Winchester Student Blogs

Welcome to the University of Winchester’s student blog. Here you'll find anything and everything to do with life at Winchester – from settling into uni life to societies, student hacks and preparing for life after graduation.

Macy's Route into Nursing

Child Nursing student Macy tells us all about her route into Nursing and how she has already secured her graduate role in neonatal care.

Erle's Placement Year in Business

Hear all about Business Management student Erle's placement year in two companies and how the experience has boosted his employability.

My Placement Year with Tech Giant, Samsung

Final year Business Management student Oksana, tells us all about her placement year with Samsung.

Georgia's Volunteering Success

Read about how Georgia decided to volunteer at HMP Winchester during her degree and how this experience has shaped her career.

History Graduate to Civil Service Fast Stream

We caught up with graduate Jake at our Careers Futures Fair, where he spoke about the range of career pathways open to History alumni.

Winchester, Hampshire to Winchester, Virginia

Final year Law student Clara shares her amazing experience spending four months in Virginia in the USA as part of the University's Study Abroad programme.

Sophie's Law Placement

Sophie tells us all about her fascinating six-month Law placement with barristers' chambers 3PB based in the centre of Winchester.

Planes, Trains and Automobiles: Commuting

If you are considering living at home and commuting to Uni, then read on for information, advice and top tips.

Winchester's Secret Eats

There are so many places to eat in Winchester, it may take you three years to try them all! So why not experience some unique local restaurants to begin with?

Winchester Folklore

Take a trip through the stranger side of Winchester's ancient and intriguing history through the stories told by those who lived through it.

School vs Uni: How different are they?

Don’t know what to expect when you start University? Here are some of the biggest differences you’ll encounter to help you prepare.

Ways to Make and Save Money at Winchester

Discover the best ways to make and save money while studying at the University of Winchester.

Going Out Out

From crafting to escape rooms, movie nights, karaoke and gigs, find out what you could be getting up to during the evenings in Winchester.

Helping My Son Prepare for Uni

Read Clare's honest and super helpful advice on helping her son prepare for his new adventure as a Winchester Geography student.

Advice to First Year Me

Ceri bravely bares her soul in this open letter with reassuring advice from her third year to her first year self.

Don't Forget Your Toothbrush

Packing for university can be a daunting process so we’ve put together this handy list to make the transition to university that much smoother.

Pancakes and fruit in plates and bowls on a table

Easy peasy pancake recipes

With pancake day coming up we're excited to bake up a storm in the kitchen. Here are some of our favourite recipes to impress your housemates.

The best of city life on a budget

Our handy guide showcases what you can enjoy out and about in Winchester city and the local area for just £10 or less.

Combatting concerns: tips for starting uni

Check out our top tips to help ease worries about starting university covering everything from finances to friendships and fending for yourself.

A breakdown of our on-campus accommodation

Find out the differences between our accommodation options, including catered and self-catering, to help you find the best option for you.

Making the most of your open day

Our open days are a great opportunity to find out more about us, our courses and accommodation. Make the most of your visit by reading our top tips.

How could an Academic Skills Adviser help me?

Learn how our Academic Skills Advisers can help you to achieve the best grades you can in your assignments.

Where could Psychology take you?

Find out about the personalised career development and support we build into your Winchester Psychology degree and where your degree could take you.

Criminology at Winchester: A student's POV

Read all about Lily's experience studying Criminology at Winchester, from attending an Open Day to choosing the modules that fitted her career aspirations.

Physiotherapy: Our Placement Experiences

Our Physiotherapy students share their insightful placement experiences where they covered orthopaedics, musculoskeletal care, hand therapy and neuro rehabilitation.

Catching up with the History Society

Hear from students about their experience in the History Society. Find out about guest speakers, trips and how you don't have to be studying History to be a member.

Nursing student Natasha's academic success

Hear why Natasha Evans coursemates nominated her for an Academic Excellence award and hear from the winner herself at the awards ceremony.

Adult Nursing Placement Options

Find out about all of the different settings where you could complete your placements on your Adult Nursing course.

Collection of images on campus throughout the seasons

10 questions students ask before arriving

Do you have any questions about coming to the University of Winchester? Here are some common queries about life on campus and moving to a new city.

2024 Winton Society Award Winners

Discover more about the incredible academic successes of students from each of our faculties. We couldn’t be more proud of them!

Film Production Graduate Q&A

We asked Film Production graduates Beth and Marie for their best things about studying Film Production at Winchester.

Person writing in a notepad with a pencil, pencil sharpenings on the paper

Tips and tricks for your personal statement

Show your five university choices, your talents and your potential to thrive studying your chosen subject. Read our top tips on perfecting your personal statement.

Georgia's Geography Experience at Winchester

Find out all about Georgia's experience studying Geography at Winchester, from field trips to her favourite modules.

Legal Advice Centre

Hear from our Law students about their time volunteering with the University's unique Legal Advice Centre.

Simple ways to prepare for clearing

Here's what you'll need to have ready before you get in touch with us with your clearing enquiry.

Make the most of a virtual open day

We’ve put together our top tips so you can maximise your time and experience at a university virtual open day.

Simple Ways to Tackle Stress

Take a look at some of the best and simplest ways to reduce stress during busy times, suggested by our Student Support and Success Team.

Cyber Security at Winchester

Find out all about studying Winchester's career-focused Cyber Security course and why it could be for you.

Thomas Bwambale Muhiwa and international students 2023 King Alfred Campus foodhall

Uganda to Winchester: Thomas's Story

Find out why Computer Science student Thomas Bwambale Muhiwa chose Winchester and read his advice for anyone thinking of studying here.

Choosing the right course and uni for you

Tips and advice on choosing the best course for you and all the things to consider when making your university choices.

What to expect from a typical assignment

Graduate Savannah takes you through the differences between college homework and university assignments and what you can expect from university study.

Winchester: On screen and on the page

We celebrate the role our city regularly plays in literature, TV and movies and whether Winchester is where they’ve been written, set or filmed.

Why we love Winchester

Independent businesses are the backbone of Winchester. We interviewed the people who built their business here and asked what makes the city special.

20 years at UoW: Student | Lecturer | Author

Former student and current lecturer Dr Vanessa Harbour discusses her twenty years at the University of Winchester from student to successful published author.

Winchester: The secrets of our city

There are many hidden delights in the side streets of Winchester, from independent cafes to escape rooms. They’re all worth exploring.

Female student sat at a coffee table smiling and having a conversation with a student to her right

How to ace clearing with these ten tips

If you didn't quite get the grades you were expecting, don't worry. We've put together some top tips to help you ace clearing.

Loneliness and how to combat it

Loneliness is impacting young adults at an increasing rate. We take a look at some of the key ways to help combat the feelings of isolation.

Vlog: Emma's 10 Top Tips for Clearing

Clearing may seem a bit confusing and feel a little overwhelming, so Emma has shared her top 10 tips in a vlog to help you through clearing.

What is different about studying Law at Winchester?

Find out what is different about studying Law at Winchester.

Why Winchester?

Recent graduate, Chloe, tells us all about moving to the beautiful historic city of Winchester and shares her reasons why she loves living here!

The Trinity Big Sleep Out 2022

Event Management student Kate Browning shares her experience of volunteering at The Trinity Big Sleep Out in the Cathedral Close on 13 May

Liberal Arts11/04/2022

Springtime at the allotments

Down and dirty on the university allotments. It's springtime and that means there are jobs to do! Read more

Food and a mug of tea on a table next to a laptop

The Winchester student bucket list

There's so much to do in Winchester and we can't wait for you to discover it all. Take a look at our Winchester student bucket list - how many will you tick off?

Vlog: My Clearing Experience

Louise shares her experiences of joining the Winchester community through Clearing and how she hasn't looked back since.

The best trips from Winchester

One of the most exciting things about starting university is exploring not only your new city, but having the opportunity to discover new towns and places nearby. Find out where our students recommend as the best day trips to take from Winchester.

Person holding a pile of soil in their hands

Living sustainably as a Winchester student

As we all know, the planet can really use a helping hand at the moment. Luckily, the University has been working on ways to make it as easy as possible for you to be more sustainable in your everyday life as a Winchester student. Below are a few tips on how you can make a difference.

Five Things I Wish I Knew Before Coming to Winchester

In a time when everything is so uncertain, I’ve shared some things I wish I knew before coming to Winchester, and I hope you’ll find them useful too.

Alex, BA (Hons) Forensic Studies

Alex studied BA (Hons) Forensic Studies, graduating in 2017. Alex shares how his experiences at Winchester have helped get to where he is today.

Making friends at uni: Andrea’s top tips

Student blogger, Andrea, shares her top tips on how to meet new people and make great friends during your first few weeks at Winchester.

Top tips for Parents

Sending your child to university can be a rollercoaster of emotions. Alison is mum to our psychology student, Katie and she shares her top tips to parents and guardians who are supporting their children in applying to university and in choosing their next new home.

Going to uni: Expectations vs. reality

Going to uni can be a pretty life-altering experience. Suddenly your life is turned upside down, with a new town, new accommodation and new people. Andrea, tells us her experience of joining uni.

Milk being poured into a coffee mug in the shape of a leaf

Best ‘affordable’ coffee in Winchester

Kendra shares her best independent coffee shops in Winchester to keep you energised whilst tackling university life.

Studying Education Studies at Winchester

PhD student, Laura shares her experiences and knowledge of studying Education Studies at Winchester.

Vlog: My Reflection on First Year

Kendra reflects on her first year at Winchester; discussing all-parts of student life from halls, social life, academic life and what she would do differently next year.

Two students sat with parents at an open day reviewing the programme of events

Five benefits to studying a Foundation Year

Just missed out on the grades or entry requirements to secure a place on your degree? Here are five reasons why a Foundation Year might be a great option for you.

Five reasons to study a Masters

If you’re coming to the end of your undergraduate degree, now might be the time to start thinking about postgraduate study. Take a look at our top five reasons to consider pursuing a Masters at Winchester.

Stay healthy while studying: 10 top tips

Taking breaks and regular exercise whilst studying has been shown to improve your mood, memory and thinking skills. Check out our top 10 tips to stay healthy whilst studying.

Cheap and healthy student meal ideas

Lydia and Jack run an Instagram channel dedicated to making cheap and healthy meals to maintain a balanced lifestyle whilst at uni. Here are their tips to inspire you to cook cheap yet amazing meals.

The five best things about studying creative writing

As her second year draws to a close Creative writing student, Andrea, ponders upon the five things she most enjoys about her course.

Group of dancers dressed in black standing in a line

Dot.to.Dot tour with D@win dance

Choreography and Dance student, Jess, tells us all about the courses student lead D@win Dance company and what the class of 2017/18 are getting up to in preparation for the Dot.to.Dot tour.

A week of workshops run by internationally-recognised dance companies

Choreography and Dance student, Orla, tells us all about returning to Winch after the Christmas holidays and how her course eased her back into uni life with a week packed full of motivational workshops.

Instant stories: From paper to podcast in 24 hours

After a ghostly semester studying Gothic Literature, our second year Creative Writing students gathered together on a cold, winter's morning to create their own stories, and to take part in a brand new University initiative.

Three things you realise about yourself as an international student

You know what is exhilarating? Buying a one-way plane ticket and arriving in a new place where you are going to live and study for the next few years. Read Savannah's experience of moving to Winchester from the USA.

Journalism alumni: Where are they now?

Thinking about a career in journalism? We've been in contact with some of our journalism alumni to find out what they've been up to since graduating at Winchester. Find out where their degree has taken them.

Postgraduate life: My experience

Thinking about postgraduate study? Find out what inspired student blogger, Evie, to pursue a Masters degree at the University of Winchester.