Health, wellbeing and disability support

Health, Wellbeing and Disability Support

University is an exciting time, but it is a big change. Looking after yourself both physically and mentally, is really important. Find out everything you need to know to prepare to Kent, and how to get support once you're here.

Living your best life

When you join Kent, you become part of a dynamic, diverse and welcoming community. Your first few weeks will be full of excitement, celebration and new experiences. Our job, and the job of our community is to not only welcome you, but to support you to have the best time and produce your best work.

There is no template for a Kent student, we'll make sure you'll be seen and heard throughout your time with us so you can flourish during your time at Kent, and beyond. Explore how you can set yourself up for a smooth start at life at Kent, and how we can support you through any challenges you may face.

Medical care

New students starting university are considered to be at risk of meningitis and septicaemia so you should make sure you have received your Men ACWY vaccine before coming to Kent. Be informed - know the signs and symptoms.

NHS advice for new students

Make sure your other vaccinations are up to date

You should check with your doctor that your measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), tetanus, diphtheria and polio vaccinations are up to date. See NHS vaccinations

Medical care: international students

Full-time international students in the UK are entitled to medical care through the National Health Service (NHS). Information for international students on the use of the NHS, the United Kingdom’s state health service is available here.

If you are applying for a student visa for six months or longer, you are required to pay the immigration health surcharge as part of your visa application fee. This fee is mandatory, with the exception of certain exemptions, and you cannot submit your visa application without making payment. Your application may be delayed if you pay an incorrect amount for your stay as the Home Office will suspend your application until they receive the full amount payable. If the Home Office request a further payment and this is not received within the deadline, then your visa application will be rejected.

Immigration Health Surcharge - more information

You can get treatment from the NHS from the beginning of your stay. You will not have to pay to see a doctor or other health professional and all investigations (for example, blood tests and x-rays) and procedures are free. You may have to pay for some dental treatment and for medicines prescribed by a doctor, depending on your income. This also applies to your spouse or civil partner and children. Children under 16, or under 19 and in full-time education, do not normally have to pay for any treatment.

If you are on a course lasting six months or less, you can be seen as a temporary patient at the Medical Centre (Canterbury campus) and a local doctor (Medway campus) but you will be unable to register as a patient. You may not be entitled to further NHS treatment (for example onward referral to hospital services, if required), so you should arrange private medical insurance.

Canterbury campus: Register with the Medical Centre

If you're living on, or within six miles of, the Canterbury campus you should register with the University's Medical Centre, which also has a Psychological Therapies department.

The Canterbury campus also has a 24-hour (term-time) Nursing Service which offers a confidential drop in service, providing support and advice, treatment of minor illnesses and minor injuries.

Register with a doctor - Medway

If you're studying in Medway, you can register with St Mary’s Island Surgery, local to the Medway campus.

You'll need to complete a registration form to register as a patient and so that the practice can retrieve your medical information.

Some practices will allow you to complete part of your registration online, but it is likely that you will need to complete your registration in person.

Find a doctor

Wellbeing

Setting up your support

Student Support and Wellbeing (SSW) are a team of professionals in mental health, neurodiversity, disability and improving access to learning for all.

Get in touch with them to set up your support before you start, or at any time during the year.

Student Support

Wellbeing at Kent

Wellbeing can cover anything, from headspace to extensions, pet therapy to urgent support. Discover how we support your wellbeing at Kent.

#UniKentWellbeing

At Kent, we think mental health and wellbeing matters, and have lots on to help you settle in and find what works for you to stay well while you're at uni.

Find out more