Considering staying on for a Master’s after graduation?
Did you know there are lots of benefits for Kent students who decide to progress to postgrad study at Kent?
Find out more about scholarships, funding, information events and further opportunities at our Postgraduate Open Event on 20 November in Sibson Building. Let us help you reach your full potential.
You’ve got what it takes. Take the next step.
This event is for potential postgraduate students and their supporters.
Kent took home the “Benefitting Society” Award at the Green Gown Awards last night in recognition of our work as the world’s first Right to Food University.
The Right to Food civic mission sees Kent, in partnership with the Food Foundation, use our academic experts, catering and sustainability teams to bring about change in the food system as well as working with our students, staff and wider local community to tackle food inequality and insecurity.
Now in their 20th year, the awards recognise outstanding and exceptional sustainability initiatives being undertaken in the post-16 education sector across the UK and Ireland – with 133 projects from 83 institutions shortlisted this year. This award recognises the powerful and innovative ways that education institutions are realising their purpose in society to benefit the lives of individuals, communities and wider society.
Singling out Kent in this category, the judges said that the Right to Food is: ‘A very well thought out and planned programme, addressing a critical societal issue at present. The judges felt that this stood out as being innovative and having a significant benefit to society. Right to Food standard has developed as a blueprint for other universities. Students can benefit in a variety of ways by engaging on the project. This is something we could all do and should all be doing.’
As well as leading the way, we will support other universities in their commitment to the Right to Food by sharing the knowledge and expertise gained and rolling out a blueprint so that other institutions can embark on their own Right to Food journey.
On winning the award, Professor Georgina Randsley de Moura, Interim Vice-Chancellor and President said: ‘We are extremely proud to win this award and excited that our Right to Food project has been recognised in this way. The University of Kent works as a community, collaborating with partners for positive change and our mission on Right to Food is integral to our ethos, woven through pedagogy and civic work. This award will accelerate the impact on the creation of healthier, more environmentally sustainable, and democratically accountable societies.’
Professor Iain Wilkinson, Right to Food Lead, said: ‘The Right to Food work at Kent is key in supporting our role in ensuring the health, wellbeing and prosperity of the county and the region, as well as wider society. It challenges and inspires us to create a world where everyone has the right to healthy and affordable food. This award recognises what we have done so far and helps pave the way for the next steps.’
As well as leading the way, we will support other universities in their commitment to the Right to Food by sharing the knowledge and expertise gained and rolling out a blueprint so that other institutions can embark on their own Right to Food journey.
Find out more about what the Right to Food is, what we’ve achieved so far and how you can get involved.
The Cultural Events Fund is now open for applications for student-led events!
If you have an idea for a cultural event, or want to develop your leadership and planning skills, why not turn your event into a reality?
Funded by Global and Lifelong Learning, the Fund offers University of Kent students the chance to apply for a financial award of up to £200 to help run a multicultural event.
Previous events supported by the fund include the Kent Students’ Union Cultural Showcase, Cultural Food Festival, Diwali, Lunar New Year, Thanksgiving, Kent African Summit, Newroz, Holi, an African Evening Gala, a Discover Islam event, a Japanese Cultural Festival and a Thai Festival.
Your event can be anything you like, as long as it aims to benefit as wide a part of the University community as possible.
To apply, simply visit the Cultural Events Fund website to complete the online application form. You’ll need to explain in the form how the event or activity will foster multicultural learning and community building within the University, as well as how you plan to measure the success of the event.
Once we receive your completed application, we will aim to get back to you within a week to let you know if you have been successful. If you have any questions, you can email DeanGlobalLifeLong@kent.ac.uk, including the subject line ‘Cultural Events Fund’.
All students enrolled at the University are eligible, but applications must be submitted at least six weeks in advance of the event; the fund cannot reimburse events that have already taken place.
Why not apply to the Fund and turn your event idea into a reality? Visit the Cultural Events Fund page for further details.
Complete the University’s Travel Plan Survey by midnight on Friday 22 November for the chance to win £100 Amazon voucher.
The Travel Plan Survey is essential to enable us to report the carbon emission data as well as gathering your feedback so we can work to improve your travel experience.
The survey only takes 5-10 minutes to complete.
Complete the Travel Plan Survey now or use the QR code below. If scanning the QR code on mobile, you will need to select ‘continue to browser’.
Find out what’s on this week including careers events, the start of Disability History Month and an opportunity to ask your questions to the Vice-Chancellor.
Feeling disorganised? Join this online Study Plus workshop on time management essentials. Learn how to identify and prioritise your most important tasks, time management techniques and more.
At Medway campus there’s a games afternoon you can join at The Hub.
Good negotiation skills are important in both your work life and home life. PGT students are invited to join this two-hour workshop where you can explore effective negotiation techniques and theory through a series of practical exercises.
As part of the University’s Right to Food initiative, on Tuesday you can pick up some fresh fruit for free from Templeman Library! And while you’re there you can check out the new Right to Food exhibition which sheds a light on key issues related to food justice, health and sustainability.
Find out more about our mentoring scheme which connects you with a Career Mentor from our global alumni community. Learn about the benefits of mentoring, choosing the right mentor and making the most out of the mentoring relationship.
At Medway campus you can join a session about utilising LinkedIn for the application process, including job searching, commercial awareness and interview preparation.
Improve your essay writing skills with an advanced essay writing skills workshop from the Skills for Academic Success Team. This workshop will include techniques to help you make the effective transition from beginner to advance essay writer. The workshop is taking place at both Canterbury and Medway campuses.
Enjoy a free lunchtime concert from Cellist William Jack in the Colyer-Fergusson on Wednesday. William is best known for incorporating his jazz guitar background into an unconventional style of cello playing, with a passion for breaking boundaries between genres and cultures.
Do you have a question for the Vice-Chancellor? This is your opportunity to put questions to the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Georgina Randlsey de Moura in the Gulbenkian Cinema. Your Kent Students’ Union president Lulu Collins will ask your questions. You can submit a question in advance.
Get help with CVs and cover letters at this session in Medway. Critique an example CV and cover letter and reflect on your individual next steps for updating your CV and cover letter.
Come and meet your EP team who will explain what the Employability Points scheme is and how it benefits you during your studies at Kent. Find out more about how the scheme works, claiming Employability Points and when you will be able to apply for rewards.
On Thursday evening at The Deep End you can join the LGBTQ+ Society and Debate Society for comedy open mic night!
For many people speaking in meetings, in public and in 1:1s can be one of the most nerve-wracking aspects of work. But it’s also one of the most necessary. This building confidence for speaking and presenting in the workplace online session gets the attendees talking, with practical exercises and tips on how to structure how to speak to build teams and get things done.
If you are considering postgrad study, join this online session about how to write a postgraduate personal statement. Explore differences between a PG and UG application, look at examples of application requirements and find out top tips for how to structure your personal statement.
If you live on campus and want to get creative, try one of the ResLife events including friendship bracelet making, a nail tech night or a calligraphy session.
From Kents Students’ Union (KSU)
We’re working on developing a new strategy (check out our current Strategy here) and need your input to make sure we’re delivering the best service possible for our students!
We’re also going to be working on a new look as part of a rebrand, so want to know how the KSU brand makes you feel. Finally, we are collecting some information about how we can best work with the university to support you in your journey as a Kent student!
By completing the survey, you can also enter to win one of these amazing prizes!
The survey will close at 10:00 on Friday 15 November 2024.
Brighter Futures Grants are back! That means 10 students will have the chance to win
£1,000 each.
The funds can be spent on rent, bills, or study resources you need for university work. This is just the latest in a series of initiatives run by our partner Santander, helping students to take studies to the next level and break down barriers.
All of our students are eligible to enter, including undergraduates, postgraduates, part-time and full-time students.
You also don’t need to bank with Santander to get involved. Spread the word, share with your friends, coursemates and housemates.
Entering is quick and easy:
1. If you haven’t already, register for Santander Open Academy – a free online learning platform
2. Follow the verification link in your confirmation email
3. Log in and choose ‘Get Started’ to complete your entry into the Brighter Futures Grants programme. From the menu you need to select University of Kent.
4. Get your entries submitted by 23:00 on 5 December 2024.
What are you waiting for? Enter by 5 December 2024 for your chance to win.
Find out what’s on this week including workshops to improve your confidence, money management and essay writing skills.
Prepare for Thursday’s Kent Law Fair by attending this online session which will cover the benefits of attending, tips and how to follow up with new contacts.
Do you wish you were more confident? Join this Study Plus workshop all around confidence, courage and self-belief. Learn techniques to build a positive internal monologue and tap into your courage to build you confidence.
Join this online managing your money workshop to learn about the realities of a starting salary, how to set a budget, understanding money and more.
If you’ve been diagnosed with ADHD (or awaiting assessment), you’re welcome to join the Social Running for ADHD group. All you need is a pair of trainers and a sense of humour. All abilities welcome.
It’s US Election time! You can join experts for a discussion and Q&A session on the US presidential election, brought to you by the School of Politics and International Relations, School of History and UKC History Society. And then later, you can watch the news coverage and early results of the American election with students and staff in Keynes.
Following Black History Month, there’s an opportunity to explore Black history in the University’s archives and book collections. You will learn archive research techniques and your discoveries will be added to our list of sources supporting the study of Black history in the archive collections. There will also be some free pizza!
Could your essays be improved? Join this workshop about the structure and content of a good introduction and conclusion at Canterbury and Medway and find out why it can be helpful to write your introduction last.
There’s also lots of ResLife events on Wednesday including a trip to the local bouldering centre, slime making and a cosy movie night.
Interested in a career in law? Visit the Kent Law Fair on Thursday in Colyer-Fergusson Concert Hall. There will be over 28 stands including law firms, chambers and other legal organisations.
Learn how to answer interview questions at Medway, including common interview questions and types of questions and their purpose.
At The Hub you can join a Crafternoon to paint your own tote bag!.
Interested in volunteering? Join this session to find out how volunteering can give you valuable skills and experience and where to look for volunteering opportunities.
ResLife Ambassadors May and Taylor are hosting an LGBTQ+ friendly social in DG01-02 in the library with hot drinks, biscuits, board games, colouring, Nintendo Switch and more. However you identify, come and chat to others in your community in our safe space in the library.
The Home Office is replacing physical immigration documents with an eVisa. All Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) are due to expire at the end of 2024. If you are heading home over the winter break, it’s important you have created a UKVI account to access your eVisa before you travel, so you can return to the UK for the rest of your studies without issues at the UK Border.
What do Biometric Resident Permit (BRP) holders need to do?
If you have a BRP you need to create a UKVI account to access an eVisa.
If you hold a BRP that expires on 31 December 2024 and have immigration permission to be in the UK beyond this date, you should follow the instructions on this Home Office page to create a UKVI account now.
Creating a UKVI account is free and straightforward. Once you have created your UKVI account, you should update your account with any new passport or contact details.
Who is affected by this change?
Everyone that uses a BRP who does not already have an eVisa is affected by this change, as all BRPs are due to expire at the end of 2024. Please note, this means the card will expire – not your immigration permission. However, you need the eVisa to evidence your continued right to be in the UK.
What if students already have a UKVI account and an eVisa as well as a BRP?
If you already have a BRP as well as an eVisa, then you do not need to do anything else. Students who already have an eVisa should ensure that their UKVI account is kept up to date with their latest contact information and any passport which they intend to travel with.
What happens if students do not create an account to access their eVisa?
BRP holders should take steps to create a UKVI account and access their eVisa before it expires to prevent any unnecessary delays in proving their rights. Students with expired BRPs may not be able to use them to travel internationally.
Further support
Further information, including details of the eVisa support available, can be found at www.gov.uk/evisa.
Kent Students’ Union Advisers are trained to give immigration advice to Kent students, so can help support you with this process. See the KSU Advice Service website to learn more.
If you have a product that would make the perfect gift, get in touch with us now. Discovery Park in Sandwich is a thriving business park and home to over 3,000 residents! Here’s an opportunity to join their annual indoor Christmas Market and showcase your business.
Join us for a festive celebration at the Discovery Park Christmas Market!
Date: Wednesday, 4 December 2024
Time: 11:00 – 14:00 (including travel time – transport from/to campus provided)
Location: The Gateway, Discovery Park, Sandwich
This is your chance to showcase your business! Are you a keen creator of any of the following or similar products?
We want to showcase your talents! We’re calling on all companies and individuals with products to sell at our Christmas Market. Don’t miss this opportunity to share your craft with our community.
To reserve your free stall, email: ASPIRE@kent.ac.uk
Be sure to reserve your stall by Friday 15 November.
Learn more about how ASPIRE can help your business.
Let’s make this Christmas season extra special together.