Category Archives: Student Guide

Staff member being given food

Update to on-campus catering

As part of our wider work to give students the best experience possible, we are looking at alternative options for catering on our Canterbury campus. This includes investigating options around outsourcing, if an appropriate partner can be found.

We will be looking to use this as an opportunity to invest in our outlets and technological infrastructure, modernise our facilities and introduce well-known and recognisable brands to improve the experience of our staff and students and supporting a healthy community on campus.

Following the competitive tender process, specialist education caterer Chartwells was the successful bidder. This means we will explore more closely with them how they could support delivery of on-campus catering in Canterbury, with more to be worked through before any business case can be finalised, a decision made and contracts signed.

We will now hold further discussions about the provision and how this could work for Kent as well as adhering to university governance. Therefore, there is no update on the impact to staff or students working in our catering outlets at the moment, but we will continue to update and support them as we move through the process.

This will include ensuring any potential partner supports and aligns with Right to Food objectives, ensuring healthy and affordable food is readily available for staff and students on our campuses. It will also include looking for a partner that can deliver development opportunities for our catering staff and minimise disruption to our workforce as well as the staff, students and visitors who eat on campus.

 

 

Pride inclusive flag

What is LGBT+ History Month?

LGBT+ History Month takes place every February in the UK and is a month-long celebration of LGBTQIA+ identity and observance of the injustices and discrimination faced by the community in the past and faced by many still to this day. LGBTQIA+ people have the right to live their lives as their true, authentic selves free of fear, discrimination or harassment and one of the goals of LGBT+ History Month is to move us as a culture towards a society that is kinder and fairer to LGBTQIA+ people.

The 2025 theme is Activism and Social Change, and is a landmark year as it celebrates 20 years of UK LGBT+ History Month and 50 years of its parent organisation, Schools OUT UK, which was founded in 1974 to campaign for educational change and empowering people in all learning settings to create environments where all LGBT+ people feel safe, seen and supported. UK LGBT+ History Month was founded to be dedicated space to celebrate our rich and diverse history, herstory and theirstory. LGBT+ History Month also chooses and celebrates five individuals every year. This year they are Octavia Hill, Ivor Cummings, Annie Kenney, Charlie Kiss and Olaudah Equian.

What’s On at Kent

At Kent, LGBT+ History Month is co-organised by the University of Kent and Kent Students’ Union, with input and consultation from the LGBT Staff network and the LGBTQIA student network and societies. Events are open for staff and students and the vast majority are free. Check them out on the webpages

Key events include:

  • The Affirmation Wall (all month): Got something to say to your younger self, your future self, your friends or your loved ones? Find the Affirmation Wall the Templeman Library and add your message of love and hope to it
  • Poster Making Competition (8 February): Design a poster which will be displayed in the Library. The winning poster with the most votes on Instagram will receive £20 in catering vouchers
  • Staff and Student social and lunch (13 February): The staff and student networks get together to chat, eat and make friends!
  • Online Kahoot Quiz (16 February): Struggling to get to anything in person? No worries, the online quiz is for you!

There are loads more events and activities taking place, with more being added to the planning so check back often.

 What support is available to me?

  • We have a large number of resources available to support LGBTQIA+ students at Kent and can signpost to external resources.
  • Kent Students’ Union (KSU) run the LGBTQIA+ Network to act as a voice for LGBTQIA+ students.
  • The University has the LGBTQ+ Staff Network, open to any staff member who identifies as LGBTQIA+. The Network hold regular social activities for members and Allies.
  • The University runs a Gender Affirmation Fund for students who identify as trans, non-binary or gender queer.
  • The University has an Inclusive Language Guide to help support staff and students in developing their Inclusive Language skills
  • The Canterbury Trans Network runs a bi-monthly social on campus
  • The KSU LGBT+ History Month webpages feature a Curiosity Hub, designed to display dozens of films, books, podcasts, celebrities and more – all handpicked by staff and students at Kent, with each recommendation relating to LGBT+ History Month and Pride. There are even hand-out resources as well as links to the various schemes that are available to support LGBTQIA+ students at Kent.

Did you know that university students are no longer eligible for Subject Access Requests by a parent or guardian? We will never share your personal, disclosed information with anyone without your express permission.

What do I do if I have experienced prejudice or discrimination?

We are committed to ensuring that all students and staff are supported at Kent and are able to study and work to their fullest potential. We also take discrimination, harassment and bullying extremely seriously. If you feel that you have been subjected to any form of bullying or discrimination due to your LGBTQIA+ identity, please do report it via the Report and Support tool. This will trigger an investigation and support for you, although you can report anonymously if you prefer.

Look out for more blog posts and information over the course of the month, and we hope you enjoy LGBT+ History Month.

What do I do if I want more information?

If you have any comments or feedback about this month’s activity, or any other History Month or equality, diversity or inclusion related activity, please do email EqualityandDiversity@kent.ac.uk

Sue Sanders Reflects on the Legacy and Impact of LGBT+ History Month

Sue Sanders, a long-time LGBTQIA+ advocate and activist, shared her insights about the formation and evolution of LGBT+ History Month, its impact over the years, and the role that allies, schools, and universities play in promoting inclusivity and supporting LGBTQIA+ rights.

The Birth of LGBT+ History Month and Schools OUT UK

In 1974, a group of teachers in the UK came together to create Schools OUT, a social group that soon became politically charged after the sacking of one of their members, John Warburton, for being openly gay. The group was born out of a necessity to support teachers who were being dismissed due to their sexual orientation—a time when unions, unfortunately, weren’t helping.

By the mid-1980s, Sue Sanders became involved with Schools OUT and worked alongside other key figures like Paul Patrick and Jill Spraggs to challenge Section 28, a piece of legislation designed to prevent the teaching of LGBT+ issues in schools. Despite the law being repealed in 2003, its shadow lingered over educational institutions, leaving many teachers unsure about how to approach LGBTQIA+ topics.

A Quiet Revolution: The Birth of LGBT+ History Month

Recognizing the need for visibility and education, Sue Sanders and Paul Patrick launched LGBT+ History Month in February 2005. While initially funded with a modest grant from the Department of Education, the month quickly grew in scope and popularity. Sanders reflected on how they never imagined the event would reach the scale it has today. In its first year, LGBT+ History Month had over 100 events listed on its website—far exceeding their hopes.

Now, 20 years later, LGBT+ History Month is a well-established part of the educational and cultural calendar. Sanders and the Schools OUT team continue to work tirelessly to highlight the achievements and contributions of LGBT+ individuals, helping to create more inclusive and diverse spaces.

A Shifting Curriculum: The Power of Themes

Each year, Sanders and the small team behind LGBT+ History Month carefully select a theme. In 2025, the theme is “Activism and Social Change,” a timely and relevant topic in the face of increasing opposition to LGBT+ rights both in the UK and globally. The theme allows educators to tie discussions about LGBTQIA+ history to wider societal movements, enabling students to understand how activism and social change intersect with LGBT+ issues.

Alongside the annual theme, Sanders and her colleagues select five LGBT+ figures to focus on during the month. In 2025, these include Octavia Hill, a founder of the National Trust; Charlie Kiss, a pioneering trans activist; and Annie Kenney, a bisexual working-class suffragette. Each of these figures embodies the intersectional nature of LGBT+ identity, representing a mix of race, gender, and social class.

The Impact of LGBT+ History Month: Celebrating Progress

Reflecting on the progress made over the past two decades, Sanders noted significant changes in societal attitudes. Museums, archives, and educational institutions are now more likely to recognize and honour the identities of LGBT+ people. However, she pointed out that there is still work to be done—particularly when it comes to disabled LGBT+ individuals, whose contributions are often overlooked.

LGBT+ History Month has not only raised awareness of LGBT+ history but also helped support other marginalized communities. Sanders played an instrumental role in establishing other history months, such as Women’s History Month and Disabled History Month, highlighting the need to recognize and celebrate the diversity of human experience.

The Role of Universities in Supporting LGBT+ Rights

When asked about the role of universities in advocating for LGBT+ rights, Sanders emphasized their responsibility to provide safe and supportive environments for LGBT+ students. Universities must do more than just offer a safe space; they should actively work to support LGBT+ students’ needs, including ensuring visibility for trans people, offering resources, and developing policies to address hate crime and bullying.

Given the rising attacks on trans rights globally, Sanders stressed that universities must take a proactive role in challenging harmful rhetoric and ensuring that LGBT+ students feel welcome on campus.

Allies: A Crucial Force for Change

The conversation also turned to the importance of allies in the fight for LGBT+ rights. Sanders noted that allies have always played a crucial role in advocating for LGBT+ rights, citing how some of the most impactful progress during the Section 28 fight was made with the help of straight allies. Allies, she said, need to educate themselves, challenge homophobia and transphobia when they see it, and actively support LGBT+ people.

A Hope for the Future: Usualising Diversity

When reflecting on her legacy, Sanders expressed the hope that one day LGBT+ History Month will no longer be necessary because LGBT+ identities will be fully integrated into society. She emphasized the importance of “usualising” rather than “normalising” diversity, a concept she introduced after the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry, to encourage the acceptance and celebration of all marginalized groups, not just as “normal” but as vital contributors to society.

In her closing thoughts, Sanders emphasized that tackling issues like homophobia, racism, and ableism cannot be done in isolation. The work to create an inclusive society requires addressing all forms of prejudice and discrimination.

Looking Forward

As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of LGBT+ History Month, Sanders’ legacy is firmly rooted in the ongoing work to make the world a more inclusive place for all. Her tireless advocacy and commitment to visibility continue to inspire new generations of activists, educators, and allies. While there is still much work to be done, Sanders remains hopeful that, through collective action, the fight for equality will continue to progress.

For more information about LGBT+ History Month and to get involved, visit the official website at LGBT+ History Month.

Map showing part closure of Giles Lane

Giles Lane part road closure, 3-16 February

From Monday 3 – Sunday 16 February, part of Giles Lane will temporarily be closed due to works planned to be undertaken by WW Martin Ltd. The road will be closed between 1 Giles Lane and the University Medical Centre, indicated by signs and barriers on site.

The alternative route for any through traffic is via Giles Lane, St Stephen’s Hill, Beaconsfield Road, Forty Acres Road, A290 Whitstable Road, St Thomas Hill, Whitstable Road, Giles Lane and vice versa. Pedestrian access will be maintained during the works.

University Road will remain open throughout.

Campus travel updates

Visit the Campus Travel updates page to help you plan your journey with information about planned travel disruptions that the Transport Team have been made aware of. We recommend that you check this page regularly, but please be aware the team are reliant on receiving information from third parties and this may affect the notice we are able to provide.

Two students talking

Events roundup: 27 January – 2 February

Savings at Kent

At Kent, we’re committed to ensuring you have the best possible experience while you study with us. Universities across the UK are facing significant financial challenges, and we’re taking steps to address these at Kent in a way that prioritises your education and wellbeing. Find out more about the savings being made at Kent.

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Coming up this week: Holocaust Memorial Day exhibition and talk, find out more about taking a ‘Year In’ something new to boost your career opportunities and study support sessions for you or your project group.

Monday 27 January: Holocaust Memorial Day video exhibit and Health and Social Care Careers Fair (Medway)

Monday is Holocaust Memorial Day and from 27 January – 2 February there will be a small exhibit in the Templeman Café where Holocaust survivor video testimonials will be displayed on a screen alongside information booklets provided by the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust.

At Medway there’s a Health and Social Care Sector Careers Fair in the Oasis Lounge. This is a great opportunity to network with employers and find out more about careers in social work and the healthcare sector.

Tuesday 28 January: Skills for Academic Success support, Welcome (back) Global Hangout (Medway) and Holocaust talk

Not sure how to use feedback from your assessment? The Skills for Academic Success (SAS) team are running a webinar about how to understand and respond to tutor feedback, so you can improve going forward. SAS are also providing the opportunity for group appointment bookings for students with group projects or presentations.

Join us for an afternoon of fun games and creative activities at the Welcome (back) Global Hangout in the Oasis Lounge, Medway. Drop in any time between 11:00-14:00. Meet fellow students and start to build your university community.

On Tuesday 28 January at 14:00 in Templeman Lecture Theatre, the Jewish Society will be hosting Sam Rogoff, who will tell the story of his mother, an Auschwitz survivor.  Holocaust Memorial Day this year marks 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau.

Wednesday 29 January: Study support drop-in appointments (Medway), ‘Year In’ info sessions and PG Talk

The Skills for Academic Success team are running drop-in appointments at Medway. Drop ins are for quick queries; for example, checking referencing or a brief appraisal of the structure and coherence of an assignment.

Have you considered taking a ‘Year In’ a different subject? If you are in stage 2 or 3 of an undergraduate degree, you can take a ‘Year In’ Computing, Data Analytics, a Language, Television Production and online Broadcasting or Management. On Wednesday at 13:00, there’s a Year In information session in Keynes followed by a series of in-depth sessions giving greater detail about what is involved in specific Year In programmes. These subject sessions will be delivered in person and online.

The next PG Talk is on Wednesday afternoon and is on the topic of ‘2035 and the Future of AI’ and is open to all postgraduate students.

Thursday 30 January: Emergency first aid training and relaxation colouring

Ever wondered what to do in a medical emergency? You want to help but you’re not sure how? Study Plus brings you this introduction to first aid on Thursday evening with this practical 2-hour emergency first aid session.

If you want a space to be mindful, come along to DG-01 in Templeman Library for some relaxation colouring. This is an opportunity to unwind and recharge.

Friday 31 January: Business emails for work session and CV and cover letters workshop

Could you benefit from improving your business email skills? Join this online Study Plus session where you can learn about the basics of business email etiquette, tone and how to structure your email for the intended audience.

Need to update your CV or cover letter? The Careers and Employability Service are running a workshop for all students with practical information, hints and tops for creating CVs and cover letters with impact.

See more student events.

Opportunities

See more student opportunities.

Canterbury campus view

Making savings at Kent

At Kent, we’re committed to ensuring you have the best possible experience while you study with us. Universities across the UK are facing significant financial challenges, and we’re taking steps to address these at Kent in a way that prioritises your education and wellbeing. 

This year we’ve introduced a Voluntary Severance Scheme. This scheme helps us to make significant savings through supporting staff who are looking to leave the University, and we carefully consider every application to ensure minimal impact on your experience. While it is never easy for staff when we have to make savings, these steps help us to manage our resources responsibly while continuing to provide the high-quality support and services you expect from Kent. 

Your Support at Kent 

We understand how important it is to have consistent and reliable support throughout your time here. Our teams remain focused on ensuring continuity of support in all areas of university life, from your academic studies to wellbeing, accommodation, and campus services. No matter what changes happen behind the scenes, you can rely on dedicated teams to provide a consistent experience through the changes. This includes: 

From September 2025 we are also making broader changes to support your studies, following the changes to our course portfolio last year. This includes new modules with more industry and employability links, along with a revised academic year structure which means your assessments will happen much closer to when you study your course content. Keep an eye out for further updates on this throughout the term. 

Holocaust Memorial Day 27 January

Holocaust Memorial Day, 27 January 

Between 1941 and 1945, six million Jews were murdered by the Nazis during the Holocaust. The Nazis also murdered millions of others including Roma, Gypsy and Sinti people, people with disabilities, gay people, and many whose political views or religious beliefs threatened the Nazi regime. 

On 27 January 2000, the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp, 46 governments signed the Stockholm Declaration and founded Holocaust Memorial Day. This day is to remember the millions murdered during the Holocaust, under Nazi Persecution and in subsequent genocides in Cambodia (1975-1979), Rwanda (1994), Bosnia (1995) and later Darfur in 2003. 

2025 is a particularly significant year as it marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau and the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Bosnia. It is a time for reflection, education and awareness about the Holocaust and other genocides around the world and throughout history. 

The Jewish Society have a number of events and activities taking place to mark and commemorate the day. All events are open to all staff and students. 

Additional resources 

On YouTube, you can watch Medway campus Chaplain Lynne Martin’s seven-minute video marking Holocaust Memorial Day, in which she shines a light on the hope, bravery and heroism of an individual in the midst of horror and atrocity.  

You can learn more about the Holocaust by using your Kent login to access an online library of films. 

Fighting antisemitism and hate at Kent  

Prejudice, discrimination and hatred based solely on difference is still pervasive in society today. This includes anti-Jewish attitudes, with reports of antisemitism increasing at Universities, and the investigation into antisemitism within the National Union of Student (NUS). Since the October 7 2023 attacks by Hamas on Israel there has been a ICPG – Antisemitism at UK Universities since 7 October directed towards Jewish students and staff across UK university campuses. 

Antisemitism is a form of racism and religious discrimination and we do not tolerate it at Kent. If you have been affected by it please do seek support via our Report and Support tool.  

We have adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism and the Jewish Declaration of Antisemitism. This is an important statement of our solidarity with the Jewish community and our commitment to stamping out antisemitism at Kent. 

There are other opportunities to commemorate throughout the year, including Antisemitism Awareness Week in March and Roma Holocaust Remembrance Day on 22 August. 

 

Santander giveaway artwork

Want to win a MacBook Air? Santander are giving away 10!

Santander is back with their popular tech prize draw, this time with the chance to win 1 of 10 MacBook Airs!

How to enter:

  1. Register for Santander Open Academy – a free online learning platform (if you haven’t already)
  2. Follow the verification link in your confirmation email
  3. Log in and select ‘Get Started’ to complete your entry into the Santander Student Tech Prize Draw 2025!

As a bonus, whether you win or not, you’ll still have access to browse the Santander Open Academy website for free, on-demand learning content that can help your studies.

Eligibility:
The prize draw is exclusively for UK students over 18, including undergraduates, postgraduates, part-time and full-time students. You don’t need to bank with Santander to get involved.

Key dates:
Entries to the prize draw close at 23:00 on 6 March 2025, so make sure to get your entry in ASAP!

Enter here

T&Cs apply

David Wilkinson PCIT CEO talks to patient

New Parkinson’s Centre for Integrated Therapy membership programme

We’re excited to announce the launch of www.pcit.org.uk, our new website and membership programme!

At the Parkinson’s Centre for Integrated Therapy (PCIT), we provide assessments, therapies, classes, and expert advice to support those affected by Parkinson’s. Our new membership offers even more opportunities to connect with our services and resources.

If you, a friend, or a loved one might benefit from what we offer—or if you’d simply like to learn more about what we do—feel free to:

📞 Call us: 01227 824775
📧 Email us: parkinsons@kent.ac.uk
🏡 Visit us: Stop by Tanglewood for a look around or to ask any questions—we’d be delighted to chat with you!

Let’s work together to help those living with Parkinson’s and their companions and carers access the support and community they deserve.

Students laughing at Welcome stall

Events roundup: 20-26 January

Monday 20 January: Employability Points, goal setting and Monday Funday (Medway)

Find out more about the Employability Points scheme and how it can benefit you at this online session.

Have you set yourself goals for this year? This Study Plus goal setting workshop can give you the boost you need to achieve them.

At The Hub, Medway, you can join Monday Funday! There’s a range of activities and challenges, as well as tips and tricks for cooking, crafting and more.

Tuesday 21 January: The Big Fair, study support drop-in sessions, Covid and Flu vaccine clinic and Speed Friending (Medway)

Tuesday is Kent Students’ Union’s Big Fair! Meet new people and student groups to find your community and try something new. The Big Fair is also an opportunity to meet with landlords for off campus accommodation next year as well as a chance to chat to Jobshop about part-time work opportunities.

There’s also a Covid and Flu Vaccine Clinic at Senate on Tuesday afternoon, which is free for students who are eligible and this now includes those who live with someone who is immunosuppressed and all KMMS students. Private vaccines will be available between 14:00-15:00 at a cost.

At Medway, the Skills for Academic Success team are running drop-in sessions for quick queries such as checking references or the structure of an assignment. There’s also a Speed Friending event taking place at The Hub, where making connections is quick, easy and fun.

Wednesday 22 January: Wellbeing Wednesday activities (Medway) and January Welcome Global Hangout

At The Hub it’s Wellbeing Wednesday with mindfulness activities, therapeutic crafts and practical advice for managing stress and boosting your mood.

Come along to Darwin Conference Suite for the January Welcome Global Hangout. Open to all students, join us to meet new friends from across the University (and maybe across the world!) with music, games, crafts, food and refreshments.

Thursday 23 January: Sip and Paint and common interview questions

Enjoy a Sip and Paint event at K Bar on Thursday afternoon. Whether you’re an experienced artist or just looking to try something new, this session is all about having fun and letting your creative side shine.

Find out about common interview questions, why they are asked and how to answer them at this in-person session at Medway campus.

Friday 24 January: Volunteering info session, LGBTQ+ friendly social and Lunar New Year crafts

Interested in volunteering? Join this online session to find out how volunteering can give you valuable skills and experience, as well as where to look for volunteering opportunities.

On Friday evening there’s an LGBTQ+ friendly social is DG-02 in Templeman Library with the ResLife Ambassadors Elyse and Taylor. However you identify, come and chat to others in your community in a safe space, with hot drinks, biscuits, board games and more.

Or next door in DG-01, you can join ResLife Ambassadors Aashvi and Nehi to celebrate Lunar New Year with creative crafts. Make your own window decorations, dragon puppets, lanterns, and more, while learning about the significance of these festive traditions.

See all student events.