Our Top Tips for New Students

We know it can be daunting when starting at a new sixth form or college so we thought it would be helpful to give you some useful tips on how to get settled in. Before you know it you will have made new friends, know where all your classes are and have chosen your favourite study spots.

So be brave, and remember, that this is a new challenge and one we are here to help you with every step of the way.

When is my first day at college? Thursday 7th and Friday 8th September for first year students. These first two days are known as induction/freshers.

What happens during induction/freshers? These two days will be spent with your tutor group. As well as hearing from the college principal, you will have an induction to the Learning Resource Centres (LRCs). You can also take part in a range of activities such as a free student BBQ and the Freshers’ Fair where you can sign up for enrichment activities. Check out the Freshers’ page for more information.

When do lessons start? Monday 11th September. Don’t forget your college I.D badge!

Where do I go on my first day? At enrolment you will be given a Getting Started booklet. On page 3 it tells you all you need to know for arrival on your first day. On your first day of college our staff will be outside both of the main train stations and on Queen Street to help you find your way – so if you're not sure where to go just look out for our staff in blue.

What if I can’t find my way around? If you have any questions during the first week, or are not sure where to go you can visit one of the Help Zones which will be located at Hele Road, Victoria House, CCI, Falcon House and the Technology Centre.

Where do I collect my travel pass? When your travel pass is ready for collection you will receive a text message which will explain where you need to go to collect it. If you have any questions about travelling to college you can contact our dedicated travel team on travel@exe-coll.ac.uk or visit the webpage for more information.

Where are the Learning Resource Centres (LRCs)? There are 7 award winning LRCs across the college. There is one based in each of the following buildings; Hele Building, Victoria House, Centre for Creative Industries (CCI), Tower Building, Technology Centre and Falcon House. So wherever you are based, you are never far away from an LRC where you have access to WiFi and subject specific texts along with friendly and supportive staff.

Can I change subjects/my Extend option if I don’t like the ones I have chosen? It is best to decide on your choices before you start college so if you’re not sure about the courses you have picked, please ask your tutor lots of questions at enrolment or visit the advice zone and they will be happy to advise you. However, if you do start a course that you are not enjoying there may be the opportunity to change. Speak to your tutor in the first instance who will be able to advise you on the process.

When will I be given my timetable? The first two days (7th and 8th) are induction days designed to help you settle into college so you will not have timetabled lessons on these days. You will find out where you need to go on your first induction day at your enrolment appointment. You will be given your timetable before lessons begin on Monday 11th September.

I’m nervous about not knowing anyone! There will be plenty of opportunities to start meeting new friends during your induction days at college. You will attend lots of activities with your tutor group including a free BBQ/Pizza and our Freshers' Fair. Just remember everyone is new and will be nervous too. Sign yourself up to the clubs and activities you love and before you know it you will have a group of new friends!

What is the SRC? The SRC is the Student Representative Committee and is your College’s Students’ Union. It is run day to day by student reps known as the SRC Team. They do loads of things from; collecting student feedback and representing student views, running events, fundraising for our College Charity, and selling NUS Extra student discount cards. You will see the SRC Team around college, so please stop and say hi.

Can I get any financial support? Financial assistance from the Bursary Fund is available for vulnerable learners and students with a household income of less than £23,000. The college is able to help where the costs of transport, meals, books and equipment could be a barrier to accessing education. View our latest bursary information here or contact the Student Welfare Administrators on 01392 400526.

How do I get to the Technology Centre from the city centre? There are regular buses and trains from the city centre – please see our guide here for more information.

How do I get to Falcon House Construction Centre from the city centre? There are regular buses from the city centre, please check Stagecoach for up to date times.

Remember to look for the staff in blue – over the first few days at college there will be Help Zones around campus to help you with any questions you may have. So whether you need help with finding a room or where to find a cash machine, they are here to help.