Study support

The Student Learning Advisory Service (SLAS) can help you to prepare for and succeed in your university studies. SLAS offers one to one appointments, online bitesize workshops and online learning resources covering a wide range of topics such as:

• Introduction to university study and skills for success
• Research, reading and note-taking techniques
• Developing written assignments e.g. essay, report, dissertation
• Referencing  
• Giving presentations
• Critical thinking
• Time management and organisation
• Understanding maths and statistics
• Learning from feedback
• Revision and exam techniques

A good place to start, for all your studying needs, is your Academic Adviser. They will be there to support you throughout your degree journey and can help with most things academic. This includes how you are settling into university life, the modules you are studying and any support you feel you might need. Later on, they will help you with preparing for your exams, keeping an eye on your attendance and making career decisions. Did you know, your Academic Adviser writes your references? So it is important to get to know them and vice versa.

Your School will let you know who your Academic Adviser is (in your student handbook or online) or you can find out who your adviser is by checking your details page in KentVision. Your Academic Adviser will contact you regularly so keep checking your emails!  

If you're experiencing personal circumstances which are having an impact on your studies, if you're struggling to attend your timetabled sessions, or have an important appointment - such as a medical appointment - which clashes with a timetabled session, get in touch with your Division Student Support Team. They can also help if you're concerned that you're not going to be able to meet a coursework deadline.

We are committed to disability equality and ensuring all students, staff and visitors have a positive experience of the learning, teaching, research and work environment.  

Academic Peer Mentoring (APM) partners experienced students with newer students to support their on course learning.

This scheme is open to any students from participating schools.

It provides academic support for specific modules or general academic skills’ development. This is delivered through 1:1 sessions, small group meetings or drop-ins (varies from school to school).

Benefits of the scheme

• Encourages independent learning
• Improves student retention and achievement
• Facilitates communication between students and academics 
• Builds a community of learning

Benefits for mentors:

• Skills development such as, confidence, communication and leadership
• Practice of teamwork and organisation skills 
• Enhance CV
• Involvement in a community of learning

Benefits for mentees:

• Gain confidence in academic skills
• Become an independent learner
• Discuss and apply knowledge
• Get help with practical aspects of the course
• Develop a strategy for success

If English is not your first language, you can take English Language and Academic Skills (ELAS) modules, with International Programmes. ELAS modules are free and help you improve your academic English language skills in the following areas:

• essay writing
• grammar
• seminar discussion and presentation skills
• listening/note taking
• academic reading
• pronunciation

ELAS also offers individual writing and speaking tutorials and gives you the chance to discuss your specific language difficulties with an English language tutor.

Your School and student reps can be used as a form of support and are there to make sure your views get heard. 

Find your reps on Kent Union's website or The Hub website if you're in Medway.