If you’re hoping to study in the UK with Chevening, you’ll receive plenty of support to help you make the most of your year abroad. Here are ten ways the University of Kent supports its students.
The University of Kent has a long-standing relationship with Chevening, having welcomed generations of scholars from all over the world.
With six academic divisions, covering a range of subject areas, it’s a popular choice for many international students.
One of the things that stands out most for Chevening Scholars is the wealth of support on offer.
I chose the University of Kent because I saw and felt the effort made to ensure my experience was pleasant. I had the opportunity to choose three different universities in the UK to pursue my studies, but I went all the way with Kent instead. I knew this journey would be hard so I needed to be in a place that would care about me… That place is and continues to be Kent.
Read on to find out how the University of Kent supports scholars to make the most of their Chevening year.
‘At the University of Kent, we want you to feel happy, healthy, and free to focus on your studies. To help with this, we run a number of support groups and wellbeing events throughout the year.
We have a Wellbeing Cafe, a social board games club, weekly mindfulness sessions, and much more!
In addition to general support and wellbeing services, we also offer specialist support for international students.
Discover 10 ways the University of Kent can support you during your studies:
1. Help with English language and academic skills
Our International Programmes department offers English Language and Academic Skills (ELAS) modules that you can take alongside your degree to ensure you are getting the most from your studies. Our free modules are designed to help you improve in areas such as grammar and punctuation, essay writing, note-taking, and seminar participation.
2. Disability and wellbeing support for international students
Our Student Support and Wellbeing team offer a specialist service for international and European Union students with physical disabilities, long term health conditions, hearing loss, visual impairments, and autism.
3. Mental health support
Our Mental Health Team offer support to anyone experiencing psychological, emotional, or mental health issues. Our mental health advisers can provide short-term focused interventions to promote wellbeing and help with developing coping strategies.
4. The International Wellbeing Group
The International Wellbeing Group is a student-led group that meets every week on Thursdays from 2-4pm. The group meets physically or virtually to facilitate informal conversations amongst international students and to promote wellbeing. The group organises games and outings at different times in the calendar year. Check out the Student Support and Wellbeing Events calendar to find out more.
5. Wellbeing Student Advisory Board
In March, Kent proudly launched the first student-led initiative to support mental health at the university. The student-led Wellbeing Student Advisory Board consists of 20 enthusiastic students from a diverse range of courses, years of study, and backgrounds, who are passionate about shaping student wellbeing at Kent.
6. International student groups
At Kent, we have a large and welcoming international student community. There are lots of student-led international groups for students of different nationalities, cultures, and religions. All of these groups and societies can be found on the Kent Union activities page.
7. Global hangouts
The University of Kent’s Global Hangouts series runs throughout the year as a place for international students to meet and make new friends.
8. Health service
Kent has an NHS general practice on campus called the University Medical Centre, with an independent pharmacy next to it. Our University Nursing Service provides advice for minor illnesses/injuries and contraception, and is staffed 24 hours a day during term time by registered nurses.
9. Career support
Our Careers and Employability Service offer advice, workshops, and tools to help you prepare for your future career or further study. They can also help you find and apply for part-time jobs while you study. In addition, Kent Union runs Jobshop, an online employment service.
10. Help from Nexus
You can visit Nexus in the Templeman Library, or email the Nexus team at nexus@kent.ac.uk, for more general practical support about living in the UK and settling in. Whether you need help figuring out local transport, opening a UK bank account, or even if you just want some advice on where to buy your groceries, Nexus is here to help.’
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