20 Things No One Tells You About First Year At University of Kent

First year of uni is finally here but you have no idea what to expect - until now. Here are things no one tells you about first year at University of Kent.

First year of uni is finally here but you have no idea what to expect – until now. Here are 20 things no one tells you about first year at University of Kent.

1. Moving-in day will be extremely hectic.

But the excitement of leaving home will keep you going through the mile-long queue in the sports hall and the excruciating registration process.

2. You will be studying in one of the most historic and beautiful locations in the country.

Wow.

3. After fresher’s week you will probably get fresher’s flu.

Which, if you’re unlucky, will stick with you for the rest of the year. Beecham’s will become your new best friend.

4. The first time you attempt to do laundry will take approximately 2 hours as you figure out how to use the machines.

Make sure the washing machine door is closed tightly or the cycle will not start and you will come back to unwashed laundry.

5. You will probably end up spending a lot of time in the Venue nightclub.

Society night or ‘vensday’ is extremely popular, as are NXT on Fridays and Soap on Saturdays.

6. A Kpass is good value for money.

It includes entry to these events all year and the Venue is conveniently located for students living in halls.

7. You will get to know the different areas of accommodation.

New friends from courses and societies will be based all over campus, from Parkwood to Tyler Court.

8. The prices in Essentials will seem unreasonable, but you will figure out what items are good value, and which ones are a rip off.

The food from the imported section is more expensive but sometimes you’ll absolutely need some pop tarts.

9. You will make friends in fresher’s week, perhaps in the queue for registration, and never see them again apart from on nights out.

In these instances you will greet each other as if you are long lost best friends.

10. The sunsets from any flats on the top floor are beautiful.

I was lucky enough to have a West-facing kitchen on the top floor of my building, and the sunsets were spectacular.

11. At one point in the term, you may find yourself spending a lot of money on Deliveroo.

The free delivery promotion code on Unidays seems to completely justify spending twelve pounds on some pasta from Prezzo.

12. You will frequent the university medical centre.

The reception staff will probably be rude to you.

13. The pharmacy is extremely well stocked with every medicine you could need as a fresher and various other necessities such as washing up liquid and discount toiletries.

Shockingly, the prices in the pharmacy are very reasonable.

14. You will soon discover the idea of having your groceries delivered.

The phone call from the Tesco driver will become the highlight of your fortnight, especially since you have been surviving (barely) on cereal and pot noodle for the previous week.

15. Kent takes sexual health very seriously, and free condoms are available from various locations on campus.

These include the medical centre, Kent Union receptions and the nursing services.

16. Finding employment through job shop is simple.

Having a job at university undoubtedly enhances your CV and bank account.

17. You will find yourself spending more time at the library as you receive more assignments.

There are many excellent and quiet seating areas where you can study in peace.

18. Staple student meals will be on the menu regularly.

Such as tuna pasta bake, beans on toast, and cereal at any time of day.

19. Your flat mates will be your closest friends, providing you bond during the first weeks of term.

They will be there for you in times of need, with a slice of toast or a shoulder to cry on.

20. There will be times at Kent when you feel lonely and overwhelmed.

But with the help of your friends and academic staff, these will pass and, if you’re as lucky as I was, you will have the best year of your life.