Before Coming to University
Pre-registration Support
We can answer any queries you have about the university, and can also make arrangements for you to visit if you would like to have a look around before term starts. Shauna-Aine O'Brien can be contacted for pre-registration support at stjo@kent.ac.uk
UCAS provides extensive information, advice and guidance for estranged students, and they are currently working towards having a tick-box so that estranged students can self-identify.
Once the tick box is in place, we will contact all students to inform them of the support that is available to them. The university will only share this information with those who need to be informed, e.g. the member of staff who supports estranged students post-registration.
Commitment to Estranged Students
The University has confirmed its support for students who are estranged from their families by submitting its pledge to the UK charity Stand Alone.
Starting University
Registration and Moving into your Accommodation
Welcome Weekend takes place on the first weekend before term starts. During this weekend, you will formally register as a new student at the university, and you will move into your campus accommodation.
Welcome Week
The first week you are here is just for new first year students and offers you the chance to get to know your new environment, your housemates, and the services provided at the university; you will also have introductory meetings in your Academic School.
Welcome Fair takes place during this week, where you get to see the range of university clubs and societies on offer.
Support for Estranged Students once you have registered
We have a dedicated email inbox so that you can reach out to an experienced Mental Health Adviser who can provide both practical and emotional support to all estranged students. Please email estrangedsupport@kent.ac.uk for help with any questions you might have about any aspect of being at university including:
- Emotional Wellbeing
- Accommodation
- Financial Support
- Learning Support
Although coming to university can be an exciting time, it can also be quite a challenging time for many students, so it is really important to look after your emotional wellbeing and to seek support if you feel that you are struggling.
While at University
Student Support & Wellbeing
This service provides support to students in the following areas:
- Mental Health
- Specific Learning Difficulties such as Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and ADHD
- Autism
- Physical Disability
- Medical conditions
Advisers can write support plans for students and be a bridge between the student and their Academic School. They also provide advice about other possible support such as study skills and mentoring.
Healthcare Canterbury: University Medical Centre & Nursing Service
Most Canterbury students register with the University Medical Centre, which is just at the edge of the campus. We also have a 24-hour nursing service during term time, which includes an out of hours mental health adviser.
Healthcare Medway
Medway students should register with a local doctor near to your accommodation in order to receive treatment under the National Health Service (NHS): Find your nearest NHS Surgery.
Student Learning and Advisory Service
This service provides individual and group support for those needing guidance to study at higher education level. They help with a variety of topics such as essay writing, referencing and revision skills. See the SLAS website for more information.
Student Union Advice Centre
The Student Unions at Medway and Canterbury have Advice Centres that offer free, confidential, and impartial advice in a wide range of areas like funding, housing, academic concerns, immigration, financial hardship, and more.
For full details on the advice provided and how to access the services visit the Kent Union website for Canterbury campus, or GKSU Union website for Medway campus.
The Student Unions also offer a wide range of other services/support, including representation, volunteering, sports & societies, licensed trade outlets, and much more.
We also have a dedicated member of staff for Estranged Students in the Kent Union Advice Centre. Careen Gadd is able to help with any practical issues such as applying to Student Finance as an Estranged Student. If you become estranged whilst at university, Careen can help with any additional funding that you might be entitled to as a result of this. Careen can be contacted on c.e.gadd@kent.ac.uk
Accommodation
If you would like to live in university accommodation for each year of your degree, then you will be able to do so. You may also be able to stay on campus throughout the year, including the holiday periods, by signing up to vacation accommodation in May to secure the extended accommodation for the summer holidays.
If your off campus accommodation provider requires a Rent Guarantor, there is a guarantor scheme at the university to provide this for you.
Finance
We offer a one-off cash bursary ‘estranged student package’ to all new estranged students in their first year at Kent. As part of this package, estranged students are guaranteed access to accommodation for the duration of their course including the summer vacation.
You should also be entitled to the Kent Financial Support Package – the amount is subject to change but is usually between £1,000 and £2,000 each academic year, and is paid in two instalments, in December and March.
If you experience additional financial hardship you can apply for emergency funding including emergency short term loans or for the Access to Learning Fund (a grant which would not have to be repaid).
Student Finance Funding
Most students apply to Student Finance England for help with costs associated with attending university. It is best to apply for Student Finance as early as possible to ensure funds are in place for the start of the academic year. If you require help with making the application or in receiving your funding, you can contact your Student Union Advice Centre for assistance.
Any loan you borrow from Student Finance England is repayable only when you have graduated and are earning above a threshold income.
For full details we suggest you visit the Student Loan Company's website.
Employment
If you are able to, you may find that you need to work part time to supplement your income. The Student Union offers a Job Shop that you can register with to help find employment.
Finishing University
Graduation Costs
We may be able to help with graduation costs (one off payment of £100). You should be contacted directly regarding this near to graduation.
Careers Advice
University Careers & Employability services are available for three years post-graduation. For further information see the Careers and Employability website.