Author Archives: Miriam Sandiford

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.

My advice for postgraduate students embarking on a January start date

Written by Caroline Harriman, PhD candidate.

Starting university in January instead of the traditional September intake can be an exciting yet daunting experience. While most students are settling into their academic routines in the Autumn term, you will be embarking on your journey amid British winter. Whether you have chosen a January start for personal reasons or programme availability, here is my advice to help you make the most of your mid-year entry into postgraduate studies, from one January starter to another.

Embrace the opportunity for a fresh start

January is not just a mid-academic year entry; it’s a chance for a fresh start. Embrace the opportunity to set new academic and personal goals. Take the time to reflect on your achievements and any challenges from the past year and use this fresh beginning to recalibrate your ambitions.

Connect with fellow students

Starting university in January doesn’t mean you’re alone; I joined in January and many people were moving in, navigating campus, and attending social events. Building a support network from the beginning will make your academic journey more enjoyable and help you feel connected to the university community. When you are ready, reach out to your classmates and make connections early on. Attend events, and lectures, and engage in any virtual or on-campus activities available.

Familiarise yourself with campus resources

While September starters may have already navigated campus resources, you’ll need to familiarise yourself with the available support services as well. Visit the library, The Senate (Postgraduate-only silent study hub), Nexus, Student Support and Wellbeing, and any other facilities that can aid in your academic and personal success. Knowing where to find help will be crucial as you settle into your new academic environment and kick-start your journey.

Be proactive in seeking academic guidance

Take the initiative to meet with academic advisors and faculty members early on; you can find your academic advisors’ details online and schedule some time with them during their office hour or in a casual setting. Discuss your academic goals, potential research interests, and any concerns you may have, and they can signpost you in the right direction for resources both externally and on campus. Proactively seeking guidance will help you align your studies with your aspirations and make you more confident in your academic pursuits!

Stay organised

With a mid-year start, the academic calendar may feel a bit disjointed, and you may feel that you are out of the loop. Staying organised early on by creating a schedule that includes assignment deadlines, exam dates, and any key events on campus will help you navigate the new term and stay in tune with current events and opportunities. You can use digital organisational tools (such as Teams, Zoom or Monday) or traditional planners (purchasable via Blackwell’s, Amazon or in the city centre) to manage your time effectively and stay on top of your coursework and assignments.

Utilise online resources

Given the rise of online learning platforms, make sure to leverage digital resources available to you! Access the university’s online library database, external research databases (e.g. JSTOR), and any other educational platforms that can supplement your in-class learning. This will enhance your academic experience and provide you with additional tools for success early on.

Kent Stars: Green-thumbed Gardeners

This month’s Kent Stars are Kent Community Oasis Garden Ambassadors Charlie and Ameira. They help mentor students, host events and promote the garden on social media, all with the aim to make the space as welcoming and friendly as possible. Hear from Charlie and Ameira:

Charlie – “Hi, I’m Charlie (he/they)! I’m a third year Politics student. When I’m not studying, I spend all the time I can at the community garden or cooking nice warm meals with the vegetables we harvest.”

Ameira – “Hi!! I’m Ameira (she/her) and I’m a third year English Literature student!! All my friends know not to bother me on Wednesdays or Fridays because I will be at the garden and I spend the rest of my free time with friends, reading or playing board games.”

Tell us about the Kent Community Oasis Garden and what you get up to as a KentCOG Ambassador.

Both – “KentCOG is a partnership project between the University of Kent and East Kent Mind, a mental health charity. It’s a lovely space for students, staff, and community members to learn and practice sustainable gardening, and socialise. We thrive to create a space that’s open and respectful of everyone, and also the natural habitats and biodiversity on site. We want this space to not only be about gardening but also about connecting and enjoying yourself with nature.

Even in winter, there’s always things to do in the garden, both outside and inside. There’s usually plants to care for, bulb planting, maintenance to do around the garden (weeding, bark chipping, dead hedging, etc) arts and crafts activities, and we start planting seeds in February.

As student ambassadors, we aim to participate in making this space welcoming for our fellow students, as well as work on social media outreach and represent the student volunteers in management meetings. We want to make sure each student feels safe and heard at the garden!”

What advice would you give to other students?

Both – “Make time for yourself to spend time around nature! It’s so beneficial for your mental health. We really recommend coming to the garden, even for just a little bit of time. There’s always a variety of activities to do, from planting to harvesting to more hands-on garden management. It’s also a great opportunity to socialise if you want to. If you don’t know anything about gardening, don’t let that stop you! There’s always time to learn any skill from scratch.”

What are your plans for the next year?

Ameira – “I’m still at the stage where I’m trying to figure myself out but I’m most likely staying in academia for a little while longer to pursue a master’s degree! Feeling very sad that I won’t be around KentCOG but I’m always going to find time to come down even after I graduate from Kent.”

Charlie – “I’m a bi-diplome student between Kent and Sciences Po Lille, a university in France, so I’m leaving Kent at the end of the year. I hope to restart an abandoned garden project in the school building’s yard to keep the passion going!”

The Kent Community Oasis Garden is located near the end of Park Wood at our Canterbury campus. KentCOG is open on Wednesdays and Fridays 10:00-14:00. Students, staff and the local community are invited to attend these open gardening sessions, no experience necessary.

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

Learn more about the Kent Stars campaign.

Staying on or near campus over the winter break? Let us know and connect with other students

Staying in campus accommodation

Autumn Term finishes on Friday 15 December. Let us know if you’ll be staying in your campus accommodation over the winter break in Canterbury by Wednesday 13 December. If you are staying at Pier Quays, Unite Students will be in touch with you.

Don’t forget if you’re living in part-catered accommodation and want to stay on campus over the winter break, you’ll need to book vacation accommodation at least one week before you’re due to move out.

Connecting with other students staying on or near campus

Winter Coffee and Chat Break, 19 December

On Tuesday 19 December, you’re invited to join the Winter Coffee and Chat Break in Nexus, Templeman Library. Connect with other students staying on or near campus over the winter break and find out what’s happening in the local area.

Meet with ResLife Ambassadors, who are also staying on campus, and share with them your suggestions for events you’d like them to plan on campus over the winter break.

More events over the winter break

Check out the winter break events page which includes festive themed events before term finishes as well as a few events happening over the winter break. These include a board games socials and a New Year Festive Dinner (5 January).

Umii app icon to show you’re staying on or near campus

You can also download the free Umii app, which helps you connect with other verified students at Kent. From 1 December, you can choose an icon to your profile which shows others that you will be on or near campus over the winter break, helping you find with students who might want to hang out over the holiday period.

Check out the winter break webpage for more information, support and events.

Airport transfer service: Return from overseas after winter break

Are you travelling overseas over the winter break? You can use our airport transfer service for your return to campus.

Our Airport Transfer Service will operate from London Heathrow airport on Thursday 11 January. The service will meet students whose flights arrive between 6:00-15:30, and will travel to both the Canterbury and Medway campuses. The price is £45 per person.

Booking is now open and will close at 23:59 (UK time) on Monday 8 January 2024.

Find out more and book your place.