Countdown to College
Your summer checklist before September
September might still feel a long way off, but we’re already halfway through the summer break and the new academic year will be here before we know it.
If you’re getting ready to start college, you might be feeling excited, nervous or somewhere in between. It probably feels like there is so much to remember to do between now and September, which can seem a little overwhelming.
To help you stay on track, we’ve put together a simple countdown to guide you through the weeks leading up to September to make sure you’re ready for your first day.
First things first: Keep an eye on your emails!
As summer goes on, we’ll send important updates about enrolment, key dates and what happens next.
It sounds obvious, but checking your emails regularly can save a lot of last-minute stress. Make sure we have your correct contact details and keep an eye on your inbox (and your junk folder too).
Complete your online enrolment
Our enrolment process is split into two parts: On online bit and then an in-person event.
You’ll receive your online enrolment invitation via email so once you receive it, complete it as soon as you can. It only takes about 15 minutes to do and the email will explain how to complete it, but it will ask for things like:
- Your personal details, such as your name, address, contact number, and course you’ve applied for. Proof of ID needs to be uploaded (either a scan or photo).
- Your employment status, gender, preferred pronouns, ethnicity, and whether you have any criminal convictions. If you are aged 19 or older, you will need your National Insurance Number.
- Emergency contactdetails of a parent/guardian
- Any disabilities or learning support you’ll need while at college.
- Previous education and GCSE grade results
- Photograph upload for your college ID card – a bit like a passport photo
This helps us prepare everything ready for September and means one less thing to think about later in the summer. If you’re unsure about anything, don’t worry – our team is here to help.
Later in August, you’ll then be invited to an in-person enrolment day to complete the process at your chosen college campus.
Start thinking about September
You don’t need to spend your whole summer preparing for college, but it can help to think ahead a little.
You could:
- Plan how you’ll travel to college – could you catch our college bus?
- Follow our social media channels to make sure you see any updates
- Learn about clubs, trips and enrichment activities we offer
- Set a few goals for what you’d like to achieve this year
- Think about any support needs you want to discuss
- Get all your stationery and equipment ready – that’s the best bit, right?
Results Day is closer than you think
For many school leavers, GCSE Results Day can feel like the biggest day of the summer. This year, it’s taking place on Thursday 20th August.
Make sure you know when and where to collect your results from. Your school should have let you know what the plan is.
It’s completely normal to feel a bit nervous, but remember that whatever your results, there will be people ready to support you and talk through your options. One set of results does not define your future.
It’s in-person enrolment time!
After Results Day, we’ll be welcoming students to their in-person enrolment appointments.
This is your chance to confirm your place on your course, have your GCSE results checked, receive your timetable, collect your student ID card and log-in details for our student portals, and ask any questions before term starts.
We’ll also let you know what your start date will be and what the plans are for welcome week.
To keep things running smoothly, make sure you bring the right documents with you including:
- Your GCSE results (or other qualifications)
- Photo ID (passport, birth certificate, driving license)
- Method of payment for course fees(over 19s only)
- For non-British nationals or those who have lived in the UK for less than three years, you’ll also need your passport, visa, residence permit, or evidence of EU settlement status
The in-person enrolment takes about an hour but it will speed things up if you make sure you have all the right documents with you.
By the end of your enrolment appointment, you’ll have a much clearer picture of what September will look like.
What if my plans change?
Sometimes things don’t go exactly as expected.
You might get different grades than you hoped for. You might decide another course is a better fit. Or you may simply miss the main enrolment period.
That’s why we’ll also be holding a Late Enrolment Day in September for students who still want to apply, need to change course or haven’t completed enrolment yet.
If your plans change, don’t panic. Speak to our team and we’ll help you explore your options.
Feeling nervous? That’s completely normal
A lot of students worry about making friends, finding their classrooms or settling into a new environment.
The truth is that most people are feeling exactly the same way.
Everyone is starting something new. Everyone is finding their feet. And nobody expects you to know everything on day one.
College is about learning, growing and gaining confidence, and we’ll support you every step of the way.
Your final checklist
Before September arrives, make sure you’ve:
- Checked your emails regularly
- Completed your online enrolment
- Collected your GCSE results
- Attended your in-person enrolment appointment
- Received your timetable and ID card
- Planned your journey to college
- Asked any questions you may have
- Saved any important college contact details
- Followed our social media accounts for regular updates
Most importantly, enjoy your summer – you’ve earned it!
You’ve worked hard throughout school and exams, so make the most of your break. Spend time with friends and family, enjoy your hobbies and recharge before September.
September will be here before you know it and a new chapter will begin. We’ll be here to support you every step of the way and we can’t wait to welcome you this September.