It's easy to apply for accommodation. See what you need to do and when.
So you've received an offer to study at the University of Kent's Canterbury campus. What's next? Apply for accommodation of course!
Where you live is a major decision so whether you'll be an undergraduate (UG) or postgraduate (PG) student use this time to get as much information as you can before you apply for accommodation. If you're not sure what accommodation is right for you, we've gathered the four questions you need to ask yourself to get started.
Accommodation applications open in mid-January every year for students starting in September. Plus, if you apply before 31 March or 30 June 2025 then you could be guaranteed a room offer from us!
If you are due to arrive in January 2025 you can apply for accommodation online from the 1 November 2024.
Don't forget, although you'll be arriving in 2025 we're still in the 2024/25 academic year until August 2025 so you'll need to select 2024/25 when you start your application.
We have extended our guarantee to include all students starting in January. Exchange students, postgraduate students and UKIC students who applied before the 8 Dec deadline will be contacted by the Accommodation Office via the email they applied with before Wednesday 18 December 2024. Students who apply after this date are guaranteed a room offer, however, you will not receive an offer until the beginning of January 2024.
If you are an exchange or postgraduate student, you should aim to arrive on campus for Thursday 9 January 2025. UK IC students should aim to arrive for Saturday 4 January 2025.
One top tip is to apply early as we allocate rooms based on your application date. Here Will shares more great advice for applying for accommodation at Kent.
Before you apply, ask yourself what accommodation option is right for you and then take a look around our website at the room choices available that match your needs.
Top tip: Be ready to apply by looking at both en-suite and shared facilities options.
New UG and PG students who have received a conditional or unconditional offer from Kent can submit an accommodation application.
If you are interested, you can also learn more about how we allocate students to rooms and our allocation procedure.
2024/25 eligibility criteriaMedway students and the first 1,500 Canterbury returner applications are guaranteed accommodation. International returners are guaranteed housing for all years if applied for each year. Apps open mid-January, apply by 19 January 2025.
Returners accommodationNew undergraduate KMMS students who have received a conditional or unconditional offer from the University can apply for accommodation via a dedicated application link. Accommodation applications are also open for returning KMMS students.
2024/25 Eligibility criteriaMake Kent your firm choice and apply for accommodation by 31 March 2025 to guarantee your preferred room type (e.g., en-suite or shared). Applications after this date may still secure accommodation, but room type will depend on availability.
Guarantee offerAccommodation offers for returning students will be sent in batches starting late March, with offers issued in the order applications are received.
Applications for accommodation must be received by 30 June to qualify for a guaranteed offer of accommodation.
You can apply after this date but we may not be able to guarantee you a room unless we have extended our offer due to extra availability.
If you haven't received your room offer yet, today is your last chance to amend your preferences. Log into your account to make changes without affecting your initial application date.
The University receives confirmation of A level results and makes decisions on applications. Other results may be received at different times.
Once all conditions have been met, unconditional places are confirmed, and we complete the room allocation process we start sending out offers in batches to the email address you supplied in your application.
Offers expire 48 hours after being sent.
Check your account
UG and PG late, adjustment and clearing applicants must apply online and answer the question requesting university accommodation when prompted via the online clearing application process.
Your details are then passed to the Accommodation Office**
Kent's Clearing pagesWe'll email you to let you know when your Accommodation induction is ready to complete. Then just log back into the MyAccommodation portal and complete it before arriving for all the key info you need (including your room number!).
MyAccommodation PortalVisit the accommodation website for information about Arrivals and useful advice such as what to bring with you and when to arrive.
You should also read the University's Welcome pages for more information on what to do before you arrive.
Canterbury Arrivals
You made it! Welcome to all our new UG and PG students and we wish you all the best as you settle in and begin this new adventure
Check what to do so your keys are available for collection if you're arriving outside reception opening hours.
Life on campus
Join social activities (in person and online) and meet your housemates. Check Kent's Welcome pages and Kent Union's website for campus events.
If you're arriving after term starts, contact the Accommodation Team asap to ensure your keys are ready.
Welcome to KentIf you're unsatisfied with your current accommodation, you have the option to apply for a room change (subject to availability).
Blog: What you need to know, room moves and swaps* If you hold an unconditional offer of a place to study at the University of Kent before August, you will hear from us with an offer of a room earlier via email.
** Late, adjustment and clearing applicants, as well as late postgraduate applicants, will be offered accommodation subject to availability with applications considered in line with the stated 2024/25 eligibility criteria (PDF 144KB).
Congratulations you've accepted your offer to study at Kent and have received your room offer and we can't wait to meet you!
It can seem like there's a lot to do to get ready to arrive but if you follow our simple steps and advice you'll be ready to settle in in no time at all!
