Life on campus at the University of Kent

Are you hoping to become a Chevening Scholar?

During your time in the UK, you’ll have the opportunity to take part in plenty of on-campus activities that will help you settle in and make new friends.

The University of Kent, which is located in the historic city of Canterbury, has a particularly impressive offering.

From cheerleading to cheese making, students at the University of Kent can take part in a wide range of extra-curricular activities without ever having to leave campus. Thanks to the university’s semi-collegiate structure, its students also benefit from a strong sense of community.

Keep reading to learn more about life on campus.

College experience

‘Here at the University of Kent, our students get to experience life at a campus university, which is about so much more than just studying. It’s about becoming part of the student community and joining in with as many activities and events as you can to make lifelong friends, discover new interests, and gain skills that will set you up for the future.

When you arrive at Kent, you will automatically belong to one of our six colleges. They give you somewhere to live, study, and relax within a diverse and close-knit student community. Our College and Community life team offer a valuable support network. They also run events ranging from movie nights to art sessions to cheese tasting, so there is always something to get involved with.

Study spaces

When it comes to studying, we have study spaces to suit all learning preferences. Our Templeman Library, which is open 24/7 most study weeks, is at the heart of campus life. It includes over 500 study spaces ranging from silent areas to social areas, plus bookable individual study rooms, a lecture theatre, café, and even an exhibition gallery. We also have a range of PC rooms and study hubs across both of our campuses, including spaces specifically designed for postgraduates.

But it’s also important to take a break from your studies to maintain a healthy work/life balance. Leading an active social life will help you meet new people and make new friends. Not to mention, filling your CV with extra-curricular experiences and activities is sure to impress potential employers.

Clubs and societies

Kent has over 175 clubs and societies covering academic, professional, social, and special interests. Try as many as you can to find out if you are a natural performer, the next great baker, or maybe even a chess grand master. With excellent indoor and outdoor sports facilities and plenty of societies and teams on offer, you are also sure to find a way to enjoy your favourite sport.

Food and drink

Fancy a coffee, meal, or drinks with friends? There are plenty of options on campus. You can eat breakfast, lunch, and evening meals at a wide range of locations, choosing from sandwiches, burgers, superfood salads, and more. If you have a special dietary requirement, we’ve got that covered too.

We have a variety of campus bars  and our very own student nightclub, The Venue. It hosts special nights and events all year round where you can dance into the early hours and, if you feel hungry on the way home, Kent Union’s late-night hot snack bar Canvas serves food until 3am.

To find out more about student life at the University of Kent and the courses we offer, please visit our website or get in touch with us at internationalstudent@kent.ac.uk.’