Students across HSDC College Group kicked off the new academic year with Freshers’ Fairs at Alton, Havant and South Downs, where they could discover the many opportunities available to them beyond the classroom. With a wide range of stalls to explore, students found out about clubs and societies and the support available to them both within the college and their local communities.
There were plenty of ways to get involved, from joining the Student Union and sports clubs to discovering a variety of student-led societies including the debate team and magazine The Magpie.
The fairs also showcased HSDC College Group’s Elevate programmes, which give students opportunities to develop their interests, skills and experience alongside their studies. This included PRISM, an LGBTQ+ club, which is described as:
“A safe space, welcome to all, and serves as a place where anyone can express their identity freely”
Alongside the College’s own groups and activities, external organisations attended to introduce students to the support and opportunities available in the local communities. This included QTR which offers free counselling and groupwork for 11 to 25 year olds and their families across Havant and South East Hampshire, and Unloc, which strives to:
“Help young people grow in their confidence, skills and leadership to shape their own futures and world around them”
The Freshers’ Fairs provided a brilliant start to the new academic year and gave students a taste of just how much there is to experience at HSDC College Group. Whether joining a society, volunteering, trying a new activity or simply meeting new people, the fairs highlighted the many ways students can make the most of their time at college.