Getting ready for Year 12
Going to college and still have questions?
Our advisers have compiled answers to your frequently asked questions.
Don’t panic, make sure that you attend enrolment day as college staff will speak to you about your grades and course choices. They will be able to guide you to make the best decisions. Make sure that you take your exam results with you.
College is not the same. You will have more independence, meet new people, and your timetable will be more flexible than it was at school.
- Have you recently changed your email or home address? Make sure that you have informed the colleges that you have applied to of any such changes.
- Email or phone the admissions department at the colleges that you have applied to, asking for an update on your application.
- Sign into the college portal when you are informed about this to make sure you don't miss any important information.
- Keep trying and don’t give up as colleges can be very busy with calls and enquires. Ask a parent or your adviser to help if you're not getting through or not getting the answers you need.
Ask for reasons why this has happened from the college’s admissions department.
Colleges have dedicated Learning Support and Wellbeing Teams to offer assessment of needs and support.
- Let them know in advance what’s on your mind.
- Do not be afraid to ask for help as colleges can support you if they know what your needs are.
- Some colleges offer summer transition support programmes to help you settle in.
It’s completely normal when you try something new and does not last forever. Be prepared as much as possible for your first day as this can really help you not feel quite so nervous. Check out the handy first day checklist and you’ll be ready. The First Day Nerves video will also give you hints and tips on how to deal with those first day nerves:
- You may be eligible for a college bursary. A bursary is a sum of money given to students via their college based on financial need, to assist with the costs associated with attending college, I.e. travel, lunch, and equipment.
- Apply early for the bursary and then it could be in place for when you start at college. You can usually apply via the college website from mid-July onwards.
If you need to get a bus to college, Norfolk County Council have a post 16 travel scheme. Speak to the Travel and Transport team at your chosen college as they sometimes have information about deals that they have negotiated with bus local companies. If you are entitled to a bursary (see above) the college may be able to arrange to pay for your bus pass directly.
Don’t just stop going as the college will want to help you. Speak to your subject teacher, tutor or student services in your first few weeks and tell them how you feel. They will try and help you look at alternative courses and the options that are available.
There are ups and downs with any friendships, that’s completely normal, but don’t let that be a reason for not going to college. Speak to your family, course tutor or visit student services to get support. Even though things may feel difficult sometimes, generally these things pass and getting help from a trusted adult at college may help you resolve the issues.
Check out the the section about bullying on Help You Choose. Colleges will not tolerate bullying. College is very different to school and therefore people behave differently. If you do have any concerns talk to your tutor or visit student services for advice. There are always people at college to help you deal with difficult situations. It is important not to put up with it or stop attending college.
Dealing with first day nerves
First day at sixth form or college is enough to leave the most confident of people feeling a little nervous. Here's some tips from one of our guidance advisers on how to deal with it.