9 Things That Made Winchester Feel Like Home
Moving to Winchester for University was one of the biggest changes in my life. As someone from Ukraine, moving to another country felt exciting but also quite scary. I worried about homesickness, making friends and adapting to a completely new environment. But somewhere between café study dates, walks through the city, and spontaneous dessert trips after lectures, Winchester slowly started to feel like home.
If you’re thinking about studying here, these are some of my favourite things to do in Winchester that made me fall in love with the city.
1. Go on a walk around Winchester Cathedral
One thing I still haven’t got over is how beautiful Winchester is. Walking past Winchester Cathedral never gets boring, especially in autumn and winter when the city feels extra cosy. It’s one of those places that makes even stressful university days feel calmer.
They always have interesting events happening, from art installations to music concerts. Plus, it attracts many who want to visit the site where author Jane Austen is buried.
2. Find your favourite café spot
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Winchester is perfect if you love cafés as much as I do. I became slightly obsessed with the viral matcha trend after moving here, and Kavi Coffee quickly became one of my favourite spots. However, you don’t really have to walk far for a good matcha anymore, as you can now get different matcha flavours right on campus too! Winchester honestly has the perfect mix of cosy cafés and brunch places, especially for study breaks, catch-ups with friends or slow Sunday mornings. Places like Josie's and Toast quickly became regular spots for me after lectures.
3. Have a study day in the library
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I never expected the University library to become one of my comfort places, but during assignment season, it genuinely started feeling like a second home. Some of my most productive evenings have ended with coffee, playlists and late-night study sessions there. What also makes it feel much less stressful is that both libraries are located directly on campus, so even if you stay late studying, you still feel safe walking back afterwards. There is something strangely comforting about everyone quietly working towards the same deadlines together.
4. Go on spontaneous dessert trips
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One thing about Winchester students - we love a sweet treat before, during and after lectures. Swoon Gelato has some of the best authentic Italian gelato I’ve tried, while Republic of Pizza and Desserts somehow has more than ten gelato flavours, including fun ones like Dubai chocolate and apple pie!
5. Explore the nature spots around the city
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6. Join societies and meet new people
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One thing that helped me settle into University life so quickly was joining societies. It makes those first weeks feel far less intimidating because suddenly, you are meeting people outside of lectures who enjoy the same things as you. Whether it’s sports, socials or random society events, there is always something happening. Some of my favourite university memories now come from tennis socials, or spontaneous plans after training and laughing with people I probably would never have met otherwise.
7. Enjoy how easy everything is
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One of my favourite things about Winchester is how easy life feels here. Most student accommodation is close to lectures, cafés, shops and the city centre, which makes everyday life much less stressful. I quickly got used to walking everywhere instead of relying on buses or long commutes.
8. Take day trips to bigger cities
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As much as I love Winchester’s calm atmosphere, I also love how easy it is to escape for a more chaotic day out. Being close to London and Southampton means spontaneous shopping trips, concerts, nights out and last-minute plans are always an option. One day you can be peacefully studying in a cosy café in Winchester, and the next you are running through London trying not to miss your train home after buying far too many things. It is honestly the perfect balance.
This blog was written by Martina Smirnova.
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