What happens in college? (England)

I’m starting college in September and chose 2 colleges one college is a T level course and the other is 3 A levels. I’m an only child and the oldest child out of my family so I don’t really know what happens in college as im the first one to start. What happens in college? For example in secondary school they telll you what revision guides to buy etc and already provide you with the work you need at school like work sheets is that the same in college? What do I bring my first day? Do I have to bring books? Or do I just have to bring a note pad and paper? Is the first day just a taster day or do they just expect you to know what you’re doing? I’m not sure if any of this makes sense I’m just very confused and lost

Reply 1

MindMax2000

Universities Forum Helper

Original post

by User22930

chose 2 colleges one college is a T level course and the other is 3 A levels.
I recommend doing A Levels over T Levels. A Levels are more widely accepted as a NVQ Level 3 qualification for jobs, unis, further education, professional qualifications, etc. I have only come across a handful of unis accepting T Levels, no employers for professional qualifications as of yet.

I’m an only child and the oldest child out of my family
If you're the only child, by default you're the oldest and youngest there's no sibling to compare yourself with). The second half of this clause is therefore redundant.

I don’t really know what happens in college as im the first one to start.
Congrats. I can be scary, I know. Are you the first one in your family (including your parents, grandparents, etc.)? As an only child, you would by default the only child in your family to start (see my comment above).

What happens in college?
It's kind of like school, but more independent and more flexible. That means you would get less supervision, but at the same time it would also mean you would have to be a lot more disciplined and get yourself in order.
If you're slacking, no teacher would come to you and tell you to get yourself in order; you will need to sort yourself out. Having said that, if you choose not to do anything, your grades generally suffer anyway.
You would also get less help, and the difficulty of the courses are generally more difficult than that of GCSE.

For example in secondary school they telll you what revision guides to buy etc and already provide you with the work you need at school like work sheets is that the same in college?
I think they sort of still do that, but more often than not they will tell you what you need to get and you have to go and get it yourself.

What do I bring my first day?
Usually pens and a pad of paper. I recommend a diary as well, if you are not using the calendar app on your phone.
If you are going to do A Level Maths (and FM), then it's recommended that yo get the recommended calculator (any other would be insufficient or would violate the criteria set by the exam board)
The first week is usually just induction i.e. they tell you how the academic year would pan out and what they would expect out of you.

Do I have to bring books?
You might need to bring books, but they will need to tell you which books to get first (if any at all). Hold off until the first week.

Is the first day just a taster day or do they just expect you to know what you’re doing?
No educational institution would expect you know exactly what you are doing on the first day. They usually reserve the first week for induction and tasters. Some might jump straight in, but even then they don't expect you to have everything on the first day unless they gave you notice far in advance.

(edited 1 year ago)

Reply 2

User22930

Original post

by MindMax2000

chose 2 colleges one college is a T level course and the other is 3 A levels.
I recommend doing A Levels over T Levels. A Levels are more widely accepted as a NVQ Level 3 qualification for jobs, unis, further education, professional qualifications, etc. I have only come across a handful of unis accepting T Levels, no employers for professional qualifications as of yet.
I’m an only child and the oldest child out of my family
If you're the only child, by default you're the oldest and youngest there's no sibling to compare yourself with). The second half of this clause is therefore redundant.
I don’t really know what happens in college as im the first one to start.
Congrats. I can be scary, I know. Are you the first one in your family (including your parents, grandparents, etc.)? As an only child, you would by default the only child in your family to start (see my comment above).
What happens in college?
It's kind of like school, but more independent and more flexible. That means you would get less supervision, but at the same time it would also mean you would have to be a lot more disciplined and get yourself in order.
If you're slacking, no teacher would come to you and tell you to get yourself in order; you will need to sort yourself out. Having said that, if you choose not to do anything, your grades generally suffer anyway.
You would also get less help, and the difficulty of the courses are generally more difficult than that of GCSE.
For example in secondary school they telll you what revision guides to buy etc and already provide you with the work you need at school like work sheets is that the same in college?
I think they sort of still do that, but more often than not they will tell you what you need to get and you have to go and get it yourself.
What do I bring my first day?
Usually pens and a pad of paper. I recommend a diary as well, if you are not using the calendar app on your phone.
If you are going to do A Level Maths (and FM), then it's recommended that yo get the recommended calculator (any other would be insufficient or would violate the criteria set by the exam board)
The first week is usually just induction i.e. they tell you how the academic year would pan out and what they would expect out of you.
Do I have to bring books?
You might need to bring books, but they will need to tell you which books to get first (if any at all). Hold off until the first week.
Is the first day just a taster day or do they just expect you to know what you’re doing?
No educational institution would expect you know exactly what you are doing on the first day. They usually reserve the first week for induction and tasters. Some might jump straight in, but even then they don't expect you to have everything on the first day unless they gave you notice far in advance.

Thank you so much!

Reply 3

username6828106

Hello! So my college did a week of new students only, and in the second week they had like a 'get to know you' with the second years. During those two weeks, every website we would need or student portal or college WiFi was sorted, we had a tour of the college and was informed of all activities and any hubs we would need. As far as course info goes, the introduction is likely to feel like a lot of information all at once but if you make quick notes and reflect later, you'll be fine.

It's very relaxed. A lot of city colleges let you come and go whenever (obviously outside of class hours and inside of campus open hours) and often they do not have a strict dress code, unless you're wanting to go somewhere posh.

The courses themselves are a little bit more self-lead, but tutors are likely to recommend online resources or books to borrow from libraries, and of course there is still structure in lessons and set tasks.

Like the person before me said, A Levels are a much safer option in terms of which qualification is more recognised.

Just remember, your tutors are there to help! Don't be afraid to ask for it, even if it's just a quick message on teams. Also do some research on the college's safeguarding and wellbeing team, just in case you find the change a bit much. They help students with the same issue each year, and it's their job to support you.