Getting ready for college

Starting college soon?

Whether you’re a new or returning student, the information on this page will help you prepare for your first day of term. We look forward to welcoming you in September. 

Girl with red jacket standing against a red background

Information for new students

We hope you’re looking forward to starting your journey with us. We understand there’s a lot new things to consider when starting at college, but hopefully this page will help you feel prepared. And if there’s ever anything you need help with, please don’t hesitate to reach out to college staff.

Before you start college, you need to activate your college IT account, set a secure password, and protect your account with 2-Step Verification.

  1. Visit the activation page: Go to https://password.colegsirgar.ac.uk/sspr/public/activate

  2. Enter your username: You can find your username in the welcome email we sent you.

  3. Choose your verification method: Select whether you would like to receive your verification code via email or text message.

    1. Note: These options will use the contact details you provided during enrolment. If those details are incorrect or out of date, please contact registry_info@colegsirgar.ac.uk to update them before continuing.

  4. Verify your identity: Type the verification code you receive into the box and click ‘Check Code’.

  5. Create your password: Set up a strong, secure password for your College account (and make sure it is something you will remember!).

Now that your account is active, you need to add an extra layer of security to your college Google account to keep your work and personal information safe.

  • Already use a personal Google account on your device? If you visit the link above and see your personal Gmail, click your profile picture (or initial) in the top right corner and select Add another account. Log in with your new college email before continuing.

Log in to Google: Go to myaccount.google.com and log in using your new college email address and the password you just created.

Go to your Security settings: On the left-hand navigation menu, click on Security and sign-in.

Find 2-Step Verification: Find the section titled “How you sign in to Google” and click on 2-Step Verification.

Choose your second step: Follow the on-screen prompts to link your smartphone. You can choose to receive a text message, a phone call, or a simple “Google Prompt” on your phone whenever you log in on a new device.

Enable 2-Step: Click the “Turn on 2-Step Verification” button at the bottom of the page. (You may be prompted to enter your password one more time to verify it’s you).

We have some apps for you to download before you start. These apps are all available in your app store. Downloading them now will save time on your first day.

  1. Geteduroam – Used to connect to College WIFI – connect with your college email address and password you set in Task 1.

eduroam logo
  1. Gmail - Used to access your college email – connect with your college email address and password you set in Task 1.
gmail logo
  1. Google Classroom - Used with your college studies – connect with your college email address and password you set in Task 1.
google classroom logo
  1. College App – Your student app. You can use this to access your timetable, attendance, track performance and receive college information. Open the College app, log in using your college email address and password you set in Task 1.
college app logo

Don’t forget…

  • Apply for financial support if you are eligible.
  • Check your bus timetables and make sure you know how you’re getting to college.
  • Some courses need specific uniform or equipment - make sure you know what you need and get it ready in advance.
  • Make sure the college is aware of any additional learning needs you have so we can ensure you have everything you need to succeed.

Financial Support

Find out what financial support is available.

Piggy bank next to a pile of coins.

Student transport

Information about student transport, bus timetables and bus passes.

Student getting on bus.

Term Dates

Coleg Sir Gâr and Coleg Ceredigion Term Dates

Close up of a calendar

Support for learners with Additional Learning Needs (ALN)

We have a dedicated team to support learners with additional learning needs, disabilities and medical needs.

2 boys looking at an ipad

Contact Details for Queries

Application Queries

admissions@colegsirgar.ac.uk 

01554 748179

Enrolment Queries

registry_info@colegsirgar.ac.uk 

01554 748384

IT Queries

helpdesk@colegsirgar.ac.uk 

01554 748089

Transport Queries

transportunit@colegsirgar.ac.uk 

01554 748025

FAQs

  • You should have been sent an email with your official start date. Your first day will be either September 1st, 2nd or 3rd but may vary for different campuses.

  • You should have received an email with a room number for your welcome day. If you are unsure about where to go, head to reception where staff will be on hand to help you get where you need to be.  

  • Your first day is an opportunity to meet your College lecturers, get to grips with College systems and learn about all of the support available to you. 

    You will be taken on a tour of all College services and support hubs. You will meet your new classmates and there will be opportunities to meet new people throughout the day. 

    There will be activities throughout the day to help you settle and have fun. Quieter lunchtime activities can be found in the libraries on all campuses.  

  • Timetables will be confirmed when you attend your first day and after that they will be available via the college app.

  • Apart from some specific courses which require special uniform, there is no dress code at college, so as long as it’s appropriate you can wear whatever you want. We do ask that you please avoid wearing clothing with offensive slogans or logos.

  • If you would like to change your password, click the link below and follow the steps.

    To change your password, you need to know your username. You should have received this in an email, if you don’t know it then please ask your lecturer.

    1. Go to this URL: https://password.colegsirgar.ac.uk/sspr/public/forgottenpassword 

    2. Enter your username

    3. Click Search

    4. You will need to choose the method you want for communication, either personal e-mail or SMS

    5. Enter the code you receive in the box provided

    6. Set a new password

  • College will provide most of what you need. If your course requires you to buy specific equipment, PPE etc, you will have been told before you start. If you are unsure, please feel free to get in touch and double check.

    Every campus has a library full of study resources. You can also access computers and printers, borrow laptops and access other useful support. The library teams are happy to help, and can even order specific books for you if they are not already available.

  • Please take a look at our Financial Support page for more information.

    If you, or your parents/guardians need any advice, help with form-filling or form-checking before you submit, our Wellbeing Officers are ready to help. We want to make sure that you are accessing all of the financial support that is available to you. 

  • Please see our student transport page. If you have any questions regarding transport to college, please contact transportunit@colegsirgar.ac.uk.

  • Yes. If something’s not working out, talk to us as soon as possible. We’ll help you explore other options and find something that feels right.