The annual Freshers’ Fair welcomes students to College life

The College buzzed with activity this week as the annual Freshers’ Fair kicked off the academic year, giving students a taste of College life with fun activities, free food, and fantastic entertainment. 

The Street was lined with a variety of interesting stalls, from free sexual health advice to Student Union badge making, the day offered something for every student to discover and enjoy. Stall holders offered guidance on mental health, support available at College, as well as ways to get involved with the Students’ Union (SU). 
 
The brand-new SU president, Vita, was at the event, sharing how important the SU is for students’ voices to be heard. Vita shared: “Every student at the College is automatically part of the SU. It’s here to make sure your voice is heard and to make sure you have the best experience at College. 
 
“Freshers’ Fair is important because it’s an opportunity to share information about all the activities running in College, helping everyone feel included and engaged.  

“This year, I’m most looking forward to connecting different departments across the College so everyone feels more united.” 

Amongst the stalls you could find charities and local businesses such as Mind, Cancer Smar, Rising Sun, Natwest, KRAN, CAP, Nurture, Social Enterprise Kent and Kent Police. They offered support to learners as well as explaining how students could get involved, doing their part to support the community.  
 
Local businesses such as Saint Smokeys and Pizza Hut joined the celebrations handing out free samples throughout the event. These were well enjoyed by both staff and students!  

Talented Music and Performing Arts students provided the soundtracked for the event. The stage was set at the end of The Street and their impressive voices filled the corridors of the College.  
 
We caught up with one of the performers, Sam who currently studies Level 3 Music Performance and Production. They shared: “We only started our band ‘BlackHouse Hill’ at College a few months ago and it’s mad how much we’ve done already. We recently won Battle of the Bands and over summer we recorded our first single.  
 
“Getting chances like this is just great, because every gig gives us more experience and it’s so good seeing people enjoying the music.” 
 
You can check out the band’s brand-new single on Instagram @blackhousehill.official
 

Ella, the Student Experience officer, who was in charge of organising and running the event was extremely pleased with the day. Exclaiming: “I am so happy with how the event went. It was amazing to meet new students, and also see returning students, enjoying themselves.  
 
“Seeing the students engage with the organisations and the College services stalls was brilliant. I hope that students now know about all the support they can access.  
 
“I am so excited for all that is to come this year, and I already has lots of trips and exciting activities planned.” 
 
You can find Ella in the Learning Resource Centre, known as the LRC, if you have any further questions or would like to get involved with the SU.  

The energy throughout the Freshers’ Fair sets the tone for the year ahead. We look forward to a year of success, growth, and plenty of exciting SU events to enjoy. 
 
Learn more about the Students’ Union and how to get involved.