16 – 19 Year Olds – Induction And First Week FAQ

Below is a list of frequently asked questions relating to induction and the first week at college for 16 – 19 year old learners.

If your question is not answered here, please refer to our full FAQ page or contact us on 01772 225774

• I still haven’t received my induction pack, when and how will I receive it?

All induction packs were sent out by Friday 28th August. You should receive your induction pack in the next few days, to your home address. If your address has changed, or if you do not receive your pack, please email: guidance@preston.ac.uk

• When I arrive for my induction day, where do I need to go and will staff be available to help me?

You can now enter the college via both the Sharoe Green and St Vincent’s Road car parks, as well as via public transport. If someone is dropping you off in a car for your induction day, please ask them to park on one of the car parks and not drive into the bus lane.

On arrival at college there will be a number of staff on hand to help you and direct you to the room you have been allocated.

• I’m getting the bus to college, what do I need to do?

Whether you have applied for a bursary or not, all learners will need to purchase a Dayrider ticket each day that they attend college.  If you are travelling on a Stagecoach bus remember to ask for an under 19 fare, as it is much cheaper!  If you are in receipt of a college bursary you will be reimbursed for the cost of your bus fare on a weekly basis by bank transfer.  If you have not yet applied, you will only be reimbursed from when your bursary application is complete, with all the necessary evidence provided. It is worth noting that at this busy time, bursary applications can take up to 2-3 weeks to process.

If using public transport, please remember that you will need to wear a face mask. Public buses arriving from the bus station will approach the college from Sharoe Green Lane, and the college entrance is just behind the bus stop.  Some buses will drop you off on the college campus, where you will be greeted by our staff and will be directed accordingly. 

• How do I apply for a bursary?

You will find details of how to apply and the application form by clicking here.  Bursaries are available for households with income less than £23,500 per annum. You will need to submit recent evidence of your household income to confirm your eligibility.  Help is available towards the cost of equipment, uniform and travel, as well as lunches in some cases.  Learners will need access to their own bank accounts as payments will mostly be paid by bank transfer.  If you need any support to complete your application, please call Student Services on 01772 225656 or email studentservices@preston.ac.uk

• I have been given my induction date and time, but how long will I be at college for on that day?

On your induction day, you will be in College until 4.00pm. For those travelling by bus, buses will depart from the on-campus bus stop at 4.30pm. If you are being collected by car or taxi, please ask the driver to park on either the St Vincent’s Road or Sharoe Green Lane car parks and not drive into the bus lane.

• When will I receive my actual timetable, so I know how many days I will be in college?

On induction day you will be issued with your full timetable. This will clearly show you when you are expected to be in college and will also show you if your course has any elements of online and home learning.

• I am really anxious about starting college after being off school/college for so long. Who can I speak to?

We understand that many new and returning learners will be nervous about attending a new place of study and/or returning to study after a long time away.

As a full-time learner at the college, you will be allocated a dedicated Student Manager, who will be your first point of contact for all elements of pastoral support. They will be able to talk to you about all of the additional safety measures Preston’s College has put in place, in classrooms, workshops and in communal areas, to keep you safe and can also refer you to a range on other in-college services if needed, including learner support, careers and student services.

If you are a new learner with us, you will meet your Student Manager during induction.

• How will I find out what kit/uniform and stationery I need and do I need to buy it before my first day?

With regards to kit/uniform, you will find out on your induction day if you need to buy any. Your tutors will talk to you about any kit and uniform needs and will explain to you why you need it and where you can get it from. There is no need to buy any kit before you come to college for your induction.

For stationery, we request that you bring pens and paper with you for note-taking at first. Your tutor will advise you of any further stationery or supplies required throughout your course.