University can be exciting, rewarding and demanding — sometimes all in the same week. If something is affecting your studies or day-to-day life, you don’t need to work it out on your own. Kent has a range of services to help you feel supported, stay on track and make the most of your time here.
Student Support and Wellbeing
The Student Support and Wellbeing team (SSW) is a good place to start if a health condition, disability, neurodivergence or personal circumstances are affecting your university experience. Their expert advisers can support students with mental health, disability, autism, specific learning differences (SpLDs), including ADHD and dyslexia, and accessibility needs.
SSW can talk through what support could be helpful and, where appropriate, help put an Inclusive Learning Plan (ILP) in place, there is a deadline of Friday 6 November to do this for Autumn exams. An ILP sets out reasonable academic adjustments — for example, arrangements for teaching, coursework or exams — and is shared with your School so that you do not have to explain your needs repeatedly. You can find out more about how ILPs work and register with SSW.
Specialist staff also offer mental health advice, counselling and specialist wellbeing support. This includes support around sexual assault or harassment, bullying and hate incidents, as well as tailored guidance for care-experienced students, student carers, estranged students and students from refugee or sanctuary backgrounds. SSW is available at both Canterbury and Medway, and Kent partners with Spectrum Life for out-of-hours support.
Support for your studies
If you would like to strengthen your academic skills, Skills for Academic Success offers one-to-one and group appointments, workshops and online resources. They can help with areas such as essay planning, academic writing, revision, presentations, maths and statistics.
Your Academic Adviser and School support team can also help you navigate your course, while Student Engagement Support can talk through issues affecting your participation in study, including taking a break from your course.
Practical help and advice
Money worries can quickly add to the pressure of student life. Kent’s Finance team can help you understand funding, budgeting and the financial support you may be eligible for, including hardship support.
The Student Welfare team is another helpful first point of contact for confidential advice on settling into university life, feeling safe and welcome, or dealing with household and community issues. Our Chaplaincy provides spiritual support and facilities for students and staff of all faiths and none. For questions about accommodation, IT, course administration, KentOne cards and more, you can Ask Nexus.
Looking ahead
Support is not only there for when things feel difficult. The Careers and Employability Service can help you explore your options, develop your skills, find work experience and prepare applications — during your degree and for up to three years after graduation.
Asking for help early can make a real difference. Whether you need academic adjustments, practical advice, someone to listen, or help planning your next step, there is support at Kent for you.