As the new academic term begins, South Bank Colleges is thrilled to welcome all our new students to the exciting journey ahead. Whether you're stepping into Lambeth College or London South Bank Technical College for the first time, we know it’s a big step, and we’re here to help make the transition as smooth as possible for you.

Your First Day at College

Term starts the week of 9th September 2024, and by the time you begin, you should have received all the details about your first day by e-mail, including the date and time. Make sure to arrive promptly at your campus – Clapham, Nine Elms, or Brixton, depending on your course – so we can guide you to your first session with your teachers and classmates. On your arrival, our friendly staff, including principals, teachers, and support staff, will be there to welcome you and direct you to where you need to be.

If you’re feeling unsure, don't worry – there will be plenty of staff on hand to assist you in finding your way.

You can find the full calendar and college term dates for your year ahead, here.

Timetables and What to Expect

By the time you start, you should have received your timetable via e-mail (don't forget to check your spam/bulk mail folder). But if you haven’t got it yet, don’t stress – just ask your teacher when you arrive, and they’ll help you sort it out. Also, once you have your student login set-up, you can access your timetable and attendance record online via Proportal.

Induction Days

Your induction is a key part of your first few days with us. During this time, you’ll get a chance to meet your Learning Development Coach or teacher, who will guide you through the induction process. This will include talks, tours, and all the essential information you’ll need to feel at home at South Bank Colleges.

We know that starting college can feel overwhelming, especially when compared to school, but we’ve got you covered. You can familiarise yourself with our campuses ahead of time by checking out our virtual campus tours. This will give you a preview of classrooms and other key facilities.

Transport Options

Lambeth College (Clapham, and Brixton campuses) and London South Bank Technical College (Nine Elms campus) has no motor vehicle parking facilities on campus. We recommend exploring alternative transportation options such as public transport, cycling and walking to get to our campuses.

There are cycle racks to chain bicycles to outside the Brixton Campus, inside the interior Quad at Clapham Campus, and a cycle shed in the rear grounds at Nine Elms Campus - please be aware, cycles are left at the owner's own risk. Electric cycles and electric scooters are allowed to be chained to the racks, but cannot be charged on site.

Visit our contact page to discover all the handy nearby bus, tube, train, and cycle docking facilities.

Setting Up Your College Account: Passwords and Multi-factor Authentication

All students will need to set up Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) to access Microsoft Office, Teams, OneDrive, and college emails. This extra layer of security ensures that your personal data is kept safe, so make sure you’ve followed the instructions in the MFA Setup Guide.

If you need to reset your password, it’s easiest to do so while on campus. Just log in to any computer, press Ctrl+Alt+Delete, and select the password change option.

Stay Connected on Social Media

Don’t forget to follow South Bank Colleges on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube, and X to stay in the loop with the latest news, events, and success stories. Be sure to use our hashtag #IamAtSouthBankColleges to join the conversation and share your journey. You’ll also find answers to your questions, key updates, and lots of useful information across our social platforms.

What Do You Need to Bring to College?

On your first day, aside from any enrolment documents, it’s helpful to bring a few basic supplies that will support you as you begin your studies. If you’re not sure what to pack, here are some essentials:

• Notebooks and stationery: Whether you prefer to keep one notebook for everything or use separate notebooks and folders for each subject, make sure you’ve got something to jot down important notes.
• Electronic devices: Many students like to bring a laptop or tablet, especially if your course includes digital learning materials. Just remember to charge them in advance!
• Course-specific equipment: Certain courses, such as those in Construction, Engineering, Science, or Beauty, can require specific tools or clothing. Your teachers will let you know what’s needed, and don’t forget that bursaries may be available to help cover some of these costs.

How is College Different from School?

One of the most noticeable differences when you start college is the shift towards independence. Unlike school, where you might have had a more structured routine, college offers you greater freedom and responsibility. You’ll be expected to manage your own study schedule, ensure that assignments are submitted on time, and organise your learning.

Another key difference is how you’ll interact with your teachers. At college, it’s common to address teachers by their first names, which can feel more relaxed and informal compared to school.

Without the school bell ringing, you’ll need to keep track of your own timetable to make sure you’re in the right place at the right time. Familiarising yourself with your campus and class locations early on will help you navigate your day more confidently.

What Should You Wear to College?

At South Bank Colleges, there’s no strict dress code, giving you the freedom to express yourself through your clothing. However, it’s important to ensure that your outfit is appropriate for the college environment and suitable for your course activities.

For practical courses like Construction, Science, Patisserie, or Beauty Therapy, specific clothing or protective gear might be required, so always follow your teacher’s guidance. In general, aim for something comfortable and practical, as you’ll be spending most of your day learning and engaging in various activities.

Additionally, please remember that during lessons, students are asked not to wear their coats or hats. This helps maintain a professional and focused learning environment, ensuring that everyone can concentrate on their studies.

A key part of college life is wearing your student lanyard with your ID badge at all times while on campus. This helps ensure the safety and security of everyone at the college, so please remember to wear it visibly every day. You will also need your lanyard badge to tap in and out of the security barriers at each campus, upon your entry, and exit at college. When you need to print, your lanyard badge gives you access to the college's copiers/printers (you need to put money on your card to do this, using our payment machines, in a similar way to your Oyster card).

Important Behavioural Guidelines

• No Smoking or Vaping: Smoking or vaping is not permitted on any South Bank Colleges campus, including outdoor areas. This is to promote a healthy and clean environment for all students and staff. Please make sure to step off campus grounds if you need to smoke or vape.

• Phone Use During Lessons: Charging or using mobile phones during lessons is not allowed, unless it's part of the learning activity. Phones can be a distraction, so please make sure they are on silent or switched off during class. Keeping your focus on your work will help you and your classmates get the most out of each session.

• No Eating or Drinking inside Class: Eating food or drinking beverages (other than water) is not permitted during classes. This helps maintain a tidy and respectful learning space. If you need to have a snack or drink, make use of the break times or designated eating areas around campus - including our lovely canteens (see below).

Campus Canteens: Fuel for Your Studies

Each of our campuses at South Bank Colleges—Clapham, Brixton, and Nine Elms—has its own friendly canteen, providing students with a range of hot and cold meals, snacks, and drinks. Whether you're looking for a hearty lunch or just a quick bite between classes, you'll find plenty of options to keep you fuelled throughout the day.

The canteens are open for both breakfast and lunch, so you can start your day off right and refuel during breaks.

To help you get set up for a productive day of learning, we offer a free breakfast each morning, which includes porridge and a cup of tea. It’s a great way to make sure you're energised and ready to focus on your studies.

Be sure to take advantage of the canteen facilities at your campus to stay nourished and prepared for the day ahead!

Your IT and Library Super-powers

Need access to those vital IT tools and study resources? Your South Bank Colleges login provides access to everything from Moodle Virtual Learning, Microsoft Office 365 software, to ProPortal for checking your timetable and attendance. You can also connect with classmates and tutors using Microsoft Teams and keep all your important files secure and accessible with OneDrive.

The College Library also offers access to quiet study space, eBooks, physical books, PCs, and essential learning materials. You can print, scan, and copy documents on campus using your student ID. And don't forget to use your free Wi-Fi while you're on campus! 

• Clapham Campus: You can find the Learning Resources Centre and Library in the S Block, 3rd Floor, room 330.
• Brixton Campus: We have a small book collection with study spaces in room B104.
• Nine Elms Campus: The Digital Spine library is in the 4th floor, room A04.10. The Digital Spine quiet study room is in the 2nd floor, room A02.22. The Digital Spine desktop computer rooms are on the 6th floor, room A06.10 and 8th floor, room A08.10.
• Southwark Campus: The award-winning LSBU Hub Library is also available to all South Bank Colleges students. See the friendly LRC staff at Clapham campus or Nine Elms campus to order your Hub access pass.

For a step-by-step guide on accessing these services and more, check out our amazing Learning Resources Centre, and our handy IT at College guide.

Need Help? Don’t Hesitate to Ask!

No matter what you need help with, we’re here for you. Our staff are always available to assist with any queries, whether it's about timetables, directions, or support with anything else.

Here are some common FAQs that may be helpful:

• Need technical support? Our IT user support technicians are available to help with system and login issues. Students who need IT help or have login issues, should first speak to the staff at your campus Learning Resource Centre. If they can't help you, they can refer you to the main college IT Department.
• Changing your course? Don’t worry if your chosen course isn’t what you expected – take advantage of our Chance to Change period, where you can explore alternative options.
• Reporting an absence? If you can’t attend college, inform your teacher via Microsoft Teams, and then also e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 0207 501 5551.
• Need help in lessons? Speak to your teacher if you need additional support, and they will connect you with the ALS team for further assistance.

We’re excited to see what this new academic year brings and look forward to supporting you every step of the way. Remember, if you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask – we’re here to help you succeed.

Welcome to South Bank Colleges!