Author Archives: Miriam Sandiford

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.

Events roundup: 11-17 December

It’s the final week of the Autumn Term! Find out what’s on as we wind down the end of the year.

Monday 11 December: Support session and Cathedral Carol Service

Student Support and Wellbeing (SSW) are running a support session for students affected by the recent terrorist attacks in Israel and ongoing war and humanitarian crisis in Gaza. This is a drop-in session taking place from 13:00-14:00 on Monday, upstairs in Locke Building near the Coop, staffed by a mental health adviser and counsellor from SSW. All students are welcome.

On Monday evening, it’s the University of Kent Christmas Carol service at Canterbury Cathedral, a magical evening featuring the University Chamber Choir and Kent Gospel Choir. Tickets are now sold out, so make sure to attend if you were lucky enough to get one!

Wednesday 13 December: Create a winter garland and Student Life from a Deaf Perspective talk

Create a sustainable winter garland at the Kent Community Oasis Garden. The Gear up to Grow sessions provide core gardening and nature-based skills, centred on understanding the sustainability challenges our world is facing.

As part of Disability History Month, deaf influencer and content creator Kirsty Jade will be sharing her experience of university life and what she wishes hearing people knew about Deaf culture and British Sign Language. Kirsty’s talk will take place in Keynes Lecture Theatre and on zoom 17:00-18:00.

Thursday: Finding a part-time job and Crimbo Queen at K Bar

Thinking about finding a part time role? Come along to this session to find out what steps you can take to secure a part time role. There’s also an online CV and Cover letter session including recommended structures as well as hints and tips.

K-Bar and UKC LGBTQ+ Society are thrilled to bring you Crimbo Queen – a fabulously festive Christmas party designed especially for Kent’s LGBTQ+ community, and those who just want to dance the night away.

Friday: Term End Stress Buster (Medway)

As term finishes, you can head to PK107 in Pilkington for an evening of karaoke and sing-along sessions to help you unwind. This is a laid back evening, organised by the students’ unions at Medway.

Winter break events

Staying on campus over the winter break? Check out the winter break webpages for events and support.

Where to buy food: supermarkets and eating out

Welcome to Kent! We’ve compiled some information for you around where you can buy food once you arrive, including supermarkets and places to eat out.

Canterbury

Supermarkets

On campus we have a two small Coop supermarkets – one in the plaza on central campus and one in Park Wood. Between 8-12 January, the Coop on central plaza will be open 7:00-22:00 (Park Wood Co op will be closed). From Saturday 13 January, the open times for both Coops will return to normal: 8:00-22:00 on Saturday and 12:00-18:00 on Sunday (Plaza Coop) and 8:00-22:00 on Saturday and Sunday (Park Wood Coop).

For larger supermarkets, you might want to catch the bus into town to Sainsbury’s, Asda and Lidl.

See this Canterbury google maps showing supermarkets, international food stores and other useful shops.

Places to eat on or near campus

Between 8-12 January, Rutherford Dining Hall will be open for lunch between 12:00-16:00, the Gulbenkian Cafe will be open 8:00-17:00, Dolche Vita will be open 8:00-17:00 (hot food served between 12:00-16:00) and Sibson Cafe will be open 8:30-16:00.

Over the weekend (13-14 January), Rutherford Dining Hall will be serving food between 8:00-21:00, the Gulbenkian Cafe will be open 8:00-21:00. On Sunday (14 January), K Bar will be open 16:30-00:00 and Hut 9 will be open 17:00-22:00.

Once term begins on 15 January, all our outlets will be open during their usual opening times. See catering webpage to learn more.

In Canterbury city centre, there are loads of places to eat. Look out for student discounts at some cafes and restaurants.

Medway

Supermarkets

Next to Pier Quays accommodation there is a small Tesco Express supermarket which is open 24/7. Across the road, less than 5 minutes walk away, there is also a large Asda supermarket.

See this Medway google maps showing supermarkets, international food stores and other useful shops.

Places to eat on or near campus

There is a Subway and Domino’s very close to Pier Quays accommodation. There is also a range of restaurants and cafes at the Dockside Outlet Centre which is a 10 minute walk down the road.

Once term begins on 15 January, you can also check out some places to eat at the Medway campus including The Deep End which is part of the Student Hub, the Archibald Hay Mess in the Drill Hall Library and the Venue Cafe in Pilkington.

Free tickets for University of Kent Cathedral Carol Service, 11 Dec

Cathedral Carol Service Tickets now available. Tickets are free but limited, so make sure you get yours quickly!

The University Carol Service in the amazing setting of Canterbury Cathedral takes place on Monday 11 December at 19:30. It is planned that event will feature the University Chamber Choir and Kent Gospel Choir.

Admission is by free ticket only, and students may request up to 2 e-tickets – e-tickets are given out through Eventbrite.

Would you like to be a student helper at the event? email Stephen Laird s.c.e.laird@kent.ac.uk and hear about how you get a special ticket, and help make the event happen!

There will be a great atmosphere with plenty of well-known Christmas carols for everyone to sing and you will hear traditional readings which will be read by staff and students representing various roles and groups from across the University.

This year’s appeal is for Porchlight, Canterbury’s homelessness charity.

For information on accessibility, please visit the Cathedral’s official accessibility web page.

Events roundup: 4-10 December

Find out what’s on this week as we get closer to the end of the Autumn term.

Staying on campus over the winter break? Let us know.

Monday 4 December: Support session, badge and lanyard making and therapy dog (Medway)

Make a decorative badge or a lanyard for Disability History Month at the Venue. This is an artistic outlet to say who you are and wear around whenever you want.

Over lunchtime at Medway, you can meet the Pets as Therapy dog Bailey and friends! Chill out and have some cute cuddles.

Wednesday 6 December: Using AI in your studies and festive events

Do you want to know how you can use Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your studies? This workshop will explore fears, misconceptions and opportunities offered by AI.

And if you want to get in the festive mood, why not head to The Hub for the Winter Wonder Wednesday with a crafts corner, stalls, live music and festive treats!

Or if you’re at Canterbury campus, there’s a special festive Pause for Paws in Nexus with therapy dog Coco. You can also wrap up a book for a stranger or pick a surprise one for yourself.

Thursday 7 December: Self defence class and Cookies and Conversation

On Thursday lunchtime there’s a free self defence class for all students who identify as women and non-binary. The hour-long class is taken by an expert at Kent Sport, who will teach you practical skills to equip yourself and make you feel prepared for any situation.

The library invites you to join their Cookies and Conversation event. Help shape your university experience by giving you feedback about library services while enjoying free cookies and hot drinks.

Friday 8 December: Winter Global Hangout

Come along to the Winter Global Hangout in Colyer-Fergusson Foyer for an afternoon filled with festive cheer, where you can enjoy seasonal free food and drink while getting to know other students. Take part in bauble making, craft tree decorations, write Christmas cards and more. This cosy gathering is a perfect opportunity to meet new friends over the holiday period.

Saturday 9 December: ResLife festive events

Your ResLife Ambassadors are running a range of events on Saturday. You can join a paint and sip in Keynes where you’ll enjoy an afternoon of watercolours and mocktails, a free screening of the Muppets Christmas Carol in the Gulbenkian, and a Christmas quiz following the film. Why not join? Book your place on the Home at Halls app.

See more student events.

Events roundup: 27 November – 3 December

Find out what’s on this week, with Disability History Month events, Kent Union’s Cultural Celebrations Week and much more.

Monday 27 November: Support session and Disability History Month events

Our Accessibility at Kent: Empower Showcase is aimed at disabled students, to help you find out about all the services at Kent and Kent Union and how we can help you to learn, work and grow.

At lunchtime on Monday at the Hub, you can join us for an engaging and informative British Sign Language Basics Workshop. This workshop is your gateway to the fascinating world of British Sign Language (BSL). Whether you’re a complete beginner or simply curious about sign language, this event is for you.

Tuesday 28 November: Staying safe and Right to Food event with free meal

Meet our Specialist Advisers, part of Student Support and Wellbeing, at Medway campus. They are expert professionals who help students who have experienced or witnessed sexual assault, harassment, bullying, hate crimes and discrimination. Come along to find out more about Report + Support, our online anonymous reporting service and grab some freebies to help you stay safe.

At Canterbury, you can chat to Kent Police at their drop-in clinic in Locke Building. Talk to them about crime prevention, safety or any general enquiries you might have.

Our students are central to the success of the Right to Food initiative – a commitment to help ensure that everyone has the right to healthy, affordable and sustainable food. Come along to find out more about this exciting project and how you can get involved, then join us for a free meal and drink in the Gulbenkian afterwards.

Wednesday 29 November: Staying safe, mind maps and Coco the therapy dog

Kent Police are holding a drop-in clinic at the Drill Hall Library on Wednesday morning. Drop by and ask them any questions you have around safety and crime prevention. In Canterbury at the Sports Centre you can take part in a free self-defence class, helping to keep yourself safer in the modern world.

Take your mind mapping to the next level with this assistive software skills workshop. Student Learning Advisory Service (SLAS) will show you the wonderful world of mind maps, and how they can help you plan your assignments.

Looking for an easy way to de-stress? ‘Pause for paws’ and head to Nexus in Templeman Library for some cuddles with Coco the therapy dog.

Thursday 30 November: Christmas decoration making and Cultural Food Festival

Get in the festive mood by making some Christmas decorations in the Venue. Kent Union will provide the decorations so all you need to do is come along and start decorating, enjoying the Christmas tunes while you get creative.

On Thursday evening, come along to the Cultural Food Festival in Rutherford Hall. It’s a celebration of different cultures here at Kent and our student groups will be cooking dishes that you can buy! One meal token is £3 and 3 meal tokens are £7.

Friday 1 December: Your Uni Your Say festive giveaway and Neuro-Insurgence Open Mic Night

Come along to Nexus in Templeman Library for free festive treats including mince pies, fruit cake and Malteser reindeers! All you have to do is write a Christmas wish for what you’d like to see at the uni next year and pop it in the jar. Your wishes (or feedback) will then be shared with Mica – the Head of Student Experience at Kent.

In collaboration with the Stand-Up Society and the Accessibility Students Network, Kent Union is hosting the Neuro-Insurgence Open Mic Night. It’s a one-of-a-kind event at Woody’s that promises a night of laughter, connection, and solidarity amongst neurodivergent students and their allies. This event will include a variety of spoken word poetry, comedy and music acts in 5-10 minute slots, plus some free snacks and drinks.

Saturday 2 December: Trips to Rochester Christmas Market and London Museums

Explore Rochester’s Christmas Market and find some unique gifts for friends and family or try a range of delicious food. Meet outside the Hub, Medway.

Join your Res Life Ambassadors for a trip to London to visit The Natural History Museum, The Victoria and Albert Museum and the Science Museum. These museums all have free entry and are close to each other so you can visit one or all three if you wish. Meet outside the Venue. You will need to pay for your train ticket to London.

See more student events.

Opportunities

You’re invited to take part in one of the largest studies on student mental health. Complete the Cibyl student mental health survey for the chance to win £100 voucher or smart watch.
Are you planning to stay on campus over the winter break? Let us know! And find out how you can meet others who will also be staying on or near campus.

See more student opportunities.