Head Start at Kent

Head Start Live!

Invite-only events for students from the local area.

Find out more

Head Start

Going to university is a big step. We're here to support you at every stage.

Get a Head Start and begin your journey to Kent today.

Head Start gives you resources, guidance and support throughout the summer, so you'll be ready to go from the moment you arrive.

Watch our Head Start video
Head Start Live!

Invite-only events for students from the local area starting their undergraduate course in September 2026.

If you’re coming from the local area near our Canterbury or Medway campuses, you’ll be invited to our Head Start Live events the week before Welcome Week. Throughout the day, you'll be able to join sessions on what to expect in your first few weeks, moving into accommodation or getting tips on commuting, accessing the support available at Kent, and returning to study as a mature student. You’ll also have the chance to meet other new students, chat with our student ambassadors and explore the campus. There's even a dedicated session for parents and supporters!
Category: Head Start Live!
Event date: 23 Sept, 10am - 3pm

Head Start Live! - Canterbury

location-sign Location: Canterbury
Category: Head Start Live!
Event date: 23 Sept, 5pm - 7pm

Head Start Live! - Medway

location-sign Location: Medway
Category: Head Start Virtual
Event date: 24 Sept

Head Start Virtual Event

location-sign Location: Online

Life at Kent

Get ahead. Get Your Kent Start.

We asked students what mattered most to them. We listened, and built a university experience around the things our students told us they really need.
Your Kent Start

£2,000 just for you .

University costs add up. Get £2,000 over your first two years at Kent – £1,000 in cash and £1,000 to spend on campus food and drink. Plus, with affordable meal deals and guaranteed accommodation, there's less to worry about.

Internship, guaranteed.

Your future starts at Kent. Enjoy a guaranteed internship, plus opportunities for placements, study abroad and employer projects. Build experience, grow your network and graduate ready for what’s next.

Campus, city and coast.

300 acres of green campus. 50 beaches nearby. Plenty of space to switch off, recharge and make the most of your time at university. From city days to coastal escapes, you'll find the balance that works for you.

More support.

Free coaching. Confidential counselling, if you want it. A student-friendly timetable that gives you space to work, socialise and recharge. Add free sports membership  and we've got you covered.

What next?

Your home from home

Our accommodation isn't just a great place to live, it puts our student community on your doorstep.
Find your room

Funding your studies

We offer a wide range of scholarships, financial support schemes and additional student funding.
Funding options

Here when you need us

We are committed to improving access to learning and provide a wide range of support.
Student support

Subject spotlights

Hear from students and academics about what it is like to study at Kent, as they take you on tours of facilities and introduce how you'll learn at Kent.

Event for mature students

Uni Ready

Date: Monday 29 September
Time: 11:00am and 2:00pm
Location: Templeman Library, DG01 and DG02

Starting university as a mature student comes with unique experiences, and Uni Ready is here to help you feel connected from day one. Join us on Monday 29 September, between 11:00am and 2:00pm in Templeman Library, DG01 and DG02, for a relaxed drop-in event designed especially for mature students. 

Meet other students with similar experiences, chat with university support services, enjoy refreshments, and take part in informal activities exploring topics that matter to mature students, including commuting, balancing work, or caring responsibilities, being first in your family to attend university, and more. 

Whether you stay for five minutes or the full session, we'd love to welcome you and help you start building your university community.

Care-experienced and Estranged Student Travel Bursary

The University of Kent is pleased to offer a Care Experienced and Estranged Student Travel Bursary to ensure that care-experienced and estranged students can access open days and offer holder events at the university. This bursary will cover return travel to any of our open days or offer holder events at Canterbury or Medway campus.

To find out more and apply, please complete the Care-experienced and Estranged Student Travel Bursary enquiry form

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