Undergraduate joining instructions

Why? You need to understand your finances so you can:

• Be financially ready
• Be in control
• Be secure
• Reduce the stress
• Enable opportunities

Having a simple plan or budget can make all the difference. Know how much money you will receive and what you need to spend on essential costs.  Make sure you have a backup plan (pot of money) just in case you overspend or you receive an unexpected bill.

Task – try creating a plan now!

As a UK student you should have already applied for Student Finance funding to help cover your tuition fees and a contribution towards your living costs. 

If you have not applied already, you can find out more information on how to apply for your funding. Please select the Student Finance website based on which UK country you normally reside: 

England  - Those studying a Midwifery course starting in January 2027 cannot apply until September at the earliest – this applies to England only

Wales 

Scotland 

Northern Ireland 

Please note that your funding may not be ready in time for when you start your course as it can take at least 2 months for a standard application to be processed by Student Finance.  

Make sure you have sufficient funds to support you until you receive your funding.

Please note that the earliest funds can be paid is the first day of study, not the day you arrive. 

 Other funding for Home students 

• Check if you are eligible for our Widening Participation Bursary by going to our Undergraduate Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards website.
• Students studying pre-registration healthcare courses such as Nursing, Midwifery, Nutrition and Dietetics or Physiotherapy can apply for additional funding from the NHS. 
  
  • Only apply once you have had your Student Finance funding approval as you need this to prove you are eligible.
  • For more information and how to apply: NHS Learning Support Fund (LSF) | NHSBSA . 
• Students studying a Social Work course may be eligible for a Social Work Bursary from the NHS during years 2 and 3 only. 
• Speak with supporting adults to see if they will be helping to contribute towards your funds. 
• Sometimes additional financial support can come from external organisations that offer scholarships and grants. Please research what is available and use our list on our LinkTree site: https://linktr.ee/uowstudentsandmoney.
• If you are considering part time work in Winchester alongside your studies, now is a great time to start looking, so you can secure something to start as soon as you arrive.  This is now part of normal university life and is essential.

Ensure you have paid your Tuition Fee deposit (if applicable) online at winchester.flywire.com. 

Make sure you have enough money to cover your expenses while waiting to open a UK bank account.   

 Please note: A requirement of your Student Visa is to have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course. 

When you are living in the UK there is no financial support for international students. You only have the following options available if you find yourself in unexpected financial difficulties: 

• Part-time work, as allowed by the conditions of your Student Visa 
• Seek support from family 
• Private companies from your home country 
• Student funding opportunities from your home country 
• Banks 
• Additional scholarships, grants and bursaries information can be found on https://www.iefa.org/scholarships

For more information on International Student Finances visit International financial information - University of Winchester 

Which one is for me?

Look into the various student bank accounts that are available. Think about which one will support your circumstances, has the best interest rates, comes with an overdraft, and what the Terms and Conditions are about accessing your funds. Look at your current bank as they may be able to just upgrade an existing account you have. Remember you still need to save as a student so you can fall back on the funds for any emergency.  

How many accounts do you need?

Generally, a main student account and a savings account OR just an account that allows you to save in pots. 

How do I open a bank account?

You can open a student bank account using your UCAS status codes once your place has been confirmed. For those banks not using UCAS you will need to use your confirmation letter from the University. International students – Once you have enrolled you will be provided with more information about how to access a bank account.  

For more information on funding, financial wellbeing and managing your money please access our links on our LinkTree site: https://linktr.ee/uowstudentsandmoney  or discuss this with one of our Student Funding Co-ordinators on studentsandmoney@winchester.ac.uk. 

If you have disclosed a disability via UCAS or your application, please complete the Additional Requirements Questionnaire (ARQ), which will have been emailed to you by the Admissions team. If you haven’t received this email or need to discuss your requirements further, please email disability@winchester.ac.uk. 

You may be eligible for support from the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) which can provide 1-to-1 support and assistive technology to help you access your studies. 

If you are a UK full-time student, please look at the NHS HC1 form to be assessed for free or reduced health costs like NHS prescriptions. More information can be found on the NHS Low Income Scheme webpages. 

We also encourage students with physical disabilities to visit the campus before their course begins to assess how suitable different access routes may be for them. Please email disability@winchester.ac.uk to discuss further. 

Our dedicated Student Support and Success team provides information, advice and guidance on many aspects of student life to all students. We are available to support you pre-arrival, on arrival and throughout your time at the University.  Please see our website and get in touch at any stage: Student support - University of Winchester  

For information and guidance on elements including the visa process, please visit our International Student Support pages: or contact international.support@winchester.ac.uk.

All on-campus students are required to have a physical University ID card. Please ensure that you have uploaded a passport-style photo for your student card via the link in My Record from 18 August 2026.

Please note, if you do not upload a photo by the following dates, you will not be able to collect your University ID card at enrolment.

• Thursday 27 August for courses beginning in the week commencing 7 September 

• Thursday 10 September for courses beginning in the week commencing 21 September

It is important that you complete online enrolment so that you can start your programme. From the week commencing 17 August 2026, we will be emailing new students with their login details for My Record and further instructions about completing enrolment. Look out for your Welcome and password emails (don’t forget to check your junk folders, just in case).  You’ll be able to complete the online parts of enrolment once you’ve received both emails. 

One of your first steps of enrolment is to complete the online orientation course to help you prepare for life and study at the University of Winchester. There are four short, mini units to complete which will provide you with key information about areas such as:   

• our university community and how to get involved  
• how to prepare for studying at this next level  
• how to engage with our online platforms and stay safe online, and   
• how to manage your money.  

You can access the units via Canvas, which is our virtual learning environment. The online orientation course will be available from 18 August 2026.   

Welcome Week timetable  

Your Welcome Week timetable will be available in My Record once you complete the online part of enrolment. It includes details of your mandatory in-person ID check (check the day/time carefully as there are multiple slots and you only need to attend one), as well as a variety of welcome talks for your first week.

University teaching timetable  

Your University timetable will become available once you have completed in-person enrolment. 

The Student Charter sets out the expectations and commitments shared by the University's staff, Students' Union and students. This Charter sets out how we will work in partnership together to create a collaborative, respectful and supportive environment. You can read this via the link below.

Student Charter