You should receive your timetable by email before or around the start of your course. If you cannot find it, check your spam or junk folder first.

If you still do not have your timetable when you arrive, speak to a member of staff or visit Reception and the team will help point you in the right direction.

Once your college account is active, you can also use ProPortal to view information including your timetable, targets and attendance.

Your induction is an important part of your first few days at college. You will meet your teacher or Learning Development Coach, learn more about your course and find out how to access the services and support available to you.

Induction can include campus tours, talks, introductions to college systems and information about what will be expected during your course.

Moving from school into college can feel like a big change, but nobody expects you to know where everything is on day one. You can also explore the college before you arrive using the virtual campus tours.

There is no student car parking available at the Clapham, Brixton or Nine Elms campuses, so students are encouraged to travel by public transport, cycle or walk where possible.

Limited controlled or paid on-street parking may be available near the campuses, but restrictions vary. Anyone travelling by car should check local parking information and road signs before setting off.

Cycle parking is available at the main campuses, including racks at Brixton, facilities at the rear of Clapham and cycle storage at Nine Elms. Cycles are left at the owner's own risk. Electric cycles and electric scooters cannot be charged on site.

Visit the Contact Details page for campus addresses and information about nearby buses, Underground and rail stations, cycle hire and other transport options.

Your college login is the key to many of the digital services you will use during your course, including Microsoft 365, Outlook email, Teams, OneDrive, Moodle and ProPortal.

Students also need to set up Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) to help keep their college account and personal information secure. Follow the MFA Setup Guide if you have not already completed this.

If you have problems logging in or using a college computer, staff in the Learning Resource Centres and Digital Spines can help. You can also find more information on the College Digital Systems page.

Follow South Bank Colleges to keep up with student stories, events, activities, opportunities and important college updates:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• TikTok
• YouTube

You do not need to arrive carrying half an office-supply shop, but a few basics will help you get started:

• Notebooks and stationery: Bring something you can use to make notes during lessons and induction.
• Your student ID: If you have already been issued with an ID card and lanyard, bring it with you and wear it visibly while on campus.
• A laptop or tablet: If you have one and your course uses digital learning, you may find it useful. Make sure it is fully charged before you arrive.
• Course-specific equipment: Some practical courses, including Construction, Engineering, Science, and Patisserie, may require protective clothing, specialist equipment or uniform. Your teaching team will tell you what is required.

If paying for essential course equipment could be difficult, financial help may be available. Visit the Financial Support page for information about bursaries and other support.

One of the biggest changes is the extra independence that comes with college life. You will have more responsibility for managing your timetable, getting to lessons on time, completing assignments and keeping track of deadlines.

There is no school bell telling you when to move to your next lesson, so keeping an eye on your timetable becomes important very quickly. Knowing where your classrooms are and allowing enough time to move around the campus will make the first few weeks much easier.

The relationship with teachers can also feel different. College is designed to help students become increasingly independent and prepare for university, an apprenticeship or employment. Teachers and support staff are there to help, but students are expected to take an active role in their own learning.

South Bank Colleges does not have a general student uniform, so students can normally wear comfortable, practical clothing appropriate for a college environment.

Some practical courses require specialist clothing, footwear, uniforms or personal protective equipment. Always follow the instructions given by your teaching team, particularly when using workshops, laboratories, kitchens or other specialist facilities.

Your student ID card and lanyard should be worn visibly while you are on campus. Student ID is an important part of college security and is also used to access a number of campus services.

• No smoking or vaping: Smoking and vaping are not permitted on South Bank Colleges campuses, including outdoor areas within the college grounds.
• Mobile phones during lessons: Phones should not distract from learning. Follow your teacher's instructions and only use a phone during a lesson when it is needed for the learning activity.
• Food and drink: Please use the designated eating areas around the campuses rather than eating during lessons. Water may be permitted in teaching areas where it is safe to do so.
• Student ID: Keep your college ID visible and with you while you are on campus.

Students have access to food and drink facilities on the main South Bank Colleges campuses, with options available during the college day.

Opening times and the food available can vary, particularly at the beginning and end of term, so check locally at your campus for the latest information. There are also designated areas where students can take a break, eat and catch up with friends between lessons.

Your South Bank Colleges account gives you access to a collection of digital tools that will quickly become part of everyday college life.

Moodle provides online learning materials and support resources. Microsoft Teams is used by many teachers to communicate with classes, while Microsoft 365 gives students access to tools including Word, Excel, Outlook and OneDrive. ProPortal contains information linked to your student record, including attendance.

The college's Learning Resource Centres and Digital Spines provide study spaces, computers and access to learning materials. Students can also print, scan and copy documents on campus and access college Wi-Fi.

For more information, visit the Learning Resources Centre and the College Digital Systems pages.

The first few days can involve a lot of new information, so do not worry if you cannot remember everything straight away. Teachers, Learning Development Coaches, Reception teams, Learning Resource Centre staff and student support teams are all there to help.

Here are answers to some common first-week questions:

• Need technical or login support? Speak to staff in your campus Learning Resource Centre or Digital Spine. They can help with common problems or direct you to IT support if necessary.
• Thinking about changing course? Speak to your teacher as soon as possible. During the college's Chance to Change period, students may be able to explore alternative courses where suitable places are available.
• Reporting an absence? If you cannot attend college, contact your teacher through Microsoft Teams where possible and email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 020 7501 5551.
• Need extra help with learning? Speak to your teacher, who can help connect you with the Additional Learning Support (ALS) team.
• Not sure where to go? Ask any member of staff or visit Reception. Nobody expects a new student to know the campus by instinct on day one!

Your first day is only the beginning. Over the coming year there will be opportunities to develop new skills, meet new people, take part in activities, prepare for your next steps and make the most of everything college life has to offer.

So bring your timetable, bring your student ID if you have it, and perhaps most importantly, bring your questions. There will be plenty of people around to answer them.

Welcome to South Bank Colleges, and to the 2026/27 academic year!