Returning student accommodation
We've set aside a number of rooms in Canterbury and Medway for returning students in September 2026, so you can continue your journey with us in a place you can call home.
Great benefits available to returning students
"As a returning student,
rolling out of bed and being in a lecture in 10 minutes; that alone has saved me so much money and stress.
Key links and information
Pre-register your interest
Register your interest for returning student accommodation between 28 November 2025 and 8 January 2026, and we'll give you 24-hour early access to our application pages when they open at the end of January, increasing your chance of securing a guaranteed spot.
Even if you plan to live with friends, each person must register their interest individually. Guidance on applying as a friendship group will be provided at the time of application.
There are no fees or obligations, so registering is a great way to get ahead if you're considering living on campus next year.
What do I need to do?
Applying for returning student accommodation is quick and easy! Simply visit our application pages when they open towards the end of January 2026.
Accommodation guarantee
- For guaranteed accommodation for September 2026, apply by the January deadline (TBC)
- If you're looking for an en-suite at a lower price, Pier Quays offers great benefits.
For Canterbury Campus:
- The first 1,800 eligible undergraduate and postgraduate applications (including KMMS students) are guaranteed a room offer for next year.
International students:
- Returning international students are guaranteed accommodation for all years of study, provided they apply by the deadline.
Pier Quays, Medway:
- All students (including MPharm) are guaranteed an accommodation offer when applying by the deadline.
Important Notes:
- Room availability is limited for some types. We will try to accommodate your preferences, but this isn't always possible. If you need a specific room type, contact us as soon as possible
- Accommodation is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early is always best
- If you're applying as a group, please make sure you follow our guidelines.
- LGBTQ+ and moderate living options are also available - find out more.
Forgotten your login?
You'll need this for your application in January, but don't worry - if you forget your password, you can easily reset it using the MyAccommodation on-screen instructions. Just have your student ID number ready, which you can find on your KentOne card if needed.
When will I find out where I will be living?
We will email you by the end of February 2026 to let you know if you've secured a guaranteed offer. If you don't receive this email, don’t worry, it simply means you didn’t secure a guaranteed offer, but you may still receive one later.
Starting in late March/early April 2026, we will send accommodation offers (including details like your block) to all applicants, based on the order in which applications were received.
What's next?
Once you receive your room offer, you can log in to your account and accept it for 2026!
You must accept or decline your offer before the expiry date. However, you can cancel your accommodation application at any time before accepting the offer. Once you accept, you'll be agreeing to the usual terms and conditions.
Find out more
Take a look at our FAQs for all the answers
Canterbury Returners FAQs
Our Canterbury FAQs cover all the common questions, including how to apply to live with friends.
Medway Returners FAQs
Our Pier Quays FAQs cover all the common questions, including how to apply to live with friends.
When and where can I apply?
From the end of January 2026, you can apply using our online accommodation application pages!
What rooms are available?
Canterbury: Limited returner rooms are in all our colleges (except Turing). Medway: You can apply for any en-suite room.
How much will it cost?
With no hidden costs, you only need to pay the standard accommodation price in September 2026.
Is KMMS accommodation available?
Yes, KMMS students can apply also from mid-January 2026 via a separate link.
Returning to live in Pier Quays at Medway
There are a lot of great benefits to living with us again in your second and third year. Providing you're a full-time student, you'll be guaranteed to receive a room offer and can live with your friends but there's more.
Same price added value.
It's true, you could apply through Unite Students as a returning student, however you'd be missing out - as we charge exactly the same price but also include a free sports membership meaning you get better value for your money with us for the same facilities.
Exclusive extra incentives when booking directly through the University of Kent:
- Kent Sport Premium Plus membership at no extra charge
- Returning students receive priority placement for phase 2 en-suite rooms (subject to availability)
You can apply directly through the University of Kent from the end of January 2026 for the 2026/27 academic year. Register your interest today!
Check out our Medway FAQs for more information. If you are a current resident (who booked through the University of Kent) then check your email for your special returners offer from the Accommodation Office.
When accepting your accommodation offer you will need to make a £250 advanced rent payment. This will then be deducted from your first accommodation payment at the start of term and is non-refundable if you cancel your agreement after seven days of accepting.
If you are an MPharm student who wishes to return to live in Pier Quays you are also welcome to apply via your dedicated application link.
Applying as a group
If you would like to share accommodation with your friends, please follow these guidelines:
1. Appointing a group leader
- Your group must appoint a nominated group leader to coordinate the application process
- The group leader will be responsible for creating the group, submitting the initial application, adding members, and selecting accommodation preferences on behalf of the group.
2. Responsibilities of the group leader
- The group leader must collect the first name, surname, and email address of each group member to add them to the group application
- Once the group is created, each member will receive an email containing a group code, which they will need to use in their own applications
- The group leader will select accommodation preferences including Lifestyle Moderate Living or Show Flat scheme options on behalf of the entire group
- Group members must agree on these accommodation choices before the group leader submits the application, as only the group leader can make edits via email.
3. Forming or joining a group
- To apply as a group, you can either form a new group or join an existing one using the group code generated by your group leader’s application
- If you are joining an existing group, you will receive an automated email with the group code once your group’s nominated leader has submitted the group application.
4. Submitting applications
- All group members must submit an application using the provided group code
- Applications submitted without using the group code will not be connected to your group. If this happens, edit your application to include the correct group code
- To secure your preferred accommodation, submit your applications as soon as possible after receiving the group code, as availability is limited.
5. Group size guidelines
- Your group must either:
- Fill an entire house/flat, or
- Occupy no more than 50% of a house/flat.
- For example, your group should consist of three or six people for a six-bedroom house in Park Wood.
Important note
If your request does not follow these guidelines, we may need to assign group members to separate houses or flats.
Become a ResLife Ambassador (RLA)
Looking for a great opportunity to get flexible work experience alongside your studies, save money on your rent, and most importantly be part of and help create an amazing fantastic student experience for residential at Kent?
Becoming an RLA next year and joining the ResLife Programme means you'll be in the heart of college life on campus helping to form a close knit college community. In return for actively contributing to the campus student experience, RLA's receive a discount on their campus accommodation!
The ResLife Team hire returning students to become RLAs every year so if this opportunity sounds right for you, keep an eye on ResLife's webpages and socials where information will be available nearer to applications opening in January.
Please note, you will need to apply for accommodation separately/in addition to an RLA application.
Show Flat Scheme
Open to all residential students, this program lets you earn a £10 credit per hour toward your accommodation fees by showcasing your room during Open Days and other prospective-student events. Simply indicate your interest when you apply.
