When will I be able to access my timetable?

Your timetable will be available via the MyShrewsColl App on the weekend before the start of term. Please don't worry if you can't see it straight away; your timetable will be uploaded as soon as possible. If you're studying at either the English Bridge or Welsh Bridge campuses, you'll need to come in on Wednesday, 2 September for your induction day. Students who are taking a course at the London Road Campus will need to come in on either Tuesday or Wednesday, but you will be contacted to confirm which day.

There is an error with my timetable, what should I do?

If there is an error in your timetable ie wrong subject is listed, please attend the Induction Days as detailed below. You can speak to the tutor or teacher who will be able to assist with the error. If you're studying at either the English Bridge or Welsh Bridge campuses, you'll need to come in on Wednesday, 2 September for your induction day. Students who are taking a course at the London Road Campus will need to come in on either Tuesday or Wednesday, but you will be contacted to confirm which day.

I haven't got my bus pass, what should I do?

If you have signed up for a bus pass and haven't received it, please speak to Student Services. You can visit the Student Services helpdesks on any campus (in the cafes), email transport@shrewsbury.ac.uk or call 01743 653 200.

I'm having problems with the MyShrewsCol app

If you're having issues with the college app, please come into the college and speak to a member of the Learning Resource Centre team or the Technical Services team.

How do I access my college email?

To access college email, students must set up their password from the following link: https://www.shrewsbury.ac.uk/student-support/existing-students-parents/college-systems using their student number followed by @shrewsbury.ac.uk ie 2600000@shrewsbury.ac.uk The password must contain at least 10 characters and be a mixture of upper and lower case letters. There must also be at least one number AND one special character. The password must be complex and cannot be something like PAssword123! Once set up, the student email address will be studentnumber@shrewbury.ac.uk Once you have activated your email, you will be able to download and access the MyShrewsColl app.

How long does it take for my bursary to be set up and when will I hear?

Bursary applications can take up to four weeks to process, and you will be contacted via your personal email with updates. Students who require urgent support should contact/visit Student Services.

I'm feeling nervous about starting, where can I get support?

It is perfectly natural to feel anxious about starting college. All staff at college are approachable and are here to help. The first point of contact for support is your teacher, who can arrange some help from a Study Support Tutor (English Bridge or Welsh Bridge campuses) or a Progression Mentor (London Road Campus). If more specialist support is required, we have wellbeing & safeguarding staff who can support you further, and your Study Support Tutor (A Levels) or Progression Mentor (Vocational Courses) can refer you to them.

My course needs a kit, where can I find it? link to kit

The link to the kit requirements is here .

I won't have the kit in time for my first day, will that be ok?

Yes, it will be fine. Lots of our courses that require a specific kit don't start the practical elements of the course until a few weeks after the start of term. Your kit will only be required when the practical elements begin.

I'm having issues with the Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), what should I do?

You will receive support from Learning Resource Centre staff as part of your Induction programme. They will be able to help initially, but if you continue to have problems, then please contact the Technical Services teams on each campus.

Do I need to do the summer homework?

Yes, it is really important that you do the summer homework. The tasks set out in your course homework will help set you up for the first weeks of term. Find out more about the homework here .

Will my parents be kept up to date with my progress - info about Parent Portal and parents evenings

Teachers will give you Progress Grades once per term that you and your parents can see on ProPortal, along with your attendance and timetable. There are Parent Consultation Evenings once a year where you and your parents can meet with your teachers to discuss your progress.

I've lost my college ID badge, what do I do?

If you've lost your college ID badge, you can collect a replacement from the reception team at each campus. These will be issued free of charge for the first two weeks of college. If you lose your card or forget to have it with you after the first two weeks of term, then you will be charged for a replacement card.

When will I learn about clubs and societies?

The college has a wide range of clubs, sports and societies as part of our Enrichment offering. Full details of all of these will be available in the Induction Festival, which takes place in your first weeks of term. A full list of our offering is here .

I think I have enrolled on the wrong course, what should I do?

It's quite normal not to be sure about a course in the first weeks of term. We would encourage you to stick with your course for the time being, however you can request to join a new course in week 3.

I'm not feeling very well in my first week of term, what do I do?

If you're not feeling very well, then please let the college know through the MyShrewsColl app - there is a section where you can notify us of your absence.

How different is college from school?

College is halfway between school and university or working. It is a more adult environment – there are no bells or uniform, and you call staff by their first names. Your timetable will include time for independent study. You will need to plan how you use your time outside of lessons, but your tutor and student services can help you with this.

What if I don’t like my course?

Don’t worry, there’s usually a short window at the start of term where you can discuss changing subjects or courses. Please speak to your teacher or tutor as soon as possible.

How much work will I need to do outside lessons?

As a guide, for A Level subjects expect around 4–5 hours of independent study per subject per week.

How are courses assessed?

It depends on your course. A Levels typically have exams at the end of the programme. Vocational courses are assessed through a mix of coursework and exams.

What does a typical day look like?

You’ll have a mix of: Lessons, Study periods (free time for independent work), breaks and lunch.

Will I have free periods?

Yes, but it’s really important to use this time productively for study.

Can I leave campus during the day?

Yes, as long as you don’t have timetabled lessons.

What time does college start and finish?

Typically, between 8:30–9:00 am and finishing around 3:30–4:30 pm, depending on your course and the course timetable for full-time students. Many apprenticeship timetables may start earlier or finish later than this.

What are the teachers like?

Teachers specialise in their subjects and treat you more like an adult, but they’re also there to support you.

What if I fall behind?

There’s lots of help available: Extra sessions, tutorials, and study support. Just ask — the earlier, the better.

Yes, you’ll have a Study Support Tutor (A Levels) or Progression Mentor (Vocational Courses) who supports you throughout your time at college.

What if I feel stressed or overwhelmed?

That’s completely normal. You can speak to your tutor, student support teams and the college's free 24/7 counselling service. You don’t have to deal with things on your own.

What if I don’t fit in?

It might feel daunting at first, but everyone is new in the first year. Please give it time, get involved, and you’ll find your place.

That’s okay. There’s lots of support available, and we'll help in any way that we can.

Absolutely! Everyone is new and in the same situation. You’ll meet people in your classes, tutor group, and through activities.

Are there clubs or activities?

Yes — colleges offer enrichment like sports teams, clubs and societies. There are also lots of trips and events in your subject areas to help you make new friends.

Is there a dress code?

There is no dress code as such, but we would expect you to dress in an appropriate way for education or work. Some of the college courses will require you to wear a uniform or overalls when undertaking practical lessons, but you'll be advised on that by your teachers or tutor.

Do I have to attend all lessons?

Yes — good attendance is key to getting the best out of your course. It is really important to attend all of your lessons, and we expect you to do so.

You're generally free to use your phone in social/study areas, but not during lessons unless your teacher allows it.

Is there food on campus?

Yes, all three campuses have cafés on site with affordable options.

New Student FAQs

Start of the new term

When will I be able to access my timetable?

Your timetable will be available via the MyShrewsColl App on the weekend before the start of term. Please don't worry if you can't see it straight away; your timetable will be uploaded as soon as possible. If you're studying at either the English Bridge or Welsh Bridge campuses, you'll need to come in on Wednesday, 2 September for your induction day. Students who are taking a course at the London Road Campus will need to come in on either Tuesday or Wednesday, but you will be contacted to confirm which day.
There is an error with my timetable, what should I do?

If there is an error in your timetable ie wrong subject is listed, please attend the Induction Days as detailed below. You can speak to the tutor or teacher who will be able to assist with the error. If you're studying at either the English Bridge or Welsh Bridge campuses, you'll need to come in on Wednesday, 2 September for your induction day. Students who are taking a course at the London Road Campus will need to come in on either Tuesday or Wednesday, but you will be contacted to confirm which day.
I haven't got my bus pass, what should I do?

If you have signed up for a bus pass and haven't received it, please speak to Student Services. You can visit the Student Services helpdesks on any campus (in the cafes), email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 01743 653 200.
I'm having problems with the MyShrewsCol app

If you're having issues with the college app, please come into the college and speak to a member of the Learning Resource Centre team or the Technical Services team.
How do I access my college email?

To access college email, students must set up their password from the following link:https://www.shrewsbury.ac.uk/student-support/existing-students-parents/college-systems using their student number followed by @shrewsbury.ac.uk ie This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The password must contain at least 10 characters and be a mixture of upper and lower case letters. There must also be at least one number AND one special character. The password must be complex and cannot be something like PAssword123!
Once set up, the student email address will be This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Once you have activated your email, you will be able to download and access the MyShrewsColl app.
How long does it take for my bursary to be set up and when will I hear?

Bursary applications can take up to four weeks to process, and you will be contacted via your personal email with updates. Students who require urgent support should contact/visit Student Services.
I'm feeling nervous about starting, where can I get support?

It is perfectly natural to feel anxious about starting college. All staff at college are approachable and are here to help. The first point of contact for support is your teacher, who can arrange some help from a Study Support Tutor (English Bridge or Welsh Bridge campuses) or a Progression Mentor (London Road Campus). If more specialist support is required, we have wellbeing & safeguarding staff who can support you further, and your Study Support Tutor (A Levels) or Progression Mentor (Vocational Courses) can refer you to them.
My course needs a kit, where can I find it? link to kit

The link to the kit requirements is here.
I won't have the kit in time for my first day, will that be ok?

Yes, it will be fine. Lots of our courses that require a specific kit don't start the practical elements of the course until a few weeks after the start of term. Your kit will only be required when the practical elements begin.
I'm having issues with the Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), what should I do?

You will receive support from Learning Resource Centre staff as part of your Induction programme. They will be able to help initially, but if you continue to have problems, then please contact the Technical Services teams on each campus.
Do I need to do the summer homework?

Yes, it is really important that you do the summer homework. The tasks set out in your course homework will help set you up for the first weeks of term. Find out more about the homework here.
Will my parents be kept up to date with my progress - info about Parent Portal and parents evenings

Teachers will give you Progress Grades once per term that you and your parents can see on ProPortal, along with your attendance and timetable. There are Parent Consultation Evenings once a year where you and your parents can meet with your teachers to discuss your progress.
I've lost my college ID badge, what do I do?

If you've lost your college ID badge, you can collect a replacement from the reception team at each campus. These will be issued free of charge for the first two weeks of college. If you lose your card or forget to have it with you after the first two weeks of term, then you will be charged for a replacement card.
When will I learn about clubs and societies?

The college has a wide range of clubs, sports and societies as part of our Enrichment offering. Full details of all of these will be available in the Induction Festival, which takes place in your first weeks of term. A full list of our offering is here.
I think I have enrolled on the wrong course, what should I do?

It's quite normal not to be sure about a course in the first weeks of term. We would encourage you to stick with your course for the time being, however you can request to join a new course in week 3.
I'm not feeling very well in my first week of term, what do I do?

If you're not feeling very well, then please let the college know through the MyShrewsColl app - there is a section where you can notify us of your absence.

Courses & Study

How different is college from school?

College is halfway between school and university or working. It is a more adult environment – there are no bells or uniform, and you call staff by their first names. Your timetable will include time for independent study. You will need to plan how you use your time outside of lessons, but your tutor and student services can help you with this.
What if I don’t like my course?

Don’t worry, there’s usually a short window at the start of term where you can discuss changing subjects or courses. Please speak to your teacher or tutor as soon as possible.
How much work will I need to do outside lessons?

As a guide, for A Level subjects expect around 4–5 hours of independent study per subject per week.
How are courses assessed?

It depends on your course. A Levels typically have exams at the end of the programme. Vocational courses are assessed through a mix of coursework and exams.

Timetable & College Life

What does a typical day look like?

You’ll have a mix of: Lessons, Study periods (free time for independent work), breaks and lunch.
Will I have free periods?

Yes, but it’s really important to use this time productively for study.
Can I leave campus during the day?

Yes, as long as you don’t have timetabled lessons.
What time does college start and finish?

Typically, between 8:30–9:00 am and finishing around 3:30–4:30 pm, depending on your course and the course timetable for full-time students. Many apprenticeship timetables may start earlier or finish later than this.

Support & Teaching

What are the teachers like?

Teachers specialise in their subjects and treat you more like an adult, but they’re also there to support you.
What if I fall behind?

There’s lots of help available: Extra sessions, tutorials, and study support. Just ask — the earlier, the better.
Will I have a tutor?

Yes, you’ll have a Study Support Tutor (A Levels) or Progression Mentor (Vocational Courses) who supports you throughout your time at college.

Wellbeing & Pastoral Support

What if I feel stressed or overwhelmed?

That’s completely normal. You can speak to your tutor, student support teams and the college's free 24/7 counselling service. You don’t have to deal with things on your own.
What if I don’t fit in?

It might feel daunting at first, but everyone is new in the first year. Please give it time, get involved, and you’ll find your place.
What if I struggle?

That’s okay. There’s lots of support available, and we'll help in any way that we can.

Making Friends & Social Life

Will I make friends?

Absolutely! Everyone is new and in the same situation. You’ll meet people in your classes, tutor group, and through activities.
Are there clubs or activities?

Yes — colleges offer enrichment like sports teams, clubs and societies. There are also lots of trips and events in your subject areas to help you make new friends.

Rules & Environment

Is there a dress code?

There is no dress code as such, but we would expect you to dress in an appropriate way for education or work. Some of the college courses will require you to wear a uniform or overalls when undertaking practical lessons, but you'll be advised on that by your teachers or tutor.
Do I have to attend all lessons?

Yes — good attendance is key to getting the best out of your course. It is really important to attend all of your lessons, and we expect you to do so.
Can I use my phone?

You're generally free to use your phone in social/study areas, but not during lessons unless your teacher allows it.
Is there food on campus?

Yes, all three campuses have cafés on site with affordable options.