Vacation, exam and guest accommodation

Vacation, exam and guest accommodation

Whether you're looking for a comfortable place to relax during breaks, welcoming a guest to campus, or seeking accommodation to help you succeed during exams, we've got you covered.

On this page

Do I need to move out?

See if you need to book winter, spring, or summer accommodation if you plan to stay on campus during the holidays. 

Leaving

Whether you're leaving your accommodation for a short period, vacation or at the end of the year, there are a few things you need to do before you go.  

Vacation accommodation

If your accommodation contract doesn’t cover vacations, we offer alternative housing for students looking to stay on campus during spring, summer, and winter breaks.  

Storage and shipping

If you're looking to store your belongings during vacation periods or need assistance with packing and shipping, there are some local companies which could help. 

Exam accommodation

If you need a quiet, convenient place to stay during the exam period, we're offering on-campus accommodation in Keynes College.     

2024/2025: What are the move-in and move-out dates?

Your accommodation contract might not cover the vacation periods. Below, you can find the move-in dates and any times you’ll need to move out. You can also check these details in your MyAccommodation Portal.

Your 39-week contract means you can live on campus from 14 September 2024 to 10am on 14 June 2025, so there's no need for you to move out for the spring or winter vacation periods. 

Most students who live in accommodation with a meal plan will need to move out during the winter and spring vacations. 

Becket Court and Keynes College (Blocks F, G, and H): Your accommodation contract covers the following periods, but does not extend over the vacation periods:

  • 14 September 2024 – 14 December 2024
  • 11 January 2025 – 5 April 2025
  • 3 May 2025 – 10am on 14 June 2025 

Eliot and Rutherford Colleges: Your accommodation contracts cover a 37-week period, which includes the winter and spring vacation:

  • 14 September 2024 – 20 December 2024
  • 2 January 2025 – 10am on 14 June 2025

Your 52-week contract runs from 14 September 2024 to 10am on 10 September 2025, so you do not need to move out during any of the vacation periods.    

KMMS accommodation is offered on a different contract length to match your academic term dates.  Agreements are from Saturday 13 September 2025 - 10am on Saturday 18 July 2026.

If you are studying a short course at Kent, you will have been offered an accommodation contract to match your course dates. Please log in to the MyAccommodation Portal to check these.  

Summer vacation accommodation 2025

Leaving dates

Most student accommodation contracts will end on at 10am on 14 June 2025. Please ensure you’ve made arrangements to move out by this date, whether that's arranging for your things to go into storage, organising transport home or booking vacation accommodation.

At the end of the academic year, our accommodation is handed over to the Conferences and Events team to host summer schools and large conference groups. As a result, it’s essential that all students vacate their rooms by the specified time and date to ensure a smooth transition.  

We look forward to welcoming many of you back in September. If you're finishing your studies this year, congratulations - and best wishes for the future!

Be sure to check our advice on what to do before leaving your accommodation for the vacation.

Book vacation accommodation
Leaving your accommodation

Vacation accommodation

If you live in undergraduate campus accommodation (except KMMS) and wish to stay on campus over the break, you’ll need to book vacation accommodation with the Conferences and Events Team by Friday 6 June 2025.

Summer vacation accommodation availability:

Booking details:

Summer accommodation is available from Saturday 14 June 2025 at 2pm to Wednesday 10 September 2025.

  • Accommodation is for a minimum of 21 consecutive nights
  • The last bookable night is Wednesday 10 September 2025.
  • Use promo codes (WOOLFSUMMER25 or DARWINSUMMER25) when booking.

Additional Information:

  • Catering is not provided for vacation accommodation, as your meal plan only applies during term time.
  • You will have access to a full kitchen, though cooking equipment is not provided.
  • Please bring your own bed linen and towels.
  • Woolf College will provide a mattress protector and bottom fitted sheet due to the longer bed size.

Key collection and return:

  • You can collect your key from the accommodation reception from 2pm on Saturday 14 June 2025
  • Return your term-time key to your current college reception by 10am on Saturday 14 June 2025.

Further information will be sent to you from the Conference Office after booking.

Event date: Check back in November 2025

Winter vacation accommodation 2025

Information about winter vacation accommodation, including how to book and facilities, will be available here in November 2025.

Event date: Check back in February 2026

Spring vacation accommodation 2026

Information about spring 2026 vacation accommodation, including how to book and facilities, will be available here in February 2026.

Event date: Find out more

Exam accommodation

We’re delighted to offer you exam accommodation on the Canterbury campus, providing a comfortable space to focus during this important time.

Event date: Check back in May 2026

Summer vacation accommodation 2026

Information about summer vacation accommodation, including how to book and facilities, will be available here in May 2025.

What facilities/services are available on campus over the vacation periods?

Campus security:

Available 24/7 during the vacation at +44 (0)1227 723300 for urgent maintenance and non-emergencies (e.g., lockouts). For emergencies (fire, police, ambulance), call 999 first, then +44 (0)1227 823333. Security does not provide housekeeping items (e.g., toilet rolls, black sacks, light bulbs), so stock up before the break.

Maintenance and defect reporting:

Essential maintenance may occur, causing temporary water/electricity outages or fire alarm tests. Check your university email for advance notices from the Estates team.

  • Urgent defects: Contact Campus Security (response times may vary from term time).
  • Non-urgent defects: Report via the college reception.


Bin collections:

Refuse will still be collected. Use the nearest bin store for waste disposal.

Laundry:

The Keynes College launderette will be closed during the break. Use other campus launderettes, which will remain open.

Catering:

Most outlets will close after term ends. Check the catering homepage for vacation hours. Park Wood and Plaza Co-Op will be open with reduced hours.  

College receptions:

Closed throughout the winter break. Check online for opening times.

Amazon deliveries:

Order to one of the three Amazon lockers on campus (Keynes T Block, Darwin Houses, Woody’s in Park Wood) for 24/7 access.

More information:

Please check this page for more information on other services available on campus during the University winter break closure. This page will be updated near the time of vacation.   

Vacation or year-end departures

Whether you’re leaving your accommodation for a short vacation, an extended break, or at the end of the academic year, there are a few important steps you should take to ensure your space is secure, clean, and ready for your return or the next occupant. Here’s a handy checklist to guide you through the process.  

Check list

Storage and shipping

Whether you're looking to store your belongings for one of the vacation periods or planning to get some extra cases shipped home before you arrive, there are lots of external services available that can help. Additionally, you can also authorise a friend to pack belongings on your behalf using the procedures below.

Local Storage Companies:

Lock & Leave Self Storage

Student Move & Store

National and International Storage and Shipping Companies:

Authorising others to pack and remove your belongings:

If you've left campus and can't remove your belongings personally, you can authorise another University of Kent student or a third-party company to do so on your behalf. To arrange this, email the Accommodation Office with at least 3 working days' notice, including:

  • Your full name
  • Student number
  • Campus address
  • Contact number
  • Name of the person or company collecting your belongings
  • Their student number (if applicable)
  • Their contact number
  • Scheduled date of collection

Please note: The University does not accept liability for services provided by these companies.

For the most current information, it's advisable to contact these companies directly or visit their official websites.

Exam accommodation

We're offering exam accommodation on the Canterbury campus from Saturday 3 May to Saturday 14 June 2025.

Cost and booking

Rooms cost £52.50 per night. Please note the last bookable night is Friday 13 June 2025 and there is no maximum length of stay.

To book online use the promotional code: EXAMSTUDY25

Book exam accommodation

Bed and Flex accommodation is available in Keynes College. 

These rooms include:

Accessibility:

Rooms are based on the first, second and third floors, with no access to a lift. If you have accessibility requirements, please contact us. 

Check-in at Keynes College reception from 15:00 on the day of arrival. Guests must vacate their room by 11:00 AM on the day of departure. 

Flex meal plan: 

Students will be issued a £14 daily KentOne credit to spend on food and drink in 7 of the Kent-run catering outlets on the Canterbury campus. The £14 credit renews each day and any unused balance from the previous day cannot be refunded or carried over to the next.

More accommodation options

Event date: Check back in June 2025

Exam re-sit accommodation

Information about exam re-sit accommodation will be available here from June 2025.

Event date: Find out more

Visitor accommodation

University guest accommodation is ideal for friends or family visiting our Canterbury campus. Check availability and book online with discounts for repeat bookings or long stays.

Event date: Find out more

Graduation accommodation

Celebrate graduation with ease by booking on-campus accommodation for you and your family or friends.