Before you move

Before you move in

Things to do before you move in

E-Induction

It only takes a few minutes to complete your E-Induction before you arrive.

Book your arrival

At the end of your E-Induction, you'll be asked to book your arrival slot, so we know when to expect you.

Unloading permit

If you're arriving by car or van (except taxis), you'll need an Unloading Permit to display in your vehicle.

Connect to our Wi-Fi

Make sure you're ready to go by setting up our free student Wi-Fi, before you even get here.

Pay outstanding fees

Find out if you have any outstanding accommodation fees to pay before you move in.

Get packed

It's easy to overpack for university. Check out our guide to discover the essentials you'll need and what you can leave behind.

Meet new people

University life isn't just about studying – discover ways to meet new people, get involved and make the most of your time at Kent.

Think about food

We recommend bringing snacks with you or making use of the food outlets available during Arrivals Weekend. Find out more about the food and drink options available on campus.

Get organised before you arrive

Make sure you get off to a flying start and have a smooth arrival experience by making sure you've looked through and ticked off our to-dos before you arrive.

E-Induction

You'll find your E-Induction on the MyAccommodation Portal. Please complete this before you arrive at Kent – it only takes a few minutes and includes everything you need to know. Once it's complete, you'll be rewarded with your full accommodation address, including block and room number!

Moving to Pier Quays

If you're heading to Medway, make sure you keep an eye on your emails from Unite Students, who will provide all the information you need on how to check in and collect your keys.

MyAccommodation Portal
MyUnite App (Medway)

Book your arrivals slot

At the end of your E-Induction, you’ll be asked to book an Arrivals Slot – the time you plan to arrive on campus. Once booked, you can print or download your Arrivals Pass, which you'll need to collect your room key. If you're using a digital pass, make sure you download it to your phone before you arrive on campus.

Arriving in January 2027? 

You should plan to arrive at the start of your accommodation contract, depending on your course:

  • Thursday 7 January 2027 – for students on an International Exchange Programme.
  • Saturday 9 January 2027 – for all other students.

Please check your accommodation contract to confirm your arrival date before booking your arrival slot. Please check your accommodation contract to confirm your arrival date and make sure you book a slot for the correct day.  

Unloading Permit

If you're arriving by car or van (except by taxi), you'll need to print your unloading permit to generate a QR code and display the permit in your vehicle whilst you unload your belongings.

You only have 20 minutes to unload before your vehicle will need relocating to the free Giles Lane overflow carpark for the rest of the time you're on campus.      

Tick off your list

Make sure you're ready to go by setting up our free student Wi-Fi before you even arrive. It's easy - just follow the online instructions. All you'll need is your Kent login information (which you should have received when you enrolled online). 

Smart Speakers: Please note that smart speakers without an Ethernet port are not compatible with the Eduroam Wi-Fi.

Don't forget to download the Home at Halls app if you're moving onto our Canterbury campus or the MyUnite app if you're moving onto Medway.  Both these residential apps have some great features to make your life easier whilst living with us.

Just remember, with Home at Halls you won't be able to log in or access the app properly before you've checked in.

Your accommodation fees are due to be paid on the first day of every term for undergraduate students and at the start of each quarter for postgraduate students. You can check your payment dates and invoices within the MyAccommodation portal.

If you’re joining us in September 2026, your first instalment is due on 5 October 2026.

If you’re starting in January 2027, your first instalment is due on 11 January 2027.

You can find out more about how and when you need to pay your accommodation fees via our blog. 

Even if you're moving into self-catered accommodation, it's worth taking a minute to check out the catering options available at both Canterbury and Medway. 

Flex Meal Plans are also available if you want to take the pressure off cooking every day and save some money on food/meals bought on campus. 

If you're living in Becket Court or Keynes College (blocks F, G, H and I), you already have a Flex Meal Plan included in your accommodation fees. You'll just need to download the Time2Eat app to get started.

Please note, the meal plan only covers term time, it will not be available until Saturday 9 January 2027. If you’re arriving before this date, don’t worry – you’ll still have access to:

  • Campus catering outlets and the Co-op Shop (open with limited hours)
  • Local shops and takeaways in the area.

Find out more about meal plans for January starters.

We are unable to accept food or parcel deliveries over Arrivals, so any deliveries to campus during this time may be turned away.

If you'd like to stock your fridge when you arrive, we recommend checking in and unloading your belongings first. You can then visit one of Canterbury's local supermarkets at your convenience. When returning to campus, please park in the Giles Lane overflow car park and make your way back to your accommodation from there.

Alternatively, you could bring a cool box with enough food for your first couple of days and arrange a grocery delivery for the Monday after Arrivals Weekend, when traffic on campus is lighter.

Canterbury

All accommodation receptions are open for extended hours during Arrivals Weekend (9 - 10 January). To collect your keys or fob, you'll need to check in at your accommodation reception, so make sure you know where to go and which unloading car park is closest to your accommodation.

If you expect to arrive after your reception has closed, watch our short late arrivals video to find out what you need to do.

Medway

Reception at Pier Quays is open 24hrs to help you check in. If reception is closed when you arrive, call the number displayed for assistance.

If you know you'll be arriving late, please let Pier Quays know in advance so arrangements can be made for your check-in.

If you watch or record live TV on any channel, or use BBC iPlayer, you’ll need a TV Licence - whether you’re watching on a TV, laptop, phone or another device.

Find out more and check if you need a licence on the TV Licensing website.

Packing advice

Starting university is exciting, but packing for it, that can feel like a challenge.
Blog: What to pack?
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A group of three women packing a car

Packing check list

Don't overpack

Start with the essentials, as you'll pick up more items during the year and can buy anything else later. Remember, you may need to carry your belongings up several flights of stairs, so pack wisely!  

Prioritise essentials 

Focus on bringing everyday essentials and items that are difficult to replace, such as chargers, personal items and important documents. Don't worry about forgetting small things – you can easily pick them up once you arrive.  

Know your bed size

Not all accommodation has the same bed size – some are single, some are small double, and some are even extra-long! Check the size online before buying bedding.

Don't bring the kitchen sink! 

Bring the basics to get started, and chat with your flatmates about sharing larger items, such as air fryers. 

It's also best to check which types of appliances are included in your accommodation before you arrive. Did you know some of our accommodations include induction hobs? 

Prohibited items
What's included?

Bring some home touches

Little touches that remind you of home – like ornaments or photos stuck up with white tack – can make your space much more comforting.  

Check the prohibited items list 

There are a few things you definitely shouldn’t pack – like candles, mini-fridges, cube adaptors, or pets. Before you start filling your suitcase, check the prohibited list so you don’t waste space bringing things you won’t be able to use.   

What's already included? 

See what's already included in your accommodation, so you don't double up.

Check your storage options

Remember, you're moving into a bedroom, not a mansion! To find out what storage you have in your room, check out our range of short YouTube room storage videos.

Order from UniKitOut

If you’d rather avoid carrying lots of boxes on arrival (or need to stick to luggage limits), take a look at UniKitOut. Order before the deadline and your essentials will be delivered directly to your room, ready for your arrival.  

"Adjusting to a new bed can be difficult for some people, and if you like an especially soft bed, a mattress topper could be helpful."

Lowena Norton - Park Wood

It's natural to feel nervous, excited and a little bit overwhelmed about coming to university.

Hear from our students...

Some of the best people to offer you advice on settling in are our current students, so if you're worried, take a look at some of the advice they would give you.

Meet people and try something new this January

Meet your ResLife team 

Your ResLife Ambassadors are dedicated to building a welcoming community in your accommodation. From social events to wellbeing activities, they organise opportunities for you to meet fellow residents, have fun and feel at home. Take a moment to get to know them!  

Activate your free Kent Sport membership

If you live on campus, you are entitled to a free Kent Sport Premium Plus membership, giving you full access to the gym, classes and organised sports. You don't have to be super sporty or a fitness fanatic to take advantage, there’s something for everyone and some of our favourites are the ALL Active events. 

Before you can book classes, social sport sessions and recreational activities with your free Kent Sport membership, you'll need to create your online account.

Getting set up is quick and easy – simply register using your Kent email address, create a secure password, and you'll be ready to go.

The best part about campus accommodation is without a doubt the complimentary gym membership for me! Even when I’m not utilising it, it feels good to know it's there for free whenever I need it.

Park Wood, Park Wood

I was nervous but excited for living on campus. It was going to be hard being away from home, but living in halls made the transition smooth as it set me up for a really easy living experience, even away from family.

Lowena Norton, Park Wood

More about Arrivals

Canterbury Arrivals Guide

Canterbury Arrivals Guide
All the information you need to get ready to move onto our Canterbury campus.

Medway Arrivals Guide

Medway Arrivals Guide
Learn more about arriving at Pier Quays.

Bed sizes

Bed sizes
Before you pack up your bedding or order bedding for your accommodation, make sure you check your bed size!

Know what’s included

Know what’s included
Check which appliances are provided in your accommodation, including the type of hob and whether you have a fridge-freezer or separate fridge and freezer.