Find Your Feet: Begin Your College Journey 2026
At the start of the academic year, RNN Group welcomes new students at Rotherham College, North Notts College, and Dearne Valley College. Running over eight weeks, the programme brings together activities and events designed to help you connect with others, explore college life and settle into your new surroundings.
Week 1: Welcome Week
2nd – 4th September 2026
Starting college is about finding your feet, getting to know your surroundings, and becoming part of your new community. Welcome Week introduces your course, college expectations and the support available, helping you understand what to expect from your first few days. Each day begins with a welcome from the Director of Campus, followed by workshops, social activities, and course sessions to help you settle into college life.
Week 2: Clubs and Activities Week
7th – 11th September 2026
With your first days behind you, you can start looking beyond your course and discover what else college has to offer. Clubs and Activities Week creates opportunities to explore new interests while meeting people beyond your course. Across the campuses, September Sign-Up Fairs will showcase clubs and enrichment opportunities available throughout the year, giving you the chance to register your interest.
Week 3: Feedback Week
14th – 18th September 2026
Now that you have had time to experience college life, Feedback Week gives you the chance to reflect on what is working well and where you may need further support. Through surveys and discussions, you can share how things are going while helping shape the student experience. Parents and Carers Information Evenings will also take place at each campus, helping families understand more about your course and the support available.
Week 4: Swap Don’t Drop Week
21st – 25th September 2026
Having spent more time on your course, you may now have a clearer idea of whether it is the right fit for you. Swap Don’t Drop Week gives you space to review your options, with one-to-one meetings and guidance available if you are considering a course change. Higher Education Welcome Teas at each campus also provide a relaxed opportunity to discover progression pathways, including options at University Centre Rotherham.
Week 5: Careers and Skills Week
28th September – 2nd October 2026
As you become more settled, Careers and Skills Week helps you connect your studies with the possibilities beyond college. Workshops led by industry experts will explore employment, further study and apprenticeships, giving you a clearer understanding of the routes available after college. Practical sessions will also help build your confidence as you start considering your next steps.
Find out more about the careers services at College.
Week 6: Wellbeing Week
5th – 9th October 2026
By this stage, college life may be becoming busier, making it important to keep your wellbeing in focus alongside your studies. Wellbeing Week encourages you to maintain a positive balance while helping you understand where to turn if you need additional support. Themed activities will take place across the campuses, with the Colour Run at Dearne Valley College bringing the week to a lively close.
Week 7: Higher Education Week
12th – 16th October 2026
As the first half-term approaches, you may be starting to think more seriously about where your studies could lead. Higher Education Week explores university, apprenticeships, funding and student life, helping you understand the different routes available. Workshops and Q&A sessions will give you space to explore your options and make informed choices about your future.
Week 8: Celebration Week
19th – 23rd October 2026
Eight weeks into your college journey, Celebration Week gives you a chance to reflect on your progress and recognise what you have achieved so far. Each campus will celebrate student success through rewards celebrating attendance, behaviour and participation. With music, games and other activities taking place, you can celebrate your successes as the first half-term comes to a close.
Event Details
Visit your campus website for full details on the events and activities taking place:
Rotherham College
North Notts College
Dearne Valley College