Category Archives: Student opportunities

Double stamps on plant-based loyalty cards this Veganuary

This Veganuary, we’re giving you a little extra incentive to try something plant-based on campus. From 13 to 31 January, students and staff will earn two stamps on their plant-based loyalty cards every time they purchase a vegan meal at one of our restaurants, cafés, or bars.

Once you collect nine stamps, you’ll get a FREE plant-based meal at any of our participating locations. It’s an easy way to try something new, enjoy some tasty dishes, and get rewarded for it.

Where to Collect Your Stamps

You can use your plant-based loyalty card at any of these outlets:

• Gulbenkian Arts Centre Café
• Rutherford Dining Hall
• Mungo’s
• Dolche Vita
• K Bar
• Hut 8
• Sibson Café

Loyalty cards can be found at the till point when ordering.

What’s on the Menu?

There are plenty of plant-based options across campus to help you earn your stamps.

Here are some popular choices:

• Gulbenkian Café: Gulbenkian Plant-Based Breakfast
• Mungo’s: ‘The Plant-Based Frango’ Gourmet Burger
• Dolche Vita: Tofu Katsu Curry
• K Bar: Sticky BBQ Jackfruit Pizza
• Hut 8: Vegan Vegetable Supreme Pizza
• Sibson Café: Vegan ‘Cheese’ and Beans Jacket Potato

At Rutherford Dining Hall, students can enjoy a hot plant-based meal for just £3.50 (£4.20 for staff) every day during term time. Some great options include Malaysian Style Sweet Potato and Cashew Nut Curry, Vegan Sausage & Mash, and Quinoa Chilli.

Why Try It?

The plant-based loyalty scheme isn’t just for vegans – it’s for anyone who wants to explore more meat-free options. Whether you’re looking to reduce your meat consumption or just want to try something new, there’s something for everyone.

Pick up your loyalty card today, enjoy some plant-based meals, and earn double stamps this Veganuary!

Are you getting heard?

Student feedback is a powerful catalyst for driving positive change and ensuring that Kent remains a dynamic and relevant place to study, both now and in the future. It offers you the opportunity to shape your own university experience while helping Kent continually evolve to meet the needs of its students.

Your voice matters—whether it’s sharing your thoughts on course content, teaching methods, or the overall student experience.

Together, we can create a more vibrant and enriching environment. It’s your university—make sure your voice is heard and help drive the change you want to see.

Do you have a long commute to uni and need a place to stay?

If your daily commute to the university is taking a toll or you find yourself racing against the clock to meet deadlines, why not take the pressure off by staying on campus? Whether you’re facing an all-night study session, need a convenient place to crash after a late meeting or want more time to focus on your studies, we have the perfect solution for you.

We’re offering comfortable, single en-suite rooms in Keynes College for both staff and commuting students. These rooms are available for just £42.50 per night on a room-only basis (no breakfast included). This option lets you get a good night’s sleep and recharge for the day ahead, without the stress of early morning commutes.

Key Benefits to staying on campus

Extra study or work time

Need extra time to meet a tight deadline or work on important tasks? Staying on campus makes it easy for you to work without the added stress of commuting.

Convenience

Our en-suite rooms are fully equipped and provide a peaceful environment especially on days where you’re busy juggling multiple tasks. Don’t forget you can also make the most of your 10% discount at all of our catering outlets when you pay in full with your Kent One card.

Start your morning calmly

Why not start your busy day with a session at the Kent Sports Centre? Reduce any exam or work related stress by going to the gym or joining an All Active session with friends. Purchase a free Pay to Play membership.

More time with friends and colleagues

Being on campus for longer periods of time also gives you a chance to socialise with your friends and colleagues. You’ll have the opportunity to fully engage in the university community.

Save the commute and book your room only accommodation today!

E-Scooter Physical Activity Study launches on campus

In December 2024, Sport Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences researchers from the School of Natural Sciences will commence an exciting field study exploring the physical activity impact of e-scooter use. The study will continue throughout 2025.

Participants will be asked to ride an e-scooter around the Parkwood Estate as researchers collect data on activity levels and energy expenditure associated with this increasingly popular mode of transport. The study aims to build on previous laboratory-based research that addressed the question, “Are e-scooters active transport?”

This project is not affiliated with former or current e-scooter sharing schemes in Canterbury, and forms part of a broader PhD research project, funded by the university of Kent’s Future Human signature research theme. E-scooter sharing scheme trials are ongoing across parts of the UK, with government decisions on the future of shared e-scooter schemes due in 2026. We hope findings of this study will contribute to future national policy discussions around e-scooters, from a wider public health perspective.

This initiative highlights the university’s commitment to advancing our understanding of modern mobility solutions and their implications for physical activity and public health. Students and staff are encouraged to engage with the project throughout 2025.

For more information or to volunteer to participate, please contact a member of the research team in the School of Sport & Exercise Science;

Lead researcher: Chris Payne

PhD supervisors: Dr Katrina Taylor, 01227 816927 or Dr Sam Smith

Unirider bus pass: January – June

Single bus price cap increase

The Government’s £2 single bus ticket cap will increase to £3 from the start of 2025. This means single bus tickets will likely increase and be a maximum of £3. A Stagecoach single bus ticket from campus to Canterbury city centre will be £2.60.

Unirider bus pass

The Unirider 5 is a bus pass exclusively for University of Kent students that is effective from 13 January 2025 until 13 June 2025 (the rest of the UG academic year). The Unirider 5 will cost £157, which is the equivalent to about £1 per day for unlimited bus travel!

Students can save up to 75% with this bus pass as the public price would equate to £630.80 (calculated using the best value combination of tickets for that period of time – multiple of 28 day SE MegaRider Tickets). This ticket is valid throughout Kent and East Sussex on Stagecoach buses so you can explore the local area more widely.

The UniRider can only be purchased on the Stagecoach Mobile App and will be available from Friday 13 December 2024.

New Year Festive Dinner, 6 Jan

Meet up with fellow students and enjoy a 2-course meal to celebrate the New Year.

Global and Lifelong Learning would like to invite students to a traditional 2-course New Year’s Dinner on Monday 6 January 2025 (during the winter break), in Rutherford Dining Hall.

Dinner will be served between 18:00-19:30, alongside an evening of relaxed games and activities to follow. This is a great opportunity to meet with other students who may not have the gone ‘home’ for the winter break, and break the monotony of the winter holiday.

Dress code is casual, but feel free to dress up if you wish.

Cost: £6.50 per person.

Bookings close 10:00 on Friday 3 January 2025.

Please see below for the menu:

Booking details

Book Here for the New Year Festive Dinner

Gulbenkian is recruiting a Student Arts Committee

Meet new people, network with artists and industry professionals and find out what it’s like to be an ambassador, programmer and events organiser!

The Student Arts Committee will give students a central role in creating a vibrant student community at the heart of Gulbenkian, your Arts Centre on Campus.

What you’ll do:

Develop and run a programme of activities and/or performances for new and future students during Welcome Week and Open Days, with your own dedicated budget.
Support the efforts of other student organisations through our ‘Societies Wednesday’ programme
Select, support and promote affordable shows to other students on Campus

What you’ll get:

Networking opportunities with industry professionals and artists
1-2-1 support and mentoring to develop your career in the arts
Experience in programming and delivering arts events
A free Gulbenkian Membership + free ticket to specified shows

We are looking for students with different backgrounds, areas of study, interests and ideas to join our exciting committee!

The committee will meet twice a month in the Gulbenkian Arts Centre. Regular meeting days will be on a Wednesday afternoon, with additional opportunities to meet artists and industry professionals featured in the Gulbenkian Programme.

To apply, please just tell us a bit about yourself & what you’re studying, why you’re interested in joining the student committee, and hope to get out of the experience. Please email m.huet@kent.ac.uk by Monday 16th December at 10am.

Festive food and drink on our Canterbury campus

Enjoy festive food and drink across campus this Christmas! Whether you’re after a traditional Christmas lunch, a festive milkshake, or a seasonal toastie, there’s something for everyone. Gather your friends or treat yourself to something special – our cafés, bars, and restaurants are here to make your Christmas extra cheerful. Here’s what’s on offer this season!

Rutherford Dining Hall

Available 2-13 December, 12:00-14:00 (excluding weekends)

Two course Christmas lunch for £10.95:

Mains

Traditional Roast Turkey (gfa) – Roast turkey, crispy roast potatoes, pigs in blankets, stuffing balls, seasonal vegetables, and gravy.

Festive Nut Roast (ve) – Vegan nut roast, crispy roast potatoes, stuffing balls, seasonal vegetables, and gravy.

Dessert

Christmas Pudding (v) – Traditional Christmas pudding with brandy sauce.

Chocolate Orange Torte (ve) – Chocolatey biscuit base topped with rich chocolate orange truffle mousse.

Table decorations, crackers, and mince pies will be arranged for group bookings. To book a table please call the dining hall on 01227 823500 or email rutherforddining@kent.ac.uk

Dolche Vita

Available 2-18 December, 11:30-15:30

Two course Christmas lunch for £10.95:

Mains

Roast Chicken (gfa) – Roast chicken breast, crispy roast potatoes, pigs in blankets, stuffing balls, seasonal vegetables, and gravy. (halal option available)

Festive Nut Roast (ve) – Vegan nut roast, crispy roast potatoes, stuffing balls, seasonal vegetables, and gravy.

Dessert

Christmas Pudding (v) – Traditional Christmas pudding with cream.

Chocolate Orange Torte (ve) – Chocolatey biscuit base topped with rich chocolate orange truffle mousse.

Table decorations, crackers, and mince pies will be arranged for group bookings. Bookings must be made at least 48 hours in advance. To book a table, please email dolchevita@kent.ac.uk

Gulbenkian Café

Available 18 November – 19 December, 08:00-14:30 (excluding weekends)

Festive brunch specials:

Brie, Bacon & Cranberry Toastie (gfa) – Toasted white bloomer bread filled with creamy brie, local Brogdale bacon, and tangy cranberry sauce, served with a side of crisps.

Brie & Cranberry Toastie (v + gfa) – Toasted white bloomer bread filled with creamy brie and tangy cranberry sauce, served with a side of crisps.

Pigs in Blankets Mac & Cheese – Classic macaroni cheese made with Kentish cheese and festive pigs in blankets.

Mungo’s

Available 18 November – 13 December, 12:00-21:00

Festive milkshakes:

Gingerbread Milkshake – Made with cow’s milk or soya milk and topped with dairy free squirty cream.

Cinnamon Bun Milkshake – Made with cow’s milk or soya milk and topped with dairy free squirty cream.

Hut 8

Available 2-14 December, 12:00-22:00

Festive Feast Pizza (gfa) – Homemade pizza base topped with tomato and basil sauce, shredded chicken, pigs in blankets, stuffing balls, cheese, and a drizzle of cranberry sauce.

Available in 9, 12, or 15 inch.

K Bar

Available 25 November – 19 December, 12:00-midnight

Christmas cocktails:

Cherry Pie (ve) – Cherry rum, cherry liqueur, cherry syrup, cranberry juice, lime juice.

Raspberry & Coconut Candy Cane Martini (v) – Raspberry rum cream liqueur, vodka, coconut milk, raspberry syrup.

Salted Caramel Espresso Martini (v) – Espresso, coffee liqueur, Irish cream liqueur, salted caramel syrup, caramel sauce.

Festive Rum Punch (ve) – Pineapple rum, passionfruit rum, orange juice, pineapple juice, strawberry syrup.

Spiced Apple Fizz (ve + alcohol free) – Apple juice, soda, sugar syrup, cinnamon.

Festive Hot Drinks

Available 5 November – 19 December

Black Forest Hot Chocolate (v + gf) – Indulgent hot chocolate with milk and cherry syrup. Topped with whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

Gingerbread Latte (v + gf) – Our ‘Ambition’ espresso, gingerbread syrup, and steamed milk topped with whipped cream and ground cinnamon.

Available at Dolche Vita, Sibson Café, and Gulbenkian Café. Large size only. These drinks can be made with dairy or plant-based milk.

v = vegetarian | ve = vegan | gf = gluten free | gfa = gluten free available | hs – halal-sourced meat

Kent’s place in the community: civic mission event, 4 Dec

Universities should play a leading role in their communities and recent discussions about the sector have highlighted the importance of civic activity and the role of the sector in ensuring the health, wellbeing and prosperity of the local region.

To discuss how this looks at Kent – and what the plans are for the future – we are hosting an event on Wednesday 4 December at the Canterbury campus (Sibson building, between 18:00 and 20:30) asking “How can we make universities more beneficial to their communities”.

Institutions can maximise their regional impact, leading positive change by widening participation, supporting entrepreneurship, and collaborating and inspiring on joint projects with community partnerships.

The Secretary of State for Education has written to Higher Education Institutions setting out her headline priorities for reform of higher education – explaining that universities are expected to “play a greater civic role in their communities.”

The event will give key stakeholders in the region the opportunity to discuss what this could look like in Kent, and how businesses, community groups and the university can work together to deliver these ambitions.

After a welcome from Professor Shane Weller, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, and Innovation about our ongoing civic work – including examples of current projects – and strategy and goals for the next year, there will then be a short panel discussion. A range of speakers from the world of public engagement will discuss “How to make universities more beneficial to their communities, and what changes need to be made for them to be truly civic in their work”. This will be followed by a Q&A before drinks and networking bring the evening to an end.

Find out more about the event and if you are interested in attending please contact events@kent.ac.uk.

Will you be returning from overseas after the winter break?

Are you travelling overseas over the winter break? You can use our airport transfer service for your return to campus in the new year.

Our Airport Transfer Service will operate from London Heathrow airport on Thursday 9 January 2025. The service will meet students whose flights arrive between 06:00-15:30 and will travel to both the Canterbury and Medway campuses. The price is £45 per person.

Booking is now open and will close at 23:59 (UK time) on Monday 6 January 2025.

Find out more and book your place.