My perspective: new student hub
by Anita Nkonge
The University of Kent in partnership with Greenwich University officially launched a brand new Student Hub this week.
The hub was transformed from a listed building and former swimming pool into a state of the art £5 million student space.
I decided to go visit the hub everyday and share my perspective of what it was like visiting the ‘ The Deep End.’
Monday: Pleasantly surprised by the new building; it has a rustic but modern feel to it. The shell of the building is intact, matching its bigger twin – The Drill Hall Library. Inside however is super modern and spacious. A bar and mini restaurant on one end and a pool table on the other. To the sides are seating areas. I note they’re playing chart music I like! Today was just a quick glance. Tomorrow I’ll explore a bit more.
Tuesday: There’s a vintage fair event going on. I manage to bag myself a vintage denim jacket. I get a Starbucks coffee, sit and observe. There are many students streaming in and ordering lunch. It looks appetising, but it’s not in my budget today. Tomorrow it will be!
Wednesday: It’s super busy, reasonably long queue at the restaurant. I can see the restaurant staff slightly overwhelmed by it all. I finally order something. Took me a while to decide what I want to eat – that’s a good thing, it all looked so good! Wasn’t feeling too hungry so ended up ordering sweet potatoes fries. Portions were generous. Food delicious. Tomorrow I’ll conquer a full meal.
Thursday: It’s still super busy, struggled to find a seat. Eventually did and ordered a chicken burger. Best burger I’ve had in awhile! I glance around, it seems the hub really is picking up! People are seated having lunch or hanging out with friends across the floor space.
Friday: It’s a bit quiet today, I’m guessing it’s because it’s 10 am. I grab a coffee and observe once again. I see them prepping for an event tonight. Tinchy Stryder is coming through. I make a note to attend.
Overall, I quite like the Hub. For its first week I think it’s doing pretty well. Looking forward to seeing more this coming term.
I asked other students for their opinion on the new hub
Ruthtela: It’s really nice; it’s better than Coopers! Actually, I came here before the official launch. I guess you could say I saw the hub before everyone else! I really liked it. I love the chairs, its equipment. Haven’t been to any night event, but I plan on it soon!
Oli Daws: It’s my third time here actually. It has a nice open space plan and a fresh, and different sort of area for us to eat and drink in.
Keith Mugisha: It’s good. But I would’ve expected more considering how much we had to pay for it and how long it took to build it. A room dedicated to sports games e.g. table tennis, pool and a room dedicated to helping students would’ve been nice.
