GKSU are hosting Movie Monday today where they will screen a film of your choice. The event will take place at the Deep End between 17.00 to 23.00 and will offer you a big screen movie experience.
The film will be decided via Facebook Poll so keep an eye out on our Facebook Page.
We recommend booking for this event to avoid disappointment.
If you have any questions, please email hello@gksu.co.uk.
We are hosting a series of virtual Wellbeing Cafes for our students. The aim is for you to meet and network with other students and gain emotional support. We will explore general mental health themes such as dealing with anxiety and managing your mood. There will also be time for you to unwind and have fun by taking part in games and creative pursuits. This will take part in a friendly and informal setting.
The Wellbeing Cafes take place on the following dates:
Monday 14 September
Monday 21 September
Monday 28 September
Monday 5 October
Please email wellbeingevents@kent.ac.uk to request the link for the meeting at least 2 hours before.
The cafes are manned by a member of staff but they are happy to hear from students who wish to take the lead.
We have opened up Student Hubs where students can grab information about the services and facilities on campus and how we are keeping them safe.
These hubs are based at the Canterbury and Medway campus and they offer the following information:
Where are the hubs?
The Canterbury Student Hub is based in Darwin Conference Suite and the Medway Student Hub is in the Gillingham Building. You can find directions on our maps webpage.
Attendance to the Student Hub is based on appointment only, so please book an appointment prior to attending.
Click and Collect service ends today so you won’t be able to reserve books that are available on the shelf after 17:00.
The library will still hold any Click and Collect items you’ve requested prior to tomorrow. When you get the email that tells you they are available, you will have seven days to collect them from the Click and Collect point.
However, from From Tuesday 1 September you will be able to access the bookshelves in the Templeman Library and get the books you need yourself.
Staying safe
When you access the bookshelves, please follow these rules:
Reservations
You can currently only reserve items that are on the shelf in the Drill Hall Library (through our inter-site loan service) and items from the Kent Request Access collection in the Templeman Library basement.
You can no longer reserve items on the Templeman Library shelves, and you can’t reserve items on loan to someone else, so that we don’t have to recall those items and cause people to make journeys to campus.
How to borrow and return
As you approach the end of your final year we are here to support you through the next few months.
Help with your assignments
We have a wide range of resources to help you with your assignments. You an also ask a Liaison Librarian for one-to-one support on either the Canterbury or Medway campus. Online support is available on our Library Research Skills Moodle page, including finding material for your research and managing your references.
Look after yourself
Browse our Wellbeing and Self-Help reading list or check out the accompanying book displays in the Library. Need some time out? The Templeman Library’s Chill Out Zone provides a quiet space to relax and take a break from studying. If you’re on the Medway campus pop along to one of their wellbeing events.
Exam-time study support
During exam time, you’ll find additional study spaces and silent study areas plus bookable individual study rooms in the Templeman Library. Study in the way you want to by choosing a study space to suit you. The Templeman Library is open 24/7 and the Drill Hall Library 24 hours, five days per week until June!
Study and work smarter! Check out our Productivity Tools, to help you manage your time, take notes and stay focussed plus more.
Help with getting a job
Have a look at our Careers and Employability reading list to find books to help you with career choices and preparing for applications and interviews. Sign up for a one-hour workshop on using online business resources to stand out in the job market.
After you graduate
Don’t want to miss out on the great resources when you graduate? You can join the Library as an alumni member.
View more events on these webpages.
Three tips for Library and IT success!
If you’re a new student at Kent, you’ll be using the Library, IT systems and study spaces to help you with your studies. Here’s how to get started and make the most of your first weeks on campus!
Get online
You can connect to Wi-Fi before you arrive on campus. If you’re living on campus, see the instructions in your Getting Started booklet in your accommodation.
Use the wired internet with a network cable for the fastest gaming and streaming in your room. If you don’t have one, get one free from the IT & Library Support Desk in the Templeman Library. There’s plenty of support to help you connect your phone, tablet or laptop – just ask IT & Library Support Desk. You’ll need to be online to access your Kent email – very important as this is one of the main ways the University will communicate with you!
Check out these free online tools and software including Microsoft 365!
Take the Hello Library and IT! e-induction
On Moodle, your virtual learning environment you’ll find the Hello Library and IT! e-induction. Work your way through at your own pace and find out about:
…and lots more!
Want to ask us a question?
We’re here to help you every step of the way!
Contact our IT & Library Support team:
For help with accessing the Library and using our services see our Templeman Library Accessibility Guide.
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at UKCLibraryIT for all the latest advice and tips.
The University is committed to being as flexible as possible while making sure that any arrangements made for our students do not compromise academic standards.
Canterbury and Medway offer great environments for families, with a wide range of child-friendly facilities and a perfect mix of city, coast and countryside. If you are planning to bring your family with you when you study we have lots of useful information including accommodation, schooling and healthcare.
MPCC common room
The MPCC common room (mature, part-time, commuting, and carer or parent students) is located centrally on Canterbury campus and is open Monday to Friday. As well as a social room and meeting room, there are two quiet study rooms, lockers, and kitchen access with a refrigerator, microwave, and kettle. The MPCC common room is located on the ground floor of the Chipperfield building side entrance.
At Canterbury, the on-campus Oaks Nursery is registered for children aged 0-5 years and they offer discounts for student parents.
At Medway, Busy Bees is a local nursery for children aged 0-5 years.
Whether you are moving out of your family home for the first time or are a mature student starting at Kent, our campus at Canterbury has a great range of options to suit your needs. We cover 7 Frequently Asked Questions about dining on campus.
What type of food do you serve on campus?
There are many different catering outlets on campus offering a variety of delicious, high quality food and drink options. Whether you want comfort food, vegetarian dishes, healthy options, or an indulgent treat, you’ll discover something fit for your appetite. You could be eating Korean chicken wings in Dolche Vita one day and sharing a bowl of garlic butter fries in Origins the next. Full menus can be found on the catering webpage.
Do you serve vegan and vegetarian options?
Meat-free living is one of the fastest growing lifestyles in the UK. Self-identified vegans and vegetarians account for approximately 3% of the population, but they are amongst a broader base of people showing an interest in reducing meat and dairy intake. If you’re ever in doubt about a dish, full ingredient listings are available in all outlets, just ask a member of staff for more details. We’d recommend telling the restaurant team when you order that you’re a vegetarian or vegan, just to ensure they’re extra careful.
I have a food allergy; how can I find out which dishes are safe to eat?
At Kent we take allergens extremely seriously and do everything we can to accommodate students who have allergies. In every bar, café and restaurant there is a Food and Menu Specification Folder, which tells you all the ingredients in a specific dish. If you do have an allergy, please let catering staff know when you order so they can make double sure your meal is prepared with the utmost care to minimise cross-contamination.
I don’t have set mealtimes and tend to snack throughout the day. Are there places open to eat during the day and late at night?
Most cafes, bars and restaurants on campus are open throughout the day and into the evening. Both Hut 8 (Turing College) and the Library Café serve food and drink until 22:00, so you can enjoy a fresh slice of pizza or hot drink before heading out or heading home.
Due to the coronavirus, is it safe to dine on campus?
Your safety is top priority. To ensure you don’t have to worry, Kent Hospitality has been working hard to develop new measures in line with government advice so you can safely enjoy food and drink on campus. Cafes, bars, and restaurants will be offering a takeaway service, with some larger outlets offering socially distanced seating areas.
Outlets will have signage and operate on a cashless purchasing system throughout. Kent Hospitality will continue to follow guidelines for the duration of the pandemic and will adapt their policies in line with government recommendations and advice as and when needed, or until such a time that the pandemic is considered low to no risk to customers, staff and suppliers.
I’m not very confident in the kitchen, do you offer a meal plan for students?
For those with little kitchen experience, learning to cook can be both an exciting and daunting experience. To help students with this life transition, and ensure they have access to a variety of healthy and convenient options during this busy time in their lives, Kent offers The Flex Catering Package. The Flex Catering Package is open to all students that live on or off campus. It offers an enormous amount of flexibility as well as a huge discount by paying in advance.
Costing £1100 for the academic year, you will get a food and drink allowance of £10 each day, but you would have only paid £5 a day, meaning you could benefit from savings of 50% on your food bill over the course of the year. The Flex Catering Package allows you to focus on University life and get the best possible degree rather than worrying about shopping or cooking. For more information, please visit The Flex Catering Package webpage.
What’s the KentOne card and how do I use it to buy food?
The KentOne card is your University of Kent student ID card. This multi-functional card enables you to access specific areas of the University, borrow books from Templeman Library, become a member of Kent Sport, and purchase items on campus. The KentOne card is a quick, easy and safe way to buy food and drink on both the Canterbury and Medway campus in a number of catering outlets and shops. Every time you use it, you’ll receive a 10% discount at the till.
The KentOne card works much like a prepaid cash card. You add cash to it and top it up when the funds run out, just like you would with a pay-as-you-go mobile phone. You can only spend what you load onto the KentOne card, so it’s very safe from a budgeting perspective. If you’re prone to overspending, the KentOne card can be a good way to make sure you stay on budget. For more information on where you can use the KentOne card, how to top up your card, and how to benefit from the 10% discount, please visit the KentOne webpage.
This year, Kent Union also has an app you can use to order food for collection or table service in their outlets. Download the app for iPhones now.
The University of Kent and Kent Union have announced the winners of the annual Kent Student Awards, via a video live-stream broadcast to all students via the University’s YouTube channel.
The event took place on Monday and the ceremony was hosted by Karen Cox, Vice Chancellor and President of the University; Sasha Langeveldt, President of Kent Union; and Gavin Esler, Chancellor of the University.
The winners of the Kent Student Awards 2020 were:
Outstanding Contribution to Media and the Arts
Nathan Keates, for running improvisation classes and bringing people of different backgrounds and age groups together in the community. In doing this, he has shown the merit and uniqueness among student projects.
The T24 Drama Society, which had six shows each term in 2019, donating £300 to charities such as East Bridge Hospital in Canterbury and the Roald Dahl foundation, with upcoming donations to Mind and a local LGBTQ+, in addition to providing stage experience to those with none.
Outstanding Contribution to the Community
British Red Cross On Campus: UKC, for developing the welfare hubs project on the Canterbury campus, delivering peer to peer welfare hubs at University events. Since the Summer Ball, the project has trained 30 Kent Safe Mate volunteers in basic physical and mental health First Aid.
Elena Ilia and Libby Kane, for further developing the university-based charity UKC STAR (Student Action for Refugees), whose aim is to help refugees by spreading awareness of the issues facing refugees and asylum seekers, and coordinating volunteers to help on projects.
Outstanding Contribution to Sports Development
Charles Dabbs, for his role as President of the Ice Hockey club this year and contributing to the development of the club and sport in general at Kent. He has helped to reorganise the structure of the Ice Hockey Club, in a way that has provided new opportunities for student athletes.
Molly Walsh, for leading the lifting group Kent Barbell to have Kent’s first ever Olympic Weightlifting team, with Molly herself spending her own time and considerable effort to qualify as a British Weightlifting coach to help the club.
Outstanding Contribution to Sustainability
Yasmin Ali, who has made significant contributions to sustainability action at the University. Yasmin has been committed to leading student engagement on social justice and sustainability issues, spearheading awareness-raising on the links between colonialism and the climate emergency as well as facilitating climate activism through creating “DeCO2”. Yasmin is also a co-founder of the Swish Society, encouraging grassroots action against fast fashion in Canterbury.
Carolyn Postlethwaite, as the first elected Sustainability Network Chair where she has organised events and supported initiatives in sustainability, including; Sustainability Network Nights, a Network coffee morning and a week of events related to climate action. Carolyn’s efforts contributed significantly to Kent’s sustainability, and she is expanding plans to care for Kent’s campus wildlife.
Outstanding Contribution to Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity
Christine Bishop, as Class and School Rep, has listened to the student voice and liaised with Kent Business School to ensure concerns and ideas are always addressed. She has supported Academic Peer Mentoring for others throughout the University experience and has campaigned for the school to employ a student support officer for BAME students.
Lama Jaghjougha, for recognising the vulnerability of immigrant and refugee women, even more so for those wearing the hijab, leading to her establishing the initiative (RWAN – Raise Women’s Awareness Network); supporting and encouraging immigrant and refugee women in their goals of further study, training and employment.
Outstanding Contribution to Student Voice
Kester Campbell, who has played a huge part in representing the student voice as the Biomedical Student Rep for his 1st and 2nd year and now in his final year is the Biosciences School Rep. His continual commitment in being a liaison with academic staff has helped many students through their academic journey.
Loveness Williams, who has supported fellow students, advocating for their rights and concerns as their Student Rep. Her efforts in supporting one another fostered unity and togetherness amongst the whole group and she has fulfilled her role with a high level of professionalism and dedication, finding a way to encourage everyone.
Young Europeans, which signed up over 500 new members to their mailing list at the 2019/20 academic year, helping to create a community of pro-European students. Most recently the society organised a European solidarity march on 31 January to show the European staff and students at the University of Kent that they are welcome, helping to support those feeling isolated during the Brexit process.
Outstanding Contribution to Fundraising
Kent Islamic Society, which raised £14,524 to fund a variety of different international projects such as cancer treatment and care in Gaza, constructing schools and providing access to education in Niger, Afghanistan and the Middle East and providing emergency aid to Syria, Sudan and Southern Africa. This campaign pushed students out of their comfort zone to learn new skills.
Kent Uni Boob Team, who have put of a range of events stressing the importance of getting to know your body in order to detect early signs of breast cancer in a climate where young people are often ignored and deemed too young to have breast cancer. The team have been a vital part of spreading the message of breast cancer awareness, having collaborated with multiple sports teams and societies to give a fifteen minute talk at the beginning of events. The team has raised over £2000 this year.
Outstanding Contribution to Academic Communities
Economics Society, whose aim this year has been to engage students with economics outside lectures, running weekly meetings on various topics within economics and arranging social events. The society has organised an Economics Summit and a trip to Frankfurt (to visit the European Central Bank as well as the European financial district). The summit has sold nearly 150 tickets, with various economic experts scheduled to speak on some of the biggest issues facing our decade.
Mooting & Mock Trial Clerks, Nicole Bolick and Nathaly Andreou, who have arranged 10 full Crown Court Trials (involving 200 student jurors, professional judges and actor witnesses), external moot competitions as well as the internal mooting programme. They had to arrange and co-ordinate the student judges and mentored the teams, co-ordinating 80 students. These co-curricular activities are vital to the law school’s curriculum and for the experience of students.
The Mike Oliver Award for Improving Accessibility
Paul-Georg Ender, who has helped in preventing the need for retrospective adjustments. This includes both the physical and digital spaces at Kent, such as evaluating tactile bumpers that the library will install on their steps and providing user feedback on Moodle and Blackboard Ally software, which are key to the student experience. Paul has engaged with this so much that he has launched initiatives of his own such as suggesting the creation of a tactile 3D map of the campus. This has now led to the creation of a PhD project in the School of Architecture.
Krysia Waldock, who organised Kent’s first ever Autism Pride event on 1 September. The event raised awareness of autism in general; raising awareness of autism support services provided at the University of Kent; providing a forum for information and discussion for autistic people in the region.
Student of the Year
The University and Kent Union were delighted to announce Paul-Georg Ender as 2020 Student of the Year, for his outstanding efforts in improving accessibility on campus and for Kent digitally.
Group of the Year
For their excellent work in supporting international emergency relief efforts to Syria, Sudan and Southern Africa, the Kent Islamic Society has been announced as 2020 Group of the Year.
Student Learning Advisory Service have released the new version of the Academic Support Services guide. It is aimed at new and returning students and focuses on the services Student Learning Advisory Service offer.
In the guide you will find information about 1 to 1 appointments, the Royal Literary Fund Fellows and the various partnerships with schools.
You can download the guide here.