Category Archives: Student opportunities

Tennis Open Day

Kent Sport Community Tennis Open Day, 27 August

On Sunday 27 Aug 2023, we are opening our doors to everyone at the Kent Sports Community Tennis Open Days.

Located within the Kent Indoor Tennis and Events Arena at the Pavilion outdoor facilities, all students, staff, and members of the public are welcome to book a free 45-minute session with our Law Tennis Association (LTA) qualified coaching team. On the day, you’ll be able to experience the fantastic indoor courts, play on the acrylic surfaces, and chat with our experienced staff, including LTA Level 5 coach Nick Skelton and the coaching team.

Bookable slots start at 10:00 for adult and Youth Start sessions, plus there are multiple junior and children’s sessions on each Open Day, so there’s plenty of opportunity for you or your children to get involved.

Spaces on our tennis Open Days are limited so make sure you book early to avoid disappointment. Book your free space at kent.ac.uk/sports/tennis.

Global Officers

Apply now to become a Global Officer

Apply for the GOLD Programme. Applications are now open!

Are you looking to add value to your degree, develop your leadership skills and gain practical experience that stands out to future global employers? Look no further than the Global Officers’ Leadership Development (GOLD) Programme!

Join other like-minded students to make a positive impact on campus and enhance your global skills. As a Global Officer, you’ll work closely with the Dean & Director of Global and Lifelong Learning and other university staff to organise, develop and support globally-minded activities throughout the year.

But don’t just take our word for it! Here’s what previous Global Officers have to say about their experience:

“The GOLD Programme was one of the best things that happened to me at university. I can only encourage participation in this splendid and unique opportunity! Personally, I would have never forgiven myself for missing out on it had I known about it and not applied!”

What does the course involve?

The course is made up of five compulsory components.

Component 1: Getting started

  • Identify your skillset and set your goals for the year
  • Attend a welcome session to learn about cultural intelligence (CQ) and build your intercultural awareness
  • Participate in a spring-term curriculum Internationalisation workshop

Component 2: Training workshops

Choose and attend a minimum of two out of five workshops covering intercultural awareness, sustainability, internationalisation, leadership in a global context, and event management.

Component 3: Internationalized student engagement

Engage in various projects and activities on campus, such as marketing and promotion projects, student media campaigns, campus tours and focus groups.

Component 4: Project and event planning

Collaborate with a team of Global Officers to plan and deliver regular events and activities based on your personal goals and interests, such as Global Hangouts and Sustainability Forums.

Component 5: Reflection and Employability Skills Assessment

Reflect on your progress and set future goals during an interactive group session.

“Not only will you gain crucial employability skills, but also make new friends and grow as a better person and a citizen of the world.”

Benefits of the GOLD Programme

By participating in the GOLD Programme, you’ll earn Employability Points, receive a certificate of recognition, obtain a personal reference from the Dean & Director of Global and Lifelong Learning, gain practical event management and leadership experience, and expand your network with like-minded individuals.

PLUS, you can record your international skills development in the Kent Global Passport!

“The GOLD Programme was a highlight of my time at Kent. The team leading the programme listened to all of our ideas and supported us throughout the year. I developed many transferable skills, gave back to the student community, and made many new friends.”

How do I apply?

If you are a committed, enthusiastic, reliable, organised and professional undergraduate interested in developing your global skills, head to the GOLD website and fill out the online application form.

Why not apply today? Applications are open from now until 9:00 on 11 October 2023.

Not only will you gain crucial employability skills, but also make new friends and grow as a better person and a citizen of the world.

Don’t miss out on this unique chance to become a global leader! Apply now and start your GOLD journey today!

Kent Gold programme

Coffee

Coffee tasting event, 1 August

Calling all coffee enthusiasts, students, and staff! The University of Kent catering team are thrilled to invite you to a very special coffee tasting event at the Gulbenkian Arts Centre Café on Tuesday 1 August, 10.00 – 12.00.

During this free event, you will have the pleasure of sampling four distinct filter coffees from four different suppliers. Each coffee will tell a unique story of its journey from bean to cup.

This coffee tasting event is not only about enjoying great coffee; it’s also an integral part of our coffee tender process. Your valued feedback during this tasting session will play a vital role in determining which coffee we serve on campus. As a university that values the preferences of its community, your voice matters in this decision-making process.

To complement the coffee tasting experience, an assortment of pastries will be available for you to enjoy as you sip and savour each coffee.

As an attendee, we kindly request you complete a short feedback survey after sampling the various coffees. By sharing your thoughts, you not only assist us in selecting the best coffee for campus but also stand a chance to win a fabulous prize – £50 credit on your KentOne card (staff/student ID)!

You have the freedom to drop in at any time during the event hours, allowing you to tailor your tasting experience to your schedule.

To book your place, please register online. Spaces are limited, so be sure to secure your spot early.

Remember, it’s not just a coffee tasting; it’s a chance to influence the future coffee culture on campus!

For any questions about the event, please contact: csemarketing@kent.ac.uk

Got an idea for a multicultural summer event?

Do you or your society want to run a multicultural event that will foster community building in the University?

The WorldFest Bitesize Fund is open for applications for student-led summer events!

If you’re still on campus over the summer, why not turn your event idea into a reality as a part of PG Summer?

Co-funded by Global and Lifelong Learning and Student Services, the Fund offers University of Kent students the chance to apply for a financial award of up to £250 to help run a multicultural event.

Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year event

Previous events supported by the fund include Diwali, Chinese 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.

Samba parade of staff and students playing drums

Samba parade

To apply, simply visit the WorldFest Bitesize Fund website to download and complete the 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.

Then, simply email your completed application to DeanGlobalLifeLong@kent.ac.uk, including as the subject line ‘WorldFest Bitesize Fund Application’.

Group of students smiling at Kent Africa Summit

Kent Africa Summit

All students enrolled at the University are eligible, but applications must be submitted 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 WorldFest Bitesize Fund page for further details.

Student on large deck chair

Application deadline extended for Student Content Creator (closed)

Are you an enthusiastic and outgoing Kent student with a flair for creating engaging social media content? Do you have an eye for the latest trends on TikTok and Instagram?  Are you confident on camera?

If so, we’re looking for Student Content Creators just like you to help bring the student experience at Kent to life online.

As a Student Content Creator, you’ll work across our digital channels to produce a wide range of content from Instagram reels and trending TikToks to vlogs and blogs and everything in between.

This is a great opportunity for a student interested in a career in social media as well as Marketing, Advertising, Communications and PR.

View the full job description.

How to apply

To apply, please send a short ‘Day in the life’ video (60 secs max), reel or TikTok. Sharing what your typical day looks like, to give us an idea of what you study, your interests and any extracurricular activities. The more creative the better!

Please note, you will need to be a University of Kent student for the academic year 2023-24.

The closing date for applications is 23.59 hours BST on 25 June 2023 (unless otherwise stated)

Read the full job description and apply.

Medway Gaming Festival 1-2 July

Student volunteers needed: Medway Gaming Festival

1-2 July at the Historic Dockyard Chatham.

In partnership with Medway Council and Fragers, Medway Gaming Festival is back for 2023, promising to be bigger and better than ever before. 80 acres of gaming, cosplaying and family entertainment set against a backdrop of real-life battleships, including HMS CAVALIER of World of Warships fame.

The Medway Gaming Festival are looking for student volunteers to help at the event. Benefits of volunteering include:

  • You get to enjoy the festival for free!
  • Gain show experience and opportunities to get involved in future events across the UK
  • Show T-shirts to keep
  • Networking opportunities
  • Great fun and meet new friends
  • Access to the 18+ exhibitors and staff party.

More information about student volunteering at the Medway Gaming Festival.

Medway Gaming Festival website. 

National Windrush Mueseum

Free tickets to Windrush 75th Anniversary International Conference

To mark the 75th anniversary of the arrival of the Windrush ship to the British Isles, in conjunction with #Black History 365, the BAME Staff Network are delighted to offer 10 FREE tickets to the Windrush 75th Anniversary International conference on Friday 23 June at the Park Plaza Hotel London.

To acknowledge and recognise the history of Caribbean heritage and the contribution of the Windrush generation, we are excited to be funding FREE conference tickets for five staff* and five full-time students* plus travel expenses. To facilitate attendance from 9am, we are funding travel expenses up to £90PP** to cover higher Peak-time Travel costs.

FREE tickets can be booked via our Eventbrite page

Please direct queries to the bamestaffnetwork@kent.ac.uk or the BAME Staff Network Teams channel.

*Open to University of Kent staff and students on a first come first serve basis.

**Please retain your original proof of travel for reimbursement.

Windrush boat

Windrush exhibition: call for student contributions

Calling all painters, photographers, writers and artists! 

Are you a hobby artist? Do you love to paint and draw? Are you a photographer or a digital artist? 

Are you proud of your Windrush heritage? 

Did you grow up listening to stories from your parents, grandparents or great grandparents about what life in Britain was like for the sons and daughters of the Windrush? 

Do you want the opportunity to share those memories? 

Get involved in the Windrush exhibition

In honour of the 75th Anniversary of the Windrush Landing, and in preparation for Black History Month 2023, the #Black365 group is asking for students and staff who grew up listening to stories about the Windrush to contribute a piece of art, poetry, writing or video about their thoughts, views and memories of their families relationship with the Windrush, and with post-Windrush Britain. 

It could be an emotion or oral history expressed in paint, a linocut of the view of Tilbury Docks, a digital collage of photo’s, a recipe brought over by your grandparents the lyrics of a lullaby sung to you by your grandparents, a piece of music played at your parent’s wedding, a video of the stories your grandparents told you, absolutely anything that you think helps to embody the significance of the Windrush generation and the ongoing experiences of being Black in Britain throughout the 1950s, 60s 70s and beyond.  

All submissions will form part of an exhibition that will be hosted in Keynes College and online throughout October 2023. Any staff member or student (including those due to graduate in summer 2023) are welcome to contribute to the exhibition.  

Submission requirements

The only requirements are the following 

  • Each piece must be able to be wall hung or be able to be uploaded to a virtual exhibition space 
  • Each piece must reflect either your personal, family, or Black community experience of being part of the Windrush generation 
  • Each piece must be completed by and with us, ready for installation, on Monday 11 September 
  • The artist/contributor should have some personal connection to the Windrush or post-Windrush Britain 

If you have an existing work of art that you feel meets the brief then please feel free to submit that as your piece of art. The University will reimburse up to £20 per person for cost of materials.  

Interested? Get in touch

If you are interested in getting involved, please contact Becky Lamyman on R.S.Lamyman@kent.ac.uk for the submission form ASAP or by the 10 July 2023. 

For more information, or if you have any queries, please get in contact with Becky.

Internship experience UK 26-29 June. Apply now

The Internship Experience 2023 – embrace your potential

The Internship Experience UK, organised by the Bright Network, is a transformative virtual four-day event designed to provide students and recent graduates with valuable insights into sectors that interest them and potential career paths. Taking place from the 26-29 June, this immersive internship experience offers participants the opportunity to fast track their careers and gain practical knowledge from industry experts. Here’s what to expect if you apply and are accepted onto the programme.

Day 1: Opening doors to new horizons

The experience starts with a keynote address which will set the stage for the career journey ahead. Participants will then experience informative sessions lead by professionals from diverse industries, including finance, technology, marketing and more. These sessions will provide an in-depth insight into the workings of each sector, offering valuable information about career prospects and necessary skills.

Day 2: Diving into the working world

The second day will immerse participants into the practical aspects of chosen sectors. Interns then break out into groups and enjoy informative sessions led by professionals from the sector they have shown key interest in. There will be tasks which will provide hands-on experience and enable participants to apply theoretical knowledge to real-life scenarios.

Day 3: Networking and personal development

As networking plays a crucial role in career advancement , day three offers the opportunity to engage with industry professionals, build connections and gain valuable insights from their experiences. Workshops and interactive sessions will enable you to enhance your networking skills and allow you to forge meaningful connections.

Day 4: Showcasing skills and future opportunities

The final day of the experience is focused on showcasing skills and exploring future opportunities. Each group will present their work samples to industry professionals, receiving feedback and guidance. You’ll be able to demonstrate your capability and receive valuable insights into potential career paths. The day will conclude with a closing session, celebrating achievements and growth of all interns.

Interested in taking part? Find out more on the Bright Network’s website.

 

Sport and fitness membership summer sale

Kent Sport summer membership offer

Our ever-popular summer membership offer for students, staff, and members of the public is nearly here! You’ll be able to take out a Premium Plus membership with us for one month at a time, between 1 June and 31 August 2023, giving you access to all the modern sports and fitness facilities on the Canterbury campus including:

  • Access to our extensive, air-conditioned gym with a wide range of cardio, weights, and functional kit
  • A full timetable of the most popular fitness and dance classes, including our new Les Mills Virtual offering
  • A wide range of sports within our indoor sports halls and outdoor artificial pitches
  • Use of our Indoor Tennis and Events Arena, featuring four acrylic tennis courts
  • Plus a choice of one of these free extras:
    • One week of bike hire from the Cycle Hub
    • One Personal Training session

Summer membership prices

Everyone is welcome to become a member of Kent Sport:

  • University of Kent staff – £13 per month
  • University of Kent students and Juniors* –  £18 per month
  • Alumni and public – £20 per month

Purchasing a summer membership

You can purchase your membership online or by visiting the Sports Centre and The Pavilion receptions. Our summer membership offer is available for purchase from 1 June to 31 August 2023 inclusive and is for use for one month from the purchase date. Membership terms and conditions can be found at kent.ac.uk/sports/membership. Once you purchase a membership, you’ll also have your online booking account, meaning you can book a wide range of activities online.

Not ready to take out our summer membership yet? Why not try our free Pay to Play membership, giving you access to Kent Sport facilities on a pay-as-you-go basis. Sign up online quickly and easily.

*To apply for the junior rate, you must be aged 16 to 17 years old. Proof of age will be required when purchasing a Junior membership. *

For Kent Sport news, events and special offers, Like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram and Twitter UniKentSports.