury Student Hub – we are moving

Canterbury Student Hub – Central Student Administration

From Monday 2 November the Canterbury Student Hub is moving back to the Student Reception in the Registry Building. This is where our offices are usually based. You can find directions on our maps webpage.

We are still offering the same services and support.

  • New student ID card collection (you no longer need an appointment to collect your ID card but please wait for your email to say it is ready)
  • Student queries
  • Visa support
  • Finance payment/queries – via the Income Office

We are open to walk ins but if you would like to make a dedicated appointment to ensure someone is available please see our website.

Student Support and Wellbeing have moved back to their reception area located in the Keynes Building.

Medway Student Hub – Medway Student Administration

The Medway Student Hub will remain in the Gillingham Building. You can find directions on our maps webpage.

We are open to walk ins but if you would like to make a dedicated appointment to ensure someone is available please see our website.

Close up of someone typing on laptop

Preferred name changes – transgender / non-binary students

The Central Student Administration Team are able to amend personal details on your student record.  

If you identify as transgender or non-binary we can: 

  • Add your preferred name  
  • Amend your Title (options include Mx) 
  • Amend your gender identity marker (Male, Female, Other, Prefer Not to Say) 
  • Change your legal name (if you have some form of legal documentation) 

Any communications with our team will be treated in strictest confidence, and your personal data will be held securely. 

By adding a preferred name to your record, we can issue a new student ID card (free of charge) and update how your name is displayed on registers and Teams.  

Please note a preferred name does not change the legal name on your record, your certificate will be printed in your legal name at the end of your studies.  

To make your request or for further guidance, please contact us: 

Canterbury Students: csao@kent.ac.uk 

Medway Students: msao@kent.ac.uk  

See additional support.

man waring mask on bus

Tips for planning your journey during Covid-19

It is important to plan your journey, especially at the moment to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Here are some tips from the University’s Transport Team.

  • Plan all your journeys before leaving your house.
  • Make sure you bring a face covering (unless you are exempt) and hand sanitiser with you. The Government has also provided a useful checklist that includes questions to ask yourself and what to take with you before leaving home.
  • Be prepared for travel disruptions. For example, due to lower capacity, the bus you were expecting to catch may be full and you may need to wait for longer than anticipated.
  • Ensure your vehicle/bicycle is serviced regularly.
  • Social distance and follow the travel providers’ rules.
  • Ensure you know what payment methods travel providers require.
  • Be familiar with and follow the Government travel guidance.
  • Avoid travel during busy times, if possible.
  • Keep up to date with the latest advice from your travel service provider. See the list below for up to date guidance on public transport.
  • Remember to be kind and support each other – there are health reasons that mean not everyone is able to wear a face covering or may need to use a particular route that others are not able to use.

If you are travelling via public transport, it is important to ensure that you are familiar with what is required to travel with the service provider. For example, you are required to wear a face covering (if you can) when travelling on public transport or Campus Shuttle service. Some travel services may request card payment only and/or bookings only.

The travel providers have published some guides to explain their journey planning, social distancing and how to pay for travel:

For more information, please visit the Covid-19 travel webpage and the coronavirus information webpages.

New Student Survey 2020

Welcome to Kent!

The University of Kent is committed to improving all aspects of the student experience. Given that we are currently working and studying in unique and challenging times, this year we have adapted and developed more online registration and resources to support your arrival and welcome to Kent….so would really welcome your feedback!

To this end, we invite you to participate in a survey for new students to let us know about your experience so far. Measuring student satisfaction will help us better understand your needs whilst studying at the University and will help us to improve the services we offer to prospective students in future. This is your opportunity to have your say and make your views heard, for the benefit of current and future students.

To access the survey you will need to enter your University of Kent email address and Kent ID number on the log-in page.

Please follow this link to go to the survey: New Student Survey 2020

If you have any problems accessing or completing the survey, or would prefer to complete it using a different format, please contact KentSurveys@kent.ac.uk

E-scooters outside Templeman Library

Canterbury chosen for 12-month electric scooter trial

Canterbury has been selected as a location for an exciting 12-month electric scooter trial, launching in the coming weeks.

Initially the trial will run on a controlled set route, on cycle lanes, minor roads and selected paths, serving students and staff from the University of Kent and Canterbury Christ Church University.

You can use the electric scooters as an easy way to get around without the need for car travel, therefore reducing your carbon footprint and easing congestion.  The scooters are all GPS connected and the speed can be set remotely depending on where they are. In busier areas the speed will be walking pace, and in cycle lanes they will go up to 15mph. If the scooters deviate from the approved route, they will slow down and stop.

The electric scooter scheme is a joint venture between the city and county councils and a leading electric scooter sharing company, Bird. Currently Bird operates in more than 100 cities across the globe.

During our trial, the e-scooters will use the same road space as bicycles and will not be allowed on the pavement or outside of the trial area. This is in line with the government guidelines.

If successful, it will be opened up to a broader area, helping the whole community get around without creating congestion or harmful emissions.

You can learn more about the electric scooter trial on the Canterbury city council blog.

labyrinth at Canterbury

World Mental Health Day, 10 October

Saturday 10 October was World Mental Health Day.

It’s an extremely important time to acknowledge the difficulties many people have faced over the past 6 months especially, and talk about ways we can support one another in our University community and beyond. Whether you have previously struggled with a mental health condition and require specialist support from our Student Support and Wellbeing Team, or simply want to meet other students to share experiences at peer support groups and wellbeing events, the University of Kent has a wealth of resources to help students and staff enhance their wellbeing and safeguard their mental health.

On World Mental Health Day, we launched a campaign called #UoKMomentsAway so the student community at Kent can inspire and encourage one another, even in these times when gathering together is difficult. What gives you a moment of hope on an otherwise challenging day? How have you adapted to find new ways to connect, to be calm, and have fun? Check out what’s providing joy and solace to others, and add your ideas to the mix, following @UniKentSSW and using the hashtag #UoKMomentsAway.

Although the current conditions can feel very isolating, remember that you are not alone in your experience – have a look at our Wellbeing Ideas for Uncertain Times webpage – with guided meditations, ideas for comfort books or inspirational reads, and wisdom from your fellow students on surviving and thriving in this unprecedented time.