Using the Online Map
After you arrive on campus, there is a high chance you may want to explore the nearby area. I highly suggest using the online map that the university has to make your navigation easier. As the campus is spread over 300 acres, and while getting lost is pretty much impossible as everything is wonderfully signposted, I found that having a brief understanding of the area made things a lot calmer to deal with throughout the day.
While the first place you will arrive upon coming to uni will be the reception of your accommodation (to collect your key) and your room, the other building that was especially important for me was the Templeman Library.
Templeman Library: Your Campus Hub
In today’s world, the most highly sought-after thing is Wi-Fi, and especially for a university student, getting access to the internet on your devices is a must. I had issues connecting to the Wi-Fi on my phone and laptop, and I quickly realised a trip to the IT Support Team was necessary. The team can be easily found in the Templeman Library, entering from the main entrance and going right upon entry into Block D, Ground Floor.
Here, you can ask them questions and get assistance from other students. I remember feeling quite awkward and socially anxious as I got assistance from a Law Student on accessing the Wi-Fi (which I conveniently locked myself out of because I forgot my password and was attempting it too many times), but after a bit of small talk, such as asking about the subject I was taking and about moving in so far, they made me feel very welcome, and the issue was quickly resolved. I also collected a wire to connect to the Wi-Fi through the plug in my room.
The Templeman Library will also be accessible for you to pick up your Student ID here, which is very important. It’s located on the left entrance, on the main side (facing the beautiful view on the hill toward Canterbury Cathedral) where the lovely café run by the Kent Students’ Union is conveniently located.
Top Tips for Shopping & Food
While you may arrive at uni with some prior shopping, if you have forgotten anything you need or don’t want to make your way into the gorgeous Canterbury town just yet, the Co-op—found in the Plaza or right next to Woody’s in Parkwood—is the perfect place to get last-minute bits and bobs. (I suggest you invest in the Co-op app; it’s only £1, and you save loads of money on offers every week!)
The Plaza is also very handy, as there are always food trucks selling all sorts of cuisine throughout the academic year. Café Nero and Blackwell’s bookshop are sweet little places that I’m sure you will step into once or twice for a quick coffee!
The Venue and the Kent Students’ Union are also located here. The Venue will be busy every night during Freshers with some amazing events! The same can be said for Parkwood’s small plaza, where Woody’s is located. It’s a lovely bar that does seasonal food and offers drinks for society days out, with a Co-op right next door and practice studios upstairs that can be booked out.
Exploring with Others
I found that the best, most rewarding way to explore campus is with others. During Freshers’ Week, I attended the society fair and had a little wander around the plaza, exploring and collecting free items alongside flatmates or recently met course mates. I also went on a walk with my flatmates to get to know them more. We walked to all our lecture buildings and discussed how Freshers was going, etc.
The Best Spots on Campus
- Southern Slopes Overlook – A highly anticipated spot is the ‘Southern Slopes Overlook,’ a gorgeous view no matter the weather, where the stars shine at night with the glow of the Cathedral below, and the Canterbury city gleams during the day. By far, one of my best memories is eating burgers from Mungo’s (located in Eliot College) with my friends on the grass with the city just beyond. It is also phenomenal during Fireworks Night, as a free show from the depths of the city is certainly unmissable!
- Rutherford Dining Hall has a wonderful view of the Cathedral from campus. You can eat your meal deal from the canteen there while admiring the view!
- Parkwood Pavilion & Sports Facilities – If you’re thinking of taking part in sports societies’ trial sessions, chances are you may need to head to the Pavilion. The sports pitches are larger than most other universities and fully accessible for you to book out for free in your first year at uni, with your included free Kent Sports Membership, if you’re living in campus accommodation! When it lights up in the evening, it is simply a beautiful sight, especially when you’re standing right in the centre of the Lacrosse court! The Sports Centre is also readily available for you to access, including the gym and sports hall for recreational activities organised by Sports Development with their AllActive program, the ResLife team and sports clubs.
My best advice is to get involved in as much as you can during Freshers, especially the societies. The trial sessions have no pressure to join attached to them, and it is a great way to meet people and explore the campus more!
The Gulbenkian: Cinema and Theatre
The Gulbenkian is an on-site cinema and theatre where you can buy a membership for £5 that lasts the year and gets you 20% off tickets! I went to see Alien Romulus with a friend for only £4 a ticket—an absolute bargain! As a theatre student, I also found it exceptionally useful to get money off theatre performances shown at the Gulbenkian. Not to mention, the food there is amazing, and so is their coffee! Though I must say, nothing can beat a Caesar salad from Dolce Vita!
Final Thoughts
There are plenty more things to see after you arrive on campus, but these are just my top tips and personal favourites for getting the best out of your first week and beyond. Hope you enjoy the University of Kent!
— Imogen