Starting university is about more than lectures, assignments and exams. It’s also about finding your people, building connections and feeling like you belong. Belonging & Beyond is a University of Kent initiative designed to help our diverse student community feel seen, valued and empowered throughout their university journey.
Throughout the year, the programme offers different opportunities for students to connect with others, hear different experiences, share their own voices and discover ways to get involved in university life.
Why does belonging matter?
Everyone’s experience of university is different. For some students, finding their community happens quickly. For others, it can take time.
Belonging & Beyond recognises that there isn’t one way to feel connected to university. Whether it’s meeting someone at an event, joining a society, building a relationship with a member of staff or simply finding a space where you feel comfortable being yourself, small moments can make a big difference.
The programme centres on the experiences of ethnically marginalised students, while recognising that creating a welcoming and inclusive university community is something we can all contribute to.
Belonging doesn’t stop after Welcome Week
Finding your sense of belonging doesn’t have to happen in your first few weeks at Kent.
Belonging can develop throughout your university journey, which is why Belonging & Beyond continues throughout the academic year with opportunities to meet others, share experiences, get involved and build connections.
So, whether you’re new to Kent or have been here for a while, keep an eye out for what’s happening and get involved in something that interests you.
You belong here.
Find out more about Belonging & Beyond and discover upcoming opportunities at Kent.