We were delighted to welcome our new cohort of international students to our campuses at the end of September and kick start the new academic year in style! We welcomed over 450 students on our airport transfer service from Heathrow and Gatwick airports over Arrivals Weekend, and escorted students to their accommodation. We were grateful to many of our current students who have just returned from their Year Abroad overseas, who volunteered to be part of our 'meet and greet service'.

Our Welcome Week saw a series of activities to help settle the students into their life of Kent. The highlight of the week was the successful launch of Kent’s new initiative, the 'Global Hangouts'.  Designed for all new international and European students to get together in a relaxed atmosphere, the Hangouts gave attendees the chance to join in with activities including table tennis, giant jenga, skittles and bingo, meet representatives from Kent Union, and enjoy performances from the Zouk Dance Society and the Hispanic Society.

The week concluded with over 600 students taking part in a trip to Leeds Castle, known as the ‘Loveliest Castle in the World’, right here in Kent. Students had the opportunity to explore the grounds and visit the Castle to experience a little of our heritage.

A few weeks after students had settled in to the start of term, we held our annual 'International Student Experience Fair'. Over 200 students attended to learn more about the support services available at Kent, and enjoy an afternoon of tea, cake and socialising. Alongside the fair we also ran a 'Cultural Immersion' workshop, where students got the chance to learn more about British Culture and cultural awareness, as they begin life and study in an international environment.

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