Now that you’ve completed your application, you’ll shortly hear from us to book an information session for your course.
Booking your information session
We’ll contact you by email once an information session slot is available for you to book. You’ll choose a time and date which suits you (from selected dates according to the avaibility of the course director) through our student portal and details on how to do this will be included in the email. You can click here to watch our video tutorial if you're not sure how to log in to the student portal.
Once you’ve chosen a date, you’ll receive a confirmation email with further details on how to join your information session.
What to expect from your information session
We use our course information sessions to determine your suitability for the course. You'll also learn all about the course and college life. Jonathan Boyall, course director for Professional Cookery – Level 2, said “college is a very different environment to school. The information session gives staff a chance to introduce themselves, their course and talk about what college is really like - we like for those new to the college to have the opportunity to answer and ask questions”.
Our information sessions are generally relaxed but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be prepared! You’ll likely be asked the following:
- Why did you apply for college?
- What are you hoping to gain from this course?
- What would you like to do as a career?
- Is college (and the course) your first choice in September?
If your information session goes well, you’ll be offered a place on the course. You’ll have time to think about your offer but there isn’t a commitment if you accept your place during your information session – you’ll be able to change your mind or apply for a different course at any point before September.
You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions about the course - so make sure to read our top tips below!
Getting the most out of your information session - our tips!
Prepare - but don't be scared to ask questions
While you’ll learn more about the course during your information session, it’s worth spending time before your information session to use our website to prepare for your information session. You should use the course page on the website and videos to really get a head start on your information session.
You should also think about what else you need to know about starting a course at college. Have a chat with your parents / guardians beforehand and find out if there is anything they’d like to know and make notes of the questions you’d like to ask. You’ll always get the opportunity and it will show the tutor that you’re actively interested in their course if you prepare a few questions to ask.
Review your information session invitation
It’s worth checking your information session invitation again as there may be something you need to do before or during your information session. For example, you may be asked to upload a picture of your predicted grades to the student portal or to prepare a portfolio for the information session. All of this will be included in your information session invitation (or subsequent emails).
Be yourself and leave a good first impression
Our information session session will likely be the first opportunity you've had to meet your course director - it's your chance to leave a good first impression. We'd like to know what you are good at, what your future plans are and what you'd like to get out of college. Paul Gibson, Programme Manager for Creative Arts, said "We want to see that you are enthuastic about the course you've applied for. We want to hear you talk about and describe what it is that you are looking forward to about studying at college".