Undergraduate Students

University-managed accommodation

Apply for housing as soon as possible as we allocate on a ‘first applied, first allocated’ basis. You can apply online via our Housing Portal. You can explore what is on offer with videos and virtual tours to help you get a flavour of residential life.

When you receive a housing offer, make sure you accept the offer – you will then receive further guidance from our Housing Team on what to bring, when to arrive and how to pay for your accommodation. Most students will move in at some point on the weekend of the 20 and 21 September 2025; however, certain courses will arrive earlier on 6 September 2025 due to an earlier programme start date. Your arrival date will be confirmed upon acceptance of your accommodation.

If you are unsure of your arrival date, you can contact the Housing Team to confirm, either by email (Housing@winchester.ac.uk) or by phone (01962 827533). Please note that only students on courses that start early will be invited to move in on 6 September 2025.

Off campus

If you’re not planning to live on campus, Winchester Students’ Union have some resources on finding private accommodation, as well as general guidance and tips on their Housing Advice pages. They also have a guide for those who will be commuting.

Managing your money

You are responsible for arranging your funding and paying your tuition fees, ensuring you have enough to pay your expenses and to be able to enjoy student life.

We currently estimate that you will need about £13,000* per academic year to help you manage the costs of living and studying. You might want to think about a summer job so you can help build a pot of money before you arrive.

*Save the Student 2024 Survey

Student Finance funding for Home students

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
• 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.
• 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.

International students

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 www.iefa.org/scholarships

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

Bank accounts

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. 

Planning your budgets

One way to manage your money is to plan or budget the money you have coming in and going out, so that you know how much you have left over, to avoid overspending.

For more information on funding and managing your money please access our links on our LinkTree site or discuss this with our Students and Money team on studentsandmoney@winchester.ac.uk.

Students with a declared disability 

If you have disclosed a disability via UCAS or your application, please complete the additional requirements form, 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 'Arrivals Weekend' to assess how suitable different access routes may be for them. Please email disability@winchester.ac.uk to discuss further.

 Student Support and Success 

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

International students 

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

We will be running a range of events over the summer which will provide you with key information to support your transition to university and opportunities to connect with staff and other students.

Please keep an eye on your emails for links to join, opportunities to sign up and notifications of any further events which may be of interest.

Parent and supporters webinars

Two webinars for parents and supporters with key information about the admissions processes and how you can help your young person to prepare for this exciting next step into university life and study.

Welcome to Winchester webinars

An opportunity to join staff from various teams at the University to learn more about these two key topics and ask questions.

University transition days (on-campus)

Next Stop Winchester – 4 September 2025

Join us for this on-campus event to help you get ready for your imminent start at university. Get involved in workshops covering key topics such as budgeting, commuting, living in halls, top tips for higher education study, and getting connected with IT. There will also be an advice fayre for any last minute questions.

If you are a mature student, Foundation Year student or Discover Winchester student, you will also be invited to join one of our tailored strands of activity in the afternoon.

Further information and a link to request a place will be shared via email in August.

Winchester Wayfinder – 18 and 19 September 2025

‘Winchester Wayfinders’ are transition events for students who would benefit from starting earlier with structured activities and sessions. These events are for neurodivergent students and those with mental health needs who may find the transition to university an anxious time. Student are identified through UCAS disclosures and the Additional Requirements Questionnaire (ARQ).

All on-campus students are required to have a physical University card. Please ensure that you’ve uploaded a passport-style photo for your student card - there’s a link on My Record where you can do this. Unfortunately, we won’t be able to issue you with a card if you haven’t uploaded a photo, so please complete this step in plenty of time before the start of your course.

It is important that you complete online enrolment so that you can start your programme. From the week commencing 18 August 2025, we will be emailing all new students with their login details for My Record and further instructions about what to do. Online enrolment opens from 19 August 2025.

Your first step 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  
• 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 19 August 2025.   

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. 

We are passionate about the environment at Winchester, so we always encourage you to travel as sustainably as possible when coming to campus.  

Moving to Winchester  
If you are moving into university accommodation, you will be asked to select an arrival slot during the room acceptance process. Most students arrive by car and will be given clear instructions on the arrivals process, including where to park and where to collect your key. If you are unsure of your arrival date, you can contact the Housing Team to confirm, either by email (Housing@winchester.ac.uk) or by phone (01962 827533).

International students   
Visit our International Students page for further details about joining us as an international student.  

Before leaving your home country, we will contact you with essential information about arrival, travel from the airport and settling into your studies with us.   

Commuting to Winchester  
We encourage our commuting students to use sustainable and public transport wherever possible. Further details are available on our Travel and Transport pages. Winchester Students’ Union also host a commuter lounge on our King Alfred Quarter and they have a Commuting Students Network.  

Please note, students will only be able to apply for a permit to park on campus for accessibility and care reasons. Please discuss this with Student Support and Success in the first instance by emailing studentsupport@winchester.ac.uk (care reasons) or disability@winchester.ac.uk (accessibility reasons).  

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

For programmes starting in the week commencing 8 September 2025

If you are moving into University-managed accommodation and your programme begins in early September, your move in date will be Saturday 6 September 2025. During your arrival, you will be greeted by our Housing team to collect your keys and be assisted to move into your accommodation by our Housing Helpers. Staff from Student Support and Success will also be on hand to help – find them in the West Downs Centre from 10am-2pm on the Saturday.

During Welcome Week (Monday 8 September to Friday 12 September), you will complete your in-person enrolment, so please bring the original of the ID you uploaded online (i.e. passport, driving licence). You will also meet staff and course mates, find out more about the University through your Faculty Welcome and Uni Essentials talk, collect your University card and get access to your IT account.

You are also invited to attend the programme of Welcome activities taking place in the week commencing 22 September 2025, and to join the Fresher’s Fayre on the 27 September 2025. At Freshers Fayre you can visit 150+ stalls, meet student clubs and societies, explore volunteering opportunities, connect with campus services, and pick up exclusive deals from local and national businesses (including free pizza from Dominos!!). Whether you’re looking to join a sports team, find a new hobby, or grab some freebies, this is the perfect place to start your year, make connections, and get involved. Join in. Sign up. Dive into student life!

Click here to view our Welcome Week Guide and Events Planner.

For programmes starting in the week commencing 22 September 2025

If you are moving into University-managed accommodation and your programme begins in later September, your move in date will be either the 20 or 21 September 2025. During your arrival, you will be greeted by our Housing team to collect your keys and be assisted in moving into your accommodation by our Housing Helpers. You will also be able to collect your University card, meet your new flatmates and join our Arrivals Weekend welcome activities.

If you are arriving in halls, you will likely be invited to attend in-person enrolment during Arrivals Weekend. If you are a commuting student or arriving into halls later on the Sunday, you will be invited to attend an in-person enrolment slot during the week. When completing your in-person enrolment you will need to bring the original of the ID you uploaded online (i.e. passport, driving licence). All details about in-person enrolment will be available on My Record from 19 August 2025.

During Welcome Week (Monday 22 September to Friday 26 September 2025), you will meet staff and course mates and find out more about the University through your Faculty Welcome and Uni Essentials talk. You will also collect your University card and get access to your IT account if you didn’t do so over Arrivals Weekend.

You can also take part in a range of Welcome Week activities run by both the University and Winchester Students’ Union. Click here to view our Welcome Week Guide and Events Planner.

Freshers Fayre – Saturday 27 September 2025

It’s the last day of Welcome Week and we’re inviting new and returning students to Winchester Students’ Union’s Freshers Fayre.    

At Freshers Fayre you can visit 150+  stalls, meet student clubs and societies, explore volunteering opportunities, connect with campus services, and pick up exclusive deals from local and national businesses (including free pizza from Dominos!!). Whether you’re looking to join a sports team, find a new hobby, or grab some freebies, this is the perfect place to start your year, make connections, and get involved. Join in. Sign up. Dive into student life!