In short, everywhere! But, it is easier to think about learning environments as either formal and structured or informal and organised by you.

What you do in this time is up to you, but how you organise it and use it will have a huge impact on how enjoyable and successful the formal parts of the course are.

At King's you'll learn in several different environments:

• In lectures where you'll be introduced to and explore key concepts and ideas in your subject with a larger group of students.
• In smaller tutorials and seminars which will give you the chance to discuss and develop your ideas.
• Depending on your programme, there might be laboratory work or clinical placements.
• You'll use our virtual learning environment, KEATS. You will learn more about KEATS, how to navigate the online environment and much more in the Essential Digital Skills Programme.
• You will also encounter Informal Learning Spaces. What we mean by this are the places outside of where you will be taught by our teachers and academics at King's. This could be with other people in study groups, group projects, with your peers or in your personal tutor groups. It can also mean when you are on your own whether that is online, at home or in one of our Libraries or study spaces.
• You'll do some learning online and some in-person; your department will explain how the balance will work.

You'll hear more about teaching and learning methods in your department or programme induction.

You're in your first class and the tutor asks a question. There's silence as nobody answers and the seconds tick by slowly…

Sometimes classes can be like this, but they are also stimulating, challenging and enjoyable.

So what can you do to make them lively intellectual spaces?

So, you are sitting in your first class and the tutor asks a question, what are you going to do?

Your tutor is saying something in class that you disagree with. What should you do? Keep silent, as the tutor is “the expert” or speak up? Silence is easiest, but doesn't help you to learn. By questioning your tutor (or classmate or text you are discussing) you are getting a chance to look deeper and see the reasons for their opinion. Maybe you will change your mind or maybe it will help you to develop your own position.

But in an “academic argument” there are some things you need to remember:

• You are discussing the ideas, not the person. Don't take it personally and remain objective.
• Academic arguments are evidence based and logical. If you are going to challenge someone, you need to be able to explain why using evidence.

Do your preparation and speak up. It will make the class more stimulating for everyone. But remember, other people might also challenge your ideas!

Plagiarism, or presenting the work of others as your own, is an important topic you will need to know more about. It can take the extreme form of contract cheating, where students pay others to produce assignments for them, and for which the punishments are severe. Far more common are cases of accidental plagiarism or collusion but it is important to remember that even if you did not intend to cheat, this is still academic misconduct.

You will be given more guidance and support through your programmes and modules on plagiarism.

Academic Integrity is one of the foundations of the academic community, both at King's and globally. It embodies a shared set of principles that ensure that the work of both staff and students meets the standards expected. These principles include conducting research according to accepted practices, reporting data accurately and only submitting one's own work.

Reflect on the statements in the 'Participating in learning' section of the Starting your studies: Reflection Tool (pdf) to see where you feel you're at and identify areas you want to explore for yourself and chat to your Personal Tutor about in your first and ongoing meetings.