Starting College in September?
We realise that starting at College will often be a big step for students, and you are likely to have lots of questions. We have designed this information page to give you a brief guide to what help and support is available to you and to answer some of the questions other students often have. Click a frequently asked question below or scroll down the page to find the information you need. The team in Student Services are also always happy to help you with any questions or queries you may have, you will find contact numbers here.
- What happens in the first week of the course?
- Applying for College transport
- Paying course fees
- Applying for financial support
- Applying for accommodation
- Buying special equipment (uniforms and kits etc)
- Having Criminal Record Bureau checks
- Information and Support during the Summer
- GCSE results advice
This information is relevant to students who are starting college in September and are under 19 years of age. For information relevant to over 19's click here and use the student services menu on the left hand side to find the relevant information.
What happens in the first week of the course?
Don’t worry if you are nervous – everyone is! We’ll do everything we can to help you settle in. On your first day, bring your exam certificates, some paper and a pen, and we’ll do the rest. If you do need any specialist equipment on your first day we will write to you and let you know.
During the first week the induction timetable has lots of opportunity for you to find out about all the essential things like where to eat, how to find your way round etc.
As a new student you’ll also have the campus to yourselves as second year students don’t start till the following week! You also get a chance to join the Student Union and find out about trips, this year students visited The Clothes Show and Alton Towers and other events like gigs and promotions.
Applying for College transport
Over 1000 students a day use the college‘s transport network to get to college from 3 different counties. The College and Local County Councils heavily subsidise college transport. If you live more than 3 miles from your study centre, and want to use coach transport you will need to complete a transport application form from the local county council to get a bus pass. During April and May, once you have accepted your course offer, you will be sent the relevant details of how to make your application for a bus pass. Further transport information including links to the council websites can be obtained from student services by calling 01553 761144. This includes applying for the FREE shuttle bus that travels from King’s Lynn to the Wisbech Landbased Campus.
It is important that these forms are completed and returned with payment as soon as possible, you just need to follow the instructions for your relevant county. It takes County Councils several weeks to process bus pass applications and unfortunately students will usually have to pay a daily rate until they receive their pass, which can be very expensive. If you are worried that you won’t be able to afford your pass then you should a request a Learner Support Fund form as you may be eligible for help with the costs.
If you feel that you will need support to use normal busses or will need specialist Taxi transport to enable you to study at any of our college campuses please ensure that you contact your centre so that they can help you to arrange this transport.
Click here for more information including bus routes and local authority contact details.
Paying course fees
Students aged under 19 on 31 August 2011 do not have to pay a tuition, administration or examination fee; they are only required to pay kit and resource/materials fees should this apply to their course. Details on kits, materials/resource fees will be provided to the student prior to enrolment, usually at your interview. These fees are payable at enrolment during the first week of study.
Students aged over 19 are required to pay an administration fee, examination, materials/resource fee and there may also be a tuition fee depending on the chosen course of study. These fees are payable at enrolment during the first week of study. If you will be aged 19 or over on 31 August 2011 please also see our 19+ information.
Applying for financial support
EMA and the Learner Support Fund
The government has now ended the EMA scheme. However, the college now has an enhanced learner support fund. The Learner Support Fund can help eligible students with costs related to their course such as uniforms, kits, trips and materials. The Learner Support Fund can also offer cash payments to eligible students. You can apply as soon as you have been offered a place on a full-time course.
Click here for details of financial support available for 2011/12.
Click here for the Learner Support Fund application form
Click here for the Learner Support Fund guidance notes
Army Bursary
This is run in partnership with the Army and is for students who want to join the Army but are not yet ready . To be eligible you must be physically fit and studying for a full time level 2 or 3 qualification. You can study on a wide range of courses such as business and administration, ICT, hospitality, media and music as well as sport or uniform services. You can get paid up to £1000 for each year of your course plus another £1000 on completion of the first stage of your Army training. For further details or an application form please click here or contact student services.
Care to Learn
If you have a child of your own and are aged 19 or under you can apply for help with childcare costs through the Care to Learn scheme. Just let us know and we will help you complete the forms.
Applying for Accommodation
If you live too far from your college campus to use one of the college bus routes then you will need to consider living in accommodation. Each campus has some provision but you will need to apply as soon as possible as these places are limited.
You will be provided with a list of properties with private landlords available to students. The type of property which is available to you will depend on your age, with all students under 18 being offered details of accommodation within a family home. Please remember that you need to make sure that you (and your family) are happy with your choice of property before you sign any contracts with the landlord. Further details are available from student services at either King’s Lynn or Isle.
For more details, please download our Student Accommodation Guide.
Buying special equipment (uniforms and kits etc)
Unless college students need to wear a uniform for their course they can wear whatever they like! You may need to have some specialist equipment or a uniform for your course, if so you will have been told about this at your interview and you will be given a full list of what is needed. If you are worried about paying for this essential equipment then you should apply through the Learner Support Fund for assistance as soon as possible.
Having Criminal Record Bureau checks
Some college courses require you to have a CRB check because of the work experience placements you have to undertake as part of your course, typically this would be most courses in the health and social care and childcare areas. Your CRB check should be completed before you start college in September. You will be sent your forms and details of how to book an appointment with your course offer.
Information and Support during the Summer
Information regarding commencement of courses in September will be confirmed to you in writing during August.
Please also remember, that the College will be open throughout the summer should you wish to speak with the Admissions Team in Student Services for further information.
If you change your mind about your course choice at any stage; please speak with our Student Advisers (based in Student Services), who can offer you advice and information on other options available. You can discuss any worries that you may have about coming to college in total confidence with one of our Student Advisers who can be contacted via either Student Services (King’s Lynn or Isle Campuses).
GCSE Results Advice
If you are worried that your grades are not as good as expected there will be GCSE clinics available at the College to discuss other options available to you. Details, dates etc will be released nearer the time.
