The Student Experience
This project will look into how the experience of being a University of Kent student has changed over the last 50 years, and will place an emphasis on the oral histories of both alumni and current students and members of staff. It will explore the changes that have occurred in both the academic and social lives of our students, and investigate the developing role of Kent Union in student welfare and support, financial advice, and employment. The project will take a particular interest in unusual and interesting stories, and will also look into families who have had several generations attend the University of Kent as students or members of staff. It will also research the changing demographic of the University, looking at the progress of racial diversity on campus and how the University came to be labelled the ‘UK’s European University’.
Why this project is important
University ends, hopefully, with students attaining that all-important degree, but how did those students experience those crucial years before embarking on possible careers after? In the last 50 years, the University of Kent has given its students a variety of experiences with regards to: social life and extracurricular activities; sports; political activism; ethnic, religious and sexual diversity, and so on.
As time has gone by, these experiences have evolved into important grounds for students to build upon possible future career prospects and passions. How far have societies grown in diversity and become a staple of student life? How has Kent’s modern status as a ‘European University’ altered the student community? How have Union activities and the names of college bars and clubs adapted to student needs and become a focus for student culture and integration? Tracing the student experience throughout the last 50 years helps us understand where today’s university experiences have flourished from and how the University of Kent contributes towards high student-satisfaction.
Why we are interested in this project
As current students at the University of Kent, we are interested to learn about the University’s origins; its expansion over the decades; and its growth into what we see and experience today. Using this opportunity to volunteer outside of our courses enables us to put our skills into practice, enriching our own student experiences while becoming a part of the university’s history ourselves.
For both former and current staff and students, this project will stand as a piece of history – rejuvenating memories from across the 50 years and reminding all of their time and involvement at Kent, while creating new memories for everyone both past and present to enjoy.
You can get involved whether you are a student, member of staff or alumni. Current students can collect, preserve and make accessible related materials. You can also conduct research in our library archive and help share its holdings of unique materials. Moreover, you may conduct interviews with alumni either on the University of Kent Alumni Days or arrange a scheduled interview throughout the year. Alumni can also get involved in this project by participating in the University of Kent alumni days and sharing both their experiences and memorabilia from their student life at the University of Kent. Get in contact with us to find out more.
What sorts of material we are interested in receiving
We are interested in receiving any material that was relevant or had significance in your student experience at Kent. Anything from posters to photos would be great. We would like to see what was significant for your student experience during your time at Kent and we would like to interview anyone that has any stories – be it funny, interesting or unusual! We are looking for stories and information of what your student experience at Kent was like, what made it or if there are any defining moments during your time at Kent that you will always remember.