Navigating UK Study - International Students

Navigating UK Study

A short course designed for International Students to help you settle in and prepare for your academic studies before term starts.

From Monday 21 September 2026, you'll take part in sessions on our Canterbury campus, as well as local visits and activities designed to help you settle in.

Developed with support from our International Student Advisory Board, the programme covers many of the things students say they want to know during their first few days at Kent.

Explore the timetable

Unlock your academic potential with Navigating UK Study

Designed to empower international students in the UK, this course helps you settle in by equipping you with the essential skills and knowledge to succeed in your core studies and get ahead on settling in the UK, using the theme of Cultural Intelligence (CQ).

Navigating UK Study runs the week before our main arrivals weekend, giving you the opportunity to settle in, with practical tips on living and studying at Kent.

You'll meet other international students, explore our facilities and have time to adapt to your new home. Pick up helpful tips on transport in Canterbury and Kent, on which shops will stock what you need, and on where to visit for a great day out.

To make settling in simple, we've included a welcome meal and breakfast and £50 catering credit to spend on campus.

Application deadline:  Thursday 3rd  September 2026.

Applications will open in May.

Immerse yourself in our vibrant student life

Experience UK student life with visits to Canterbury city, its UNESCO World Heritage Cathedral and a historic boat tour, and the beautiful Leeds Castle.

"Honestly for me the highlight was the ability to go to Kent earlier, having a temporary accommodation with less responsibilities was great for me to adjust to the new environment while the campus was still calm."

Discover the nuances of academic settings  

Conquer the challenges of coursework and presentations, exploring academic voice and style. Navigate the complexities of source selection, good academic practice and referencing to ensure your work meets the highest standards.

"This was very useful! Great to get familiarised with the English academic system and to prevent the cultural shock and possible mistakes."

Embrace cultural diversity  

Through the theme of intercultural communication and Cultural Intelligence (CQ), foster cross-cultural understanding and resilience, while cultivating your reflective practice and unlocking personal growth and adaptability.

"The sessions were extremely helpful in getting to know (student) life in the UK, as well as how to make the most of your time here."

Indicative Timetable

Morning sessions will run 9.30am - 12.30pm and afternoon session will run 1.30pm - 4pm, both with a break.  

dinner

Sunday 20 September

Welcome dinner

Join the other course participants and current Kent students for a welcome dinner.

users2

Monday 21 September

Introductions

  • Starting with a group breakfast and induction, you'll go on a campus tour led by current Kent students.
  • In the afternoon we'll explore UK student life and student experience at Kent.
city

Tuesday 22 September

Academic settings and Canterbury visit

  • You'll spend the morning focusing on academic settings, looking at coursework types and how to tackle each one. 
  • Then you'll be visiting Canterbury city centre, its UNESCO World Heritage Cathedral and go on a historic boat ride (weather permitting).
earth

Wednesday 23 September

Cultural Intelligence (CQ)

CQ is your capability to relate and work effectively in culturally diverse settings. Discover how to use and improve your CQ drive and knowledge, then focus on CQ strategy and action to prepare for the term ahead. Find more about CQ at the CQ Centre.

library

Thursday 24 September

Source use and spoken assessment

  • Based in our Library, learn how and where to find the best sources for your academic work, and how to use them in your work.
  • You'll spend the afternoon exploring the different spoken assessments used at Kent, focusing on seminars and presentations.
brain

Friday 25 September

Reflecting on student life

  • You'll return to student life at Kent, revisiting coursework types and looking more closely at good academic practice.
  • In the afternoon, you'll reflect on your own progress, your goals for the term and explore how best to use feedback on your modules.
bubbles

Friday 02 October

Intercultural communication and Welcome Fair

  • You'll share your experiences so far in a session on culture shock and tools for intercultural communication. 
  • You'll then join the Kent Students' Union welcome fair to discover all the societies you can join to make the most of your time at Kent.
binoculars

Saturday 03 October

Leeds Castle

Cameras at the ready! You'll be visiting Leeds Castle in Kent, often called "the loveliest castle in the world".

See leeds-castle.com for information about the castle.

Fees

The cost for 2026 is to be confirmed.  The fee in 2025 was £390 

Your fee includes all tuition, entrance fees and travel for the visits to Canterbury Cathedral and Leeds Castle, a Canterbury boat tour, and a welcome dinner on Sun 20 Sep, breakfast on Mon 21 Sep, and £50 catering credit on your student card for the rest of your meals.

Application deadline: 03 September 2026.

For accommodation fees, see the accommodation section below for details.

Accommodation

When you book onto the course you will have the option to add accommodation. This will be on campus, with other 'Navigating UK Study' students.

There are two options for accommodation: standard (shared bathroom) at £26 per night or en-suite at £37 per night*.

*2025 prices   

Check-in is on Sunday 20 September and you will be allocated accommodation for the duration of this short course before moving to your term-time accommodation.  


Terms & Conditions

Terms and conditions (PDF)