You might be feeling nervous about changing from school to College - studying at College is a very different experience from school. We want it to be a positive time for all our new students and for the transition to be as smooth as possible.
We hope the following helps you settle in as quickly as possible!
What can you expect at College?
To be treated as an independent learner.
Your timetable may not be as full at College as it was in school and you will have more “free” lessons. This may sound pretty exciting, but with freedom comes responsibility! You will need to learn to manage your time effectively – free periods may need to be used for research and completing assignments or projects. Our Learning Resource Centres are the perfect space for you to use for independent study with tons of resources at your fingertips. You are allowed to relax too, of course, and the College has several student social zones for you to meet friends, chat and unwind as well as refectories and coffee shops.
To be taught by industry professionals
Your tutors and lecturers here at the College will have spent time working in the industry that you are now learning about. They understand what you need to learn to succeed and will draw on their industry knowledge to help you understand how to apply your skills to the workplace.
To learn in state-of-the-art facilities
MidKent College is blessed with modern, industry-standard facilities at both the Medway and Maidstone campus. These include fully equipped engineering workshops, motor vehicle repair workshops, training kitchens, restaurants, labs, dance studios, music recording studio, photography studios, television studio, hair and beauty salons, a fitness suite, sport lab, a fully equipped aeroplane cabin, sensory room and a fully equipped theatre - Glass Box.
Not only does this mean you get to study in a fab space, but you will be working in a realistic work environment, learning to use the tools and equipment you will use in your chosen industry.
To get the support you need
We have a dedicated student welfare team at each campus, including a counselling service. You will be allocated a Personal Development Tutor (PDT) on enrolment, who can help with any issues you may have, whether they are programme related or personal. If you have additional learning needs and usually have extra help in school, then our Learning Support Team will ensure you get the right support.
Careers advisers are available at each site and can help you identify career choices and plan your next steps including help with UCAS or job applications. If you need financial support, student finance advisers will talk you through the options and confirm if you are eligible for a bursary to help with travelling to College, etc.
To be a bit apprehensive to start with!
You may have friends from school who are also joining College in September, or you may not know anyone else in your class. You may forget where you are supposed to be, or not know where to find your classroom. Remember that everyone joining College in September is feeling the same – a bit lost and uncertain of how things work! If you are unsure of anything at all... just ask. A member of staff or another student will be happy to help and point you in the right direction.
And remember – College is about so much more than your study programme. As well as achieving your qualification, we want you to have an enriching student experience while you are studying with us. You’ll be able to take part in Freshers’ Week, community projects, competitions our annual student award ceremony and many programmes also opportunities for trips and travel.
Starting College is a great time to make new friends. It can be daunting, but they’ve already got something brilliant in common with you – they chose MidKent College as their next step too!
We update our social media channels regularly with examples of student work, success stories, and news so please make sure you follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn!
