In the footsteps of the First 500

The First 500 were the first undergraduate students to enrol at the University of Kent in October 1965; they have paved the way for generations of students since. They chose Kent over more established institutions because they were excited by the opportunity to shape a new university and create a new student community, defining Kent’s unique student experience and culture.

The First 500 Scholarship helps today’s students to have the same opportunities enjoyed by the First 500 – a university experience free of financial worry – and will provide a lasting record of the contribution of Kent’s founding students.

Prudence Chikaka is the 2018/19 First 500 Scholar. She is studying for a BSc in Multimedia Technology and Design with a Year in Industry:

“Being the First 500 scholar has been such an honour and privilege. I was able to fully experience university and not have to worry about my financial life as much as other students. It was such a reassurance and a great relief for me and my parents to know that each term I had financial support I could rely on.

My time at Kent has been filled with rainy days and sunny skies – metaphorically and literally. There have been some amazing highs, like joining the women’s hockey society, and later becoming the club secretary. Playing hockey changed my life so drastically, because it gave me something other than my academics to focus on.

Academically it was a lot of rainy days when I first began as I didn’t like my course very much. But after speaking to my academic advisor I decided to continue and I am so glad I did. I really enjoy it now and I look forward to studying it for the next two years.

Looking further ahead, I would like to be an animator in the film industry and also do CGI (computer-generated imagery) for films. It has been my dream since I was 13. Then in the more distant future I would like to open my own animation company; one that makes films too. I’m not a small dreamer, which means I work harder and smarter to ensure those dreams can become a reality.

To the First 500 who established and support this scholarship: thank you. A great, big thank you! I wish I could properly convey my gratitude because this scholarship has helped me so much. I am so grateful that even after graduating from Kent and living your own lives, you did not forget the University and its students. Because of your generosity, I get to experience Kent in ways I never thought I could, free from most financial concerns.”

Below: Members of the First 500 at the celebratory Golden Graduation ceremony in 2018, 50 years on from their graduation.