You’re All in the Same Boat

Starting college can feel overwhelming, but remember, everyone else is in the same situation as you. All new students will be facing the same uncertainties and questions during the first week. Whether it’s figuring out where your classes are or how to use your student ID card, everyone is equally clueless. Don’t hesitate to ask each other for help—you might find answers together and even make new friends in the process.

If you need more assistance, there’s always a friendly member of staff around to help. For advice, guidance, or support, feel free to talk to your Personal Development Tutor, one of your lecturers, or a member of the Senior Management Team.

Making New Friends

College is a fantastic opportunity to make new friends. While you might start college with some friends from secondary school, you’ll also meet plenty of new people in your classes. It can be nerve-wracking to talk to strangers, but remember, you already share an interest with them since you chose the same subject. Just smile and introduce yourself to spark a friendly conversation.

Get Involved

College offers a plethora of new activities and opportunities alongside your studies. Why not join one of our ACADEMIES, enrichment programs, Callywith Active physical activities, or even the Duke of Edinburgh Award? Whether your interests lie in sports, academics, or other fields, we have programs and support to help you excel.

Joining clubs or academies is a great way to meet people with similar interests. Participating in extracurricular activities not only makes college more enjoyable, but it also looks impressive on your UCAS application or CV. You’ll have the chance to learn more about these opportunities and sign up at our Freshers’ Fair on the first day of term.

Best Practices

The beginning of college is the perfect time to develop good habits and manage the transition from GCSEs to Further Education. Establish a routine that includes ample study time, and mark important dates such as exams and deadlines in your diary to stay organized.

A good strategy is to revise as you go along rather than cramming at the last minute. After each class, review your notes and make flashcards to use later for revision.

If you find yourself needing support with your course, visit the Academic Services team in the Temple and Garrow Learning Resource Centers (LRCs). They can discuss any learning support you might need and help determine if you’re eligible for additional assistance in your lessons and exams.

Time Management

Unlike the non-stop schedule you had in school, college will give you free periods throughout the week. While it’s exciting to have more independence, it also means you need to manage your time wisely. Use your free periods effectively by visiting one of Callywith College’s Learning Resource Centres to catch up on coursework or revision.

Enjoy It!

College is an exciting chapter in your life, filled with opportunities to study subjects you’re passionate about, make new friends, and gain more independence. We hope these tips help you feel prepared for starting college, and we look forward to welcoming you in September!