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.

Quick links

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.  

Placement accommodation

If you are a current student undertaking a work placement or year in industry in Canterbury or Medway, you may be eligible to stay in University of Kent accommodation.  

Commuting students

Our commuting student package gives commuting students the chance to live on campus, soak up the atmosphere, and enjoy everything Kent has to offer - all in one place.  

Summer vacation accommodation 2026

Leaving dates

Most undergraduates will begin departing when their accommodation contracts end in June, with KMMS students or those on 44 or 52-week contracts departing a little later. Visit the Departures page to check when you need to move out. 

Please ensure you’ve made arrangements to move out by the appropriate 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.

If you have any questions, please email stay@kent.ac.uk 

Book vacation accommodation
Leaving your accommodation

KMMS Vacation accommodation

If you're a KMMS student living in campus accommodation and wish to remain on campus during the break, please book your vacation accommodation through the Conferences and Events Team by Friday 10 July 2026. 

Vacation accommodation availability:

Booking details:

Summer accommodation is available from Saturday 20 June until Wednesday 9 September 2026 (inclusive).

  • Accommodation is for a minimum of 21 consecutive nights.
  • The last bookable night is Wednesday 9 September 2026.
  • Use promo codes (WOOLFSUMMER26 or DARWINSUMMER26) 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.
  • A pillow will be provided but please bring your own duvet, bed linen and towels.
  • Woolf College will provide a mattress protector and bottom fitted sheet due to the longer bed size.
  • To extend for a further 21 nights, please book online at least 72 hours before your original checkout date (subject to availability).

Key collection and return:

  • You can collect your key from the accommodation reception from 2pm on Saturday 20 June 2026.
  • Return your term-time key to your current college reception by 10am on Wednesday 9 September 2026.

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

Leaving your accommodation

Whether you’re heading home for a short break, a longer vacation, or moving out at the end of the academic year, make sure you follow a few simple steps to keep your room secure, clean, and ready for your return - or for the next student.

Check our departures checklist for more information and guidance.  

Student departures
Event date: Find out more

Summer vacation accommodation 2026

Summer vacation accommodation 2026 is now available to book.

Event date: Find out more

Exam accommodation - Autumn term

We’re delighted to offer exam accommodation on the Canterbury campus. Check back in October for more information.

Event date: Check back in November 2026

Winter vacation accommodation 2026

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

Event date: Check back in February 2027

Spring vacation accommodation 2027

Information about spring 2027 vacation accommodation, including how to book and facilities, will be available here in February 2027.

Exam Resit Accommodation

We're offering self-catered, single en-suite accommodation in Keynes College for students resitting exams on the Canterbury campus, available from Saturday 15 August to Friday 28 August 2026 inclusive.

Cost and Booking

  • £35.00 per night
  • Last bookable night: Friday 28 August 2026
  • Check-in from 3pm on your arrival day
  • Check-out by 11am on your departure day
  • To book online, use the promotional code: RESIT26

Facilities

  • Linen and towels provided
  • Access to a kitchen (please note: no kitchen equipment provided and meals are not included)
Book now

Year in Industry/placement accommodation

Accommodation for Non-University of Kent Students  

If you are a current student (aged 18 or over) undertaking a work placement or year in industry in Canterbury or Medway, you may be eligible to stay in University of Kent accommodation.

What we offer

Location: Self-catered, en-suite accommodation in a shared flat 

Flexibility: Contracts can align with standard student term dates, but we can offer flexible start and end dates on request (subject to availability).

  • 38-week or 52-week contracts at £36 per night
  • Shorter contracts available on request (minimum stay 4 weeks)
  • Contracts shorter than 38 weeks will be charged at £38 per night.

Facilities:

  • A range of Canterbury campus catering outlets 
  • On-site laundry facilities (pay as you go)
  • Accommodation reception services 
  • On-site maintenance and security 
Contact us to book

Costs and payments

  • Rent is charged at a nightly rate
  • Payment terms (e.g. termly instalments or full payment upfront) will be confirmed at the time of booking.

What’s included

  • Furnished accommodation with utilities and Wi-Fi
  • En-suite room
  • Fully fitted shared kitchen
  • Secure room/flat access
  • Access to shared accommodation study spaces

What’s not included

  • Bed linen
  • Cooking equipment
  • Cleaning
  • Sports membership (though sports membership can be purchased separately).

Booking

If you’d like to book accommodation, please get in touch with the Accommodation Team to register your interest. The Conference and Events Team will then reach out to you to confirm the arrangements.  

More accommodation options

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.

Event date: Find out more

Arrivals Weekend

Parents and supporters are warmly invited to stay on campus over Arrivals Weekend (26–27 September 2026). Find out more on our Canterbury Arrivals page.