MANY students across Carmarthenshire will be starting college for the first time, and may be understandably nervous.

Two Coleg Sir Gâr students who are starting their second year at the college have shared some top tips to help new students feel more at ease when moving on to this new chapter of their lives.

Alice Bird and Ashley Horobin both experienced how much students would have to deal with, including settling into class, meeting new classmates, getting a grip on assignments and preparing for exams, and spoke to Careers Wales to provide their top tips for fellow students.

Ashley’s top tips include to be yourself and take it step by step. Ashley said: “It’s a new place, a clean slate. You will meet new people and experience new things. Trusting in yourself and your personality will come out in your work and the people you’re around.

“If you feel overwhelmed, don’t worry about things far ahead of you. Concentrate on what’s in front of you, deal with each task or action as you go and then move on. You can think about the bigger things when you’re feeling ready.”

Ashley also said to slow down and enjoy the experience and importantly, check in on your mental health, saying: “It’s not just about the classes and work – try and make time to have a laugh with your friends. Friends will help make the days easier. Mates are the best.

“I was very nervous when I started college after I was bullied at school. My mental health had been low at times and I had little confidence. But I started getting the support I needed, and I was able to increase my confidence and make friends.

“If you’re feeling anxious or low, remember the wellbeing team is there to support you.”

Alice’s top tips include keeping an open mind and trying new things and connect with as many people as you can. She said: “There are so many different sports and extra-curricular activities to get involved with. Have a look at the activities on offer and sign up for some introductory sessions. Try everything you’re interested in and see what you like most.

“College is very diverse and inclusive, and you’ll meet people from all different backgrounds and cultures. I was really nervous when I started as many of my friends from school went to a different college. But very quickly I settled in, made the effort to chat with different classmates and met my people.”

Alice also said that a top tip is to stay on top of things and to keep future choices in mind. She said: “College work can build up quickly. Make sure you stay on top of homework and assignments as you get them. Plan and prioritise your work to save yourself more stress and work in the future.

“Use this first year to get a sense of what you’re enjoying, what you’re not so interested in and what sort of area you might want to look at in the future. So many of the small things can relate to your future career, so keeping this in mind will help you with future decisions.”

Careers Wales is there to help students at any point during their educational journey with support in exploring the future, questions about the course or help with career options. Students can contact them on post@careerswales.gov.wales or by calling 0800 028 4844.