Student Update (8 October 2026) | University for the Creative Arts

Welcome to your latest student update, featuring news and events from across UCA.

Be aware of visa scams

It has been brought to our attention that some international students are being targeted and falling victim to a visa scam. Please remember:

UKVI will contact students using the email contact details provided when the original application was submitted
UKVI emails will come from a .gov.uk email address. If unsure ask a UCA staff member
UKVI do not make individual telephone calls to international students holding student visas
Students cannot legally advise on immigration matters. This is a criminal offence. You should not give sums of money to students that claim they can help with your visa. If you do give money to another student, it is unlikely that your money will be returned to you.
If you are told a transaction will be done via a solicitor, please speak to either of the contacts below for further advice

If you are told there is a problem with your visa, please speak to any staff member but primarily contact the Immigration Compliance & Advice team by email (visaadvice@uca.ac.uk) or by using the Ask Campus Life enquiry form. You can also visit Campus Life in person in the Library.

If you are concerned about your visa, or need visa advice, or if you have been approached by anyone including another student stating they can get or guarantee you a visa, please make use of the above contacts.

If you have been a victim of this type of crime, you should report it to the police.

World Mental Health Day

Last week we acknowleged World Mental Health Day across all our Schools. Remember, our Campus Life teams are here to support you, and if you need to talk to someone out of hours, you can use our wellbeing tools.

24/7 in the moment, confidential support is available for anything big or small at uca.spectrum.life - use the code UCAWell to register.

If you need a quiet moment to decompress during your day on campus, each School has a designated quiet room, which can also be used for prayer and reflection. Please be respectful of other people using these spaces.

Canterbury: B0.13
Epsom: Room 124 (plus a sensory room in the Campus Life Hub)
Farnham: G160c

Essential updates

All students, both new and returning, need to complete a myUCA Safer Universities e-learning module by Friday 16 October which is a short online module designed to help you understand your role in creating a positive, respectful and inclusive environment for everyone at UCA. See your online enrolment task for more details.
A reminder that smoking and vaping is only permitted in the designated smoking areas on University premises. Please avoid smoking and vaping in or around buildings, entrances, doorways, windows, ventilation points, walkways and other busy pedestrian areas. Using the designated areas helps reduce exposure to second-hand smoke and keeps shared spaces safe, comfortable and welcoming for everyone.

Campus Life & Library events

You can find the latest event listings on both on the Student Portal and within the Student App.

Relax & Create: Mondays 1 – 1.30pm
Be inspired by Library resources to create, try new techniques and refresh ideas to generate new sources of inspiration. The events will be held in the Library and the focus is to just experiment, relax and have fun.
Monday 19 October: Zines – inspired by sense of place
Kent Police drop-in: Thursday 15 October, 12 – 2pm
Report a crime, discuss your concerns or get information on a variety of topics including harassment, theft, fraud and anti-social behaviour. Find them in Reception.
UCA Libraries Green Week: Wednesday 21 – Wednesday 28 October
Join us for Green Libraries Week, taking place across UCA libraries from Wednesday 21 to Wednesday 28 October. This year's theme is Climate Facts for a Greener Future: Navigating Misinformation and Disinformation in Libraries. Throughout the week, you'll find themed displays and resources exploring how to access reliable information and make informed choices about the climate crisis and environmental issues.

Canterbury Student Showcase

We’re looking to show off the best of UCA in our Student Showcase. Do you have work that you’re proud of? We have space for you to show it off! Please apply via this form. Selected work will be shown for approximately one month. Please note that not all work will be displayed.

Have your say on innovation (and receive a £20 Amazon voucher!)

Whether you've started a side hustle, have an idea you've never had the time to explore, or simply have views on what universities or government could do better, Universities UK wants to hear from you.

Universities UK, which represents universities across the country, is running research into how universities help students develop new ideas, skills and ventures. It's part of Future Innovators, a campaign making the case that innovation sits at the heart of what universities do and how we can all benefit from their activity. What students say will help shape that case.

What's involved

One 75-minute online focus group on Zoom, in the week commencing 2 November
A relaxed conversation with other students from across the UK, run by research agency Public First
A £20 Amazon voucher once you've taken part

All students aged 18 or over currently studying at a UK university are welcome to take part. Registering does not commit you to taking part or confirm selection. You'll be notified shortly after the deadline to let you know if you have been selected.

Mark Making at UCA Canterbury’s Herbert Read Gallery

Bringing together painting, photography, and a visual wall collage tracing the journey from initial sketch to finished tattoo, the exhibition Mark Making invites audiences to look beyond the tattoo itself and consider the artist behind it: their gesture, decisions, processes and ways of making.

The exhibition brings together the work of MJ Smith, Amia Town and Katya Taylor, three artists whose practices approach tattooing from distinctly different perspectives.

The exhibition runs until Wednesday 4 November 2026. Find out more on our website.

The Lord Mayor’s charity gig night

Join the Lord Mayor of Canterbury at an informal evening of local live music, food and fundraising in support of Kent Neuro Therapy Centre on Friday 30 October at the Westgate Hall.

Featuring performances from Polo Lounge, Suncharmer, Crysometimes and Gypskazz, the event will showcase some of Kent's finest musical talent while raising vital funds for a charity supporting people living with neurological conditions.

Halloween fancy dress is welcome if you would like to join in the seasonal fun, but it is not compulsory.

Tickets are £25 and available to purchase online.

Magdalene Odundo recognised by Time Magazine

UCA Chancellor and world renowned ceramicist Magdalene Odundo has been featured in the Time100 Art 2026 list. The list celebrates the 100 most influential people shaping the future of art right now.

If you have any contributions for the next edition of the student update, please send these to studentnotices@uca.ac.uk  to be considered.

If you would like to keep up to date on the latest from UCA, make sure you are following us on social media and also regularly check the Student Portal.

Welcome to your student update