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.
There is no template for a Kent student. 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.
If you're living on, or within six miles of, the Canterbury campus you should register with the University's Medical Centre. There are also doctors close to our Medway campus.
In order to access many services from Student Support and Wellbeing (SSW), you need to be registered with them. They can then help put support in place for you.
Check the NHS website for which vaccinations you are recommended to get before you start university.
The UK Government have announced that a new, time-limited MenB vaccine offer is available this summer for Year 13 students and under 25s who will be starting university as undergraduates or moving into residential further education settings for the first time in autumn 2026.
Eligible students will need 2 doses of the MenB vaccine for protection, with the first being offered from late July and the second dose from August.
When you join Kent as a first-year student, you'll automatically be given free Kent Sport membership for use in the gym and fitnress spaces, indoor and outdoor sports facilties, group exercises classes and more.
Full-time international students in the UK are entitled to medical care through the National Health Service (NHS).
Learn more about how international students can use the NHS.
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.
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.
There are many different ways you can look after your wellbeing. Our Mental Health team offer support to all students experiencing psychological, emotional or mental health issues.
The Mental Health Team consists of Mental Health Advisers and Mentors, who can help you with issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, adjusting to university life, and relationship difficulties. Student Support and Wellbeing offer free counselling and frequent workshops, groups and events to enhance and maintain your wellbeing throughout the year.
You can get also 24/7 support through our partner Spectrum Life, so you can always get the help you need, when you need it.
Our Student Support and Wellbeing team can help with mental health, disability, autism and specific learning differences (SpLDs, including ADHD and dyslexia), and accessibility.
Specific support includes Inclusive Learning Plans (ILPs), content available in alternative formats and events aimed at neurodivergent students and those with a disability or health condition.
