Should I choose to stay on campus or off campus as an international student?

Should I choose to stay on campus or off campus as an international student pursuing postgraduate studies in AI at the University of Kent in Canterbury?

Reply 1

ageshallnot

Original post by Anonymous

Should I choose to stay on campus or off campus as an international student pursuing postgraduate studies in AI at the University of Kent in Canterbury?

You might find it easier to get to know people if you live on campus.

Reply 2

Richmond Upasana

Official Rep

Original post by Anonymous

Should I choose to stay on campus or off campus as an international student pursuing postgraduate studies in AI at the University of Kent in Canterbury?

Hi there!

As an international student myself, I can understand the anxiety and stress of moving abroad and finding safe places to live in a city that you are unfamiliar with.

This is why I would recommend staying on campus for the first year. Staying on campus would ensure not only your security and peace of mind but also that you meet people from your university. It also gives you time to make friends and if you choose to do so, you can get a flat with them after your first year, once you are more familiarised with the city. Hope this helps!

Good luck with your studies!

Warm Regards,
Upasana Bhatt,
Richmond American University London Student Ambassador.

Reply 3

University of Kent

Official Rep

Original post by Anonymous

Should I choose to stay on campus or off campus as an international student pursuing postgraduate studies in AI at the University of Kent in Canterbury?

Hi there

I understand that it can be quite stressful finding accommodation as an international student, however, do not worry too much! 🙂 Do you have any preferences as to staying on or off campus? There is really no right or wrong, but here are some ideas:

I am a third year law student, and I have stayed on campus accommodation all three years. 🙂 In my opinion, staying on campus during first year may be a good way to meet new people. Living on campus may help you ease into the environment a bit more. Many students choose to live on campus during first year, then after meeting new friends, they will search for second year accommodation off-campus. It is something you could consider. 🙂

There are some university accommodations that have more post-graduate students, for example: Woolf college, if this is something that would interest you. I have lived in Park Wood flats, Woolf College, and Eliot College, if you have any queries about these locations I will be happy to answer them. 🙂 Personally, I chose to live on campus as I enjoy the short distance and close proximity to all my seminars and lectures. The campus at Canterbury is really lovely, and I really enjoy the peaceful vibes on campus. The campus and town are not too far away either, approximately a 30 minute walk or 5 minute bus ride. So if you do choose to live off campus, it would be quite a nice option too. 🙂

Hope this helps.
Chloe
University of Kent Student Rep

(edited 1 year ago)

Reply 4

hallamstudents

Official Rep

Original post by Anonymous

Should I choose to stay on campus or off campus as an international student pursuing postgraduate studies in AI at the University of Kent in Canterbury?

Hi there,

I personally think that it would be a good idea to live on campus, especially as it will be your first year at this university.

Staying on campus is good because:

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It's a great way of meeting new people at uni and making friends as you will be living with other people who are studying at the same uni as you which is a great way of making friends. It's also fun living with people who you might be studying with as you have some common interests and in general is just fun!

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It''s convenient. Staying on campus means you will be near to university which makes it very handy when you are going to lectures etc. It's also close by the the student union and other social places like this which is great as it makes going to these places a lot easier.

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Related to convenience, it is also cheap to get to uni as you won't have to travel far which is good if you want to save some money on your commute!

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If you join a society, it is likely going to be close to this too which is good as you might be going multiple times a week so living close by will be good.

•

If you wanted to study late in the library, you would also be close to this which is handy as at night there will be less transport routes so being able to walk would be good.

I hope some of this helps,

Lucy -SHU student ambassador :smile:

Reply 5

UCLan Student

Official Rep

Hello,

As an international student, I lived on campus for my first year.

First, it was easier to organize as bills are usually included and the contract runs through the academic year. Secondly, it’s a great opportunity to meet people that aren’t necessarily in your course.

For my second year, I decided to live in my own place for space.

Hope this helps,
Haya - MBBS V

Reply 6

Anonymous #1

Original post by University of Kent

Hi there
I understand that it can be quite stressful finding accommodation as an international student, however, do not worry too much! 🙂 Do you have any preferences as to staying on or off campus? There is really no right or wrong, but here are some ideas:
I am a third year law student, and I have stayed on campus accommodation all three years. 🙂 In my opinion, staying on campus during first year may be a good way to meet new people. Living on campus may help you ease into the environment a bit more. Many students choose to live on campus during first year, then after meeting new friends, they will search for second year accommodation off-campus. It is something you could consider. 🙂
There are some university accommodations that have more post-graduate students, for example: Woolf college, if this is something that would interest you. I have lived in Park Wood flats, Woolf College, and Eliot College, if you have any queries about these locations I will be happy to answer them. 🙂 Personally, I chose to live on campus as I enjoy the short distance and close proximity to all my seminars and lectures. The campus at Canterbury is really lovely, and I really enjoy the peaceful vibes on campus. The campus and town are not too far away either, approximately a 30 minute walk or 5 minute bus ride. So if you do choose to live off campus, it would be quite a nice option too. 🙂
Hope this helps.
Chloe
University of Kent Student Rep

Are there meal options available for postgraduate students, and if so, how can I register for them?

Reply 7

University of Kent

Official Rep

Original post by Anonymous

Are there meal options available for postgraduate students, and if so, how can I register for them?

Hi there

Yes, there are meal options available. 🙂 This year I am using the meal options, which is quite convenient as it saves me a lot of time. I believe this is available for both undergraduate and postgraduate students

You can find more information here: Part-catered meal plans | University of Kent - Catering - University of Kent (If you scroll down it explains that it is also available for self-catered accommodations too).

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"Can I buy a Flex Meal Plan if I live in self-catered accommodation?
Yes, if you live in self-catered accommodation but would rather not cook for yourself, you can add the Flex Meal Plan as an optional extra to your accommodation package."

Further information on this meal plan can be found here: Flex Meal Plan - Catering - University of Kent
If you have any additional questions about this, you could contact [email protected]. 🙂

I hope this helps.
Chloe
University of Kent Student Rep