Posted: 06/09/18
Fresh start, fun and friendships at college
It’s been a week of knuckling down to studies and hard work at West Nottinghamshire College as students begin their courses for the new academic year.
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President of the Students’ Union Robyn Hodgson has plenty planned for the year
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The climbing wall challenged students’ bravery and agility
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Demi Preston, Megan Messenger, Ruth Moore and Olivia Harrison enjoyed the Freshers’ Fair fun before joining their childcare programme
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The college has plenty of volunteering and environmental initiatives lined up for people to get involved in
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Chef Peter Kacoull from Love Joe dished up free, tasty wraps for students
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Learning resources assistants Paula Hyde (left) and Rosalyn Barnfather (right) with their hook-a-duck challenge and advice about using the LRC
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Phil Eardley from SEXions, the confidential sexual health service
But there’s also been a great injection of fun to help them settle into college life, in the shape of Freshers’ Fair.
Freshers’ Fair 2018 kicked off at the Derby Road campus on Tuesday (4 September) with guests from a range of external partners in attendance to introduce students to some fun activities as well as informative sessions around health and initiatives in their local communities.
For the brave there was a climbing tower to conquer, courtesy of Climb Higher Ltd and those who felt lucky could tackle the Cash Cube, which saw people enter an enclosed area to challenge them to collect as many prize vouchers as a wind machine blew them around.
A selection of free pasta and wrap snacks were available and students could enter a prize draw to win £50 of John Lewis vouchers.
Mansfield BID and Mansfield Market representatives were on hand to inform students about promotion of their local town, while representatives from Ben Bradley’s office, spoke to students about the work he does as MP for the town and how they can become involved.
The NHS service called SEXions was present to give confidential sexual health advice. SEXions works within the local community and offers drop-in sessions for young people needing C-card services, pregnancy testing and health advice and support.
The Freshers’ Fair spanned two days at the college’s Derby Road campus before moving to the construction campus on Thursday (6 September) to enable students on a range of building services programmes to enjoy the freshers’ fun.
The college’s Students’ Union called for students to sign up to the new range of clubs and societies being organised for the year, which include horse riding, e-gaming, knitting, environmental projects as well as the chance to join a marching band.
Students had the chance to meet their new president of the Students’ Union, Robyn Hodgson, who begins her term this academic year, following studying A Levels at the college.
Robyn, 18, from Sutton-in-Ashfield, said: “It’s so good to see all our new students and see them having fun and meeting new people and discovering what the SU can offer.
“This year I’d like to bring new changes, with a particular emphasis on working with mental health initiatives, making sure students have the most positive experience at college.
“College is a great place to be but I’m aware that stress of studies and work can be overwhelming at times, so I want to ensure the relevant support systems are always available to ensure their time here is happy and fulfilling.”
