Belonging & Beyond is Kent’s answer to that question, a year-long, three-phase programme designed to strengthen the sense of belonging among Black and ethnically minoritised students and to invite everyone at Kent to grow their cultural awareness and inclusive practice. It’s a practical blueprint for community: Pre-Welcome, Welcome Week, Post-Welcome – one journey, three movements.
Phase 2 Wrap-up → rich, real, and impactful
Both in-person events in Phase 2 delivered what students asked for: honest stories, practical insight, and spaces to connect.
1 October, Belonging & Beyond: Welcome to the Kent Community. Students and staff shared their journeys, “day-in-the-life” tips, and what they wish they’d known from the start. The networking rooms, games/crafts, and societies signposting made it easy to meet people and plug into support, plus the cultural free food went down a treat.- 21 October, Authenticity in Higher Education: The Influence of Learning on Identity Formation with Professor ‘Lez’ Henry. A powerful session on identity, belonging, and learning that students described as “interesting,” and “affirming.”
Across both events, those who took part told us the experience was rich and genuinely impactful the kind that calms nerves, builds confidence, and sets you up to thrive.
Phase 3 — Post-Welcome: the journey continues (all year)
We’re now in Phase 3, running throughout the academic year with a rolling programme of events, workshops, talks and seminars. These are for everyone, not just first-years. If you’re in Stage 2 or 3, this is your chance to:
- expand your network and sense of community
- grow your academic capital (learning strategies, insider know-how, navigating Kent)
- explore identity, confidence and wellbeing in inclusive, student-led spaces
- connect what you’re learning to the future you want (placements, projects, employability)
How to get the most out of Phase 3
- Show up, then pick one next step.
- Ask one question at every session.
- Collect three connections (a peer, a staff contact, a service).
- Act within 48 hours (join, book, email, apply).
Stay in the loop
- Belonging & Beyond hub: See the programme and stories
- What’s On listings:
Keep an eye on the Belonging & Beyond webpage and watch for upcoming events to enrich your university journey, sharpen your learning strategies, and build the future you’re aiming for.
Next events: October 29, November 13, …..