Welcome to Higher Education at Blackburn College
We’re looking forward to welcoming you to Blackburn College as you begin your Higher Education journey. Before the start of term in September, there are a few important things you’ll need to do to make sure you’re fully prepared. Please ensure that you:
- Can access your student email account
- Can log in to Microsoft Teams, where learning materials and communications will be shared
- Can view your timetable
- Complete a DBS check, if required for your course
- Consider practical arrangements, such as travel and parking
Further guidance and useful information about your course and the college can be found below.
We look forward to seeing you in September!
Preparing for your course
Here are some useful tips:
Create a plan
A study plan can be an effective way to help you navigate your studies. With a little planning, you can develop into a motivated and resilient learner ready for any challenges ahead.
Learn with friends
You may find that you learn better in groups or with friends, in which case, you're probably not alone. We are positive you're going to make loads of new friends, so don't be afraid to take charge and arrange group study sessions.
Get ahead, stay ahead
Procrastination is the thief of all good intentions – not to mention assignment grades. Whatever you think you can put off today will only pile up tomorrow, and this applies to everything from assignments to exam revision.
Ask for help
You're not alone! If you don't know - ask. There are plenty of support services inside and outside of the classroom. Get the support you need, whenever you need it!
Look after yourself
Don't underestimate the importance of healthy eating, regular exercise and getting a good night's sleep on your ability to learn, manage stress and tackle assignments. Taking care of your wellbeing can go a long way in ensuring your mind is in tip-top condition.
Online Resources
Your email
Get to know how your student email works.
Why your student email is important
All email communication from us will be sent to your @live.blackburn.ac.uk email address. Make sure you have access to your account on your phone or set the emails to forward to your personal email address.
How to access your student email
- To access your email, simply go to the homepage of our website, click on “Staff & Students” and then “Student Email”.
- Your email address is your student number 12345678 followed by @live.blackburn.ac.uk. If you aren’t sure what your ID number is, it is printed on your Student ID card.
- Your password is your first initial as a capital letter, then the initial of you surname in lowercase, followed by your date of birth in 8 digits 01092000. So if your name is Joe Bloggs and your date of birth is 1st September 2000 your password would be Jb01092000.
Additional student email guides
MS Teams
Moodle is designed to enhance your learning experience by providing access to online course materials.
Microsoft Teams is designed to enhance your learning experience by providing access to online course materials and communication tools in one place.
What is Teams?
Microsoft Teams is your virtual learning environment. It allows you to:
- Access course materials
- Gain feedback
- Contact tutors
- Upload work
- See grades
- and much more...
Teams is simple to use. The system is laid out to make accessing resources, submitting assignments, and receiving feedback as stress‑free as possible. Notifications and messages are sent automatically to your Teams account and linked email.
Your Timetable
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
Some courses (including Early Years, Health and Social Care and Sport) require you to have completed a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check. If this applies to you make sure you complete your application online as you will not be able to go on placement without it. If you are not sure if you need a DBS check, speak to your Key College Contact to check.
What will it cost you?
£25 to you, the student. The remainder of the cost is subsidised by Blackburn College.
What identity documents do I need to provide?
To complete your DBS check you will need:
- 3 forms of ID (see below)
- Your home address(es) for the last 5 years - this should include month and year that you lived there
At least one of these:
- Passport
- Birth certificate
- Provisional/full driving licence
- National identity card
Two or three of these:
- Adoption certificate
- Official letter confirming your National Insurance Number
- Recent bank statement (less than 3 months old), back account opening confirmation letter (less than 3 months old)
- P45 or P60 statement
- Official letter from college or high school (dated in the last 3 months and must include your name and address)
For further information and guidance see the Government’s DBS ID checking guidelines or the Basic DCS checks: guidance.
When your DBS Certificate arrives, keep it in a safe place because you will need to show it to your tutor as well as each placement that you go on. Replacements are expensive, so keep it safe.
