'What the first few days were like for me'

'I had never heard of Bicton College before I came here, so on my first day I was very nervous about the prospect of arriving and not knowing anyone. Like many students, I don't drive, so it was my mother who helped me move into on-site accommodation. I can remember when we turned into the main drive and I saw Bicton House. It was then that it sunk in that I was to spend the next few months here on my own. I remember watching my mother driving back down the drive and feeling very alone ... but not for long; the wardens made me feel welcome and showed me around the College.

'The College held a ''fresher's week'' for us, which it does every year. This was the chance to meet the ''people of the College''. The first week flew by and at the end of it I had found my bearings around the College and met nearly everyone on site.

'The prospect of being alone here was quite daunting and because I had no transport to get out and about, I thought I might feel a bit cut off. The College, however, runs nights out and day trips; the most important of these is the late-night kebab run!

'I have passed my course this year and sat on the student executive committee as the sports secretary, played in the ladies' rugby team and held positions on various other committees too. College is not only about what you do; it's the way you go about doing it that really matters.

'For anyone who is worried about coming here, I would say, don't be. I have had the best time ever and have learnt so much from tutors and other students. If you do decide that Bicton is the life for you, then you never know, I may see you around.'

Rachel Reece

The College held a 'fresher's week' for us, which it does every year.

An account of student life from Rachel Reece, studying the City & Guilds Parts I & II Diploma in Outdoor Recreation.

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