Become a ResLife Ambassador – applications now open!

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Are you ready to make university life unforgettable – not just for yourself, but for hundreds of students across campus? Applications are now open for ResLife Ambassadors (RLAs) for the 2026/27 academic year, and this could be your opportunity to turn your ideas into reality.

What is a ResLife Ambassador (RLA)?

ResLife Ambassadors (RLAs) are at the heart of the ResLife programme and help make living on campus fun, welcoming, and social. As fellow Kent students who live on campus, they know what student life is really like.

RLAs help new and returning students settle in, make friends, and feel part of the community. They plan and run a wide range of activities and events – from movie nights and quiz nights to day trips and cultural celebrations – and help create an inclusive, supportive environment where everyone feels safe and respected.

If students ever need a bit of support, RLAs are there to listen, offer advice, or point them in the right direction. Overall, being an RLA is about bringing people together, building friendships, and helping make campus life more enjoyable for everyone.

What’s in it for you?

Being an RLA isn’t just another line on your CV (though it definitely looks impressive). It’s a chance to:

  • Do what you love. If you’re someone who thrives on bringing people together, organising events, or creating memorable experiences, this role lets you channel that energy.
  • Build real-world skills. Time management, event planning, teamwork, marketing, risk assessment. You’ll develop practical skills that employers actually care about, all while studying for your degree.
  • Make a genuine impact. Remember how daunting it felt starting university? As an RLA, you’ll be the friendly face that helps new students settle in, make friends, and feel like they truly belong.
  • Save on accommodation costs. You’ll receive a reduction on your on-campus accommodation fees, keeping you close to the action and giving you a great base for both your studies and your social life.

How much time do you need to commit?

You’ll need to commit to an average of 8 hours per week during term time. You’ll be doing this alongside your studies, but the hours are flexible, so you can fit it around your timetable. You’ll also need to:

  • Attend a Selection Workshop on Tuesday 22 April 2026
  • Complete two days of online training on Thursday 17 and Friday 18 September 2026
  • Move into campus accommodation on Friday 25 September 2026

Who are we looking for?

You don’t need to be the most outgoing person on campus (though enthusiasm definitely helps). We’re looking for students who are:

  • Currently in their second, third, or fourth year, or postgraduate students
  • Enrolled full-time at the University of Kent for the entire 2026/27 academic year
  • Organised and self-motivated – you’ll need to manage your time between studies, the RLA role, and any other commitments
  • Team players who can work well with others but also take initiative
  • Committed to inclusivity – you’ll be creating spaces where everyone feels welcome and valued

Experience in event planning, student committees, or volunteer work is great, but it’s not essential. What matters most is your willingness to learn, your creative ideas, and your genuine desire to make campus life better for everyone.

How to Apply

Before applying for this role, please ensure you have read the full ResLife Ambassador Job Description and ResLife Agreement 2026/27.

Applying for this role is a simple two-step process.

Step 1: Complete the application form

Please complete the online ResLife Ambassador Application Form by Tuesday 11 March 2026.

Step 2: Submit a short video

Submit a short video of yourself speaking directly to camera (maximum 2 minutes) by Tuesday 11 March 2026.

In your video, please:

  • Introduce yourself (“Hello, my name is…”)
  • Tell us about a ResLife event or activity you would like to organise for the student community
  • Share where and when the event will take place, what equipment or resources you will need
  • Explain how this event or activity would positively impact students
  • Discuss any adjustments needed to accommodate the diverse student population at Kent
  • Identify any risks that should be considered when completing a risk assessment

Video guidance:

  • Make sure your face, shoulders, and upper torso are visible
  • Film in portrait orientation where possible
  • Record in a well-lit, quiet space, with the video in focus and good quality
  • Be yourself and let your personality come through – don’t overthink it! We are mainly interested in your ideas and how you approach them.
  • Accepted video file formats: MP4 or MOV
  • Please name your video file: Firstname_Lastname.mp4 (e.g. John_Smith.mp4)

You can submit your video via Dropbox (you do not need a Dropbox account to upload your video).

Important: Please ensure you have submitted both the ResLife Ambassador Application Form AND your video by Tuesday 11 March 2026.

Questions?

If you have any issues with your application or uploading your video, contact the team at RLATeam@kent.ac.uk

Ready to make a difference?

This role is about more than just planning events. It’s about helping create a community where all students feel welcome, supported, and excited to be on campus. You’ll have the chance to turn your ideas into real experiences that students will remember long after they happen.

If that sounds like something you’d enjoy, we’d love to hear from you.

Applications close: Tuesday 11 March 2026

Don’t miss the opportunity to help shape the 2026/27 academic year!