Your first weeks at university are some of the most exciting times of your life. We want you to have the best moving-in experience possible so this guide will help you know what to expect and do before you arrive.
What's next?
You'll receive an email asking you to accept your accommodation offer (for most of you after A-level results day, but check our timeline).
Once you've done this we'll invite you from mid-August onwards to complete your Accommodation e-induction through the MyAccommodation Portal (where you made your application). This isn't very long, but there's lots of key info here you may need to know about life on campus. At the end, you'll be told your exact room number and asked to book an arrival slot for when you want to arrive.
My advice for new students arriving? Just relax, you’re about to make a big step and it may seem daunting, but everything will work itself out!
When should I arrive?
You should aim to arrive from Saturday 16 September 2023 for the start of Welcome Week on Monday 18 September 2023.
You can register your arrival date through the MyAccommodation Portal, and check college reception opening hours online.
We also understand plans change, so if you can no longer arrive on the date you originally selected you can log back into your account and select a different available timeslot up to 48 hours before arriving to get a new arrivals pass (if it's within 48 hours then just contact us to let us know).
Don't be shy about asking questions, no matter how stupid they might seem, because everyone is extremely friendly
How do I collect my keys and what do I need?
When you arrive you'll need to go to your college accommodation reception to collect your keys/fob and sign your corridor card to show you have arrived. Your keys will only be given to the student moving into the room, and you'll also need to have the following to show at reception:
Arrivals Pass
You'll need to have either a printed copy or pre-downloaded digital version on your phone/device (as you may not have Wi-Fi yet).
If you are arriving by car (with the exception of a taxi), you will need to print a copy of your unloading permit to generate your QR code.
This permit must then be displayed in the car and is accessible via the MyAccommodation Portal.
Official ID
This is not required to check in, but it is a good idea to keep some form of official ID on you as a backup. Especially, as you may need it later on.
Home at Halls app
A couple of days before you arrive you'll need to download the Home at Halls app.
You won't be able to sign in until you have checked in to your room, but after that you will need to log on to use the app to complete your room inventory.
Unfortunately, there is only limited parking available at each unloading area. This means you will only have approximately 20 minutes to park and unload all your belongings before moving to one of our larger overflow car parks.
Don't worry you don't need to do everything in this slot (e.g. you can come back to collect your KentOne card and meet the CCL team later) we just ask that you concentrate on unloading your items and collecting your key in this period so that everyone can have a chance to unload their items easily near their accommodation.
Traffic Marshalls will be in the unloading areas to help direct you where to park on your arrival to unload and then where you can park on campus after this period too. Please follow their instructions.
The best bit of advice I received was to bring decorative items - it makes the room that bit more comforting and homely and can help with the homesickness.
Don't arrange for any grocery deliveries during arrivals weekend. Instead bring enough to get you started and then you can always do your first shop together as a house.
Make life easier with direct delivery. You can also order any essentials through our partner UniKitOut and get them pre-delivered to your room ready for your arrival!
Bring coloured crockery so you don’t all get confused about whose everything is!
What's life like on campus?
After all, this is just the beginning! You've got lots to forward to, and for many of you this is your first time living away from home so you'll all be learning a lot outside of the lecture halls too!
Visit our Living on Campus pages for all the info on the facilities included in your accommodation.
On a personal note just remember to be kind, open and friendly and you'll be off to a great start. But should you need some support we're here along with a host of student support services.
Moving to a whole new country and starting at university is doubly exciting, but it can also bring its own worries. That's only natural, but know that Kent has a fantastic diverse community and we're just waiting for you to join us.
