Support around Government PIP announcement

From the Student Support and Wellbeing Team at Kent

Following the government announcement made yesterday on the proposals being put together for PIP and benefits we understand that the media coverage and reporting has caused upset to those in our community who receive this or have a relative that is in receipt of it.

In Student Support and Wellbeing we believe in offering full support, understanding and compassion to those that live day to day with disabilities and this includes mental health conditions and those that support loved ones. Whilst debate around support is welcome it is really important that the views and experiences of those who live with a disability or long-term health condition are given prominence, ensuring respect is shown to all and that decisions are not taken based on either limited understanding or unhelpful stereotypes.

At this stage these are proposals and any changes that come in to place will not be until next year and we have more to learn to understand what is being proposed and how this will impact those in receipt.

Regardless of what is said I want to reassure our students that at Kent we listen to students who are struggling and, in some instances, need extra support. You are important, you matter, and you are a valued part of our community. If the recent media coverage has caused distress do remember you can reach out to your SSW Adviser or speak to the Advice Centre at Kent Union. If you are dealing difficult or intrusive thoughts following these announcements you can also speak to a counsellor at Spectrum Life or call 111 and press option 2. Please do not struggle, there are people here and in other organisations that can help support you.

We will look at what support we offer around this going forward but for now we want to send this message to you in solidarity and to acknowledge what will be a difficult time ahead

Kent Star: Campus Champion

This month’s Kent Star is Aashvi, who has organised community events, including the celebrated Iftar Dinner. Her leadership extends to numerous roles, such as chairing the Racially and Ethnically Marginalised People (REMP) Network and serving as President of the Geography Society. Aashvi’s commitment to inclusivity, sustainability and environmental justice is evident in all her endeavours. Hear from Campus Champion Aashvi:

“Hi, my name is Aashvi. My pronouns are she/her and I’m studying Environment and Sustainability at the University of Kent.”

Tell us about the Iftar Dinner you’ve organised this evening?

“I am a ResLife Ambassador and organise events for people that stay at the University of Kent accommodation. And last year, as part of Kent Students’ Union, the International Student Voices research project, I helped, along with my partner at the time Hur Aly, host the first university-wide Iftar Dinner at Rutherford. And through my role this year, I along with my partner Nehi Eigbefoh, wanted to bring that back again, because it’s so nice to have a community, where people can break their fast and also invite other people to come, join in and learn more about Ramadan, Eid and Iftar.”

Please tell us about your other roles at the University? And can you choose a favourite?

“Where do I even start? I’m the chair of the Racially and Ethnically Marginalised People (REMP) Network and the President of Geography Society. The Social Secretary of the Sustainability Working Group, Student Ambassador, a ResLife Ambassador, and a Student Trustee at the Kent Students’ Union Board of Trustees.

“Last year, I was a Student Rep for the School of Anthropology and Conservation. I was part of the BioBlitz Organising Committee, as part of the Marketing Officer. So I have lots of roles, but it’s really hard to choose a favourite because I love what I do in all of them. But my passion really lies in sustainability and environmental justice.

“It’s definitely a lot to say, but it’s impossible to choose a favourite. Because I have a passion for each and every one of the roles. And they’re also unique in different ways. I love environmental justice and sustainability, and I hope to also make my degree a part of my everyday life through decolonisation and equity.”

Aashvi at the Iftar dinner she helped organise

What advice would you give to other students?

“University is a time to explore and get out of your comfort zone. It’s easier said than done, but really lean into doing and exploring new things. Finding what makes you, YOU, and I guess having fun through all of it – and definitely utilise the student discounts!”

What are your plans for next year?

“Honestly. No idea. As a type A person, I usually have everything scheduled, but I am embracing the unknown. I don’t know where I’m going to be. But hopefully either at a placement year or university. I definitely want to attend more concerts and travel a lot because the UK is great for that, but we’ll see where it goes.”

Do you know an inspirational student or student group? Let us know.

Learn more about the Kent Stars campaign.

Need help with your eVisa or UKVI account? Get them checked before you travel!

Kent Students’ Union (KSU) Advice Service is holding a free drop-in eVisa surgery for students between 14:00 – 16:00 on Wednesday 26 March at Nexus in the Templeman Library.

Come along with your passport, BRP (if you have one) and have your UKVI account login details available, so that they can check for any errors or missing documents.

KSU Advisers are trained to give immigration advice to Kent students, so can also answer questions about your eVisa. See the KSU Advice Service website to learn more.

Why are they doing this?

The Home Office has replaced Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) with eVisas. If you hold a BRP that expired on 31 December 2024 and your UK visa is valid beyond this date, you may still be able to use your expired BRP to travel to the UK until 1 June 2025, but you should also set up a UKVI account.

You also need to link your eVisa and passport to your account. If you don’t do this, you are likely to face delays when you travel.

Follow the instructions on this Home Office page to create a UKVI account now, if you don’t have one already.

What if I already have a UKVI account and an eVisa ?

If you already have an eVisa and have added your current passport to your UKVI account, you do not need to do anything else, but you are welcome to come to the surgery to make sure that everything is OK with your eVisa and account.

If necessary, you should update your UKVI account with your latest contact details and any passport which you intend to travel with.

Further information

Further information, including details of the eVisa support available from the UKVI, can be found at  www.gov.uk/evisa.

Industrial Action: Strikes at Kent next week

Earlier this month the University and College Union (UCU) announced they were planning five consecutive strike days at Kent starting on Monday 24 March. While we continue to negotiate with them, and it is our sincere hope we can reach an agreement that avoids the need for strike action, we are unfortunately planning on the basis that the strikes will go ahead.

We are sorry for the impact this will have on some of you and are putting a number of plans in place to mitigate this as much as possible. It is important to note that not all staff are UCU members and not all UCU members will take industrial action.

We know from action in the past that the impact of strike days is likely to be very different in different areas of the University. We will therefore send further information ahead of the strikes if they do go ahead to reflect this, including what this means for you. There is more information on the background to the strikes on our industrial action student information pages.

Planned Strike Days

Strike days are due to take place on the following days. On these days, staff who are UCU members may choose not to teach classes or carry out other duties associated with their role:

Monday 24 March
Tuesday 25 March
Wednesday 26 March
Thursday 27 March
Friday 28 March

Online Module Registration will open as usual on 24 March and your exam timetables will also be shared next week as planned.

Background to the strikes

Universities across the UK face financial challenges which means we, like many, are making savings through changes to how our teams work together. UCU have balloted their members to take strike action although we continue to negotiate with them and remain hopeful we can find a way forward that avoids the need for strike action.

We are also making wider changes from September 2025 that include moving to three ten-week terms (four terms for postgraduates) so:

It’s easier to fit life around study;
You can get your timetable earlier in the summer;
Exams and assessment are at the end of each term so you are assessed with course content fresh in your minds;
Your modules give you the skills, knowledge and confidence to thrive at Kent and beyond.

This has all been informed by student feedback in recent years so, while we recognise staff concerns around workload and are committed to working with them to address this, we sincerely hope industrial action can be avoided.

Our commitment to you throughout

Throughout any period of industrial action our commitment to you is:

We will do all we can to mitigate any impact on your studies
We will never devalue your degree or coursework
We will refund you for any direct expenses you incur as a result of strikes
Any staff salaries saved as a result of strike days will be reinvested in your student experience
We will be open and transparent throughout

We will keep you update ahead of Monday 24 March with more information on this, including the practical steps we are taking to ensure your studies continue if the strikes go ahead.

Finding out more

There is more information on the Industrial Action webpages including how and where you can chat to someone if you have any concerns about this.

Thank you for your patience with this challenging situation, and we will be in touch again shortly.

Kent Sport Student Activity Survey

Let us know how we can shape our services to help you to be active

We all know that there are many physical and mental benefits to leading an active lifestyle. We also know that for some, there are barriers that can prevent us from being active.

Kent Sport is keen to understand the barriers to exercise for students on campus, and how we can improve our service to allow more of our audience to get active.

So, whether you’ve never used the sports and fitness facilities on campus before or you’re a regular user, we want to hear from you!

The Kent Sport Student Activity survey is online, and accessible for desktop, tablet, and mobile users. The survey should take between 10-15 minutes to complete.

By filling out the online survey, you’ll be entered into a prize draw to win £250 KentOne card credit*.

Complete the survey online

*One prize of £250 KentOne card credit available, for use in catering outlets on campus. One entry per person. No cash alternative. The prize draw winner will be contacted during the week of 14 April 2025.

Neurodiversity Celebration Week: Student Clubs and Activities

This Neurodiversity Celebration Week (17 -23 March) check out some of the social clubs, activities and support for neurodivergent students.

Social Running for ADHD: A supportive running group held every Wednesday during term time, from 12:00-12:45. It’s open to students diagnosed with or waiting for an ADHD assessment, aiming to boost focus and wellbeing through a friendly jog across our Canterbury campus.
Sow Grow and Eat!: A social gardening activity at the Kent Community Oasis Garden that offers students with autism or social anxiety a chance to enjoy nature, socialise, and develop new skills.
Autism Model Making Club: For students interested in creating models, this club fosters creativity and social interaction in a relaxed environment.
Board Games Social Club: Perfect for those who love to meet new people and enjoy games in a friendly setting.
University of Kent Autistics Social Group: A space for students on the autism spectrum to connect with others and share experiences.
ADHD Peer Support Group: A peer-led group designed to provide support and a sense of community for those managing ADHD.
Counselling Team Mindfulness Colouring: A calming activity that encourages mindfulness and relaxation through creative expression.

Check out more events and follow @UniKentSSW on Instagram.

Hear what the students say:

‘The Board Games Social Club is a very friendly and social activity’

‘The social run is an amazing way to connect with people along with keeping ourselves fit while running. Sam and Josh are superb instructors who keep motivating us’

‘As someone who had never run in her life (even after the bus or the train), I was apprehensive to join the run at first. But I thought I would give it a try to meet other students with ADHD, get some exercise in, and essentially get out of my room early in the morning. It was a great decision because I did all of that and also started building my stamina. Running also helped me with my anxiety along with ADHD. Social running is a great way to build a habit. Sam and Josh are wonderful and very supportive. I never thought I would join a running group, let alone enjoy it. I look forward to the run every week. Aiming for 5k in the near future!’ Neha – Masters student

Postgrad surveys are now open – chance to win £250

Are you a postgraduate student?

Fill in your postgraduate survey by 9 May for chance to win £250!

Taught postgrads need to complete the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES)
Research postgrads need to complete the Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES)

We will email you a personalised survey link when the surveys open on Monday 17 March 2025. So keep an eye on your Kent email account.

This is your chance to have your say on what you liked or didn’t like about studying at Kent. Previous student feedback is why you have a 24-hour library and Nexus helpdesk.

It takes about 20 minutes to complete and is anonymous.

Find out more about the postgrad surveys at Kent.

Events roundup: 17 – 23 March

Find out what’s on this week including the Spring Careers Fair and the start of Canterbury Varsity.

Update: Read more on a new proposal for how support and admin teams will work together at Kent going forward.

Monday 17 March: Prep for Spring Careers Fair and St Patrick’s Day activities

Prepare for the Spring Careers Fair by attending this online session about unlocking opportunities and strategies for success at the Careers Fair.

Monday is also St Patrick’s Day! At Medway, you can join in with some fun St Patrick’s Day themed games and challenges. In Canterbury, there’s a special St Patrick’s Day Karaoke Night at K-Bar.

Elevate slow conference is returning to Gulbenkian from 17 March to 11 April. This innovative programme of events celebrates the many artists and companies working in accessible, inclusive and disabled-led arts practice across Kent and Medway. Book now.

Tuesday 18 March: Spring Careers Fair, Women’s Business Market and Easter Egg Hunt (Medway)

One of the biggest student events of the year, don’t miss the Spring Careers Fair in Colyer-Fergusson Concert Hall. Meet with a wide range of employers and organisations and explore graduate opportunities.

There’s a Women’s Business Market in the Plaza, organised by Kent Students’ Union, highlighting women-owned businesses.

You can also join an Easter Egg Hunt at Medway campus. Explore hidden spots, solve clues and collect colourful eggs filled with sweet treats and surprises.

Wednesday 19 March: ASPIRE Business Start-Up Pitching final and market, Spring Wreath Workshop

On Wednesday our student entrepreneurs compete to win in the ASPIRE Business Start-up Journey pitching finals. You can also look around the ASPIRE Start-Up Market, where you can shop inspiring student and graduate start-up businesses in Sibson Atrium.

For students who live on campus, you can join a ResLife Spring Wreath Workshop, where you will craft a wreath from natural materials such as twigs, flower heads and seed pods.

Thursday 20 March: CV and shortlisting exercise (Medway), managing exam stress and clothes swap

Who would you hire? Join this in-person session at Medway for a CV and application shortlisting exercise, to help you know what employers are looking for.

If the thought of upcoming exams is stressful, considering joining a Skills for Academic Success online workshop around exam techniques and managing stress. There’s also lots more exam revision and technique events coming up.

Our student Global Officers, with Kent Students’ Union Advice Service, are hosting a clothes swap on Thursday 20 March in The Venue.

Friday 21 March: Gulbenkian costume sale and Emp Points drop in

The Employability Points team will be in Keynes Atrium on Friday morning to talk through how the Employability scheme works and how you can apply for rewards this summer.

The Gulbenkian Arts Centre are selling a lot of their costumes to keep them out of landfill and to raise donations towards their work with children and young people. Head to Colyer-Fergusson Hall on Friday afternoon, or over the weekend, to take a look.

Saturday 22 March: Canterbury Varsity begins and how to measure stars

Canterbury Varsity begins this weekend! It’s a week of sport competition between Kent and Canterbury Christ Church, run by the students’ unions, which aims to promote friendship, pride and passion through the celebration of sport. Go Team Kent!

Want to get more into the Varsity spirit? Come along to DG-01 on Saturday afternoon to make posters with friends to cheer on Team Kent.

Ever wondered how far away the stars are? Join this open lecture on Saturday evening to earn about the parallax method, which is the only direct way to measure stellar distances.

See more student events.

Opportunities

Are you a postgraduate student? Fill in your postgraduate survey by 9 May for chance to win £250! We will email you a personalised survey link when the surveys open on Monday 17 March 2025. So, keep an eye on your Kent email account.

See more student opportunities.

Make sure your fees are paid so you can graduate

As you come closer to finishing your undergraduate degree, we want to make sure there are no obstacles in the way of you graduating.

If you have a debt to the University, you may still be formally invited to a graduation ceremony, but it is important that you take note of the deadline for clearing debts as this will impact if you are able to attend.

Debt payment deadline

If you are graduating in July 2025, then you must have cleared your debt by Wednesday 4 June.

Type of outstanding payment

Ancillary – If your outstanding balance is an ancillary debt (i.e. not related to payment of university tuition fees), failure to pay the balance by the deadline means the University reserves the right to revoke your invitation to attend the degree ceremony. An ancillary debt usually relates to accommodation fees but can also be for smaller fees such as room damage fees.

If unpaid, you will be given the option to graduate in absentia or defer your attendance until the next available ceremony.

Tuition – If your outstanding balance is a tuition fee debt, failure to meet the deadline will mean your results will be withheld and you will be excluded from graduating. You will only be able to graduate once you have cleared your tuition fee debt. Please note, resit fees also come under tuition fee debt.

You can check whether you have any outstanding payments by getting in touch with the Income Office.

Updating how our teams work together

At Kent, we’re committed to ensuring you have the best possible experience while you study with us. Universities across the UK are facing significant financial challenges, and we’re taking steps to address these at Kent in a way that prioritises your education and wellbeing.

As we updated previously, we recently ran a Voluntary Severance Scheme to make savings by supporting staff who are looking to leave the University. Alongside this, we are making some higher-level changes to how support and administration teams work together. There is no change to the support teams you currently work with at this stage – we’ll let you know if anything student-facing does change if and when this is confirmed.

The proposed changes don’t affect our new Academic Schools and are intended to improve alignment with the new structure. The changes will enable back-office functions to be more student-focused, helping us meet students’ needs now and in the future.

Under the proposal being discussed with staff now, we would bring existing teams together into nine new directorates:

Finance
Information Technology Services
Marketing, Recruitment and External Engagement 
Research, Innovation and Business Development
Student Life 
Campus Services
Planning, Insights and Improvement
Human Resources and Organisational Development 
Governance, Assurance and Legal Services

Several of the current student-facing teams would come together within Student Life, ensuring better cohesion between key teams who support you throughout your time with us. This includes postgraduate support, with dedicated PG activity delivered through the Student Life directorate along with your academic support via your School.

Your Support at Kent

We understand how important it is to have consistent and reliable support throughout your time here. Our teams remain focused on ensuring continuity of support in all areas of university life, from your academic studies to wellbeing, accommodation, and campus services. No matter what changes happen behind the scenes, you can rely on dedicated teams to provide a consistent experience through the changes. This includes:

Student support services for wellbeing, accessibility, and guidance.
Academic advisors and programme teams to help with your studies.
Careers and employability teams to prepare you for life beyond university.
Ongoing supervision for your research if you are a postgraduate student.

From September 2025 we are also making broader changes to support your studies, following the changes to our course portfolio last year. This includes new modules with more industry and employability links, along with a revised academic year structure which means your assessments will happen much closer to when you study your course content. Keep an eye out for further updates on this throughout the term.