8 Weeks, 8 Ways to Make College Yours!
Starting college is about so much more than the first day.
It’s about finding your feet, meeting new people, discovering what you enjoy, making choices about your future and becoming part of a community where you can be yourself.
That’s why our induction period is an eight-week programme designed to help every student settle in, get involved, have their say and make the most of their start at college.
From Welcome Week through to our end-of-term Celebration Week, each week has a different focus, with activities, opportunities, support and experiences designed with you in mind.
So, here’s a look at what’s happening on campus this half term.
Week 1: Make Yourself at Home
Welcome Week | 2nd – 4th September
This week is about: Finding your feet, meeting new people and getting ready for the year ahead.
Your first week is all about getting to know your new surroundings, your course and the people around you.
Whether you’re completely new to college or returning to continue your studies, Welcome Week will help you find your way around campus, meet the people who’ll support you and get to know your curriculum.
There will be presentations from the campus team as well as workshops about how important your lanyard is, how to use Navigate, what our safeguarding and wellbeing policies are, and how you can build your employability ‘power’ skills while at college.
Each department will also be running their own induction timetable so check with your tutor what the plans are. This is your first chance to ask questions, explore your new environment and start feeling at home.
By the end of the week, you’ll…
- Know your way around campus and where to go for help.
- Have met your tutors and some of the people you’ll be learning alongside.
- Understand more about your course and what to expect.
- Know where to find the support and services available to you.
- Feel more confident about starting your college journey.
Week 2: Make Connections
September Sign-Up | 7th –11th September
This week is about: Trying something new, meeting people and making college your own.
College isn’t just about what happens in the classroom. We have so many extra-curricular activities that you can take part in.
September Sign Up is your opportunity to discover everything else college has to offer – from clubs and societies to enrichment activities and new experiences.
Each campus will be running their own schedule throughout the week, but here’s a taster of what’s in store:
- Rotherham Campus: Tasters for creative writing, arts and crafts, driving theory and D&D clubs, football session at Clifton Park, wellbeing walk, Sign Up stalls on Wednesday 9th all day in the Refectory with Momentous Football Academy, Arc Cinema, Student Union, Rotherham Council, Rainbow Project and Talking Therapies.
- Dearne Valley Campus: Tasters for driving theory, cooking club, football and art clubs. Sign Up stalls on Thursday 10th all day in the Canteen with Esports Academy, Momentous Football Academy, DVC Sports, Student Union, Manvers Lake and the Army.
- North Notts Campus: Workshop with emergency services, Tea and Talk session, therapy dog visit, table tennis activities. Sign Up stalls on Tuesday 8th all day in the Bistro with North Notts BID, North Notts Radio, Student Union, Momentous Football Academy, Oasis Community Centre, In Sam’s Name, the Royal Navy and British Transport Police.
Get involved, give something a go and find your thing.
By the end of the week, you’ll…
- Have discovered the clubs, societies and enrichment activities available to you.
- Have found something new that interests you.
- Have had opportunities to meet people outside your course.
- Know how you can get involved in college life.
- Hopefully have found something that makes college feel a little more like yours.
Find out more about enrichment clubs and activities at Rotherham College.
Week 3: Make Your Voice Heard
Let Us Know What You Think | 14th – 18th September
This week is about: Sharing your experience, having your say and helping us make college better.
Your experience matters – and we want to hear about it.
During Week 3, we’ll be asking students, as well as parents and carers, to share their thoughts about the college experience so far through surveys, discussions and meetings.
What’s working well? What could be better? What would you like to see more of?
Giving feedback is one of the best ways to help shape your college community. So don’t be afraid to speak up. Your voice can make a difference.
By the end of the week, you’ll…
- Have had the opportunity to share your experience so far.
- Know how to give feedback throughout your time at college.
- Understand that your views can help influence positive change.
- Feel confident about speaking up when something matters to you.
- Know that being part of the college community means having a voice within it
Week 4: Make a Change
Swap Don’t Drop | 21st –25th September
This week is about: Making the right choice for you and finding a course where you can thrive.
Sometimes, things don’t turn out quite how you expected.
You might discover that your course isn’t what you thought it would be, your interests have changed, or you’ve realised that another subject would be a better fit for you.
That’s okay.
Swap Don’t Drop is here to make sure you know that it’s not too late to explore your options if it doesn’t feel like you’re on the right course. Our teams will be on hand to talk through what’s available and help you make an informed decision about your next step.
By the end of the week, you’ll…
- Know that it’s okay to ask for help if your course isn’t right for you.
- Understand what options are available if you’re considering a change.
- Have had the opportunity to speak to someone about your choices.
- Feel more confident about making the decision that’s right for you.
- Be on the right course for your goals and interests, whether that’s your current course or a new one.
Week 5: Make Your Future
Careers Week | 28th September – 2nd October
This week is about: Exploring careers, gaining inspiration and thinking about your future.
Where could your course take you?
Week 5 is all about looking beyond the classroom and exploring the opportunities that could be waiting for you.
With careers speakers, workshops and opportunities to hear from people with experience in different industries, you’ll be able to discover more about the world of work and start thinking about where your skills and interests could take you.
You don’t need to have your whole future figured out yet. This is about discovering possibilities.
By the end of the week, you’ll…
- Have explored careers and industries linked to your interests.
- Have heard from people with real-world experience.
- Understand more about the skills employers are looking for.
- Have discovered potential career paths you may not have considered.
- Have at least one idea about where your course could take you next.
Find out more about the careers service in College.
Week 6: Make Time for You
Wellbeing Week | 5th – 9th October
This week is about: Wellbeing, balance, support and looking after yourself.
College is an exciting time but looking after yourself is just as important as keeping up with your studies.
Week 6 puts your wellbeing at the heart of the programme, with a range of activities designed to help you look after your mental, physical and emotional wellbeing.
You’ll also be able to find out more about the support available to you at college and where to turn if you need a helping hand.
Because looking after yourself isn’t something you should only do when things get difficult. It’s something worth making time for every day.
By the end of the week, you’ll…
- Have tried at least one activity designed to support your wellbeing.
- Know more about the wellbeing support available at college.
- Know who you can talk to if you need support.
- Have picked up some ideas for looking after yourself during busy periods.
- Have a better understanding of the importance of making time for you.
Find out more about health, care and wellbeing support at College.
Week 7: Make Your Next Move
High Education Week | 12th – 16th October
This week is about: Exploring opportunities, planning ahead and thinking bigger.
Your college journey can take you in all sorts of directions.
If you’re thinking about university, higher apprenticeships or other higher education opportunities, Week 7 will help you explore what’s available and start thinking about your next move.
You’ll have opportunities to find out more about different routes, ask questions and discover where your current course could lead.
By the end of the week, you’ll…
- Understand more about the different routes available after college.
- Know more about university, higher apprenticeships and other higher education options.
- Have discovered some potential next steps that interest you.
- Know where to go for further advice and guidance.
- Have started thinking about what your next move could be.
Find out more about the higher education options at Rotherham College.
Week 8: Make It Count
Celebration Week | 19th – 23rd October
This week is about: Celebrating progress, recognising achievement and looking forward to what’s next.
Eight weeks can go by quickly, so we’re ending the induction programme by celebrating everything you’ve achieved.
Week 8 is your chance to recognise the progress you’ve made since starting college, celebrate the people around you and shine a spotlight on some of the fantastic achievements within our college community.
We’ll be celebrating attendance, achievement and other successes with a range of awards and end-of-term activities.
By the end of the week, you’ll…
- Have celebrated the achievements of yourself and others.
- Have had the opportunity to recognise progress made since starting college.
- Have seen some of the fantastic things happening across our college community.
- Have something to be proud of from your first eight weeks.
- Be ready to look ahead to the rest of your college journey.
This is your college. Make it yours.
Follow us throughout September and October to see what’s happening each week, get involved in activities and hear from students about their college journey.
Find out more about about the first 8 weeks at Rotherham College.