Did you know your KentOne (student ID) card is also a cashless payment card? Simply top it up online (or get a generous family member or friend to do it!) and you can use the credit to purchase items across both Canterbury and Medway campuses.

Even better when using your KentOne card credit to pay in loads of cafés, bars and bistros, you’ll enjoy a 10% discount on your purchase!

Find out more about the KentOne card, including how easy it is to top up and other FAQs here.

Where can I get my 10% discount?

Create (Marlowe Building) – centrally located near the library and ideal for grabbing coffee or a snack on the go
Dolche Vita (Keynes College) – home to the infamous katsu curry and other fusion favourites.
Hut 8 (Turing College) – let’s just say delicious handmade pizzas mmmmm…
K-Bar (Keynes College) – our most popular bar on campus, sports screens and pool tables too.
Mungo’s (Eliot College) – American diner style food and infamous freak shakes!
Origins (Darwin College) – all the smokey BBQ goodness you could wish for plus being home to firm favourite Ruby Tuesdays nights.
Pavilion Café Bar – take in a drink with a view over the sports pitches below.
Rutherford Dining Hall and Bag It – its traditional cafeteria vibe gives way to great value tasty food or custom ordered sandwiches.
Sibson Café – healthy balanced dishes available on weekly updated menu.
Sports Café – perfect for that post work-out snack, protein shakes or smoothies.
The Street Kitchen (The Plaza) – tasty food inspired from dishes around the world with its weekly menu, all under £5!
Galvanising Shop Café (Medway) – ideal for grabbing coffee while at Chatham Historic Dockyard
No1 (Medway) – great value breakfast and lunch options.

Where else can I use my KentOne card as a payment method?

Gulbenkian Café – our hot and cold food from locally sourced producers, plus delicious treats for you to take into the cinema.
The Deep End (Medway) – an international menu, as well as tasty ‘Dive in’ burgers and focaccia-based pizzas.
Co-Op (The Plaza) – stocks fresh and frozen produce, basic household supplies, toiletries and stationery.
Blackwell’s Bookshop – offers a range of text books and fiction, cards, stationery and more.
Templeman Library – use your card in the library to buy print credits.
University of Kent Design and Print Office – handy on campus service for all your printing needs.

Scholarships

There are many scholarships available for undergraduate and postgraduate students. Some scholarships are specific to your course, location and fee status (UK, European or overseas). Read the scholarship information carefully so you only apply for scholarships where you meet the eligibility criteria.

How to apply for scholarships

Kent Financial Support Package

The Kent Financial Support Package (KFSP) 2019 is a financial support package of £4,500 for eligible undergraduate students across three stages of full-time study. Eligible students studying a full time four year undergraduate programme with a sandwich year or an integrated Masters year will receive a further cash bursary of £1,500.

All new full-time students will be automatically assessed for the KFSP, however, you may need to make a separate application.  Students who do not receive a letter by mid-November confirming their eligibility for the KFSP should contact the Financial Aid Office.

New part-time students starting in the academic year 2019/20 may be eligible for a pro rata cash bursary in each year of study as part of the KFSP. Part-time students will need to make an application.

Further information on KFSP

Access to Learning Fund

The Access to Learning Fund (ALF) provides financial assistance to UK students so they can access and remain in higher education, particularly those students who need financial help to meet extra costs that cannot be met from other sources of support.

The amount will depend on your circumstances and how many applications the fund receives.

Further information on ALF

European Financial Support

The European Financial Support (EFS) fund can provide up to £500 financial support per year to full time non-UK students eligible to pay tuition fees at the ‘EU’ rate experiencing emergency situations or those experiencing a financial deficit over the academic year. The EFS cannot be used for paying tuition fees.

Further information on EFS

International Hardship Fund

The International Hardship Fund (IHF) can provide emergency financial assistance to all full time non-UK students eligible to pay tuition fees at the ‘overseas’ rate. The IHF cannot be used for paying tuition fees.

Further information on IHF

Financial support for care leavers

Students eligible for the Kent Care Leavers Pack will receive a one-off cash bursary of £600 towards the cost of starting at university and one-off payment of £100 towards graduation costs for students who attend their graduation ceremony.

They are also guaranteed access to accommodation for the duration of their course, including the summer vacation, subject to remaining in good financial standing with the University.

Further information on the Care Leavers Pack

Financial support for estranged students

Students eligible for the Kent Estranged Student Pack will receive a one-off cash bursary of £600 towards the cost of starting at university and one-off payment of £100 towards graduation costs for students who attend their graduation ceremony.

They are also guaranteed access to accommodation for the duration of their course, including the summer vacation, subject to remaining in good financial standing with the University.

This financial support is for students who are irreconcilably estranged from their parents.

Further information on the Estranged Student Pack

Financial support for student carers

Students eligible for the Young Adult Carer Pack will receive a one-off cash bursary of £600 towards the cost of starting at university and one-off payment of £100 towards graduation costs for students who attend their graduation ceremony.

This financial support is for young carers who can provide evidence of caring responsibilities.

Further information on the Young Adult Carer Pack

Financial support for young independent students

Students eligible for the Kent Young Independent Student Pack will receive a one-off cash bursary of £600 towards the cost of starting at university and one-off payment of £100 towards graduation costs for students who attend their graduation ceremony.

They are also guaranteed access to accommodation for the duration of their course, including the summer vacation, subject to remaining in good financial standing with the University.

This financial support is for young independent students who have been in receipt of income support while in full-time education prior to starting at Kent.

Further information on the Young Independent Student Pack

Financial support for ‘homeless’ students

Students eligible for the Kent Foyer and ‘Homeless’ Student Package will receive a one-off cash bursary of £600 towards the cost of starting at university and one-off payment of £100 towards graduation costs for students who attend their graduation ceremony.

They are also guaranteed access to accommodation for the duration of their course, including the summer vacation, subject to remaining in good financial standing with the University.

This financial support is for students who were living in a Foyer (hostels and other emergency housing options) or were ‘homeless’ before attending the University.

The Kent Foyer Bursary is specifically to help Foyer and ‘homeless’ students to meet their accommodation costs during the long vacation (up to £1,500).

Further information on the Kent Foyer and ‘Homeless’ Student Package

Need more help?

For more advice on scholarships, email scholarships@kent.ac.uk or call 01227 768896.

If you need more help on your funding and financial support options, email financialaid@kent.ac.uk or call 01227 823851/824876/823488.

Even the most elite and successful athletes had to start as a beginner. Some were born with natural ability, but the majority had to train – hard – to get where they are today.

Though your goal may not be to become the next Serena Williams or Mo Farah, sometimes just taking that first step into a gym can be intimidating. Rest assured, you’re in good hands with Kent Sport. Not only are our Fitness Instructors itching to help you, but they are fully-qualified and want all members to succeed in their fitness journeys.

Make it a habit
Experts say it takes 21-days to build a habit, so give yourself three weeks of physical activity to help you settle in. Once you’ve formed a long-lasting habit, you’ll notice something’s missing from your normal routine – the perfect motivator to keep you moving.

Mix it up
It’s easy to stick to what you know. As time goes on, your body gets used to the movements and no longer reaps the benefits from your workout. A routine is important, but not as important as taking steps to work harder and smarter. Do you always use the cable machines when you come in? Try free-weights and add that extra bit to your strength training. Perhaps you go for long runs on the treadmill? Mix it up with interval training by adding short sprints.

Have fun
This is by far the most important tip. If you’re not enjoying what you’re doing, it won’t be sustainable. Grab some friends or make new ones – having someone who holds you accountable not only helps your progress but makes working out more fun.

Our dedicated fitness team is on-hand for advice to help you get your best workout. We also provide consultations to give you the knowledge you need to succeed. We offer:

• Fitness consultations
• Fitness assessments
• Exercise programs
• Personal training
• Nutritional consultations

To book a health or fitness appointment, please email sportsenquiries@kent.ac.uk or call 01227 823 623.

Ready to become a member? Kent Sport’s new student membership options for 2019/20 are now available to buy online or at the Sports Centre and The Pavilion receptions. For more information about our membership benefits, visit our sports page. 

To stay up-to-date with the latest Kent Sport news, activities and special offers, Like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @UniKentSports.

The University’s Vice Chancellor, Karen Cox, officially opened the new undergraduate common room in the School of Computing. The common room is the latest update to the Cornwallis building where facilities for computing students have been brought together, providing a central hub.

The hub area comprises the School’s:

– reception and student office

– placements office

– employability and marketing office

– Kent IT Consultancy offices

– The Shed (the School’s maker space)

– and the undergraduate student common room

Head of School, Professor Richard Jones, said: ‘Our aim is to bring all our student facing activities together in an area that is well decorated and which provides a pleasant working environment with a real buzz to it. In designing the common room, we have listened to the views of the Student Union and provided a pleasant space for collaborative working and socialising, adjacent to our other student services.’

Other recent moves have seen the student admin office moved downstairs to provide a better reception for the School, as well as a much improved working environment for the professional services staff. The KITC area provides communal working space for student consultants and the KITC staff, as well as private rooms for meeting with clients.

Travelling into university doesn’t have to cost a lot. Here are some ways to make your travel to university cheaper and easier.

Catching the bus?

Purchase the Stagecoach Student Unirider bus ticket in Canterbury or the Arriva student annual bus ticket Bus to receive highly discounted bus travel.

Remember to purchase the Unirider ticket by 30 September to get the best discount. You can purchase the Unirider ticket from the bus positioned on campus by the Registry until 27 September (excluding 22 September), or online.

Stagecoach and Arriva both have helpful mobile bus apps so you can plan your journey and check live bus times.

Travelling by train?

Don’t forget you can purchase a 16-25 railcard for a third off most train travel. If you’re over 25 but a full-time student you can still apply for the railcard.

You might also want to purchase a plusbus ticket which covers the train and bus. Plusbus tickets can also be discounted by a 16-25 railcard which is a bonus!

Cycling to campus? Or fancy hiring a bike?

You can hire a bike on a termly basis at Canterbury. ByCycle will be on campus in the Cycle Hub by the Pavilion 23-27 September 11.00-16.00 for you to hire a bike.

Dr Bike is also on campus every Wednesday during term-time at Canterbury, and on a monthly basis at Medway to check and adjust your bike for free.

On the Medway campus there is a hop on/ hop off cycle hire scheme to help you get around.

There are lockable cycle shelters on both campuses.

Travelling between Canterbury and Medway campuses?

The free Campus Shuttle service allows travel between Canterbury and Medway campuses 7 days per week during term-time. The shuttle has free Wi-Fi and USB charging points so you can keep connected on your journey.

Driving to campus? Require a parking permit?

If you live outside of the exclusion zone you can apply for a permit to park on campus. You cannot apply for a parking permit until you are fully registered.

Check out the interactive parking map to see where each of the parking areas are located. If you’re driving to campus, give yourself plenty of time to find a parking space.

Check out the Student Guide travel webpages for more information.

If you are currently engaging with co-curricular activities, you can claim ‘Employability Points’ for each activity completed. At the end of the second term, if you have earned sufficient points, you can cash these in for the chance to apply for ‘rewards’.

Rewards include paid internships, work experience opportunities, training and vouchers offered by local and national employers.

You can get started by logging your activities on MyFolio.

Here are some current opportunities where you can gain Employability Points, learn new skills and improve your CV:

Roles

• Become a blogger/vlogger for the Kent Students blog
• Become a Sustainable Development Goals Ambassador
• Become an accessibility buddy

Attending key events

• Careers Fair
• Kent Union’s Jobs Fair
• GK Unions Job and Volunteer Fair
• And other Employability Festival events

Check out the Employability Points blogs for more opportunities to gain Emp Points.

Now the Welcome Week madness is over, it’s probably a good time to start exploring Kent and the support services we have to offer. Watch our support, health and wellbeing video.

Support with your studies

Studying for a degree is very different to studying at school. You have a lot more control over your learning and greater independence.

You will also be asked to do things you’ve never had to do before (eg referencing in a certain way, dissertations, vivas…) this is where the Student Learning and Advisory Service (SLAS for short) steps in.

SLAS can help you with everything from perfecting your essay writing to learning how to reference properly. You can learn in your own time using our online guides or attend one of SLAS’ many workshops.

Don’t forget your school is also there to help you with your studies and offer a range of study support.

Have you checked in with Student Support and Wellbeing?

If you have a disability you should contact Student Support. They can provide not only academic support but can help with applications for funding.

If you’re going through a difficult time or just don’t feel happy – staff in our Wellbeing Team are always available to listen.

Advice Centre

From money worries to getting on with your housemates, GK Unions Student Advice Centre are available to help. All advice is free – so make the most of it!

Medical advice

You are advised to register with a practice near to your accommodation. The two closest The two closest medical practices to campus and Liberty Quays are the Sunlight Surgery and St Mary’s Island Surgery.

Master’s Office

When you arrived at Kent you automatically joined a college. Your Master’s Office is there to give advice and can be used as a first port of call for any questions you may have.

You can also get advice and support from your Student College Community Life Officers and Assistants who work in the colleges and the community. This could include offering assistance if you are concerned about a flatmate, being disturbed by noise or there are problems with untidiness in your shared accommodation.

Chaplaincy

University Chaplains run a wide range of religious and social events (including a very festive carol service in St George’s Centre on campus). They are also a good contact for advice and support.

Now the Welcome Week madness is over, it’s probably a good time to start exploring Kent and the support services on offer. Watch our support, health and wellbeing video to learn more.

Support with your studies

Studying for a degree is very different to studying at school. You have a lot more control over your learning and greater independence.

You will also be asked to do things you’ve never had to do before (eg referencing in a certain way, dissertations, vivas…) this is where the Student Learning and Advisory Service (SLAS for short) steps in.

SLAS can help you with everything from perfecting your essay writing to learning how to reference properly. You can learn in your own time using our online guides or attend one of SLAS’ many workshops.

Don’t forget your school is also there to help you with your studies and offer a range of study support.

Have you checked in with Student Support and Wellbeing?

If you have a disability you should contact Student Support. They can provide not only academic support but can help with funding applications.

If you’re going through a difficult time or just don’t feel happy – staff in our Wellbeing Team are always available to listen.

They also run a series of well-being workshops to help you get the best out of University life.

Advice Centre

From money worries to getting on with your housemates, Kent Union’s Advice Centre is available to help. All advice is free to Kent students – so make the most of it!

Medical advice

Kent has its own NHS general practice on campus. There’s also an independent pharmacy next door, so you don’t have to go far when you’re feeling under the weather.

If you need any medical advice, treatment of a minor illness/injury or contraceptive advice, you can visit the ‘drop-in’ Nursing Services on central campus next to Campus Security.

Your College

When you arrived at Kent you automatically joined a college. Your Master’s Office is there to give advice and can be used as a first port of call for any questions you may have.

You can also get advice and support from your Student College Community Life Officers and Assistants who work in the colleges and the community. This could include offering assistance if you are concerned about a flatmate, being disturbed by noise or there are problems with untidiness in your shared accommodation.

Chaplaincy

University Chaplains run a wide range of religious and social events (including a very festive carol service in the Cathedral). They are also a good contact for advice and support.

International students

As well as all the other support services available to students, international students can visit International Team in the Registry Building. They can help with any international related queries and run a series of cultural events.

Kent Union

The Vice-President (Welfare and Community) officer at Kent Union campaigns on well-being related matters so if students have any queries or issues they would like to discuss they can contact Omolade directly: O.Adedapo@kent.ac.uk  

As part of the national Happy Museums initiative, The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge is recruiting student volunteers affected by anxiety for an ongoing project.

Paul Russell of Canterbury Museums and Galleries explains:

‘The project is primarily a review of our stored art collection, which includes work by Henry Moore, David Hockney and a wide selection of Old Masters. The aim is to give us a greater understanding of this amazing resource and explore ways to make it more relevant and accessible to our audience whilst benefiting and developing the skills and experience of our volunteers. Working with museum staff and art experts, volunteers will follow our established system to record and photograph each artwork in the museum’s art collection.

Canterbury Museums and Galleries is a National Portfolio Organisation recognised for our health and well-being work. As part of the national Happy Museums initiative we are exploring its benefits in every part of our work and embedding health and well-being across our activities. We currently use our collection for therapeutic purposes to support and deliver health and well-being outcomes for our local community, and in the past our volunteers have reported that working with museum objects has helped their confidence. Wider evidence also shows that volunteering has a positive effect for people who suffer from anxiety. This project aims to build on this success so we are particularly interested in working with volunteers who are affected by anxiety in the hope that it will have a positive impact on their well-being and employability. We would like to gather evidence for this by asking volunteers to participate in an evaluation exercise as the project progresses.’

The Beaney is keen to engage with students from the University of Kent, so please contact paul.russell@canterbury.gov.uk to join the project.