Category Archives: Student Guide

Emily Calder fights her way to the Taekwondo World Championships for a second year

Having registered for her course at the School of Sport & Exercise Science in September 2022, Emily didn’t take long to achieve sporting success and put the Kent Sports Scholarship Scheme on the international map.

Following on from the pandemic, Emily built on her fitness and mat time, to take on the IFT World Championships in Argentina in October 2022. After a few tense days in Argentina, watching her teammates compete, Emily took to the floor and competed in ‘patterns’. With an unfortunate loss, Emily worked with her team coach to channel her energy and focussed on her next round, ‘sparing’. Emily fought four gruelling, intense fights, finally facing off with an Argentinian opponent. Following the fight, Emily’s arm was raised into the air, in front of the whole stadium, as she won the gold medal and World Champion title for a second year!

Emily’s autumn success and 2022 honours did not end in Argentina, after topping the podium, Emily has added more gold to her collection at the ITFU British Championships winning both the Patterns and Sparring categories, securing her rank as #1 in the UK for the ITFU.

Read more about Emily’s journey and what she had to say about her World Championship success in our latest Kent Sports blog post.

Postgraduate Open Event, 1 April

Join us out our Postgraduate Open Event on Saturday 1 April, meet our staff and current students across our UK and European campuses.

What to expect at the Open Event:

Find out more about postgraduate study at Kent in Canterbury, Medway, Paris and Brussels.
Discover our multimillion-pound scholarship fund and other funding opportunities.
Learn more about our career focused programmes and work-placement options. As well as our conversion courses in psychology, business, economics, computer science, journalism, law, social and healthcare for those looking for a change of direction.
Meet and chat to our incredible academic and support staff as well as our current students.

Book your place today.

Events roundup 6-12 March

This week is jam-packed full of activities and events. It’s WorldFest, our student-led celebration of cultural diversity which includes the International Food Fair in the plaza at Canterbury campus, plus fun events like Holi, quizzes and film nights. See all WorldFest events.

Interested in a creative career? Whether you’re studying a creative subject or not, you’re welcome to join our Creative Careers Week events this week.

Monday: Global Hangout World Quiz, Pets as Therapy (Medway) and Alumna Talk

How much do you really know about the world? Come and test your knowledge at our World Quiz Global Hangout in the Gulbenkian.

Join us for Pets as Therapy at the Hub on Monday lunchtime to meet some cute pups!

Join this In Conversation with Beth Matthews event, a Kent alumna who has trained to be an Access Coordinator for High-End TV, a role that advocates for deaf, disabled and neurodivergent talent within the screen industry. Hear from Beth about her experiences and her advice for your next career steps. Read more about Beth and other Kent grads who are involved in Creative Careers Week.

Tuesday: Worldfest Fair (Medway), Canterbury Graduation Launch, Solidary with Kherson State University

On Tuesday we have the WorldFest Fair at the Hub, where you can try lots of cultural activities including African Drumming, Indian Painting as well as chat to different societies.

All final year students at Canterbury are invited to join our graduation launch on Tuesday. Come along to find out when you’ll be graduating and what to expect on the day, plus some fun activities and chance to win prizes.

In light of the anniversary of the war in Ukraine, on Tuesday afternoon you’re invited to join our online solidarity event with Kherson State University (KSU). Hear from Kherson colleagues about their book ‘Chronicles of a Displaced University’. Colleagues from Kent will then show their support and relay plans to collaborate further with KSU in the coming months.

Wednesday: Lead Kent voting (day 1), Diamond Orchard planting, Medway graduation launch, International Women’s Day and Exam Chambers

Book your place to help us plant 300 trees in our new Diamond Orchard at Canterbury campus. We need student volunteers to help us plant the trees, which will grow with our new undergraduates who will graduate in 2025 when we’re celebrating our Diamond Anniversary! Be part of this legacy.

Wednesday is day 1 of voting in the Kent Union student leadership elections. It’s time to decide who you want to represent you for the next academic year. You can also view all candidate information and place your vote online via the Kent Union website.

All final year students at Medway are invited to join our Medway graduation launch event on Tuesday. Find out when you’ll be graduating and what to expect on the day, plus some fun activities and giveaways.

Wednesday is also International Women’s Day. CEMS, NATS and the UKC Women’s Network have joined forces this year to celebrate International Women’s Day with a panel discussion on ‘Women in STEM: How far have we come? What obstacles still need to be overcome?’

Student Learning Advisory Service (SLAS) are offering Exam Chambers – simulated exam sessions to help ease any anxieties you may feel about sitting in-person exams. There are sessions at both Canterbury and Medway.

Thursday: Lead Kent voting day 2 and Digital Creatives Panel

Thursday is day 2 of voting in the Kent Union student leadership elections. It’s time to decide who you want to represent you for the next academic year. Head to the polling station at The Venue to cast your vote or ask any questions. You can also view all candidate information and place your vote online via the Kent Union website.

Join us for this Digital Creatives Panel to hear from a range of creative professionals including a digital marketeer, commercial photographer, web designer and professional podcaster! This event is both in-person (Keynes) and online.

Friday: Lead Kent Results Night and creative careers events

On Friday it’s the Lead Kent Results Night. Come to Venue to find out who your elected officers will be for next academic year and join the celebrations.

Want a career in a creative industry? Find out how to make an impact with your CV for creative roles. And if you’re graduating this year, you can also attend this online workshop to make your own graduation action plan.

Saturday: Holi

On Saturday you can join our Holi celebrations at Canterbury campus. Pull on a white t-shirt and come and join in the colour-throwing fun as Kent celebrates the Hindu spring festival!

See more student events.

Opportunities

Cost of Living Hardship Fund opens 6 March. Students facing financial hardship can apply for an award of £300.
Funding for 2023 Summer Schools – the funding helps with the costs of attending 4-week summer schools at one of our international partner universities.
Join the University Community Choir – new Spring and Summer dates added.

See more student opportunities.

Solidarity event with Kherson State University, 7 March

In light of the anniversary of the war in Ukraine, we invite you to join the University of Kent and Kherson State University (KSU) for a solidarity event on Tuesday 7 March at 16:00 UK time and 18.00 EET, via Teams.

In light of the anniversary of the war in Ukraine, the University of Kent will be holding a solidarity event in collaboration with Kherson State University.

During the event, KSU colleagues will show a presentation on their book, Chronicles of a Displaced University where they have gathered their thoughts and memories about a world in occupation and their new lives in Ivano-Frankivsk.

Colleagues from across the University of Kent will then show their support through a series of messages of support and relaying of plans to collaborate with KSU in the upcoming months. Kent is proud to support our twinning programme partner, Kherson State University as a wider UK effort to aid Ukrainian institutions affected by the war.

Please register to attend.

Events roundup 27 Feb – 5 March

This week (and throughout March), we have lots of events to support your wellbeing for Uni Mental Health Day.

Monday: Wellbeing Café, Oscars movie dance class and UV Games (Medway)

Our weekly Wellbeing Café is a space to connect with other students in a relaxed environment with a focus on promoting your wellbeing and mental health through activity.

Enjoy dancing? Bust out some moves at this Oscars movie magic dance class at the Venue. From Disney to Marvel, from Stage and screen to Classic movies from the past, dance along to movie soundtracks.

Try some UV Games at The Hub on Thursday evening, combining the classic sports of badminton and table tennis with a twist – all the action takes place under black lights!

Tuesday: Inspiring Women Week career’s events, Mindful colouring and yoga (Medway)

Join Residential Life Assistants Sarah and Ashutosh at the Oasis Lounge in Rochester Building for a hot drink, some mindful colouring and practising gratitude.

Try out Yoga for free at The Hub on Tuesday lunchtimes. This is a great way to de-stress and gently exercise.

This week is Career’s Inspiring Women Week and on Tuesday there are lots of events you can join including Improving your network, Giving Women The Fair Advantage: In Conversation with Code First Girls and Inspiring stories from people in Health and Care.

Wednesday: Mental health webinar, University Community Choir and Turkey-Syria earthquake support drop in

Join this mental health webinar discussing the importance of creating an open culture around mental health, building a good support network, and exploring the resources available to you and your peers. The webinar is hosted by Keith Walsh (Radio DJ, Writer & Presenter) featuring Lee Fellows (Head of Student Support and Wellbeing at Kent) and Dr Aman Kwatra (Chartered Psychologist).

Love to sing? Become a part of the University Community Choir! Create new connections within the University community and take a break from your work and study in a relaxed and uplifting environment.

If you’ve been affected by the Turkey-Syria earthquake and would like a space to talk about how you are feeling, please come along to Locke Building 13:00-14:00 for a friendly and supportive drop in with Student Support and Wellbeing Advisers, College and Community Life Officers and Kent Union staff.

Thursday: Wellbeing activities including therapy dogs!

On Thursday we have lots of activities to boost your wellbeing. Head to Nexus in Templeman Library to see some cute therapy dogs, try some mindful colouring and even pick up a small succulent plant (until they run out!)

There’s also a free lunchtime journalling for wellbeing workshop. Find out how journaling can help support your mental health and your studies, with Ali McDowell, Co-Founder of The Positive Planner.

And on Thursday evening join us in Waterstones Canterbury for a mindfulness book talk, live music, and a 15% discount on all books!

See more student events.

Student opportunities

Did you come to Kent via Clearing? Would you be willing to share your experience? You can earn credit on your KentOne card for taking part.
Looking to improve your Excel skills? Apply for 1 of 5,000 places on ‘Santander Scholarships Skills: Excel for All’, a free, flexible, online programme delivered by Udemy.
See cost of living support including emergency funding and access to food.

See more student opportunities.

Cost of Living Hardship Fund opens 6 March

To help support students facing hardship as a result of the increased cost of living, the UK Government has provided additional funding of £15m to English universities. Of that, the University of Kent has been allocated £126k, which must be awarded to students by 31 July 2023, to add to existing hardship funds.

We have created a Cost of Living Hardship Fund to release these funds to Kent students. The fund can be used to help with rent or any other increased living costs due to the cost of living crisis. The Cost of Living Hardship Fund will open on 6 March 2023.

Students who are facing financial hardship due to the increased cost of living are invited to apply for an individual award of £300 to help with any increased living costs. Priority will be given to students who have not been awarded other hardship funds. However, if you have previously received a hardship fund but are still in financial need please apply as your application will still be considered.

The Cost of Living Hardship Fund will open on 6 March 2023. We encourage you to read the guidance on how to apply in advance so you can apply quickly once the Cost of Living Hardship Fund opens on 6 March. Once we reach the application threshold, we will close the fund so we can begin processing applications.

£3 meal deal at Medway campus

To help with the rising cost of living, the Deep End at The Hub are offering a £3 meal deal during term time so you can get tasty food at a great price.

Plus, you can help yourself to free porridge, tea and coffee for breakfast in the Oasis Lounge in Rochester Building.

More support with cost of living

You can see all the financial support available to students on our Cost of Living Support webpages.

And please remember, if you are struggling financially, get in touch for support.

Strikes postponed this week and next

From Professor Richard Reece | DVC Education & Student Experience

Late on Friday night UCU announced that all strike days this week and the one after have been postponed. This means that, unless informed otherwise, your lectures and classes for the next fortnight will go ahead as planned.

We’re really pleased to see this step by UCU, which has been done to support the progress of the national negotiations happening throughout. This isn’t necessarily the end of the current dispute, but it is the sincere hope of all parties that this pause will give national bodies the space to reach a long-standing deal that avoids further action.

As it stands, if no agreement is reached the next strike day will be Thursday 16 March. UCU are also reballoting their members so that they keep a number of options open if talks break down. However, this postponement is a positive sign and we urge all parties in the negotiations to use it to reach common ground.

I will be in touch again when we have a clearer picture of what the weeks ahead will look like. In the meantime, I am glad you will have a few weeks of normality after so much disruption and thank you again for your patience with this throughout. Do also remember to submit any claims for expenses you may have incurred during the earlier strike days by 31 May.

Annual DICE Lecture 2022/2023 – 9 March 2023

We are delighted to announce that this year’s DICE Lecture will be given by Professor Dave Goulson, on ‘Silent Earth: averting the insect apocalypse.’

Professor Dave Goulson is a world expert on insect ecology and conservation, with a particular focus on bumblebees and other insects. His work also looks at understanding pollination in general and sustainable management of pollinators in agricultural ecosystems.

He is currently working as a Professor of Biology at the University of Sussex and has published more than 300 scientific articles and several popular science books. Among his most celebrated books are the Sunday Times bestseller “A Sting in the Tale” in 2010 and “Silent Earth” in 2021.

This year’s lecture is open to everyone and will take place on Thursday March 9 from 18:00 to 19:30 in Keynes Lecture Theatre 1 on the Canterbury campus. The lecture will be followed by a book signing featuring Dave’s latest book the “Silent Earth” and some of his previous work.

For more information on accessing the lecture online, please visit our Facebook site.

Did you come to Kent via Clearing? Would you be willing to share your experience?

The University is looking to create new content with students who came to Kent via Clearing. This can be video content, written profiles or social posts for use on Kent’s channels.

If you came to Kent through Clearing and would like to tell your story, to help others in a similar position this year, then please contact Sam Charman – Digital Content Officer at s.t.charman@kent.ac.uk for more information.

Students will be able to earn credit on their KentOne card for taking part.