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From 15 January 2024, at Medway you will only be able to book virtual appointments with the University’s Income Office. If an in-person appointment is essential this will be arranged for you but you won’t be able to drop in the office.
How to book a virtual appointment:
Get in touch with your Division’s Income Office by email:
If you have an account controller, you will receive a welcome email from your new account controller shortly.
From 15 January 2024, a new provider (Zeelo) is running our Campus Shuttle service between the Canterbury and Medway campuses.
The timetable isn’t changing but it will take some time to set up the new booking system. So for now, you just need to show your KentOne card (Student ID) to the driver to use the Campus Shuttle. There is no need to book.
Throughout the year we will be working with Zeelo to bring you a new and improved booking system as well as many more exciting developments to simplify how you use the service.
You can still follow the Campus Shuttle X page (formerly Twitter) for any significant shuttle disruptions.
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.
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.
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.
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*:
*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!
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!
International postgrad student Caroline shares her experience of spending the winter break on campus…
“As an international postgraduate student in the UK, spending the Christmas holidays away may seem lonely and daunting at first. However, it can be a unique and enriching experience. Canterbury, with its rich history and charming atmosphere, offers lots of activities to make your holiday season memorable. In this blog post, I will share my recommendations for what you may wish to consider doing during the Christmas holidays when you decide to take a break from your studies.”
Explore Canterbury’s historic sites
“There is a range of activities to enjoy in the City Centre, while the campus is quieter. One of my favourites is the iconic Canterbury Cathedral, which is free for University of Kent Students to visit. Just bring your KentOne ID and browse all the events they have to offer.”
Join festive events and the Canterbury Christmas markets
“Canterbury comes alive with festive cheer during the Christmas season, with the ‘Christmas Light Switch-on’ and the arrival of the Christmas marketplace. Visit the Christmas lights in the city centre to experience the enchanting atmosphere and definitely don’t pass up the chance to explore the Christmas markets; you can indulge in seasonal treats, shop for unique gifts, and enjoy the vibrant ambience with friends or colleagues.”
Participate in University events
“Check online for uni-led special events or gatherings during the holidays. Both Kent Union’s ‘Give it a Go!’ scheme and the ResLife team will be hosting events throughout the Christmas break, so make sure to check out what events they have planned. Some schools will also be hosting Christmas parties, cultural celebrations, and activities for students staying on campus, so keep an eye on your emails. It’s an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow international students and create new holiday traditions.”
Embrace British Christmas Traditions
“Immerse yourself in British Christmas traditions by attending local events such as carol services, pantomimes, and festive concerts. If you haven’t had the chance to go into the city centre to try some of the local food or pubs, now will be the best time to experience the joy of a traditional Christmas dinner with all the trimmings.”
“Have a very Merry Christmas in Canterbury!”
Check out the winter break webpages for service opening times, advice and support.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
If you have any questions, please contact IT and Library Support:
Perhaps you love Christmas and all the traditions, from music to present wrapping to treats, but if it brings up difficult memories or makes you feel anxious, you aren’t alone in that feeling. The forthcoming holiday can cause a mixture of complicated situations and emotions, such as family and relationship conflict, anxiety around relationships, worries about food, coping with grief, or feeling that everyone else is having a great time and you’re missing out. Even if you look forward to the holidays, it’s normal to experience periods of stress or difficulty, when your environment changes after a term studying.
We asked Rachel, a Mental Health Adviser at Kent’s Student Support and Wellbeing who offers specialist support to care leavers and students who are estranged from their families, what tips would you give everyone for coping with complicated feelings during the holidays?
What are the main issues you will face? Loneliness, or overwhelm surrounded by too many people? Think through the days that might be particularly difficult and plan extra support and connection, or breaks from the busyness. If you want to escape/ learn/ relax online without a known group, you could look up things to join in with via Eventbrite, searching by your interests.
Whether it’s sleep, how you eat, how much you drink, where exercise plays a role, or whether you engage in certain conversations, set your intentions in advance so you can feel more in control in the moment.
What makes you feel better when you’re struggling? Taking a nap? Going for a walk alone or with someone else? If you’re staying on/ near the Canterbury or Medway campus, or nearby, you can sign up to Walking Buddy to be matched with another student who wants to meet and go for a walk locally. Do you want to stay busy and make new friends at Kent? Check out the calendar for details of what’s on until the end of term and beyond, including games and puzzles you can borrow over the holidays. Does meditation help you? You could connect with the Mindfulness Society before the end of term, or check out some free mindfulness apps. Would curling up with a comfort book, or a pick me up playlist help? You can borrow from Templeman and Drill Hall Libraries, including fiction and digital media. Think about it in advance so you can have those things ready to reach for when it’s all getting a bit much.
Try not to compare your experiences, feelings and relationships to others’, and instead allow yourself to be present in your life without judgement.
It’s okay to not be okay during the holidays and reach out for support when you need it. Student Support and Wellbeing offices are open after the end of the university term until Tuesday 19 December, and then closed from Wednesday 20 December until Tuesday 2 January 2024. During this closure, there are lots of emergency contacts available to support you wherever you find yourself during vacation.
Our mental health partner organisation, Spectrum Life, is available for crisis support throughout vacation. Spectrum Life provide.
For expert information tailored to students from Student Minds, check out the Christmas resources on the Student Space website, which provides also provides telephone, email, webchat and text support. There is more information about Christmas and mental health from the charity, Mind.
The charity Rees Foundation works to ensure that people leaving care have support networks in place, and are not left alone to tackle life’s challenges, and run some ‘Let’s Connect’ projects, connecting people with other members of the care experienced community.
University of Kent students wherever they are located can access free, 24/7 online support for issues around mental health and wellbeing via Togetherall, and online platform overseen by qualified therapists which recognised nationally through awards by the NHS and is a safe environment. Togetherall can provide peer talk therapies where members initiate or join forums on topics ranging from depression and anxiety to relationship issues, work stress, abuse, self-harm and eating disorders, improving motivation and self-awareness. There are also online courses which can be taken any time, and brief counselling providing immediate 24/7 support from Guides who are trained counsellors.
Our partner organisation Spectrum Life is available for in-the-moment emotional and practical support for emotional distress or concerns about your mental health during vacation. They offer online, text and telephone support from qualified counsellors and mental health professionals, and will work with you in getting initial support and help, and can liaise with University Student Support and Wellbeing when they are next available to continue supporting you. Telephone 0800 0318227 and press option 1, Text/WhatApp ‘Hi’ to +44 (0)7418 360780, or search for the Spectrum Life app from your app store and follow the log in instructions, using organisation code ud3Z2brH.
Kent MSc Development Economics students, Gladness and Rebecca, studied abroad in Bangladesh. Hear what they had to say about their time studying abroad…
Gladness said:
“I embarked on a journey to Bangladesh for my MSc Development Economics dissertation, I did not plan for it initially. However, the opportunity presented itself, and I grabbed it. I felt like I needed a change of scenery to concentrate on my dissertation without distractions for four weeks. Additionally, my love for travel, exploring new places, and meeting new people influenced my decision.
“I studied the Effectiveness of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Program, specifically the Coastal Climate Resilience Infrastructure Programme (CCRIP), on Food Security in Bangladesh. I received fantastic guidance, a lot of assistance, and plenty of attention during my research. The team at BRAC University was incredibly supportive, aiding me in tasks such as data collection and arranging transportation. Their help significantly improved the entire research process.
“During this experience, I gained valuable insights into Bangladesh’s geography, particularly in the coastal areas where my research was focused. Concepts like Regions, Districts, and Upazilas became familiar, with Upazila being a new term for me. Immersing myself in the culture, I appreciated the local food and clothing, savouring the unique herbs and spices in their meals. The religious influence in an Islam-dominated country like Bangladesh was a captivating experience, with the city resonating with prayers every few hours.
“The hands-on experience at BRAC University was instrumental in my academic growth. Guided by a supportive supervisor, I learned the intricacies of empirical studies, including sourcing and cleaning raw datasets. The collaborative efforts of the supervisor and co-workers were crucial in overcoming challenges in data cleaning and processing. As a result, my dissertation earned the highest mark, igniting a newfound passion for research and a desire to explore further opportunities.
“Reflecting on this experience, I wholeheartedly recommend it to other students, especially those eager to explore new places. Being away from the familiar environment allowed me to focus solely on my dissertation, eliminating the distractions of daily routines. Despite occasional challenges like the monotony of daily rice consumption and language barriers, the hosting team’s unwavering commitment to our comfort and the friendly nature of the people in Dhaka made the experience enriching.”
Rebecca shared:
“Bangladesh was the perfect study abroad location for me and my research. My research project explored remittance and household expenditure behaviour, drawing a comparison between Bangladesh and Uganda. Bangladesh’s unique position as one of the top receivers of global remittances made it an ideal location to study how these financial transfers impact the daily lives of Bangladeshi families.
“The trip helped me understand the Bangladesh dataset better before starting the econometric analysis. Being on the ground provided me with a broader cultural understanding and helped interpret the data more accurately. I also gained valuable insights into the social, economic, and political context in Bangladesh.
“My time in Bangladesh provided me with a profound appreciation for the rich tapestry of Bangladeshi culture, the warm hospitality and resilience of its people.
“This experience honed my intercultural communication skills and deepened my understanding of global issues. I cannot stress enough the importance of such immersive experiences for personal and professional growth.
“I wholeheartedly recommend this opportunity to fellow students. It’s not solely about conducting research and acquiring knowledge; it’s also about broadening your horizons, fostering empathy, and forging lasting memories.
“To those considering this adventure, I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone, seize the opportunity with an open heart and eagerness to learn, and you’ll return enriched in more ways than you can imagine.”
For Economics students interested in this amazing opportunity in Bangladesh please email A.Gschwandtner@kent.ac.uk
See Go Abroad opportunities and funding for the full range of international opportunities available to all Kent students.