Kent Students' Union
We are the Students’ Union for University of Kent students, which means we are here to support you on your journey - from the moment you choose Kent, to graduation and beyond.
Kent Students' Union
We are a registered charity completely independent from the university, run by students for students. It’s our responsibility to support you during your time at university and make sure your voice is heard. In addition to lobbying and campaigning for student rights, we help facilitate 250+ student groups, a free on-campus advice service, employment opportunities through Jobshop and run The Venue, Woody’s, Library Cafe, Co-op and Kent Clothing. Check us out on Instagram @kentunion to see what we get up to.
Student Officers
Every year we hold leadership elections where you can vote to choose five students to lead Kent Union and represent your interests on campus, locally and globally. Once elected, these 5 students become the Student Officer Team, with each role having its own focus and set of responsibilities. The five officer roles are:
- Students’ Union President
- Vice President Postgraduate and International Experience
- Vice President Welfare and Community
- Vice President Student Engagement
- Vice President Academic Experience
Have your say
In addition to voting for the Student Officer Team, there are lots of other ways you can have your say about your university experience, including:
Become a member of Kent Union Parliament (KUP)
KUP is the highest student-led decision making body within Kent Students' Union. Discuss important issues affecting students, shape policy and hold the Union and the Student Office Team accountable.
Join a Network
Network exist to bring students together to create communities and make positive change to the student experience. There are 12 networks to choose from.
Run a campaign
If you are passionate about creating social or political change? Whether your campaign is about something local, national or global, Kent Students' Union has a toolkit to help you make that change!
Become a Student Rep
Student Reps are an important link between the student body, Kent Students' Union and the University. Support peers at a subject, department, school or divisional level.
Kent Students' Union is here for you
University can be an amazing experience where you learn new things, discover who you really are, and make friends for life! However, we know it’s not always that easy and there may be times during your student journey when you need a little extra support. Kent Students' Union is here for you, and can provide help in lots of different ways.
- Our Advice Service offers free and impartial advice across a range of topics from academic concerns to housing issues and many more.
- The Wellbeing Hub is a part of the Kent Students' Union website which provides support and resources on a number of topics including mindfulness, mental relaxation and staying physically active.
- The Cost of Living Hub has news articles, resources and other useful tools to help if you are struggling with cost of living.
- Campus Pantry is a discreet food bank available for all students to access located in the Mandela Student Centre.
- Jobshop helps students find part-time work to support their finances whilst they study.
Get involved!
One of the best things about university is the opportunity to meet new people and build a community based on your passions! Kent Students' Union helps facilitate 250+ sports groups and societies, so there really is something for everyone! You can sign up for a group at any time during the academic year, but Welcome Fair during freshers week and The Big Fair in January are great opportunities to see all the groups in action and talk to current members.
We also have our Give it a Go scheme which is a programme of events open to all students that are free or low cost and don’t require any long-term commitments or membership. Attend with friends, or on your own - you’re guaranteed to learn something new and meet some great people!
In addition, Kent Students' Union runs The Venue, Woody’s, Library Cafe and Kent Clothing, as well as the two on campus Co-op stores. All the profit from these outlets goes directly back to our students and helps fund some of the amazing programmes and work that happens at Kent.
Get in touch
Kent Students' Union is located in the Mandela Building on the University of Kent’s Canterbury campus.
If you are studying on our Medway campus, you can access your student union services at The Hub.
Both locations are open Monday through Friday (9:00-17:00 Canterbury and 110:00-17:00 Medway), so stop in with any questions you might have! They’re also available 24/7 via their website https://ksu.co.uk/ and on Instagram @kentstudentsunion.
