Welcome to Writtle College. We want your time here to be as rewarding as possible, and that starts with Induction Week and our handy Welcome Guide.
Your Welcome Guide is packed with everything you need to know about college and the support that’s available here. We hope it will help you settle into student life quickly and comfortably.
Download your Welcome Guide (PDF)
The guide covers:
Please take a few minutes to read through the guide, as it will help you prepare for college.
Induction Week for new college students starts week commencing 1 September 2025. During the week you can:
Download your induction timetable (PDF)
On your first day please arrive at main reception for 9am. Get directions to Writtle College and download a campus map.
From reception, you'll head to your base room (details will be on the letter we give to you at our GCSE results event).
Look out for college staff on the front lawn, at main reception and around the building. We're here to support you and direct you to the right room, so don't worry!
Starting college is a big step – and it’s completely normal to feel a bit nervous, unsure, or even overwhelmed.
Whether you're worried about meeting new people, finding your way around, or just adjusting to something new, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Induction is designed to help you settle in gradually. You’ll get:
Here’s what you can do.
We offer:
Writtle is just two miles from the centre of Chelmsford, so getting here is easy.
You can use our free shuttle bus service, which runs between campus and Coval Lane, Chelmsford (near the train station and main bus station).
Alternatively you can catch a First Bus to Writtle village, from Chelmsford bus station.
If you’re travelling by car, Writtle is just a 20-minute drive from the M25 and a 15-minute drive from the A12.
Yes: simply make your way to Coval Lane, Chelmsford, where the shuttle bus picks up.
Please note that spaces on the shuttle bus are offered on a first come first served basis and there can be high demand. In the mornings we recommend reaching the pick-up point early, so you have plenty of time to travel to college before induction starts.
Usually, you'll show your student ID card when boarding the shuttle bus.
However, during Induction Week, you can give your student number until you collect your ID card. We recommend writing your number down! It begins with a 9 and will be on any letter sent to you from our admissions department.
Shuttle bus times are:
The last bus leaves Cow Watering Campus at 5.50pm. During full service times, buses are continually in operation on the route.
Find out more about the shuttle bus, including the pick-up location.
Yes, there are discounts available on buses and trains.
Yes, free parking is available. When you arrive at Main Campus, please follow signs to the student car park.
Please make your way to Reception on the Main Campus.
On this map look for Reception and Main Building (#1, green).
Yes, we recommend that you bring your own laptop with you (though short-term loan devices are available on campus).
Wondering what type of laptop is best? Get more information about specifications and whether you should go for an Windows-based laptop or a Mac.
Microsoft 365 Copilot gives free access to applications such as your ARU OneDrive, Microsoft Teams for calls and collaboration, and Office applications such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Find out more URL TO FOLLOW.
MyWi is your student intranet and central online hub. It gives access to a range of information, including:
Start exploring today by visiting https://arul.ink/mywi.
We're a cashless campus. If you plan to use catering outlets or other on-site services, make sure you bring a card with contactless payment.
Induction is mandatory, but if for unforeseen reasons you're unable to attend any part of it, please:
See more about: