University of Kent

The University of Kent is one of the country’s leading academic institutions producing world-class research, delivering outstanding teaching across two campuses in Canterbury and Medway.

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About University of Kent

University of Kent is a leading university in the UK. They provide the best education, support and opportunities to help you to bring out the best in yourself. This is where you will get ahead, have new experiences and find your place as part of a global community.

The Canterbury campus is a community in itself with so much to choose from including a 4-story library, shops, cafes, sports facilities, student nightclub as well as leading teaching facilities and its extensive on site student accommodation.

The Medway campus is surrounded by historic buildings, renovated for 21st-century study with industry-standard facilities that support their professionally focused courses.

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University of Kent, Giles Lane, Canterbury CT2 7NZ

A top ranked university

39th

QS World University Rankings

top 25%

of Higher Education Institutions worldwide

48th

The Complete University Guide 2024

29th

in the people and planet university league

#1

in Times Higher Education award for outstanding student support

Zero

Net zero committed by 2024

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Kent, The Garden of England

Rolling hills and beautiful scenery, costal views, historic buildings and quaint villages. No wonder Kent is called the Garden of England.

Kent is England’s oldest county and has more historic houses, castles and cathedrals than any other regions. Along the 350 miles of coastline, Kent is home to the White Cliffs of Dover famously featured in music, film and literary works, or see France on a clear day from Folkstone.

It is famous for its breweries and vineyards. This history is shown with the many unique oast houses through the countryside, traditionally used to dry hops.

Canterbury is the jewel in Kent’s crown with something for everyone. The extensive bars and restaurants through the historic town, students will never be bored here. The city is overlooked by the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral which dates back to 11th century and is home to Archbishop of Canterbury, leader of the Church of England.

In Medway you have the centre of maritime history at the Historic Dockyards in Chatham which has been the location for many films and TV shows including James Bond, Sherlock Holmes and Les Misérables. Also part of Medway is Rochester where Charles Dickens grew up and wrote many of his books; it also boasts a beautiful cathedral and 11th century castle as well as traditional sweet shops, original pubs and cafes.

Local beaches

There are some of the best beaches in the UK in the south of England. Whitstable is a quaint coastal town and famous for its annual oyster festival or you can joining the locals to catch tiny crabs at Herne Bay Pier. There are so many things to explore around costal Kent.

Days out

There is so many days out in Kent including the beachfront theme park ‘Dreamland’ in Margate, visiting the many National Trust locations or taking a trip to Bluewater Shopping Mall.

Summer events

One thing England loves is the British summer. Enjoy a picnic and watch the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at Leeds Castle or experience Rochester Charles Dickens Festival with maypole dancing and Morris dancers. Pack your picnic baskets and join the fun.

A thriving community

University of Kent has two campuses in Kent. The main campus is in Canterbury and the heart of the student community. Students can take the free shuttle bus to the Medway campus and enjoy the best they both have to offer.

Campus - Key Information
  • Kent Sport has a huge range of facilities on the Canterbury campus including extensive gym and fitness , equipment, Sports halls and floodlit artificial outdoor pitches, Tennis, martial arts and boxing areas.
  • Canterbury campus has its own nightclub, theatre, cinema and a range of restaurants, cafes and street food vans so you will never be short of things to do.
  • Student accommodation village on the Canterbury campus is a safe, welcoming community of students.
  • Free shuttle bus between Canterbury and Medway campuses. Students also enjoy discounted tickets on public transport in and around Kent.
  • New buildings purposely built to enhance students learning including the award winning £26m Kent Business School 'Sibson Building'.

The Sibson building is the home the University of Kent Business School. This state of the art building is made with sustainable materials and won awards.

All students who live on campus have free membership to Kent Sport. Home to the huge range of sport and fitness facilities on the Canterbury campus.

  • Extensive gym with modern fitness equipment,
  • 3 multi-use sports halls for indoor sports,
  • 3 full-size, floodlit artificial pitches for outdoor sports,
  • 4 acrylic indoor tennis courts within the Kent Indoor Tennis and Events Arena,
  • Performance, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation clinic,
  • Dedicated martial arts and boxing area

Home sweet home

Kent accommodation comes with a key to a safe and affordable place to live and a door to a community of new people.

You’ll find some of your best friends in your uni accommodation and you’ll have some of your best times too. Whether it’s cooking up a feast in your house in Park Wood, our student village; watching a film in your room with friends in Tyler Court; conjuring up some drinking games together in your shared kitchen in Turing; or enjoying a Domino’s ‘Two for Tuesday’ together at your Pier Quays flat.

 

Key Features & Amenities

Fully furnished room

Self-catered or meal plan options available

Wi-Fi and utility bills included

Free membership to Kent Sport

24/7 security and support

UoK is partnered with UniKitOut for students essentials

Your experience

University of Kent has one of the largest Student Unions in the UK. Run by students, for students, Kent Union is the representative voice of all 20,000+ students who study at Kent, by leading, inspiring and empowering the student body.

Kent Union is very active on the Canterbury and Medway campuses, from supporting student groups and networks to running our big social spaces such as the on-campus nightclub, The Venue; Woody’s Bar in Park Wood, great for socials and watching sport; and the Library Café which is a great little pit stop for nine-to-five studyers!

 

JobShop liaises with local businesses in Canterbury and Medway to help students who are looking for part-time employment. Students can meet with a JobShop adviser to work through their CV or application too.
Students can also sign up to JobShop’s temp bank and pick and choose from any weekly or monthly work opportunities that are coming up.

We want you to reach your potential, so Kent go the extra mile to make sure you do; if that means taking ground-breaking decisions on support, Kent will.

At Kent there is a range of support students can access. This includes counselling, mental health support, disability support, autism support, and specific learning difficulties.

Getting to know your campus and the people in it can help you to create your own network of friends and comfortable spaces.

There’s so much to do on the campuses all year round. Starting with Welcome Week and end the year with the Summer Ball. There’s always an amazing line-up of artists; Sigala and Notes headlined in 2022, as well as Nippa who’s a London artist and Kent alum!
Kent also have 250+ student groups to choose from, or you could try a one-off ‘Give-it-a-Go’ event such as rock climbing or tie dye. They’re great for meeting new people.

University of Kent International College

University of Kent International College is a dedicated pathway college on the Canterbury campus at the University of Kent

University of Kent International College (UK IC) students can choose to study an an undergraduate International Foundation or and International Year Zero, or an International Incorporated Masters.

Find out more about University of Kent International College

Supporting students to success

Learn more about what our students have to say when studying across our education network.

As DMUIC is situated in England’s most vibrant and multicultural city, I had the opportunity to make friends from different countries. The most amazing thing was that the DMUIC staff including all teachers and the office persons were very motivational and welcoming. They provide the best routes for study to every individual.”

Syed Asim Pakistan , University of Kent

I’ve enjoyed studying at DMUIC, the tutors are excellent and have helped me settle into life as a university student. They are also really supportive and have helped myself and other students with other issues outside of the classroom such as accommodation.

Nafisa Bangladesh , University of Kent

I have successfully progressed onto my degree course at the University of Bradford because of UBIC's reliable policies and teaching programme. To the new students, those who just started their foundation at Bradford International College, I must say you are going to pass the class, the only thing required is your attention and leave the rest on UBIC's staff because they are the one that are going to lead you to a brilliant future as it is a pathway to success.

Shoaib Pakistan , University of Bradford International College

I have a lot of international friends here at BUIC, and I’ve learnt so much from them. There is always a lot to do together both on and off-campus.

Sagar Nepal , University of Kent

I would recommend UGIC because it is based on the main University of Greenwich campus, a cosmopolitan university. At UGIC, there are students from all around the world, and I've made a lot of friends from exciting places."

Gozel Turkmenistan , University of Greenwich International College

I think one of the main reasons the IIM (pre-masters) has been so helpful is because the staff are so supportive and are always able to help me. Whether it is understanding a module or finding out how to sort accommodation, they will help you with everything. I’ve enjoyed studying at Bangor, the people are friendly, and the environment is also really peaceful and safe. It’s given me the best opportunity to succeed in my studies here in the UK.

Tong Tong China , University of Kent