Top Tips for Joining CLC at Lower and Upper College

Top Tips for Joining Lower and Upper College

04/08/26

Lower and Upper College

Blog

Head of Lower College, Ms Charlotte Woodhead, and Head of Upper College, Ms Dafna Ashworth, share some of their top tips and advice for new students and parents joining CLC.

Your First Day at CLC

We want students to have the best possible experience as they start their journey at CLC, that’s why having a good induction is very important to us.

The very first day is set up entirely for new students. It’s a full day dedicated to learning where to go, meeting staff and all the basic things you might wonder about.

When we welcome our new students, it's one of the best days in college. There is such a buzz, and we are so excited to have you joining us.

SETTLING IN

Sometimes when you’re coming to a new environment, you might feel nervous or overwhelmed and have a lot of questions, it’s important to remember that that’s normal and we're here to help you with that – we are all in it together.

The first week will be busy, there will be so much to do, so before you know it, you will have settled in and will feel like you've been here forever.

The most important thing is to be open, willing to learn, curious, and to accept that it's okay not to know everything. It's okay to make mistakes, because that's how we grow.

A Home Away From Home

Becoming a boarder takes courage. Leaving your comfort zone, leaving what is familiar, is brave and courageous, and it helps you grow.

Boarding at CLC really is a home away from home experience. Our boarding houses are set up to be nurturing, set up to be welcoming, we've got the most fantastic staff and there is so much support in place.

The experiences, the opportunities, everything that is waiting to welcome you with open arms, is going to benefit you, and you will flourish here as you embrace it.

If you are new to boarding, there'll be moments at the beginning where you will feel homesick and that's okay. It's normal. But there will be so many opportunities to do new things and make the most of having this new, extended family around you.

MAKING FRIENDS

From the first couple of days, students will have many opportunities to get to know each other.

We work hard to make sure we have fun and many of our activities are about creating connections, making memories and helping everybody settle in. We want to make sure it’s a joyful experience from the start.

Making friends takes time, friendships develop through conversation and shared experiences.

You may be paired with people in a group in class or going through an experience together or you can join one of the 150+ clubs and meet people with similar interest. Having that courage to get involved and try new things is key.

A Warm Welcome to Parents

Whether you're a parent of day or a boarding student, it's another one of those letting go moments. Thank you for entrusting us with you daughters, we don't take it lightly. It’s important to know that if you have any questions or concerns you can come and speak to us.

You are already part of CLC. You already belong. It's the start of a very exciting adventure.

Give them time to settle in, and remember it’s the start of a new adventure, and like any adventure, there will be days where they're not as happy and there will be days where they're over the moon – it's all part of it.