Freshers

This page contains information for students who will be new to Exeter College in September 2023.

Here at Exeter College we are looking forward to welcoming you to enrolment and to the start of your College journey with us!

To support you in your preparations we have pulled together all the information and resources you will need between now and joining us as an Exeter College student in September.

DATES TO REMEMBER

YOUR FIRST DAYS AT COLLEGE – FRESHERS’ DAYS

All new students have a two-day induction (Freshers’ Days) from Thursday 7 to Friday 8 September and must attend College on both days.  

Refer to the Getting Started booklet you receive at your enrolment appointment for more details about where to go.

If you misplace or forget your Getting Started booklet there will be staff located at Helpzone locations and at receptions during the first few days of College who can help you to find the right place to go (see below for more). 

Your Freshers’ Starting at College Checklist: 
Apply for your travel pass (if required)  
Apply for your financial support (if required)  
Complete your Flying Start work  
Follow our social media pages 
Pack your bag – pens, paper, Your Getting Started Guide, packed lunch or money, water bottle, Flying Start work (if needed)  
Choose your first day outfit  
Don’t forget your Exeter College student ID card  
Check your route to College  
Get an early night!

Get off to a Flying Start

We know lots of you are keen to get a head start on your College subjects before joining us, and that’s why we’ve developed Flying Start; our suite of learning content designed to get you thinking about your new subjects with us. 

If you haven’t received the Flying Start information you can find it here:

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE START OF TERM?

Your first two days at College are known as Freshers’ Days. When you arrive, there will be lots of College staff to meet you and help you find your way around – just look for staff wearing their lanyards and some also wearing blue!  

During the Freshers’ Days you will:

  • Meet your tutor and your tutor group 
  • Hear from the College Principal to find out more about the College 
  • Learn more about your course, your tutorial sessions and the wide range of support available to you with your studies and wellbeing 
  • Attend the FRESHERS’ FAIR – to find out about all the exciting EXtra clubs and societies on offer to you (and to enjoy freebies from local companies!) 
  • Make new friends and have fun! Your tutor will plan lots of activities to help you get to know one another, and to feel welcomed and confident as quickly as possible    
  • Do some orientation activities to help you find your way around the buildings
  • Get your individual College timetable 
Watch the video to see some of the fun activities you could try at Freshers’ Fair

Remember! Teaching starts on Monday 11 September

You will need to refer to your individual timetable for details. 

Make sure financial support is in place

The 16-19 Bursary Fund is available to help with the costs of coming to College.

Find out more about about the eligibility criteria and how to apply below:

Helpzones

Our staff will be on hand throughout the day to support with queries, no matter how big or small. You can also head to your nearest reception for help and signposting. 

RECEIVING YOUR TIMETABLE

You will be given your individual timetable on your first day at College – Thursday 7 September. This will detail all your lessons, where they are, who will be teaching you and when your free study periods are. If you have any questions about your timetable or see any errors, please speak to your tutor directly.  

Example College timetables for the differing pathways are shown below: 

EXETER COLLEGE CAMPUS EXPLAINED

City centre locations

Our Hele Road site is the central hub of the College. At this site you’ll find these buildings:  

Digital and Data Centre

Hele Building

Greystone House (Student Services and Wellbeing)

Tower Building

The Ted Wragg Building

Laurence Building (@34 Restaurant, H2B Salon and Spa) 

Hele Road Site Map

We also have buildings spread out across Queen Street in the city centre, including: 

The Centre for Creative Industries (CCI)

The Centre for Music Performance (CMP)

Sports Hall (including Gym and Dance Studio)  

Victoria House

The Apprenticeship Hub 

The Maths and Science Centre

For an overview of all the College facilities located in the city centre, please watch our College tour video.

Out of Exeter city centre locations

Technology Centre

Construction Centre   

Haven Banks

Future Skills Centre 

CAFES AND SOCIAL SPACES

Our sites have great indoor and outdoor communal areas to help you unwind and grab a bite to eat between lessons. Most College buildings have a café serving hot and cold food as well as snacks, Costa or Starbucks coffees and other drinks. The cafes are also good spaces to bring your own food and simply relax with your friends when you’re not in lessons. As well as offering a perfect place to study, the Learning Resource Centres are an ideal space to eat and socialise. You will also find games equipment and covered outdoor seating areas for you to enjoy across our sites. 

BE EXCEPTIONAL, DO EXTRA

When a student joins us at Exeter College, their learning experience reaches far beyond their course.   

As well as your course and tutorial time, you will also have the opportunity to get involved in a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities that will help to enhance your interests and talents, make new friends, develop new skills, and have fun along the way. We call this element of your College programme EXtra.   

Find out more about the many clubs and societies available to you by heading to the Freshers’ Fair during your first days at College.

WHERE TO GO FOR SUPPORT AT COLLEGE

Wellbeing Team

Wellbeing support is available to all College students throughout term time. Our Wellbeing Team are here to support you with a wide range of issues that may impact your wellbeing or studies at College. The wellbeing advisers offer non-judgemental and confidential advice and can signpost you to other sources of support when needed. We also have our very own therapy dog – meet Digby! 

Image of Digby the Therapy Dog
Meet Digby the Therapy Dog.
Check out this video for an overview of the type of support that the Wellbeing Team can offer.

Your Tutor

You can also speak to your personal tutor about any concerns you may have, no matter how small you think they may be!  


Future Steps Team

Our Future Steps Team are available to support you in thinking about your next steps. They are available for one-to-one appointments and can offer advice on progression to next level courses, university level study, Apprenticeships, gap year planning, job seeking, and much more.