Guaranteed accommodation
Available to all students who apply through Clearing.
Inclusive living at Kent
Alternative Lifestyle options
At Kent, we believe that everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, and supported in their student home.
We offer three lifestyle accommodation options designed to meet specific community needs:
Single Sex Accommodation
Most of our accommodation is arranged in mixed-sex flats. If you would prefer to live in a flat where all residents are of the same sex, you can request single-sex accommodation. Single-gender flats are available where demand allows – if this is important to you, just let us know in the ‘additional notes’ section of your application.
We'll always try to accommodate your preference where possible, but as availability is limited, we can't guarantee that we'll be able to meet every request.
Moderate Living Accommodation
Moderate Living accommodation is available to first-year students who prefer a quieter, more peaceful lifestyle without alcohol in shared areas.
Why choose moderate living accommodation?
- Enjoy a calm environment with less noise and fewer social gatherings in shared spaces
- Share your living space with others who appreciate a respectful and considerate atmosphere.
While we can’t guarantee complete quiet or an alcohol-free space, living alongside like-minded students helps create a relaxed and supportive community. Residents are encouraged to respect each other’s space and enjoy a balanced, independent lifestyle.
Eligibility and application
Spaces are limited and we may not be able to offer this option to everyone, so if you’re interested, make sure to 'tick' the Moderate Living option in your accommodation application.
LGBTQ+ accommodation
Our LGBTQ+ accommodation creates an affirming, inclusive environment where you can feel comfortable living as your authentic self.
Why choose LGBTQ+ accommodation?
- Support – Live in a space that actively affirms and respects your identity
- Community – Connect with other LGBTQ+ students who may share similar life experiences
- Visibility – Be part of Kent’s commitment to inclusion and representation.
Eligibility and application
This option is for students who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community or are questioning their identity.
To apply, simply mention in the ‘Additional comments’ box on your Canterbury accommodation application that you’d like to be considered for LGBTQ+ accommodation.
Please also let us know your preferred contact method (phone or email).
If you’d prefer not to share this information in writing, you’re very welcome to call us after submitting your application.
Unfortunately, due to limited availability, our LGBTQ+ accommodation option is only available to students starting in September.
Confidentiality
Your application will be handled with complete discretion. There will be no visible signage identifying LGBTQ+ accommodation, and details will not be disclosed to others.
Alternative accommodation
We offer alternative accommodation options like moderate and single-sex housing (subject to availability) across the Canterbury campus. LGBTQ+ accommodation is based in Park Wood village, a peaceful area surrounded by green space, offering a supportive community for students.
Moderate living
Location: All locations
We have comfortable moderate living options across campus, and while we’ll do everything we can to match your preferences, sometimes your first choice might not be available.
LGBTQ+ Flat
Location: Park Wood Flats
For our LGBTQ+ students, we offer accommodation at Park Wood student village. Students share with up to six others, with all rooms featuring en-suite facilities and access to a shared kitchen/diner.
LGBTQ+ House
Location: Park Wood five-bed houses
Just a 10–15-minute stroll from central campus. Our Park Wood five-bedroom houses offer upstairs shared shower and toilet facilities, an extra toilet downstairs, plus a shared kitchen/dining area.
Single-sex accommodation
Location: All locations
Accommodation blocks are usually mixed-sex, but if you’d prefer single-sex housing, just email the accommodation team to request it.
Applying for Lifestyle Accommodation
When completing your accommodation application, you can select either LGBTQ+ accommodation or Moderate Living accommodation (or neither). If you have multiple preferences, our team will prioritise the option most important to you - just drop us a message to let us know.
Got a question?
Our FAQs cover a wide range of questions, but if you can’t find the answer you need, don’t hesitate to reach out to our accommodation team - they’re here to help!
LGBTQ+ is the acronym for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning and ace. This is the definition provided by Stonewall.
It is a voluntary, opt-in accommodation option designed to provide an inclusive and supportive living environment for LGBTQ+ students at the University of Kent. It helps foster a sense of belonging and community among LGBTQ+ identifying students.
This accommodation is open to any University of Kent student (excluding KMMS) who identifies as part of the LGBTQ+ community.
Unfortunately, due to limited availability in January, our LGBTQ+ accommodation option is only available to students starting in September. Requests are subject to housing availability.
LGBTQ+ accommodation is specially reserved for those who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community or are exploring their identity.
We’re committed to creating a safe, welcoming environment where everyone feels respected and supported. We believe all residents can be allies, helping to make our accommodation a positive and inclusive space for everyone who identifies as LGBTQ+.
When you apply for accommodation on the Canterbury campus, simply add to the 'additional details' box that you'd like to be housed in LGBTQ+ accommodation.
Information to include:
- Which accommodation choice you prefer- Park Wood Flats or Park Wood Houses
- How best to contact you to discuss your choice (email, phone).
Once you submit your application, a member of the ResLife team will be in contact to discuss your accommodation further.
LGBTQ+ accommodation is open to people of all genders and gender identities. As students are not asked to disclose how they identify, our LGBTQ+ accommodations can be made up of any demographic of genders. If you prefer to live in single sex accommodation instead, you can select this as a preference, but this will not be in LGBTQ+ accommodation.
Our ResLife team treats all information in your application with complete confidentiality. We will never confirm your request for LGBTQ+ accommodation in any written communication. Before sending your offer, we’ll call you to ensure you’re comfortable discussing your placement and confirm that you’re happy to be allocated LGBTQ+ accommodation.
When you arrive, there won’t be any visible signs or markings inside or outside the accommodation identifying it as LGBTQ+ specific, and it will be managed just like any other housing.
If you’ve contacted us about your application, we may reference this in our replies, so please feel free to share any concerns or questions you have at any time.
We also ask all residents to be mindful and respectful of others who may be at different points in their personal journey. Some housemates may not have publicly shared their gender identity or sexuality and might be living alongside friends, family, or relatives.
By fostering a considerate and supportive environment, we aim to help everyone feel safe and welcome.
No. This is entirely optional. LGBTQ+ students may choose any accommodation type they prefer.
Moderate living accommodation FAQs
Accommodations for first-year students who prefer a quieter environment with lower noise levels are set aside in all accommodation areas. Students in moderated living areas are expected to maintain a quieter lifestyle, including respecting alcohol use, noise levels, and socialising.
While not monitored more closely, these areas bring together like-minded students who self-manage their environment. We can’t guarantee a completely quiet or alcohol-free space, but there are measures in place for addressing students who don’t follow the guidelines.
If you're a first-year student, you'll see a tick box to request Moderate Living when completing your accommodation application.
Single Sex Accommodation FAQs
Accommodation blocks are normally mixed-sex, however, if you would prefer to be allocated to single sex accommodation block, you need to request this on your accommodation application form.
Unfortunately, it cannot be guaranteed we will be able to fulfil this request, but the accommodation team will try their best to allocate students in their preferred accommodation choice.
Single-gender flats are available where demand allows – if this is important to you, just let us know in the ‘additional notes’ section of your application.
Note: We do not allocate based on ethnicity. Our system and team do not have access to that information.