We'll start with the most important, our E-inductions are live on the MyAccommodation portal. If you haven't already completed it, do it now. It doesn't take long but is packed with essential information, including finding your exact room address (exciting).
At the end of your E-Induction, you'll be asked to book an Arrivals Slot - this is the time slot you expect to arrive on campus. Once you have selected your Arrival Slot, you can download your must-have documents - your Arrivals Pass (to collect your room keys) and Unloading Permit (if coming by car) from the MyAccommodation Portal.
Please note, that there are limited numbers for each slot over Arrivals (9 January) to help reduce queuing.
Moving into Pier Quays? Check your emails for messages from Unite Students - they'll let you know all you need to do to be able to collect your keys.
Make sure you're ready to go by setting up our free student Wi-Fi before you even arrive. It's easy - just follow the online instructions. All you'll need is your Kent log-in information (which you would have got when you enrolled online).
Once that's sorted don't forget to download the Home at Halls app if you're moving onto our Canterbury campus or the MyUnite app if you're moving into Medway. Both these residential apps have some great features to make your life easier whilst living with us.
Just remember with Home at Halls you won't be able to login or access the app properly before you've checked in.
Your accommodation fees are due to be paid on the first day of every term for undergraduate students and at the start of each quarter for postgraduate students. You can check your payment dates and invoices within the MyAccommodation portal.
For Canterbury students, if you're starting with us in January, your first instalment fee is due on 13 January 2025.
You can find out more about how and when you need to pay your accommodation fees via our blog.
We've mentioned this a lot, but only because we know how tricky it can be.
We've got lots of information available on our arrivals page to help you as well as asking our students to share their advice. Here's a roundup:
If you don't fancy carrying around lots of boxes when you arrive (or have luggage allowances to stick to) check out UniKitOut. If you order before midnight on 2 January 25 your order will be delivered directly to your room ready for when you arrive.
With each accommodation area having its own dedicated student ResLife Ambassadors responsible for organising fun events for you to take part in with fellow residents throughout the year you may want to get to know them a little more.
Honestly who isn't thinking about food? But it's worth taking a minute to check out the catering options available at both Canterbury and Medway.
Due to move into Canterbury self-catered accommodation and worried about your cooking skills? If you want to take the pressure off, we have three meal plans available to purchase that may help you out by giving you savings on food/meals bought on campus.
If you're living in Becket Court, Eliot or Rutherford Colleges, or Keynes College (blocks F,G,H and I) you already have an included Flex Meal Plan in your accommodation fees.
Just one last thing - Arrivals weekend is very busy with traffic so please do not arrange to have any grocery deliveries on campus over Arrivals or during the peak times of 08.00 - 19.00.
If you live on campus, you are entitled to a free Kent Sport Premium Plus membership, giving you full access to the gym, classes and organised sports. You don't have to be super sporty or a fitness fanatic to take advantage, there’s something for everyone and some of our favourites are the one-off ‘Give it a Go’ events.
Live in Pier Quays? If you're a new Kent student or booked through Kent then you are entitled to a free Kent Sport Premium Plus membership.
Wanting to meet other new students before arriving? There are two ways to do it. Firstly, the Official University of Kent Freshers group on Facebook is a great way to meet people on the same course as you or living in the same area as you. Just check that you're joining the Official group and remember it's a public forum - be polite to one another and don't share your whole room address! Stick to college blocks or corridors.
Canterbury: All our receptions are open for extended hours during Arrivals. To collect your keys or fob you will need to go to your college reception so make sure you know where this is and have also checked what is the nearest unloading car park for your area.
If you're going to be arriving after receptions have closed, our short late arrivals video shows you what you'll need to do.
Medway: Pier Quays reception is open 07:00 - 22:00 to help you check in, but there is people are available on site 24/7 to help you check in if you arrive late. Just try to let Pier Quays know in advance of your arrival if you know so they can make arrangements.
It's natural to feel nervous, excited and a little bit overwhelmed about coming to university, but don't worry all new students have similar feelings.
Some of the best people to offer you advice to help you settle in are our current students so if you're worried why not see what advice they wanted to give you:
