Attending an Open Day

Attending an
Open Day

We are looking forward to welcoming you to our Open Day at the University of Kent.

The information on this page is designed to help you understand what the day may involve, so you can plan your visit in a way that feels comfortable for you.

Alternative formats

If you would like this information in an alternative format, please contact us at opendays@kent.ac.uk

Travelling to the campus

If you’re coming by car, the postcode for your sat nav is CT2 7NZ. You can park free of charge in Giles Lane car park. Student ambassadors will be located near to the car park and around the campus. They will be holding large ‘Can I help you?’ signs. You can ask them questions, and they will help you find your way.

The campus is mostly flat and accessible. If you have any mobility needs or would like additional support getting around the campus, please let us know in advance. You can email us at opendays@kent.ac.uk  or call our team on 01227 824654.

You can view buildings and specific rooms/lecture theatres in advance by visiting Kent maps

Registration

You will receive an email from us on the morning of your visit. This email will include a QR code. You will need to show the QR code to a member of our team when you arrive. They will scan it with a mobile phone, which will log you as having attended.

You will also be given a free drinks voucher and a free donut voucher once you have been scanned in.

Activities

Our Open Days are designed to give the opportunity to experience what it’s like to be a student at Kent. There are some activities at specified times, but there are other activities you can do at your own pace.

All the details are in the programme, which you can download before your visit. The link to the programme will also be available in the email we will send you on the morning of your visit.

You can participate in as many or as few of the activities as feels right for you:

  • Attend general talks and Q&A sessions
  • Attend subject activities
  • Self-guided tours of the campus
  • Viewing accommodation – full details of the rooms we are showing on the day will be in the programme.
  • Meet the Kent Student Support and Wellbeing team
  • Meet other teams involved in your experience: Careers and Employability; Kent Sport, Admissions, Accommodation, Kent Students’ Union.

General talks and Q&A sessions

These usually take place in a lecture theatre or large room and are led by an academic member of staff. They may be assisted by current students. There may be slides and microphones will used so everyone can see and hear clearly. There is no expectation to contribute. There will be opportunities to ask questions during and after the general talks. You can ask questions aloud or simply listen to the information shared with the group. If you have a parent or supporter with you, they can also ask questions if they would like to.

Subject activities

These give you the chance to experience what studying your subject of interest might be like. These sessions are usually led by academic staff and may include a short lecture, discussion, or small activity related to the course. Some sessions are interactive, but you will not be expected to speak or contribute unless you feel comfortable doing so, and listening is fine. 

There will be opportunities to ask questions during and after the subject activities. You can ask questions aloud or simply listen to the information shared with the group. If you have a parent or supporter with you, they can also ask questions if they would like to. 

Viewing accommodation

There will be several room types available to view during the day. Accommodation visits allow you to see examples of student rooms and shared spaces. Viewing accommodation may involve walking between buildings and may include stairs or using a lift.

Meeting our teams

You can walk around the campus and speak to staff if there is something you would like to ask or simply look at any information available. There is no expectation to speak with every team.

You are welcome to ask questions and take information away to read later. You can spend as much or as little time as you like with each team, and you can leave and return if you prefer a quieter space.

The following links give you an overview of the key services offered at the University by different teams.

Admissions -After you apply
Accommodation - Frequently asked questions
Student Finance
Student Support and Wellbeing
Student Academic Success
Kent Students’ Union
Language Centre

The information on these web pages may be useful when planning your day and deciding what questions you might want to ask.

Free coffee and donuts

When you register and have your QR code scanned, you will be given a free drink voucher and a free donut voucher. The drinks voucher will let you know the locations where you can claim your free drink. The donut van will be located outside the Templeman Library, and you can use your voucher to claim your free donuts.

On the Registry Lawn

Street Food Village

You will be able to sample a range of street food. This will be served outdoors on campus on the Registry Lawn (weather permitting). Food will be prepared by our catering team, and you will be able to choose from a selection of options. There may be a short queue while food is being served.

There may be food smells, background noise and other visitors nearby. There will be seating available close by, and you are welcome to take your time when eating. If you would prefer a quieter space, you are also welcome to take your food and eat elsewhere on campus.

In case of wet or bad weather, the street food will be served in Rutherford College Dining Hall. All members of staff and student ambassadors will be aware of the location on the day of the event and will be able to help you find the way.

If you have any dietary requirements or allergies, please speak to a member of staff or our catering team on the day and they will be happy to help.

Taking the day at your own pace

You are welcome to take breaks at any time during the event. Campus cafés and quiet outdoor spaces will be open throughout the day if you would like some time away from activities.

If you prefer to be indoors, please speak to a member of staff or a student ambassador and they will take you to one of our quiet indoor spaces.

Getting in touch with us

If there is anything that would help you feel more comfortable during your visit, please let us know in advance by emailing opendays@kent.ac.uk  or calling our team on 01227 824654.

We are happy to support you so that you can make the most of your day and look forward to welcoming you to Kent.