Accommodation at Kent has improved in recent years. Having had little, if any, refurbishment since the 70's, the university decided to have a go. Most halls have now had a lick of paint, new carpets and better furniture which is a relief...the 1970s theme was wearing thin!
Halls are catered and have shared corridors and kitchenettes with microwaves. These are only supposed to be used for making tea and heating quick snacks but given that food will set you back an extra £6 a day, they often get used for more. The downside is that microwave meals 150 days in a row is very, very boring.
The collegiate system at Kent (4 colleges and 2 subsidiaries) has a significant role in social life. The university has tried to reduce this but the SU wants to maintain the atmosphere and is working with the accommodation managers, UKC Hospitality, to promote college-based activities. The colleges already have JCR's and JCR committees who organise some events. This can get a bit confusing.
After the first year Canterbury is nice but accommodation is limited and expensive. Herne Bay and Whitstable are alternatives but there are quite far away. Finding somewhere is not that hard but as one union president put it, 'There's a lot that's shit and a lot that's nice.'
