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 By Jessica McKay
Thinking of going to College next year? There are several good
colleges to choose from in the Wigan borough, so choosing which one is
for you is never going to be easy.
However tempting it may be to choose the same as your friends and
therefore offering a sense of security, you have to be practical and
think which offers the best course for you.
The rigorous application process may seem daunting at the time but it is
all over before the nitty gritty revision of GCSEs.
First Day
Admittedly, a first day at a new school or job is pretty nerve-wracking,
and the same applies to starting a new college.
It seems there are millions of people and that the college is fifty
times bigger than your past school, but after a week you will realise
this isn’t so. Hundreds of people are in the same boat as you, and
teachers and upper six students are happy to help if you loose your way,
but before long you’ll know every shortcut in the vicinity.
The first day may seem like a surreal blur but I can guarantee you’ll be
settled in no time.
What do I wear?
After twelve years of wearing a uniform and not having to worry about
your wardrobe, college brings yet another worry.
For the first week you will undoubtedly panic about what to wear and
maybe even plan your outfits in advance. You’ll probably spend hours
styling your hair and trying to make a good first impression.
However, these wardrobe worries will soon fade and you’ll realise that
not only do you not care what you’re wearing but that nobody else does
either. You’ve heard parents saying ‘it’s not a catwalk, its school’,
they’re right. Just avoid any lycra catsuits and you’ll be fine.
Free Time
With college comes more free time than school ever gave you. With
lessons being cancelled here and there in addition to your other free
time, you’ll probably find yourself sat in the canteen with a hot
chocolate and a gaggle of friends at some point in the day.
However, if your friends are ‘on a free’ and you have to go to a tedious
psychology lesson it is beyond tempting to take it off and stay for a
gossip. We’ve all done it, but the truth is when you come to revision
time and you haven’t a clue who Freud is, you’ll wish you had gone to
your lessons.
Remember, teachers don’t nag at you at college because it’s your choice
to be there, you have to be responsible now.
What is the food like?
After Jamie Oliver made your school dinners boring, coming to college is
like a wonderland, with vending machines hosting chocolate and crisps
and fridges holding fizzy drinks.
Chips, burgers and hot dogs are commonplace amongst the other healthy
options and with the unhealthy foods being cheaper it is very tempting,
so don’t be surprised if you notice a little weight gain.
If you have the gift of will power there are various healthy options to
choose from such as jacket potatos, paninis, salads and yoghurts.
Teachers
At school you were use to saying ‘Sir’ and ‘Miss’, but college is a lot
less formal and it can seem strange at first using first names.
College tutors are not there to punish bad behaviour or be an authority
figure but are there to guide you and be a friend.
It is not rare for a tutor to ask about your Friday night out, join your
table for a chat or even hear them swear. Most tutors at college treat
you with the respect of an adult unlike teachers at school who may have
treated you as a child.
Each tutor has their own classroom rules such as phones on silent, no
swearing etc. but as long as you follow these you will get along just
fine.
College, may seem overwhelming at first but after a month or so it
becomes a part of your life and gives you great opportunities, so don’t
worry about it, it’s a time for fun and making new friends. Enjoy it!
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