Student Life
Choosing a College is so much more than simply choosing a course to study - and at Oaklands we are dedicated to giving you the skills, opportunities and all the support you need to help you 'Take on the World' by the time you finish your studies with us. Whatever your aim - be it university, further training or direct employment in your chosen career, we want to help you make the most out of what College life has to offer.
What you can expect from us
You are unique. There's no one person that has the same talents, personality, interests, aspirations and feelings as you and at Oaklands we reflect that understanding in the way we support you. We take the time to get to know you an an individual, so we can give that one-to-one help and support you need. This may come via our Supported Learning team, through keeping tabs on your progress throughout your course or taking part in college activities outside the classroom. The independence you have at College is a big way in which we place you in the driving seat to not only engage in your lessons but also develop as a person toward your life and career goals.
The good news is, you are responsible for your own learning at College. Which gives you responsibility and freedom to grow, even attending assemblies is optional for you if you feel you need to prioritise studying. We do however expect you to come to College ready to engage in your lessons, ready and willing to learn. Our commitment to learner success is guaranteed and all we expect from you in return is to reflect our College values and match our desire to succeed. Did you know an impressive 98% of our learners progress into work or further study within four months after completing their course at Oaklands? Join us and #BeThe98!
Make the most of it
We understand your personal and social development shapes the qualities and skills that will prove essential in your next step and College Life is about so much more that what happens in a classroom, workshop or salon. It is about taking advantage of the opportunities we have for you to make the best of your time with us.
There's plenty going on around campus outside of the classroom to help with those essential life skills - sports clubs, student union activities and work experience are just some of the ways you can meet new people and mix it up outside of your chosen department.
Around Campus you'll see Student Advice teams ready to help with any questions you have and support you need. The Student Lounge is where you'll also find our Enrichment Teams who organise all the extra stuff happening on campus for you to get stuck into.
Student Support
We have a team of advisors available to help ensure you get the support you need while you are with us, whatever the problem.
Living at College
Oaklands College offers student accommodation for some students in our brand new residential building at our St Albans Campus
Student & Staff Resources
Access the college portals such as Webmail, VPN, Intranet and Canvas here.
Financial Support
Money Matters; we know that finance can sometimes be a worry, but don't let it put you off. We have a dedicated team to help.
91%
of students would recommend the college to a friend
94%
of students say info, advice and guidance has been helpful
70%
of students travel to college using our discounted bus service
600+
trained staff work at the college
800
local companies Oakland College have supported with work experience
The Campus
Oaklands College currently has two main campuses, each offering a different array of courses in two very distinct settings. Whether you study at St Albans, with its more traditional feel and rich greenery within the sweeping grounds or the more urban contemporary Welwyn Campus, we are focused on shaping each campus to best serve it's designated courses to you effectively.
The LRCs offer an area to help you study, with a huge range of books, access to computers with facilities to print, copy and finish documents in black and white or colour
We have disabled parking on-site and also limited places for students
Each campus has it's own refectory where students can get hot cooked meals, chilled food and snacks and supplemented Starbucks drinks from breakfast to late afternoon. The St Albans Campus also has The Stables Restaurant where students can get freshly prepared meals for discounted pricesÂ
Whilst the option to join the Wolves academy is available to those aspiring and competing student athletes the gym is free for students to use.
You can also get discounted hair and beauty treatments at The Oasis Salon Â
- Free Wifi
- Able to wear your own clothes
Student Success Stories
The Oaklands experience offers each student a supportive environment to help you with gaining a recognised qualification, employability through work experience (internal and external) and independence. Hear from some of our students below.