Applications are open for college, and you may be wondering what to expect when you get accepted onto your course. College differs from secondary school, and you may be questioning what the rules and code of conduct of the College are, and where to go if you need help. Take a look at our FAQ here, to help you get prepared for starting College in September.
Q: How do I know what building I’m in? What will my course look like?
Come along to open events where you can learn building names and which subjects are in which building. You can also talk to lecturers; if you choose to study their subject, you’re more likely to see a familiar face on your first day! Check out our next open events [here]. If you can’t attend, don’t worry; you’ll have the opportunity to attend a Taster Day and you will receive an email before you start letting you know where to go.
Check out our website to see case studies of students who have studied your course, where you can see what they think about it and the activities they took part in. If you’ve done your research, it may make you feel more comfortable when you arrive to start learning. You can see all of our case studies here.
Q: How am I going to get to College? How do I get a bus pass?
Buses are the most common form of transport to and from college. The bus will always stop within proximity to the College, either in the bus bay in the centre of college or just outside the College grounds. Make sure you have your bus pass ready by following the steps on our transport page and complete any bursary forms if you are entitled to them. Check out our transport page, which includes bus routes, bursary support, and a guide on buying bus passes here.
Q: What should I wear to College?
Unlike school, there’s no uniform here at the College. Many students see this as a chance to express themselves through fashion and clothing, which is not discouraged! Just make sure your clothes are not going to cause offence to other peers or staff, for example wearing rude or hurtful messages or symbols. We also recommend dressing comfortably; you may be walking between buildings for lectures or just exploring the campus. You don’t want to spend the whole day feeling uncomfortable!
Q: What clubs can I do at College?
There’s plenty to do at the College outside of studying. The Enrichment sessions available at college will allow you to pursue a hobby you love or let you try something new and make new friends. Try the gym in one of our Open Gym Sessions, have a go at playing board games, chess or Dungeons and Dragons, or try your hand at a range of arts and crafts. There’s an extracurricular activity for everyone!
Alternatively, if you’re interested in specialist training to take you to the next level, why not try an academy? There’s academies for sports ranging from football to netball, hockey to rugby and many more! Our Football Academy is supported by Truro City FC and our Rugby Academy is supported by Exeter Chiefs and the Cornish Pirates, making Truro and Penwith College the home of elite sports training in Cornwall. If sports aren’t your thing, you can try academies for Academics, Dance, Medics and Law, just to name a few. Just take a look at our website.
Q: What food options are there at College? Where can I eat my lunch?
Truro and Penwith College has many options for lunch and snacks, no matter your budget. Our training restaurants, Spires in Truro and Senara in Penwith, allow you to enjoy fine dining with your friends at a fraction of the cost. For something quicker and lighter, you can check out Kenwyn, Mylor or Fal at Truro College or Porthcurno and Zennor at Penwith, which all have canteens offering hot food, sandwiches and snacks at reasonable prices. The White, Helford and Seaton buildings at Truro College offer Starbucks drinks and food. Have your lunch and hang out with your friends in the canteen or in many of the outdoor seating areas; food is prohibited in classrooms.
Q: Where can I go if I need help? Are there Student Services?
It’s normal to feel nervous when starting College. It’s a new start where you may not be with the friends you made in secondary school. You are always welcome to visit Student Services in the Mylor building on the Truro campus, or the Lamorna building on Penwith campus. The friendly team can help you with a variety of things, including counselling and mental health advice, financial support, sexual health advice, careers guidance, faith and reflection assistance and much more. Come and see them at any time during the College day, 9:15am-4:15pm.
Remember, the first couple of days at College will be your induction, allowing you to explore the campus and ask questions with your lecturers before term starts. There will only be first year students and staff on campus during the induction period, giving you a quieter atmosphere to get your bearings and adjust to college life. We all adjust to new things at a different rate, so give yourself time to acclimatise to your new surroundings and life at college. But most of all, remember to have fun and enjoy yourself!
