Kent student Abi is one of 100 Santander Universities’ Scholars from a selection of UK universities.

After applying for the scholarship at the end of 2022, Abi was awarded £30,000 to help throughout the three-year course at the University of Kent. As well as the funding, Abi also gets additional training and a dedicated mentor from Santander.

This scholarship is part of a series of opportunities, funding and grants Kent students can apply for as part of the University’s education partnership with Santander.

Another opportunity Kent students can apply for now is Santander’s Brighter Future Grants. All you need to do is sign up with Santander Universities before 20 November and you could win £1,000! It doesn’t take long to register and there are 10 lots of £1,000 to be given away to Kent students. Register now so you don’t miss out!

Here’s what Abi had to say about being a Santander Universities’ Scholar…

How did you feel when you found out you won the scholarship?

“Stunned, amazed, excited…

“It did not feel real for a long time after I had found out I was a Santander Universities’ Scholar. It’s the most amazing thing that has ever happened to me and I am so grateful to be a part of the programme.

“The moment it really hit me how lucky I am was during the launch event at Wembley Stadium. It was announced that the 100 scholars will be able to visit Italy’s Ferrari factory in Maranello next year, I am excited beyond words for that. Thank you Santander!”

How has the scholarship helped you?

“It means I can focus on my studies and personal struggles without the added stress and pressure of financial constraints. I have been able to obtain everything I could possibly need for my studies and more. Alongside that, I receive invaluable careers mentoring and amazing opportunities for personal development that money could never buy.

“When I applied, I never thought in a million years I would be selected for something like this, but I have been. In fact, I had forgotten that I had applied until I was contacted to confirm my student status a couple of weeks before hearing that I had been selected. If you are reading this and you are dithering over applying for a scholarship or have not looked for one because you do not think it could ever be you – I know from experience it genuinely could be!”

Are you passionate, organised and motivated to represent international students at Kent and make a difference to their student experience?

The International Student Advisory Board (ISAB) launched in January 2023 and is in collaboration with Kent Union to ensure that the needs and voices of our international students are heard.

The purpose of this Board will be:

• To inform the inclusivity and accessibility of university-wide services and policies at both the University and Kent Union, for the benefit of all international students at the University of Kent
• To provide feedback mechanisms to allow international students to actively contribute towards campaigns, awareness raising and submit suggestions for policy change
• To support internationally focused activities and events such as, Welcome and Arrivals, Worldfest and International Education Week.

We are looking for up to 20 individuals to join and work alongside our existing Board members.  Whether you have been at Kent for a while or have just joined us this September, this is a wonderful opportunity for you to represent and make a difference to your student experience while at Kent.

To apply:

– You must be a current international student at the University of Kent
– You must have enthusiasm and commitment to improving the international student experience
– You must be available to attend all the meeting dates advertised

For more information, to hear from Eunice, a previous ISAB member on why you should join the Board and to apply, please see our webpage.  Deadline for applications is 30 October.

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.

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!

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:

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

At Kent we want all our students to be able to live, work and study to the fullest of their abilities, and we want to ensure that we are removing as many barriers to that success as possible. 

We recognise that transgender, non-binary and gender-neutral individuals face additional mental health pressures that are directly related to their gender identity. Many of these additional stresses are directly caused by the potential misalignment between how an individual presents in terms of clothing and appearance, and their own identity. This stress can have a direct impact upon an individual’s ability to work, study and engage in their academic commitments. A significant barrier causing this misalignment is the cost of having to purchase additional items to reduce gender dysphoria. 

As part of our commitment to supporting students with their mental health, we have created the Gender Affirmation Fund. This fund is available to students who identify as transgender, non-binary or gender neutral and can be used to help support students with the costs of gender affirming items such as binders, clothing, packers, makeup, hair extensions, pouches, Stand To Pee devices, gendered religious headwear or clothing and minor cosmetic procedures such as ear piercing or for managing body hair to help individuals feel more comfortable in their own bodies.

Applications open at 9:00 on Monday 16 October and the fund is available to any student who identifies as transgender, non-binary or gender neutral and can be accessed once in your academic career. The only eligibility criteria is that you must be a registered student enrolled on any University of Kent academic programme.  

Students who benefitted from the fund in the past described it as ‘a great resource for trans and non-binary students who struggle with multiple challenges’, ‘easy and non-judgemental to use’, and ‘made them feel seen’. 

Please note that the fund is limited, and applications will be reviewed on a first come, first served basis. 

Find out more about the fund and apply.