Welcoming Set 48 to Norland

Welcome Set 48

Congratulations and a very warm welcome to Norland. You will soon be part of a world-renowned centre of excellence for early years, and the latest cohort to join the Norland community. We are smaller than other institutions, so you will experience a close-knit, warm and friendly environment with support at all stages throughout your student journey.

Our award-winning degree, Norland diploma and value-added curriculum mean that you will be receiving the highest-quality teaching and learning in the early years sector. We’re delighted to have received a TEF Gold rating – the highest award an institution can achieve – in the latest national government ranking of teaching and learning excellence across universities. This is our third consecutive TEF Gold award and recognises our continued commitment to delivering outstanding teaching, learning and graduate outcomes.

We were crowned winner of the Small or Specialist Provider award at the 2024 Whatuni Student Choice Awards, our fourth win and the seventh year in a row in the top two. We were also thrilled to see that we continue to outperform the top universities in the UK in the 2024 National Student Survey (NSS).

Dr Janet Rose, Principal and Mandy Edmond, Vice Principal

Dr Janet Rose and Mandy Edmond, Principal and Vice Principal of Norland, sat on a bench

Welcome Week

Welcome Week is a week of events, activities and sessions designed to help you meet people, make friends and find out about everything Norland has to offer. Welcome Week is a great opportunity to make new friends and meet the rest of Set 48.

During Welcome Week, you will receive a welcome pack, which will include everything you need to start your student journey at Norland.

During Welcome Week, you will be assigned to a tutor group and you will also have the chance to meet your personal tutor. Welcome Week sessions are geared towards helping you settle into student life before teaching starts. You will meet the student support team, who will give an overview of the services and support they provide. A session will be held on personal safety to ensure that you have a safe and happy time at Norland. The marketing team will provide advice and support for appropriate social media use and outline future PR opportunities.

There are a number of special events taking place throughout the week, such as Founder’s Day, a day at Thoulstone Park and an orientation activity in Bath. You will receive an email from Norland requesting you to sign and return a consent form for Thoulstone Park. Please respond promptly to this email when you receive it. The full timetable will be released at the start of Welcome Week, and the full academic timetable will commence on Monday 16 September 2024.

A group of Norland students in their formal uniform

Your Guide to Bath

Getting around

The city centre is easily accessible and small enough to explore on foot, with excellent bus links to and from student accommodation areas.

View maps of Bath city

Buses

The University of Bath’s U1 bus runs frequently on weekdays, and it is just a 5-minute ride from the bus station to Lower Oldfield Park, which is just around the corner from Norland. A student day ticket is £5.40. You do not need to be a University of Bath student to use this service.

Visit First Bus for the full timetable and bus routes

Park and Ride

Odd Down Park and Ride stops once on the way into the city centre at Wells Road (Oldfield Road). Norland is a 10-minute walk from there.

Visit the Travel West website for more information

Trains

It takes about 20 minutes to walk from Bath Spa train station or 10 minutes from Oldfield Park train station to Norland.

View timetables and information on the National Rail website

Food and drink

Bath has hundreds of restaurants, pubs, bars and coffee shops. While there are several well-known chains scattered throughout the city, Bath supports independent businesses, and new places appear all the time. Restaurants and cafes often have student promotions on throughout the year, so remember to keep your TOTUM card handy!

Check out food and drink options on the Visit Bath website

Bath Spa Students' Union

Norland students have free exclusive access to Bath Spa Students’ Union clubs along with its societies, sports teams and more. Details of how you can become a member of the Bath Spa Students’ Union will be provided during Welcome Week.

Check out the Bath Spa University Clubs and Societies page

Fitness and leisure

There are plenty of opportunities to participate in your favourite sport. Bath has several gyms and fitness centres to help you stay active. DW Fitness is located in the city centre and you can also access the University of Bath’s gym and Olympic-size swimming pool, which are open to the public.

View memberships at the Bath University gym

Shopping

Bath’s shops are dotted between the picturesque Georgian parades and charming side streets, which are all within easy walking distance of one another. Most high street stores can be found in the Southgate Centre, but if you’re looking for quirky artisan shops, then head to Milsom Street, which is just a 10-minute walk away.

Check out shopping options in Bath on the Visit Bath website

Top 3 things to do in Bath from the Heads of Set 45

Lucy (Head of Set 45)

“1) Socialising with friends. 2) Exploring the lovely restaurants, cafes and bars in Bath or taking a beautiful walk around the city, with a picnic in the warmer months. 3) Staying active was really important to me.

I found both indoor and outdoor tennis courts which we hired for games! My friends and I also joined a couple of local run clubs, which were a great way to socialise and meet people outside of Norland during the week.”

Sophie (Deputy Head of Set 45)

“1) Sunday roast with the girls! 2) Long walks in the amazing city/countryside. 3) Taking advantage of all the free events”

Read Lucy and Sophie's top tips

Two female Norland students in their Norland uniform stood at a lectern speaking into a microphone

Freshers' Fair

We are delighted to bring the Norland Freshers’ Fair to you, providing a fantastic opportunity to explore the exciting student life that awaits you in Bath.

During the fair, you’ll have the chance to sign up for various activities, including book club, netball club, the Norland Choir, and more. Additionally, you can discover the facilities and clubs at Bath Spa Students’ Union (and remember, Norland covers the costs of your membership to Bath Spa’s SU). This is also your opportunity to connect with students from different year groups.

Immerse yourself in our vibrant student community and relish all the wonderful experiences student life in Bath has to offer!

Here are just a few clubs and societies that will be in attendance:

- Bath Spa Students’ Union
- Bath Bid + bus
- Norland sewing group
- Norland charities and communities
- Pure Gym
- Bath Central Library
- And many more!