Arguably the most exciting annual North Hertfordshire College Freshers’ Fayre ever took place on Friday 3rd September, welcoming new students to the college and introducing them to the services and activities on offer.
Over 3000 students attended the event which was based in the sports hall and on the sports fields at the Hitchin centre. Coaches were laid on to transport students from the Stevenage centre and Stevenage Skills centre.
The sports hall hosted stalls from NHC’s Students’ Union and the Employability Centre offering a taste of social and sporting activities available throughout the year as well as part-time employment opportunities. A total of 131 students signed up for NHC’s Jobshop and 40 students signed up to work at Shine, the student run car wash and valeting centre opening soon at the Hitchin site.
NHC’s own Enhance and Energise hair and beauty salons and Indulge restaurant were advertising their services and handing out discount vouchers. External exhibitors including local gyms and sports clubs were offering special student deals and handing out freebies, as well as Scoots who offer transport for students from rural areas also exhibited at the fayre.
The liveliest part of the fayre was outside on the field. There were food stalls, a live band and DJ, fun fair rides including dodgems and adrenaline rides, along with darts, shooting and horse racing games. Also on the field was Hertfordshire Fire service talking to students about possible career opportunities as well as public safety.
On arriving at the fayre, Brian who studies BTEC extended Diploma in Business said ‘ me and my friend are going to go out and have fun, there’s bumper cars out there so that’s what I’m going to do all day.’
Harry and Linden who study Public Services summed up ‘it’s all about the freebies and Freshers’ Fayre rocks!’