Feeling Fresh for 2017
200 University level students were given a first taste of what to expect from their new course following a successful Fresher’s Fair at the TEF Gold-rated Truro and Penwith College.
The students, from a range of different backgrounds, ages and locations, attended the College’s dedicated University space in the Fal building ahead of starting their courses on Monday.
Applied Psychology student Chelsea Gilbert said: “I’m just more excited than anything else, I can’t wait to start my course now.”
The day began with a welcome talk to give students an insight into what to expect from the College and the support available to help them throughout their course.
Higher Education Programme Team Leader Andrew Smart was pleased with the positive response received.
“The day was a great success with students from throughout Cornwall and further afield looking forward to studying their chosen subjects in depth,” he said. “The lecture theatre was full to capacity as we welcomed the new members of our Higher Education community and set them on their pathway to success.”
With the opportunity to get to know their tutors on the day, as well as their fellow classmates, students were able to begin socialising and taking the first steps towards building new friendships.
Applied Psychology student Gracie Snell said: “It’s great to meet people from the course already, and because the class sizes are much smaller, you feel a lot more comfortable and the whole process is much less daunting.”
In preparation for the year ahead, students attended several study skills sessions to brush up on their knowledge and refresh their key skills, particularly useful if they have been away from education for a while.
Childhood Education student Becca Coon said: “The study skills sessions were really useful because they gave us a refresher in areas that we would actually need to use during the course such as time-management, essay writing and referencing.”
Joined by a range of local businesses from the Eden Project and Cornwall Wildlife Trust to Health Watch Cornwall and The Office Nightclub for the all-important Fresher’s Fair, students participated in activities such generating electricity on a bicycle.
Jam packed with stalls showing off the local nightlife, restaurants, mental health support, healthcare, fitness and banking, the fair showcased a whole host of options available to students.
Computing Technology student Alex Cotton said: “The day has been great, so helpful and informative with such a good Fresher’s Fair full of freebies!”
With the first day now held tightly under their belts, students can now look to the future and focus on completing their degree level qualifications.
Computing Technology student Mark Sampson said: “I’m already looking forward to graduation and my career beyond that; wherever it may take me.”
It’s not too late to discover University courses with Truro and Penwith College; you can still apply now for courses starting this year. Visit the website for details www.truro-penwith.ac.uk/uni or contact us on headmissions@truro-penwith.ac.uk.
