University of Kent, Campus Medway- Why does everyone hate Campus Medway

In the middle of my journey of deciding between my options, there was a time where the University of Kent was No.1 for me, in terms of student satisfaction, graduate prospects, distance etc etc. BUT one slight thing made me consider lowering it to my 4th option or maybe even 5th and that was the fact that I would be stationed in Medway for my social work undergraduate course.

Every video or comment I read about Kent's Uni life was good but that's when I noticed all these positive reviews were coming from the Canterbury Campus (the main one) however, when it came to the Medway Campus I did not find a single positive review about it, everyone that I had talked online or had seen talk about it, just hated Medway for various reasons because its too isolated, too small, too dead, not very social, very depressing, people were regretting their choice etc etc. I even saw a thread on here of people encouraging someone to go to NTU over Kent??

Let me clarify that I'm not going to uni to get active, but I would at least like the social aspect of my university experience to not be completely draining and gloomy, one girl even said she was depressed in Medway (maybe she was exaggerating but still). Idk. I'm not dumb I'm still going to apply if it has good education but its not my top choice, not for this reason but I found a Uni that's better.

But someone that knows of Medway or who is in Medway tell me how it is please.

Reply 1

University of Kent

Official Rep

Original post by UniSearcher101

In the middle of my journey of deciding between my options, there was a time where the University of Kent was No.1 for me, in terms of student satisfaction, graduate prospects, distance etc etc. BUT one slight thing made me consider lowering it to my 4th option or maybe even 5th and that was the fact that I would be stationed in Medway for my social work undergraduate course.
Every video or comment I read about Kent's Uni life was good but that's when I noticed all these positive reviews were coming from the Canterbury Campus (the main one) however, when it came to the Medway Campus I did not find a single positive review about it, everyone that I had talked online or had seen talk about it, just hated Medway for various reasons because its too isolated, too small, too dead, not very social, very depressing, people were regretting their choice etc etc. I even saw a thread on here of people encouraging someone to go to NTU over Kent??
Let me clarify that I'm not going to uni to get active, but I would at least like the social aspect of my university experience to not be completely draining and gloomy, one girl even said she was depressed in Medway (maybe she was exaggerating but still). Idk. I'm not dumb I'm still going to apply if it has good education but its not my top choice, not for this reason but I found a Uni that's better.
But someone that knows of Medway or who is in Medway tell me how it is please.

Hi,
I hope you are well!😊

I'm so glad to hear you are considering studying here at Kent! I've loved my time at Kent, and if you'd like to know about any of the extra-curricular activities I've been involved with, or other opportunities which are on offer then let me know!

Social Work sounds really interesting!😊 Have you got any career plans for after you graduate?🎓️

I am currently in my third year studying Social Science at Medway Campus so thought I'd hop on here to give you my opinion 🙂

I live at home, and commute to Medway Campus, so I don't have any experience of living away, in Pier Quays accommodation for example, but have friends who do live there so I can draw on their experiences. But first here's a few of my experiences:

•

Personally, Medway Campus has been exactly what I've wanted it to be. I wanted to study at a campus university, and Medway is perfect because everything I need (library, lecture/seminar/classrooms, cafe's, student support etc) is all in one place, which I find really helpful. If you like this type of campus then Medway might be great for you too!

•

Although I live at home, I've still got a social life! I've been part of a few societies since being at university, including the bouldering/climbing society, and Medway Netball too. What I find nice about Medway Campus is that because The Hub is ran by all three universities on Medway Campus (Greenwich, Kent, and Canterbury Christchurch) the societies are open to all students, and I've found some great friends outside of my course who study Pharmacy at Greenwich for example.

•

The Hub also puts on some great events for students. One of my favourites is the Christmas crafts which is happening next week!❄️🌲 During welcome week the hub puts on some great events for students to try things out and meet new people. And they also have free community breakfasts and dinners on offer too!

•

I didn't feel quite ready to move away when I decided to go to university, and the course I wanted was available at Medway Campus, so for me Medway was the perfect option. However, I do understand that Medway is not the most exciting of places if you were to compare it to a city university for example. There are things to do in Medway, however, compared to Canterbury Campus, there is definitely not as much on offer. I have a friend on the same course and she lives in Pier Quays, but chooses to use the shuttle bus to get involved in the societies over at Canterbury Campus- So there's always the option to go over to Canterbury for their events and for the nightlife over there!

•

I've known people in the past who have lived over in Canterbury, and have commuted to Medway for their classes- so this is always an option. However, I believe accommodation prices are slightly different in Canterbury, and it would be important to factor in the commuting time of living at one campus and travelling to the other for lectures etc.

I hope some of these experiences help! 😊

In a nutshell, I would say that Medway campus definitely has its pluses (including being a small campus where everything is nice and close, and it has the beautiful drill hall library- which is my favourite place on the campus!😊), however, it is not a lively as other university campuses. But if the clubbing/ busy scene isn't for you, then Medway might be a nice environment for you, like it is for me🙂

Its important to remember that as a Kent student you have access to both campuses, so visit Canterbury campus when you can! Canterbury town is lovely, and so is the campus, so its definitely worth a visit via the free shuttle bus😊

I think its great that you're reaching out to find out about social life etc, as this is really important at university for some students. There are lots of great people to connect with in Medway, I've got lots of friends on my course and on other courses too! You can find a list of the Medway based societies here. But of course you are welcome to join societies in Canterbury too!

In addition, the course (structure, assessments etc), graduate prospects, and support services are also really to consider when choosing a university, and it looks like you are interested in the course at Medway as one of your options, so I wouldn't let the social aspect put you off too much as you can visit Canterbury campus, and attend the events at Medway too, but its also important to be at a campus you like!

Have you visited the campus? You can find a list of the open days coming up here, or if you live locally to Medway or Canterbury, you can always visit the campus and have a look around the grounds. If you haven't visited the Campus yet I would definitely recommend it as you'll be able to see for yourself what Medway is like!😊

Apologies for the very long response! But I hope this helps! 😊
If you have any other questions, or if I've missed anything out let me know!

Best wishes,
Josie
Uni of Kent Student Rep🎓️

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 2

Anonymous #1

Original post by UniSearcher101

In the middle of my journey of deciding between my options, there was a time where the University of Kent was No.1 for me, in terms of student satisfaction, graduate prospects, distance etc etc. BUT one slight thing made me consider lowering it to my 4th option or maybe even 5th and that was the fact that I would be stationed in Medway for my social work undergraduate course.
Every video or comment I read about Kent's Uni life was good but that's when I noticed all these positive reviews were coming from the Canterbury Campus (the main one) however, when it came to the Medway Campus I did not find a single positive review about it, everyone that I had talked online or had seen talk about it, just hated Medway for various reasons because its too isolated, too small, too dead, not very social, very depressing, people were regretting their choice etc etc. I even saw a thread on here of people encouraging someone to go to NTU over Kent??
Let me clarify that I'm not going to uni to get active, but I would at least like the social aspect of my university experience to not be completely draining and gloomy, one girl even said she was depressed in Medway (maybe she was exaggerating but still). Idk. I'm not dumb I'm still going to apply if it has good education but its not my top choice, not for this reason but I found a Uni that's better.
But someone that knows of Medway or who is in Medway tell me how it is please.

If you know in your gut that you are not going to enjoy it due to the social part of it don’t go because in the long-term you are not going to like it. I know someone who is going to a uni that they hate and thinking about transferring next year

Reply 3

University of Kent

Official Rep

Original post by Anonymous

Hi,
I hope you are well! 😊

Choosing a university is such a big decision, and the university has to be right for you!
I agree! Visiting universities is a great idea to see if you like the feel of the campus! 😊

Best wishes,
Josie
Uni of Kent Student Rep🎓️