Questions you may have after starting a new course

It’s natural to feel a bit overwhelmed by new tasks and ways of studying. But there are things you can do to help organise and manage your time well. You should:

• Record any assignment deadlines in a planner or calendar
• Break large tasks into smaller ones. This will help you manage the workload
• Start coursework early, so you're not under pressure later in the year
• Create a study routine, set aside time to look over your work

Take a look at Top tips to making the most out of college.

A new course can come with extra costs, like travel, equipment, meals or study materials. Depending on your circumstances, financial support may be available to help you stay in education. You may be able to get support with:

• Course-related costs, like books or materials
• Support with childcare costs if you have dependants
• Travel costs to and from college
• Support if you have a disability or long-term health condition
• Living costs while you study

What support you get depends on your circumstances. You should:

• Speak to your college’s Student Service department or your Head of Sixth Form. They can tell you about any grants or support available
• Visit Student Finance Wales to find out what support is available for full and part-time students
• Look at Gov.uk for information on Personal Independence Payment (PIP) if you have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability
• Look at Funding your Studies to know about the different funding options available to support you with education

 Career ideas change based on different things, like:

• Finding out the course you are on isn't what you hoped it would be, so you no longer want to follow a career in this route
• Discovering a new hobby or interest which has made you consider other career ideas

Before making any decisions about your course/subject you should:

• Explore your new career idea on Job Information to find out the qualifications you'll need. It may be the course you are doing now will still be suitable
• Speak to your teacher or tutor about your ideas and see if you can take another subject or course
• If you're planning on going to university, look at UCAS to see the requirements of different degrees

Remember. Careers Wales can offer you free and impartial advice and guidance. Contact us and find out the ways to speak to a Careers Adviser about your career ideas and options.

It can take time to adjust to a new tutor or teacher. They may have a different way of explaining things to how you’re used to. You should:

• Give yourself time to settle and get used to the new way of learning
• Stay focused on why you chose the course and the goals you want to achieve
• Take notes during lessons and write down any questions you have
• Ask for help if there's something you don't understand. Your teacher and tutor is there to support your learning
• Use any extra help sessions, study workshops or support services in your college or sixth form offers

If you’re still not happy then you should talk to someone as soon as possible. Talk to:

• Your school form tutor or head of year
• Student services, student welfare or head of department in college
• Careers Wales to speak to a Careers Adviser about your options. Contact us
• Share how you feel with trusted friends and family

It’s great that you’re enjoying what you’re studying and can see the benefit to do more to make the most of your time. Everything extra you do will help prepare you for your future. Take a look at 7 ways to make the most of college and sixth form.

There are many organisations who can support with your wellbeing. Reach out to organisations who can help such as:

• Meic – information, advice and advocacy helpline for children and young people
• Samaritans – provides emotional support to anyone in emotional distress
• Mind Cymru - the mental health charity

Book an appointment with a careers adviser.

Depending on the type of support you need you can speak to the college's:

• Student services department
• Disability Adviser 

Tell them:

• What support you had in school
• Of any additional learning needs you have
• About the difficulties you are facing at the moment
• How you feel you would like to be supported in college

Be honest. They are there to help you, but can only do that if you are honest and tell them what support you need.

It's normal to feel nervous about meeting new people when you start college or sixth form. Remember, many other students will be feeling the same way. Building friendships can take time, so don't put too much pressure on yourself in the first few weeks.

Try:

• Starting conversations with people in your classes, even if it's just to ask about an assignment or lesson
• Join clubs, sports teams or societies that interest you
• Take part in college events, trips or social activities
• Spend time in shared areas such as the library, common room or cafe

Everyone settles in at their own pace. Be yourself, stay positive, and give yourself time.

Look at Top tips to making the most out of college.

It can be disappointing if your course isn't what you expected. Before making any big decisions, try to identify what's making you unhappy. Is it the subject itself, the workload, the teaching style, or something else?

You should:

• Give yourself time to settle in. It can take a few weeks to adjust to a new course and learning environment
• Think about what you do and don't enjoy about the course
• Speak to your tutor or teacher about your concerns
• Research your career ideas to understand which qualifications and courses can help you reach your goals. Look at Job Information
• Find out if there are other subjects, modules or courses that might suit your interests better

Look at Thinking of leaving a course? Three key questions to ask and Stop. Don't Drop out of college and sixth form.

Remember. Many students have doubts when they first start a course. Taking time to explore your concerns and seek advice can help you decide on the best next step for you.