Living on campus

Living on campus

University is all about new experiences, discovering more about yourself, what you're good at and what you enjoy. 

There's much more to life at Kent than just your studies, and there are lots of social events and groups to get involved with as well as a host of facilities at your fingertips to help you throughout your time living on campus.

So enjoy yourself, join societiesgrab a meal with friends, get stuck in with ResLife events, discover new interests and gain skills that set you up for the future.

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Group of friends in sunlight. Image by Chang Duong, Unsplash

My favourite thing about living in campus accommodation was my flatmates. We just got on really, really well every single one of us. They were like my second family and I know I will stay good friends with them.

Mia Cabral, lived in Eliot College Biomedical Science student

Key links and information

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Need to change, move or swap rooms?

There can be a number of reasons why you may want to change rooms after settling in from financial to personal reasons and we will facilitate room moves and swaps for students from November.

All room moves or swaps must be authorised through the Accommodation Office, and if you're thinking of applying, after the form goes live on 1 November, make sure you've read our guidance first.

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Moving dates to remember

When do I need to move out? Can I stay on campus over the Christmas/Easter break? Key moving dates are available on our vacation accommodation page.  

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Keynes flat bedroom

The friends I made through my housemates, the convenience of being on campus, and lots of storage in the room as well. Those were my three favourite things about living on campus.

Emily Meechan, lived in Keynes Flats/Houses Accounting and Finance student
Two female students sitting outside chatting

Canterbury campus

Join us at the Canterbury campus to meet new people, focus on your studies and get the complete student experience. You'll become more independent, make life-long friends and be close to what's happening on campus and in the local area.

Spaced across 300 acres, our campus overlooks Canterbury and it's famous Cathedral which is just a 30 minute walk away. Beyond Templeman Library there's lots of green space to relax or study in. You could also watch a film or show in our Gulbenkian arts centre or catch up with friends in one of the bars or bistros on campus.

Our Canterbury campus page has information on catering, nightlife, support and more.

You're part of a college community

As soon as you start at Kent you'll become part of one of our seven Canterbury colleges. Getting involved in college activities is a great way to meet new people and become part of a group that extends beyond your course or flatmates.

Our dedicated ResLife or Residential Life Team will make sure you feel part of the student community at Kent. At the heart of the team are returning students who have applied to become ResLife Ambassadors who are here to help you find your feet, signposting you to where you can find more support and advice and hosting college events for you and fellow residents to join to get you into the college spirit. However they want to hear from you too! So if you have any suggestions for events you want to see throughout the year, reach out.

The ResLife Team also work closely with Student Welfare and Community Life Team who are on hand to offer pastoral support when needed (such as with flatmate disputes etc). 

Another big part of university life is your student union. Kent Union are independent of the University and are here to make your voice heard and ensure you have a great time as a Kent student. They run the campus nightclub Venue, co-ordinate the many student groups/societies and organise events (including the student balls) throughout the year. Their committee is elected by you and consists of everything from course reps to welfare and community VP's meaning they they can offer student led support in a range of areas. This includes their buddy scheme which is popular with new students, its listening service Nightline or Jobshop.

Need help, advice or support?

There are lots of places on campus you can go to depending on what you need. 

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Canterbury is a beautiful place with many places to see and visit, especially if you are a nature or a theatre and film lover like myself which is what I loved about living on campus at Kent.

Local area and beyond

Our city
Lets start on our front door, as just a few minutes bus ride away is Canterbury city centre. Follow in famous footsteps and stroll through medieval streets full of independent shops and high street favourites. Take a punt on the river, or as a student you can also visit the Cathedral and grounds for free.

Canterbury is a city that loves its students - lots of places offer student discounts and there's plenty of nightlife too. Since 2011 the city has received Purple Flag accreditation for offering an entertaining, diverse and safe night out. Of course you'll have to try many of Canterbury's cafés and bars to discover which is your favourite haunt.

Our county
We love our home county of Kent too, and we're not the only ones! Lonely Planet named Kent's Heritage Coast as as one of their Best in Travel for 2022 so we're hoping you can spend some time exploring too. From seaside escapes (take a spin at one of Dreamland's  outdoor rides and concerts or Whitstable is just 15 minutes away by bus) to historic castles (such as Hever, Leeds or Dover) Kent really does have something for everyone.

We're well connected too - only an hour away from London by train and you can catch the Eurostar from nearby Ashford or a ferry from Dover to reach France easily.

See more

Students sitting on lawn with cathedral in background

Our Canterbury campus

There's lots to see and get involved with on campus and beyond with Canterbury only a short ride away!

A week in the life

Take a sneak peek into one week in the life of a Kent student studying and living on our Canterbury campus.

Glorious Kent

Take a whistle-stop tour around some of Kent's famous attractions from across the county.

Students talking and drinking in K-Bar

Welcome to K-Bar

K-Bar is one of our most popular venues on campus but there's lots of restaurants, cafés and bars to choose from.

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Get active with Kent Sport

Free gym access, classes and more with your included membership