Starting university is a whirlwind, isn't it? That mix of pure excitement and maybe a tiny bit of 'what have I gotten myself into?' is something I remember all too well. And when you're joining a place like City, University of London, or St George's, University of London – or in this case, the combined City, University of London and St George's, University of London experience – that feeling can be amplified. It’s a big step, and knowing where to begin can feel like deciphering a map in a foreign language.
Let's talk about this new chapter at City, University of London and St George's. They're bringing together resources from what were the legacy City campuses (Clerkenwell & Moorgate) and the legacy St George's campus (Tooting). This means you might find information that's super relevant to one area but not the other. The best advice I can give you? Don't get bogged down trying to find everything at once. Think about your specific department or what you're looking for, and use those keywords. And remember, there are people ready to help. If you're a Clerkenwell & Moorgate student, Support@City is your go-to. For those at Tooting, studentsupporthub@sgul.ac.uk is the contact.
It’s all about building your 'home' here, and that starts with getting the essentials sorted. The 'Welcome to City, University of London and St George's' pages are your first port of call. Imagine meeting your University President, Students' Union Officers, and Deans – it’s all laid out there. Then there’s the 'Building your home' section, which is essentially your guide to settling in, finding your feet with extracurriculars, and understanding the support systems available. They even break it down by campus: 'Building your home at City, University of London and St George's (Clerkenwell & Moorgate)' and 'Building your home at City, University of London and St George's (Tooting)'.
'Unpacking' is another key phase. This isn't just about your boxes; it's about the administrative tasks that get you started. Registration, timetables, who to contact for what, and how to disclose any disabilities or health conditions – it’s all covered. Again, you'll find campus-specific guides for this too.
Once the initial unpacking is done, it’s time to 'Settle into student life'. This covers everything from academic support and career guidance to finding your way around campus libraries and getting there. And let's not forget the opportunities! Whether you're keen to meet new people, pick up new skills, boost your career prospects, or dive into the sports scene, there are pages dedicated to 'Opening the door to new opportunities', with those handy campus-specific links.
Crucially, 'Growing your support system' is highlighted. University life can throw curveballs, and knowing who to turn to is vital. Student Health and Wellbeing, Library Services, and the Chaplaincy are just some of the teams ready to support you throughout your journey. And for those first few weeks, expect a packed schedule of 'Welcome events'. They're designed to make your transition as smooth as possible, with activities running throughout Welcome Week, usually in late September. It’s a great chance to get acquainted with everything before your formal induction begins.
For postgraduate taught students, the journey from offer to arrival is clearly mapped out. You'll receive information on responding to your offer, and once confirmed, keep a close eye on your emails. They'll be your lifeline for registration details, important updates, and guidance. And for some healthcare courses, there are specific occupational health and DBS checks to be aware of, with details provided on dedicated pages. Finally, don't let finances be a barrier. Exploring scholarships, bursaries, grants, and loans is encouraged, with tools available to help you find what you're eligible for. It’s a comprehensive approach to ensure everyone feels prepared and supported.
