Orientation

What is Orientation?

Orientation is the term given to all the activities that take place over the first couple of weeks of the new term. Sometimes referred to as Freshers' Week by the students, it involves compulsory activities including enrolment, academic department welcome, and lots of opportunities to engage in university life. The Roehampton Students' Union (RSU) puts on a packed events programme too, including "getting to know you sessions" for students who have returned to education after a break or a period of work.

Freshers' Fair takes place at the end of the first week. To get more of a flavour of social life at Roehampton as well as what the Students' Union does, visit the RSU website, and if you do decide to come to Roehampton, make sure you sign up for regular email updates, which cover all aspects of university life.

What to expect as a new student

If you are planning to start university for the first time in September 2012, you may have some questions or concerns about adjusting to this change in your life and especially what to expect in your first few days.

Before you arrive

Once you have had your place confirmed, you will receive an email from the University, outlining:

• your student ID number
• your university network account details
• the programme of study you've been accepted for
• whether you're studying full-time or part-time
• the lead department you've been assigned to
• the college you've been assigned to.

Make sure you read this email carefully and also your online guide to Orientation (available from August), to find out how to enrol and make a note of what events you need and want to attend. You will receive a printed copy of your guide on your first day.

If you are moving into halls, Arrival Day (Sunday 16 September 2012) will be a busy day and there will be plenty of staff and Hall Reps to guide you through the day and help you settle in.

University life

What’s it like living in halls of residence?

For many of you, this is the first time you will be living away from your parents, or the first time you will have to share your living space with more than a few people. Adjustments have to be made, but living in halls is what you make it. It is a great opportunity to meet new friends and also be close to everything you need at the University. You and your flatmates will come from all over the country (or the world), from different backgrounds and with different ideas about how to live. Each hall of residence has a Flat Rep, who is there to guide you in your first few weeks and make sure you are ok throughout the year. They will hold regular meetings, set out ground rules and report maintenance issues. Read more on our accommodation pages (link to accommodation)

What is the public transport like?

Barnes overground train station is a 10-minute walk away or two minutes by bus from Roehampton's main site. From Barnes station you can get to Waterloo station in central London in around 15 minutes. There are several buses that stop very near or directly outside the University. For full details of transport links, see the How to find us webpage.

Is there a good social scene?

Roehampton is lucky to have a close-knit community of students, meaning you can get to know lots of people and see them on a regular/daily basis. We’ve got some very active sports teams and societies as well as some engaging campaigns on local, national and international issues. Some societies hold regular events and trips away and have dedicated areas for people to meet up and socialise, such as the Chaplaincy bases or regular meetings in the cafes on campus or in the local area.

The Roehampton Students' Union (RSU) events programme is made up of regular/weekly events, as well as bigger events staged on an annual or termly basis. There is also Freshers' Week events, the Christmas Bash, RAG Ball and of course, the massive Summer Ball, all of which have attracted some of the biggest names in music to play in recent years.

Each College also has its social space where students can participate in smaller social activities such as karaoke, quiz nights and themed nights, which will be organised by their relevant College President and Social Secretary. If you are living in halls, your Flat Rep will show you where to go and what you can do in the local area, as well as how to get to popular places in central London and beyond!

It’s really easy: all of Roehampton’s societies can be joined through the Students' Union. You can sign up at the Freshers' Fair in the first week of term or whenever you want. See a full list of societies on the Students' Union website and if there isn’t a society that suits your interest, you can easily start your own!

How do I get involved in a club of society?

Tip from a current student:

"Join at least two clubs or societies – one for something you know already and one completely different or new."

Where can I eat at the University?

Each College has its own canteen area that sells a wide range of hot and cold food. See a full list of the places to eat and drink on campus.

What can I do about childcare?

While the University is not able to offer advice about places available in nurseries, nor about their suitability, parents seeking childcare may wish to consult the local borough council websites for lists of nurseries:

• Wandsworth
• Richmond

The nearest nurseries to the University campus are the Eastwood Day Nursery and Creche and the Chapel Street Family Hub.

You may be entitled to funding to help with the cost of childcare. To find out more about what you may be entitled to, please contact Student Finance England or your Local Authority. Useful advice for student parents can be found on the studentparents.org website.

The University has 10 academic Department and four colleges - what does this mean?

The 10 Departments are responsible for delivering academic programmes of study and is your academic ‘home’ during your time at Roehampton. The Colleges serve as the focal points for the University’s vibrant social scene. On-campus accommodation is centred on the Colleges and there are healthy intercollegiate rivalries in sport and other traditional celebrations. Studying at a collegiate university gives you a sense of community; you are not only part of the University, but will also have an instant identity within the smaller world of the College.

Are there any local supermarkets?

There is a Co-op, where you can buy basics, just a short walk from the main site (near Whitelands College). There is also an Asda, which is a 10-minute bus ride from the campus (on the 265 towards Tolworth).

I have a registered disability - can I get help?

Roehampton has a Disability Services department that can help you. If you have a registered disability then we strongly recommend that you arrange the support before you begin university. Please ensure you read the information about our Disability Services carefully before coming to university.

If you are unsure about whether you have a disability but you think you might and would like additional support, please contact Disability Services.

Should I register with a doctor or dentist?

If you are living on campus or in the local area, we recommend you register with the on-site Medical Centre link to supporting you), which is linked to the Putneymead practice. If you are staying at home, we recommend you stay with your current GP, but in emergencies you can see our on-site nurses. You can also go to the Minor Injuries clinic at Queen Mary's Hospital across the road from the campus.

There are a few dental practices in the local area: Richmond, Putney and Roehampton village are probably your best bet. It is recommended that you research and register at one of these surgeries as soon as possible as places are limited.

Is there provision for practising religions?

Yes, please see the information about our Chaplaincy

Is car parking available on campus?

From 8am to 4.30pm all parking on campus is for cars displaying a valid staff permit or a visitor's badge. Any cars found on campus without a valid permit will be issued a ticket and a fine of £60. It is advisable that you use public transport to get to campus as Barnes overground train station is a 10-minute walk away and there are several buses that will take you either directly to the campus or a short walk away.

Studying explained

How am I going to be taught?

University study generally differs from studies at school or college as the emphasis is on what you to want to learn rather than just turning up and being told what to do. This is why employers value degrees so highly, because you are working independently without having to be supervised. Teaching at Roehampton will generally consist of the following:

Lectures are usually large teaching environments with many students. A lecturer will present information to you and you can choose how to record that information. You are welcome to take notes but don’t get too bogged down with having to write every word that is said! A handout will usually be supplied with important information.

Seminars are times when students gather in smaller groups and have discussions led by a lecturer. Here there will be much more student interaction and students will be expected to make contributions to discussions and, on occasion, carry out short presentations. It is important to be prepared for seminars as discussion will involve knowledge of the subject. Check your module handbook if you aren’t sure what’s being covered.

Tutorials are sessions that happen occasionally when tutors wish to meet with each student to discuss with them how the course is going and offer them feedback on their work and academic progress. If and when a tutorial is offered to you it is vitally important that you accept as this is the main opportunity that you have to receive feedback for your work. If you feel that you would like one it is absolutely fine to ask your tutor for a tutorial to speak to them about your work.

Tip from a current student:

"The difference is massive. At A-level you are spoon-fed a lot – you are told what you need to do and what needs to be included – whereas at university you have to find out things more for yourself."

What is the role of Personal Tutors?

A Personal Tutor is a member of academic staff who is available for you to speak to. Your Personal Tutor is there to make sure you are OK and to be available when you have a query. A Personal Tutor will generally try and contact you to make sure you are OK but it is also advisable for you to contact them by email, phone, or dropping into their office when they are available. A Personal Tutor will be able to advise you when making academic choices and also help find solutions to other difficulties.

How will the course be assessed?

The way you are assessed will vary from programme to programme; the following methods are common:

Coursework is written work that you will be expected to hand in by a certain time and date. This type of work will be expected to be well researched with references to secondary reading. It will also be expected to be proofread thoroughly and word processed. It should also contain a bibliography citing what you have researched.

Exam/tests are carried out under exam conditions at a time, date and location that you will be informed of by your Programme Convener. Check your module handbook to see if you will be required to sit an exam for each module.

Presentations: the ability to give a presentation is highly valued in the working world so it is important that university prepares you for this. In some modules you will be required to give a presentation on one of the topics you will be studying. This is arranged in advance with the course tutor and you will be given lots of time to prepare.

Does independent studying mean I will just be left on my own? What if I have a problem?

Independent study can be scary for some students, which is perfectly understandable. There is an expectation that you find things out for yourself, but there are plenty of people who can help you, including Academic Learning Advisors, Student Welfare Officers and the English Language Unit. See our Library and Learning pages for lots of information about studying support.

I don’t have my own computer – will this be a problem?

Roehampton tries to provide computer access for all with suites available in across campus. If you are not sure where you can access a computer in a certain building then ask at a reception point or your Department Office.

English isn’t my first language – can I get help with my language skills?

The University's English Language Unit offers two modules that will help you improve your written English skills and academic writing.

Common questions

Think you’ll be lonely because you don’t know anyone?

The simplest answer is that nearly everyone feels the same. Don’t worry; from the first day you get here, you’ll have plenty of chances to meet new students. Roehampton’s Students' Union offers many events for people to get to know each other, plus the programme induction events and Freshers’ Fair are excellent chances to meet other students!

Tip from a current student:

"If you keep thinking about home or going home, you will not move on to fully enjoy your university experience."

I don’t like pubs and loud music – how will I fit in?

University is often referred to as a place where you will be expected to party every night, listening to loud music and drinking lots of alcohol. The fact of the matter is that many university students don’t enjoy that sort of environment so don’t think that you have to join in because "everyone else is". You don’t have to hang out in loud pubs and clubs to meet fellow freshers – there are plenty of other activities for you to enjoy; for example, the Students' Union's Give it a Go! scheme.

How will I cope with the academic work?

Your work may feel overwhelming at the beginning. There will be times when you have no deadlines one week and then two or three the next. One crucial thing is to you plan your time in advance. Check your module booklets for deadlines and reading requirements. Universities generally expect around 30–35 hours of work a week, so base your plans around this. There are also plenty of people who can help if you’re struggling to cope, such as Academic Learning Support staff or your Personal Tutor.

I’m dreading living on a budget – is there any help?

Yes! Our Money Doctors (insert link to budgeting on finance section) scheme is here to help students to budget their money and plan ahead, can explain priority and non-priority debts, and give advice on everything from living independently for the first time to filling out income tax forms.

I can’t cook – what do I do?

The University has several places to eat and drink across the campus to get a meal if you really don’t want to attempt cooking. Otherwise why not be brave and give it a go? There are hundreds of student cookbooks on the market and even more websites showing you easy and simple recipes. Everyone’s got to eat, so sharing cooking is a great way of making friends.

I haven’t studied for years – how will I cope?

There are many students who have come to study at Roehampton who are returning to education. The best advice if you are anxious about something is to ask someone! Most students find that when they get help they find the transition much easier but often it’s getting the help in the first place that’s the biggest step. We make every effort to ensure there are people available who can answer any questions you may have.

What if my children are ill and I have to miss lectures?

Let your tutors know as soon as possible if you can’t make it to class and make sure you keep in contact with them if you have to be away for any long period of time.

Further information

If you have any further general questions about being a student at Roehampton, contact our Student Enquiries Office: (tel: 020 8392 3232, email: enquiries@roehampton.ac.uk).

If you have any questions about your offer of a place to study at Roehampton, please call our Admissions Department on 020 8392 3314.