Starting college is an exciting new chapter, whether you’re joining us straight from school or returning to education. At West Thames College, we’re here to help you feel confident, prepared and ready for your first day.
From enrolment and your timetable to what to wear, what to bring and where to get support, here’s everything you need to know before you start.
Before You Start
Before your course begins, you’ll need to complete your enrolment. This is when you’ll confirm your course, provide any required documents and receive important information about your induction and start date.
Where applicable, make sure you have:
- Exam results or qualification certificates
- Your enrolment letter or course offer
- Photo identification
- Evidence of loans or funding
- Proof of your right to study in the UK, if requested
If your GCSE results weren’t quite what you expected, don’t worry. Our Careers and Guidance team can discuss your options and help you find a course that’s right for you.
For full enrolment information, visit the West Thames College enrolment page.
When Does College Start?
Your lessons will begin during the week starting Tuesday 1 September 2026.
Your timetable will be sent to your personal email by Friday 28 August. It will show:
- Which lessons you have
- Where your lessons take place
- The date and time of each lesson
Some courses may begin later in the week, so make sure you check your timetable carefully.
You’ll also receive a text message confirming the date, time and location of your first lesson.
If you have questions about your timetable, contact your curriculum area administrator. You’ll be given information about who to contact and where to find them on campus.
Your First Week at West Thames
Your first week is all about settling in and getting to know your new college.
You’ll take part in activities designed to help you understand college life, meet other students and become familiar with your surroundings. Our staff will also get to know you so we can provide the best possible support throughout your time here.
It’s completely normal to feel nervous when starting somewhere new. Staff and student ambassadors will be around during your first days and weeks to answer questions, point you in the right direction and help you feel at home.
How College Is Different from School
If you’re joining us after school, you may notice some important differences.
You’ll have more independence
At college, you’ll be expected to take greater responsibility for your learning. This includes keeping track of your timetable, managing your study time and completing assignments on time.
There’s no school bell
You’ll need to check your timetable and make sure you’re in the right place at the right time. You can also access your timetable on your smartphone through ProPortal.
You’ll use teachers’ first names
You’ll normally call your teachers by their first names. This can feel unusual at first, but it’s a normal part of studying in a Further Education environment.
Term dates may be different
College term dates aren’t necessarily the same as school term dates, so make sure you check the latest dates on the college website.
Once you receive your timetable, take some time to explore the campus. Finding your classrooms, study areas and other important facilities before your first lesson can make your first week much easier.
What Should You Wear?
For many students, starting college means saying goodbye to school uniform. For most courses at West Thames College, there is no set dress code, so you can wear what you like as long as it is appropriate for college and your course.
Choose clothes that are comfortable and practical for your day. Hoodies are allowed, but please keep your hood down while you’re around college.
Some courses have specific clothing, uniform or personal protective equipment requirements:
- Practical courses: Courses such as Construction, Engineering, Science, Hairdressing, Beauty Therapy and some T Levels may require specialist clothing or safety equipment.
- Feltham Skills + Logistics Centre: At the Feltham Skills + Logistics Centre, you’ll need to purchase the required equipment at the centre. You’ll receive safety-wear information during enrolment.
- Science (Isleworth Campus): For Science courses at the Isleworth campus, students need to purchase their own lab coat and look after it throughout the academic year.
- Health & Beauty: For Health & Beauty courses, uniform is mandatory to maintain professional standards and meet health and safety requirements. Students must purchase the required uniform and wear all black until it arrives. This means no jeans or branded clothing. Closed-toe shoes must be worn at all times.
Safety clothing is essential in workshops and practical environments. These requirements are there to protect you and everyone around you, so they must be followed.
And while college is a great place to express yourself, we recommend avoiding your most delicate clothes during practical sessions.
Getting the Support You Need
If you need additional support with your studies or personal circumstances, speak to your teacher or Student Learning Advisor as soon as possible.
The earlier you let us know what support you need, the sooner we can put the right arrangements in place and help you get the best possible start.
What Should You Bring?
For your first days at college, it’s useful to bring:
- A pen and paper
- A set of headphones
- Lunch or money for food and drinks
- Your Year 11 school report, if you left school in summer 2026 and didn’t already provide it during enrolment
Get Ready Before Your First Day
A little preparation before you arrive can make your first day much easier.
Download Microsoft Teams
Download the Microsoft Teams app before induction. You won’t be able to log in using your college details until induction day, but having the app ready means you’ll be prepared.
Set up Office 365
Log in to Office 365 using your college email to access the software available to you. Check whether your access is available before induction.
Plan Your Journey
Work out how you’ll travel to college and buy your bus pass if you need one. Planning your journey in advance can help you arrive relaxed and on time.
Set Up Multi-Factor Authentication
West Thames College uses Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to help protect your online accounts. MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring your password as well as a verification code when you log in. This helps keep your personal information and college work secure. A step-by-step guide to setting up and using MFA is available from the college.
Top Tips for Settling In
Starting college is about more than just lessons. It’s also a chance to meet people, discover new interests and become part of the West Thames community.
- Meet new people: Starting college is a great opportunity to make new friends, whether you already know people on your course or are arriving on your own.
- Explore the campus: Take a walk around during your first few days and find your classrooms, study areas, cafés and support services.
- Find your favourite places: Make a note of where you can get academic or wellbeing support, study quietly, relax or grab something to eat and drink.
- Get involved: Joining a club, society or sports team is a great way to meet people, develop new skills and feel part of the college community.
And don’t worry if you don’t know where everything is straight away. You’ll be surprised how quickly the college starts to feel familiar.
Ready to Begin?
Starting at West Thames College is the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Whether you’re working towards university, an apprenticeship, employment or your future career, we’re here to help you achieve your ambitions.
Prepare what you need, check your timetable, plan your journey and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
We look forward to welcoming you to West Thames College and helping you make the most of your time with us!
