Welcome to our University of Kent guide, made to show you what you can expect from this higher education institution. We will examine available courses, teaching methods, ranking among universities, potential career options and more. Every student with ambition should seriously consider studying at this university!
Overview of the University of Kent
The University of Kent is located in Canterbury county, with approximately 18,710 current students enrolled in undergraduate and postgraduate courses, where they conduct research and develop skills for their future careers. As a particularly international university, Kent believes in equal opportunity and fosters a diverse community. In addition, its motto, “Ambition puts global success within reach”, speaks volumes about the institution’s approach towards teaching and studying and helps us understand why it ranks so high among other universities.
Aside from the fantastic courses and research facilities Kent offers, current students enjoy various extra curricular opportunities, live and virtual events, and, of course, student life experiences. To find out more about this bastion of higher education, keep reading!
History of Kent University
The original idea for the University of Kent stems from 1947, when the student population rapidly grew, leading to many requests for new universities. However, it was not until 1960 that the proposal was seriously taken into consideration and finally accepted. The new university would be built near Canterbury due to its historical importance.
The University of Kent was officially granted a Royal Charter in 1965, and later that same year, its first students arrived. Princess Marina, Duchess of Kent, became its first Chancellor. Originally envisioned as a collegiate institution, it had four colleges, all of which are still functional today. However, over the years, the system has drastically changed, and the colleges, though present, play less of a role in the organisation than intended. Still, Woolf and Turing colleges were established later, raising the college number to six.
What is the address of the University of Kent?
The University of Kent’s official address is:
University of Kent
Canterbury
Kent, CT2 7NZ
Map of the University of Kent
You will find the University of Kent at the address below:
How to get to the University of Kent
The University of Kent is well-connected to the rest of the country via a number of different modes of transport. As a result, no students should have an issue arriving at any of the campuses. Here is how to get to the university:
- By train: Catch a high-speed train from St Pancras station, London Victoria, Ebbsfleed International, London Charing Cross, or Ashford International. The two stations closest to the University of Kent are Canterbury East and Canterbury West.
- By bus: Buses drive regularly from both Canterbury stations to university campuses. You can either use a Unibus or line number 4.
- By coach: Using the National Express coaching services, you can get to the University of Kent from any major city in the UK.
- By air: The University of Kent is approximately a two-hour journey from all major London airports, such as Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, and Luton. International students can take the underground from the airports to one of the London stations that are connected to Canterbury, then switch to a train there.
- By car: Canterbury is near the A2 and M2 motorways, which connect it to London and other major areas in the UK. However, parking on campus is limited, so it is usually best to use public transport to reach the university.
What are the top courses at Kent University?
The University of Kent has all the necessary tools to ensure its students have a successful future in whichever career they choose. One way to do that is by offering courses that rank among the best in the world, such as:
- Forensic science
- Arts and Humanities
- Social Sciences
- Business, Economics and Finance
- Engineering
- Medicine
- Law
- Psychology
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Data Science
As a bastion of higher education, the University of Kent and its courses provide resources for pursuing a further academic degree or a successful career in your chosen field. Aside from the courses, you can customise your student experience with elective modules, a year abroad, or research opportunities. Let your ambition lead the way, and start building your future at the University of Kent.
Where is the Kent Students Union?
Like most students unions, Kent’s is located on the university grounds, a short walk from the Canterbury campus. The Students Union is a place to make friends, gain support, ask for advice, and find additional information on the latest events, clubs, and societies. If you are looking for extra curricular opportunities, the Union is sure to help you. In addition, interested students with ambition may join the representative body, help organise charities, and bring about social change on campus and beyond.
What are the best Kent student nights?
Student life is all about the balance between academic pursuits and mingling with fellow students. As a city housing three universities, Canterbury boasts an exciting nightlife that is uniquely suited to students and their budgets. When you get tired of the library, hit the town and explore student-friendly clubs and venues, such as:
- Chemistry — a variety of genres, the biggest club in Canterbury
- Tokyo Tea Rooms — Japanese-themed bar and nightclub, cheap drinks, live performers
- The Ballroom — unique interior, various events, funky feel
- The Cuban — cocktail bar and party venue, hip-hop and R&B
- Alberrys — great cocktails, basement dance floor
What are the best student pubs in Kent?
If you are looking for a quieter night out or a pre-drinks spot before you hit the club, a pub is an excellent choice. Head into one of many student-friendly bars dotting the streets of Canterbury, and you will find yourself immersed in great conversation and surrounded by diverse crowds. Here are a few of our personal favourites:
- Citi Terrace — bar, lounge, and restaurant, classy atmosphere
- The Shakespeare — a uniquely British atmosphere, outdoor seating area
- The Penny Theatre — cocktails, karaoke nights
- The Dolphin — traditional English pub, beautiful beer garden
- The Cherry Tree — the oldest pub in Canterbury, great drinks, outdoor seating
Where are the best places to eat for students in Kent?
Even if you’re a student on a budget, you won’t go hungry at the University of Kent. Canterbury is full of food joints and restaurants that can please anyone’s palate. Here are a few affordable options you can try out next time you hit the town:
- Saint Smokey’s — a BBQ house with a Caribbean twist
- Oscar & Bentleys — intimate bistro, welcoming environment, hearty meals
- Kitch — homemade meals, local food, healthy ingredients
- A la Turka — Turkish cuisine, local ingredients
- Cafe Des Amis — Mexican and Mediterranean cuisine
What are the Halls of Residence for the University of Kent?
The University of Kent has four campuses, two of which are located in the UK and the other two in continental Europe. The campuses in the UK include the Canterbury campus and Medway campus (Pier Quays), situated in Canterbury and Chatham Maritime, respectively.
For students with ambition in international relations, law, and policy-making, the campus in Brussels offers a perfect gateway into their future careers. And those more artistically-inclined will find themselves at home on the Paris campus with its specialist postgraduate programmes in France.
Whichever campus you choose as your new home, you’ll find a range of rooms for undergraduates and postgraduates with all the accommodations you need. Keep in mind that student lodgings are closely linked to Kent’s colleges, so you will likely be assigned a room based on the college you belong to.
What famous people went to Kent University?
The University of Kent takes pride in the fact that it offers diverse and thorough education, allowing each of its students to thrive in their chosen field. Thanks to that, it has produced high-profile alumni who have built successful careers and even made their mark in history. When you graduate, you will join the company of Kent graduates such as:
- Kazuo Ishiguro, Nobel laureate for literature, the author of The Remains of the Day
- Ellie Goulding, singer, songwriter, and producer
- E. L. James, the author of the Fifty Shades trilogy
- Alan Davies, actor and stand-up comedian
- Tom Wilkinson, actor and winner of a British Academy Film Award
- David Mitchell, sci-fi writer
- Emily Thornberry, politician
Ultimately, the University of Kent will provide all the experiences needed to become a well-rounded and successful member of society. So, give your career a head start by becoming part of Kent’s student population and pursuing your ambition!
Hotels near The University of Kent
If you’re a relative visiting one of the university’s students or a potential student coming for an open day, you won’t be able to stay on campus. Instead, you will need to find accommodation in Canterbury or the wider Kent area. Luckily, a quick Google map search will show you plenty of inexpensive lodgings where you can spend a few pleasant days.
And if you are looking for a traditional hotel to stay in, Canterbury will not disappoint. Here are a few of the best options:
For more options, explore trusted websites such as Booking.com and TripAdvisor. You’re sure to find something that perfectly suits your tastes and budget in no time.
Top Kent Students Discounts
Current students of the University of Kent can benefit from various discounts, especially if they have a Totum card. Those discounts include the following:
- Free admission to Chatham Dockyard
- Student tickets at Gulbenkian
- Kent Sport membership
- 10% off in the Wagon Shop and Mess Deck restaurants
For some great online student discounts for Kent students check out these options below:
- All Saints Student Discount
- AO Student Discount
- boohooMAN Student Discount
- Clarks Student Discount
- Evans Cycles Student Discount
- JD Sports Student Discount
- Nike Student Discount
- Sweaty Betty Student Discount
Popular Questions about the University of Kent
So far, we have made sure that you receive information about the most important aspects of the University of Kent. However, it is likely that we haven’t answered every single question you have. Thus, we’ve compiled a few in the following section, clearing potential doubts about courses, the institution’s global success and ranking among universities, international study, and more.
What courses are available at the University of Kent?
Students of Kent University can select a number of courses they’re interested in each academic year, including:
- Accounting and Finance
- Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
- Business and Management
- Economics and Econometrics
- Law
- International Conflict Analysis
- Data and Computer Science
- Geography
- Sociology
- Physics and Astronomy
- Mathematics and Statistics
What facilities are available at the University of Kent?
The University of Kent stands out thanks to its state-of-the-art facilities and modern technology, which make studying for your degree much easier. The facilities available at every college are:
- Lecture theatres with audio-visual equipment for more advanced teaching
- Disability support
- Readily-available learning and research resources
- Templeman library
- Sports centre (free membership for first-year students)
- Medical centre
- File storage options
- Student PCs
- Free lockers
- Study spaces
- Wellbeing services
What are the University of Kent’s official world rankings?
The University of Kent holds a high position among universities in the UK and the world. In fact, it can be found on all relevant world rankings, and its students are known to achieve global success. To show you exactly what kind of institution you will be pursuing your degree from, here are some of the official UK and world rankings:
- #351-400 on Times Higher Education World Rankings
- #201-250 on Times Higher Education World Rankings by Subject for Arts
- #251-300 on Times Higher Education World Rankings by Subject for Life Sciences
- #301-400 on Times Higher Education World Rankings by Subject for Engineering and Technology
- #375 on QS World University Rankings
- #576 on U.S. News and World Report
- #162 on U.S News and World Report by Subject for Arts and Humanities
As you can see, the University of Kent will provide you with an excellent academic background to support your ambition and help you develop into a successful individual with plenty of career options to choose from.
What colleges can be found at the University of Kent?
The University of Kent is comprised of six colleges named after distinguished British scholars: Darwin, Keynes, Eliot, Rutherford, Woolf, and Turing. As part of the student population, you will belong to one of them, and your college will largely determine your campus life. To begin with, you will be assigned to Medway campus or Canterbury campus, depending on the college you join. In addition, your college will offer you a place to socialise, relax, make friends, and pursue your ambition.
Is the University of Kent suitable for international students?
The University of Kent offers a diverse community with students from all corners of the world forming societies, making friends, and attending courses together. No matter where you are from, this institution and its international study will be a perfect gateway towards making your ambition a reality.
What are the academic schools at the University of Kent?
In essence, these schools are divisions of the university, and applicants can choose which department to belong to in their first year. In total, there are six of them, all related to different academic and research areas available at the institution.
Is Kent University an inclusive university seeking social change?
Through its commitment to diversity, charity, social research, and equal opportunity, the University of Kent proves time and time again that it is indeed an inclusive university seeking change with ambition and determination. Everyone is welcome at the campus, and everyone is likely to find the support and guidance they deserve during their stay.
Does the University of Kent accept late applications?
Yes, the university accepts late applications, but it is wiser to apply early and ensure a spot on the course that interests you or is useful for the careers that do.
Summary of the University of Kent
The University of Kent proudly states that ambition puts global success within reach, and its high ranking among world-class universities certainly seems to prove the truth of those words. As a student of Kent University, every course will bring you closer towards the career of your choice and fulfilling your ambition. And that’s not an opportunity you should miss!