Category Archives: Student Guide

Black Student Voices Summit on 7 Nov

One year on from the launch of the Kent Union project – Black Student Voices, Kent Union are hosting a summit to present the findings of the researchers and also celebrate the black community on our campus.

Students and staff are invited to join us for a full day of community building, learning and fun. The packed agenda includes guest speakers, talks from Living Black at Kent and The Race Equality Charter as well as a food tasting lunch and the opportunity to take part in some of our ever popular ‘Give it a Go’ events.

The Summit will take place on 7 November in the Venue (Canterbury campus) from 9:00. Check out the full agenda and reserve your free space on the Kent Union website.

Student Art Pass – a year of art + opportunities for £10

A Student Art Pass lets you dive into culture on a budget with free entry to hundreds of museums and galleries across the UK, and 50% off major exhibitions.

Plus, you’ll gain access to paid arts opportunities and grow your network by joining the #WeAreArtful @StudentArtPass community. All for just £10 a year.

Available for a limited time. Get your £10 pass today!

Student photoshoot – represent Kent and earn on campus

Share your story and your uni experience, and be part of representing Kent for the class of ’24 and the future.

Looking for a paid work opportunity on campus? We’re doing student photoshoots at the start of November, and we’d like to feature a group of students that truly represents our Kent Community. The images will be used on the website, printed material, emails, banners etc to promote Kent at a top brand level.

What would you need to do?

You’ll be needed for an hourly paid photoshoot on some of Thursday 2nd November and Friday 3rd November at the Canterbury Campus. This would be one day in a studio in Jennison, and one day in different locations around campus – we’d set up exact call up times according to your availability, so it’s okay if you’re not available for the entire day.

What do you get in return?

You’ll be paid £10.42 per hour, and contribute to portraying the diversity of the student body to inspire future students to join our community.

Interested?

There are limited places, so to secure a spot email Hannah at h.ost@kent.ac.uk and send a picture of yourself with the subject line: November Photoshoot, and the times you’d be available.

You can now log in directly to The Hub website

Kent students can now login directly to The Hub website! You can login using your usual Kent account, which saves you needing another account to access the Hub website.

You need to log in to buy memberships to clubs and societies, sign up for activities, and buy tickets.

To login in to The Hub website with your university account, it’s very simple:

1. Visit thehubmedway.co.uk/login
2. In the section with the University of Kent logo, press the button labelled Login with your Kent University Username:

3. You’ll be taken to a page on the University of Kent system to verify your account and show you what data we collect.
4. Confirm, and then you’ll be logged in.

You’ll only need to verify your account once, and you can have your data erased at any time by contacting sucompliance@gre.ac.uk.

If you already have a Guest Account with us, email us at thehubmedway@gre.ac.uk to transfer any purchases (e.g., memberships) to your University login.

About The Hub
Greenwich Students’ Union runs the Hub on behalf of Kent Union and Christ Church Students’ Union. To see Greenwich Students’ Union Privacy information, visit greenwichsu.co.uk/privacy.

ADHD Awareness Month: October 2023

What is ADHD?

ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects both children and adults. According to figures from ADHD UK, it is estimated that roughly 5% of the world’s population have ADHD. This condition is often noticed in early childhood, but in some cases, it may not be diagnosed until adulthood.

October is recognised globally as ADHD Awareness Month. This is a time for individuals, health professionals, and organizations to come together to raise awareness about ADHD, dispel myths, and share resources for those living with this condition.

ADHD Symptoms in Adults

In adults, ADHD can lead to a variety of difficulties. These include problems with focusing and completing tasks, organization and time management, coping with stress, and feelings of restlessness or impulsivity. Each individual’s experience with ADHD is unique, and the severity and combination of symptoms can vary widely.

Getting Diagnosed with ADHD

If you think you may have ADHD, it’s important to seek professional help. A good first step is to register with Student Support and Wellbeing, where you can make an appointment with an SpLD (Specific Learning Differences) Adviser and discuss your symptoms. Based on your discussion, your Adviser may encourage you to contact your GP or may refer you for a diagnostic assessment.

Video: Anna’s experience of ADHD

Music and Audio Tech lecturer Anna Neale Widdison talks about being diagnosed with ADHD later in life, and describes some of the challenges and opportunities that she has experienced in her working and family life.

Positives of ADHD

Although ADHD can present a variety of challenges for individuals who have it, it’s important to note that ADHD also has some potential positive aspects – unique strengths and abilities such as these:

Creativity: Some individuals with ADHD are known for their creativity and innovative thinking. They often have a unique perspective on problems and can generate creative solutions.
Hyperfocus: While ADHD is characterized by difficulties in sustaining attention, some individuals with ADHD can experience “hyperfocus” on tasks or activities that deeply interest them. During these periods, they can be highly productive and focused.
Energy and Enthusiasm: People with ADHD can bring a lot of energy and enthusiasm to projects and activities they are passionate about. Their enthusiasm can be infectious and motivate others.
Out-of-the-Box Thinking: ADHD individuals often think outside the box and can make connections between seemingly unrelated ideas, which can be valuable in problem-solving and innovation.
Resilience: Many people with ADHD develop resilience as they face and overcome the challenges associated with the disorder. This resilience can serve them well in various aspects of life.
High Energy Levels: Individuals with ADHD often have high levels of physical and mental energy, which can be an asset in activities that require endurance or rapid decision-making.
Spontaneity: ADHD individuals can be spontaneous and adventurous, which can lead to exciting experiences and a willingness to take risks.
Empathy: Some people with ADHD are highly empathetic and sensitive to the emotions of others, which can make them excellent listeners and supportive friends.
Multitasking: While ADHD can make it difficult to focus on one task at a time, some individuals with ADHD excel at multitasking and managing multiple responsibilities simultaneously.

It’s important to recognize that not everyone with ADHD will possess these positive attributes, and the impact of ADHD can vary widely among individuals. Additionally, these strengths can come with their own set of challenges, and individuals with ADHD may need support and strategies to harness these positive aspects effectively while managing the difficulties associated with the disorder.

More Information and Support for ADHD at Kent

Whether or not you have a diagnosis, our expert staff at Student Support and Wellbeing can provide support for students with specific learning differences such as ADHD. The types of support you can access include:

Support from your SpLD Adviser throughout your course through online or in-person meetings.
An Inclusive Learning Plan (ILP) to set out reasonable adjustments to courses and assessments.
Access to assistive software on and off campus.
Study skills support, and specialist mentoring if you’ve got ADHD.
Help applying for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA).

If you think you might be affected, get in touch so we can help you thrive in your studies!

Events roundup: 16-22 October

Black History Month (BHM) and EmpFest events continue this week. Don’t miss the annual Careers Fair on Tuesday!

Monday 16 October: Israel Gaza conflict support drop-in and yoga

Student Support and Wellbeing (SSW) are running a support session for students affected by the Israel Gaza conflict from 13:00-14:00 on Monday. This is a drop-in session taking place upstairs in Locke Building near the Coop, staffed by a mental health adviser and counsellor from SSW. All students are welcome.

At the Hub, Medway, you can join a free lunchtime yoga session as part of Medway Move. Or try out social badminton in the evening. All skill levels welcome.

Tuesday 17 October: Careers Fair and BHM student-led events

The Careers Fair is back to being face-to-face this year. Open to all Kent students, the Careers Fair is a great opportunity to meet employers and discover potential career paths. Drop into the Careers Fair between 10:00-15:00 in Colyer-Fergusson Concert Hall, Canterbury campus.

On Tuesday there are a couple of student-led events for Black History Month. Firstly, the African Caribbean Society (ACS) and Kent Cheer are holding an Afrobeats and Brunch event in Woody’s, with authentic African and Caribbean inspired dishes and cocktails on offer.

Later, the Music Society and ACS at Medway are collaborating to bring you a night of Black Artists throughout the decades at The Deep End.

Wednesday 18 October: LinkedIn headshots (Medway), Empowering Tomorrow AI conference and Black History Month inspirational talk

Need a professional headshot for LinkedIn? Photographer Matt Cook is offering free headshots on the Medway campus between 10:00-16:00 in Gillingham Building.

On Wednesday afternoon you’re invited to the ‘Empowering Tomorrow: Unleashing Creativity through Generative AI’ Conference hosted by Kent Business School and Amazon Web Services. The event is taking place in Sibson and includes talks, panel discussions and networking drinks. Plus, you get a free bag of Amazon swag. Find out more and book your free place.

As part of Black History Month, come along to History with a Flex, an inspirational talk with Pauline Campbell in Chipperfield Lecture Theatre, Canterbury. Pauline is a British writer and senior lawyer raised in London after her parents crossed thousands of miles to live in Britain, leaving the warm shores of the Caribbean behind. She is currently the legal adviser to the Windrush Reach Project. West Indian food and refreshments will be provided.

Struggling to fit everything in and finding it stressful? Assistive technology could be a game changer for you! Come along on Wednesday to a demo and discussion of assistive technology apps such as Brain Hand, Spectrum Life and Togetherall, which can help you manage your time and improve your wellbeing. Book online for this practical workshop on the Canterbury campus, and bring a phone or tablet or laptop which you might use to access this software in future.

Thursday 19 October: EmpFest events and Poverty, Policy and the Right to Food open lecture

EmpFest events continue all week. On Thursday, you can join an online session on how to find a part-time job and if you’re in your final year, come along to the CV/LinkedIn drop-in session in Keynes for Finalists to help you secure that all important first role once you graduate.

On Thursday evening you’re invited to our Annual Civic Lecture on Poverty, Policy and the Right to Food. Speakers include Anna Taylor, Executive Director of the Food Foundation and Professor Jan Pahl and Martin Vye, authors of the report on ‘Poverty in Canterbury Today’. They will explore how we can move to creating a food system that delivers access to healthy, sustainable and affordable food for all. After the presentations there will be time for questions and discussion about policies to reduce poverty. Refreshments will be provided.

Friday 20 October: Managing stress workshop

Want to know how to manage stress when you have a heavy workload? This 90-minute online workshop looks at what stress is and explores some of the benefits as well as the negative impacts of stress. Most importantly this workshop will provide you with practical tools you can implement to manage stress.

Saturday 21 October: Nature walk to Blean Woods

Join the ResLife Ambassadors for a nature ramble in beautiful nearby Blean woods. The walk will take about an hour and a half and there are animals to see along the way including alpacas, sheep, goats and horses. Meet new friends as you walk along the tranquil woodland tracks and have a chat with our ambassadors and let them how you’re doing and what activities you would like them to organise.

Sunday 22 October: Board games, puzzles and colouring

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon of board games, puzzles and colouring with the ResLife Ambassadors in Keynes. They have a wide range of board games available for you to play.

See more student events.

Opportunities

Have your say in the WhatUni reviews and you could win a £200 voucher.
Shape wellbeing at Kent – register your interest in our Wellbeing Student Advisory Board 23/24.
Our Gender Affirmation Fund opens Monday 16 October.
Consider joining the University Community Choir who meet each Wednesday lunchtime. There are no auditions and no need to be able to read music.
Sign up for the free Destination Success Bootcamp, 17-19 November. It’s a 3-day intensive training programme to help you map out your journey to success and build confidence in your abilities.

See more student opportunities.

Free Destination Success Bootcamp, 17-19 November

Our Careers and Employability Service are running the ‘Destination Success Bootcamp‘ 17-19 November. This is a 3-day intensive training programme with the purpose of helping you map out your journey to success and build confidence in your abilities. This programme is suitable to those across all years, including recent graduates.

This programme will be delivered face to face on the Canterbury Campus (Friday 17 November 12:00-16:00, Saturday 18 November 12:00-18:00 and Sunday 19 November 12:00-18:00. Each day will start at 12:00, allowing time for those traveling from Medway. You need to attend every day in order to gain a place on the programme.

The programme will focus on:

Understanding you – This module aids self-reflection so you can better understand how you work, this will include completing a personality profile, exploring your personal values, your strengths and development areas, imposter syndrome and the power of positivity, finishing with looking at what you want to get out of life.
Navigating you – This module with focus on how to nurture and build good relationships, focusing on team dynamics, exploring learning styles and rules of teamwork, having challenging conversations and how to communicate in the workplace.
Universal Life Hacks – This final module will give you a toolbox of ideas to hit the ground running, including decision making, planning, prioritising and delegating, mapping your skills and looking at whether you would employ yourself.

Find out more and book your place.

If you have any queries, please email studyplus@kent.ac.uk

Join the University Community Choir

Do you enjoy singing? Join our friendly University Community Choir! The choir is made up of students and staff at Kent.

It’s free to join, there are no auditions and there’s no need to be able to read music.

Come along to meet others or bring a friend.

Upcoming dates for Autumn Term

The University Community Choir meet every Wednesday during term-time, 13:00-14:00. See dates below for the location:

18 October 2023	13:00-14:00	Grimond Lecture Theatre 3
25 October 2023	13:00-14:00	Colyer Fergusson Hall
1 November 2023	13:00-14:00	Colyer-Fergusson Hall
8 November 2023	13:00-14:00	Grimond Lecture Theatre 3
15 November 2023	13:00-14:00	Colyer-Fergusson Hall
22 November 2023	13:00-14:00	Colyer-Fergusson Hall
29 November 2023	13:00-14:00	Colyer-Fergusson Hall
6 December 2023	13:00-14:00	Grimond Lecture Theatre 3
13 December 2023	13:00-14:00	Grimond Lecture Theatre 3

To find out more, email Mita mm595@kent.ac.uk.

Have your say and you could win £200! WhatUni reviews

We’re really excited to take part in this year’s WhatUni Student Choice Awards (WUSCA).

The WUSCAS are compiled from the reviews which students like you leave on WhatUni, and rank institutions according to the things that students really care about – student support, campus facilities, lecturers and teaching quality, and so on.

WhatUni is the UK’s largest source of independent, real, honest student reviews – reviews which have a number of benefits:

They give students like you a really important voice and platform to share your views
They help prospective students make crucial decisions on what and where to study
They allow us to find out what you really think, so we can make improvements to our offering.
They could win you a £200 voucher as part of the weekly draw for taking part.

We’d really love you to participate in the review collection and give University of Kent a review! It will only take a few minutes of your time.

Review Kent now

Campus Shuttle updates: increased capacity and journeys

Following student feedback, we are pleased to announce that we are increasing the capacity of the Campus Shuttle between Medway and Canterbury and adding some more journeys into the timetable.

The new timetable will come into effect on Monday 16 October and will be available on the Campus Shuttle webpages shortly.

Capacity

The 34-seater coach will be replaced by a 53-seater coach for some peak travel times:

07:35, 16:15 and 18:15 service from Canterbury and
09:00 and 17:15 service from Medway

New services

We are introducing new evening services to support social activities and Kent Union events on Wednesdays.

On Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday:

21:30 service from Canterbury
22:00 service from Medway

Wednesday

21:30, 23:59 service from Canterbury
22:00, 01:00 service from Medway

About the Campus Shuttle

The Campus Shuttle is a free coach service between Canterbury and Medway, exclusive for University of Kent students and staff.

13 October update: Campus Shuttle bookings

The majority of existing Campus Shuttle bookings have been transferred over to the new timetable announced yesterday, but due to a technical issue some of the bookings have not. Please check your bookings list and if you’re missing a booking, you’ll need to rebook. We apologise for the inconvenience.