The document provides information about studying at the University of Kent for international students. It summarizes the location and campuses of Kent, its academic reputation and research excellence, job prospects for graduates, student life resources, costs, and guidance for planning preparations like accommodation, finances, travel, and cultural adjustment.

1. Introducing Kent Pre-departure briefing

4. Where you’ll be studying Canterbury – one of the biggest and greenest university campuses in the UK A safe, self-contained environment with everything you need for a good academic and social life Within walking distance of the city centre,1 hour to London by train, 2 hours to Paris and Brussels by Eurostar train. Medway – the campus is based near the historic naval town of Chatham, with purpose-built riverside student accommodation, 40 minutes by train from central London.

5. Fantastic European locations: Brussels and Paris The UK’s European University with centres in Brussels and Paris Brussels: an opportunity to network at the heart of European government and diplomacy Paris: Kent campus situated at the cultural heart of the city in an historic corner of Montparnasse

8. What our students say about us…!

10. International atmosphere Did you know? Kent’s largest international student groups are from France, China and the USA. Total Number Students: 19,665 Undergraduates: 16,825 Postgraduates: 2,840 No. of students at Canterbury campus: 15,885 25% of students are international, 130 nationalities represented.

11. Planning ahead – Welcome Week The University of Kent organises a welcome programme for the hundreds of international students arriving on our Canterbury and Medway campuses. The programme takes place during Welcome Week, before term commences. Although optional, we strongly recommend that you come along as it is a great opportunity to make new friends and get to know the University and the surrounding areas before the busy first week of term. To take part you need to register at: http://www.kent.ac.uk/gettingstarted/international/events/index.html The Welcome programme includes: • Welcome meeting (including essential information about English language lessons, academic life, welfare, immigration advice, UK health service and opening bank accounts) • Tour of Canterbury Cathedral • Visit to Leeds Castle • International students’ dinner

13. Living costs and tuition fees

14. Planning ahead – Key dates Key dates: 17 - 18 September – Arrival weekend 19 - 25 September – Welcome Week 26 September – 16 December – Autumn Term 16 January – 6 April – Spring Term 7 May – 15 June – Summer Term

15. Planning ahead - What can you do from home? • Accommodation – have you booked it? If coming to Kent via ‘clearing’ we’ve requested this on your behalf • Apply for visa - When you accept your offer, we will send you a CAS number by e-mail, which you will need when applying for a visa. If you email address have change, please contact us, • Getting Started at Kent booklet; book onto orientation events; Airport pick up service • Payment of fees in advance or on arrival at Kent (instalments possible) • Register online (using ID number from final offer letter) • Send us a photo (Jpeg) • Set up your computing account online • Choose your modules online • Payment of fees in advance or on arrival at Kent (instalments possible) www.kent.ac.uk/gettingstarted/

16. Planning ahead – Accommodation • If you have not yet applied for accommodation, please do so as soon as possible at: http://www.kent.ac.uk/accommodation/ • All of our accommodation includes internet connections in the bedrooms, so you can use this to do your research, and also to stay in touch with friends and family • Free contents insurance offered for those with a room on campus • Students will be informed which accommodation they have been allocated at the end of August. Remember to accept the offer of accommodation when it is made. If arriving late check arrangements on where and when to get your key for accommodation

17. Planning ahead – Health • X-rays • Purchase adequate travel insurance to cover you before you arrive in the United Kingdom. • Students studying in the United Kingdom for a period of study longer than six months will be able to register with the National Health Service. • Students can register at the University Medical Centre to see a doctor or nurse free of charge. However, there will be a charge for prescriptions • It is a good idea to consider any medications that you take and whether you can get medications in the UK and whether you can take some with you before you go. • If you need any additional support while you are abroad for example extra time in exams please let us know as soon as possible.

19. Planning ahead – What you should take with you • Baggage allowance: excess baggage charges can be expensive and you will have to carry what you bring. • In your hand luggage make sure you have all your important documents including your passport, visa documents, qualifications and insurance documents. • It is also a good idea to carry a photocopy of all your important documents with you in your hand luggage • Do NOT carry any prohibited items. Do NOT bring too much clothing, food or stationery – this can be bought on arrival

21. Culture Shock  It is to be expected – don’t worry if it happens to you. It happens to many international students.  Challenging times at the start of the year and on national holidays and birthdays etc, but it gets easier  Getting over it is often a matter of time.  Make yourself aware of cultural differences and embrace them! Open your mind and learn from the host culture.  Use all resources to seek assistance.  One of the best ways to overcome it is to get involved in University life.

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23. Contact us If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us as follows: Email: [email_address] Tel: +44-1227-823871 http://www.kent.ac.uk/internationalstudent/afterapply/index Alternatively, contact our representatives: www.kent.ac.uk/international/representation