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Tips for those new to Winchester

-  Things to Bring (travel checklist)

- Things to do in Winchester

-  Accommodation in Winchester
-  Dealing with stress and cultural shocks
-  Open Bank account
-  Personal Safety
-  Registering with a GP
-  Road Safety
-  Rough Guide
-  Studying at Winchester

 

Travel Checklist

If this is your first time coming to the UK there are a few things you should remember to bring with you:

1. Passport and Visa.

It is worth remembering members of EU that they still need to bring their passports with them as a form of ID. Members from certain countries will need a student visa as well as their passport. For more information contact the British embassy in your country.

2. Acceptance Letter from University & other Related Documents.

While the people in customs are generally nice they may ask for the same documents needed to get the student visa, so its worth keeping them at hand when you first fly into the UK and then again during registration day at University.

3. Passport Sized Photos.

During intro week (a.k.a. Fresher's week) you will be asked for photos for almost every membership card there is, and having a few spare passport photos will help you avoid the queues at the photo machine.

4. GB Pounds (£).

Although a member of the EU, the UK does not use Euros and it is uncommon to find a store that accepts them. Remember to get GB pounds (£) whenever you have the chance. A taxi from the train station to the University should be about £4.

5. Umbrella and/or Raincoat.

It is common for rain to appear sporadically and without notice, so unless you want to take an unwanted shower you should always carry and umbrella or make sure your clothes are waterproof. Winchester University is equipped with dry pathways around most of campus, however the same cannot be said about city.

6. Warm Clothes

Even though Winchester is located in South East England, you will still find the winter in Winchester is humid and it can get very windy, so make sure you pack some warm clothes if you do not want to catch a cold.

7. Drivers License

Britain possesses many tourist attractions and, like the rest of Europe, they are at a very short distance. Do not let the fact that they drive on the other side scare you; if you have a driver license it is highly recommended that you bring it so you can make short trips during the weekend. Check that your existing Drivers' License is valid for use in the UK with the DVLA. If you are thinking about driving within the UK, we have more information.

8. Food

While Britain might not be best known for its cuisine, they do have some really tasty and filling dishes. Like most food it may not appeal to everyone so it is a good idea to bring anyting you really like. Winchester offers a wide arrange of spices and herbs, especially from Asia, but you might not be able to find your more local ingredients.

Customs people can be a bit picky about fresh food, so make sure everything you bring is canned and clearly labelled.

9. Portable Radio

The perfect partner for any room, a radio provides a good source of indoor entertainment and company for those times when the weather does not allow you to go out.

10. Personal Belongings

Remember that you are going to be in Winchester for the whole academic year, so bring anything that will help you feel at home: photos, teddies, etc.

 

Things to do while in Winchester

Depending on your chosen academic course, you will find that with the British system of teaching you will have a lot of free time in which you are supposed to carry on studying.  However, all work and no fun is not good for anyone!  Here are some suggestions on how to use your free time productively when you need to take a break.

Join Societies and Clubs:
Probably the best way to meet people and make new friends while making good use of your free time is to join a society or a sports team. Winchester University has numerous societies and clubs that provide a wide range of activities that are sure to meet everyone's needs. On top of that, they arrange socials and other activities that will keep you busy throughout the year.
For more information about societies and clubs visit the Activities pages here

Orientation programme and Intro Week:
New international students are invited to attend a four-day Orientation Programme before the start of their first academic year. The programme gives students a chance to enrol and register with the University, to settle in, participate in a Britain Today programme, make friends, and meet lecturers.

Intro week is probably the most wild and fun week of the entire year. This is the first time you get to get to know your fellow students and experience the British culture. Also, you will be taken by your senior student(if you are living in camps) for a night out. Have fun and enjoy this great welcome party but remember that classes begin the following week so try not to get trapped in the intro week spirit for too long.

Travel:
One of the advantages about Britain is that no place is far away. If you ever feel the need to take a break from Winchester, as you probably will if you are staying here for more than 1 year, it is very easy to go on day trips to other cities like Southampton, Portsmouth, and Bournemouth amongst others.

There are daily train and bus services that can take you most mayor cities with prices varying according to distance and accessibility. Train tickets are cheaper if your buy them at least 1 week in advance. The university also organises day trips for cheap bus fares throughout the year.

 

Accommodation in Winchester

Remember that the room you get, whether on campus or off-campus, is going to be your home for the rest of the academic year, so do not be afraid to experiment with it until you create an environment you feel comfortable in. Just make sure you do not break any of the College or Landlord's rules in the process.

Daylight does not last very long during wintertime in Winchester. This means that you will probably end up spending more time than expected in your room. Make sure it is a place you would like to be in. A radio makes a good addition to any room.

On campus vs Off-campus Accomodation

Living on campus is probably the best option during the first year. You do not have to worry about cleaning anything except for your room and what you use in the kitchen. You only have to pay a set amount of money per term which includes water and electricity. Each room on campus has an extension number and you can make any internal calls for free. All rooms also are networked for internet access. Finally, everything is one step away. The university has everything you need from camps shop to a laundry to a camps pub(C2H).

Living off-campus has its advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand you do not have to spend 24 hours on campus, which can feel claustrophobic after some time. You have a wider choice of shops and restaurants while the nightclubs are close by. TV and radio reception are better and generally the rooms are bigger.

On the down side, getting from town to university and back can be tiresome. Buses come and go from the univeristy to town throughout most of the day but you can expect long queues at peak hours. For the more sporty ones you can always walk or ride a bike to university althought the cold winter disuades most people from doing so. If you have a car, it is not easy to find a parking space, also you need a special permit from the securiy office on campus. Accomodation in town can be cheaper than the one campus but you have to pay bills and clean the house which can be a difficult task if you do not have the right housemates.

Finally, living in a house can be less of a shock, especially if you find good housemates to live with. Just like a room on campus, remember to create your own home.

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Dealing with stress and other cultural shocks

Moving into a new country is not always easy, especially when the people in the new country have different customs and speak a different language. This can generate difficulties when trying to adapt to the new environment which in turn can lead to the build up of stress. But not to worry, there is always someone you can talk to about your problems.

Personal Tutor

Every college assesses their students with a tutor. Tutors are there to help students with their academic life. They are the people to contact if you are having problems with your academic work, need advice on the university procedures and generally if you just need to talk with someone.

Student service

The university also has a group of professional Student service staffs that can provide student with professional help if they so desire. Student service staffs are there to help students with any concerns they might have, from academic work to those of more personal manner. Also you are free to contact your student representative.

For more information please contact: - E-mail: Caroline.Blunt@winchester.ac.uk  (International Welfare Adviser) - Tel 01962 827482(7482 on internal phones)

 

International student finding it hard to open a bank account?

UK Banks have received new guidance on how to open bank accounts for international students. This new guidance makes it easier for you to access banking services. In the past, most banks have required unreasonable documentation from international students, such as a UK gas bill with your name on it. Not any longer.

Some banks will still refuse to open accounts for you where you can get overdraft, or will refuse to give you a credit card. However, they should ALWAYS be able to open a 'basic' bank account (free to open, where you can pay money in, set up standing orders and direct debits, and take money out with a cash card).

Here is a list of things banks will ask you to provide, and things they should not be asking you to open a 'basic' bank account. For more information on basic bank accounts on what's on offer, please visit:

web link

Things bank will ask you for when you open a 'basic' bank account:

-Your full name, residential address in the UK and your country of residence, date of birth, nationality, country of residence;
-Your passport;
-Your student visa/leave to enter (except for European and Swiss students);
-The original of your university/college admission letter, with your full-name, brief course details, expected course date and duration, and name and phone number of your UK university or college, OR
-A letter from your university/ college with all of the above information.
Things banks should NOT ask you when you open a 'basic' bank account

Banks should NOT ask you for verification of address, either in the UK or in your home country. Therefore, banks should NOT ask you for

UK utility bills (gas, electricity, water);
UK driving licence;
Utility bills from your home address.
If you are still struggling to get your bank to open a 'basic' bank account for you, we advise you to contact your local students' union, they are here to help you. Also, you might find useful to print out the banks' guidance on opening bank accounts and bring it to the bank manager: visite BBA

 

 

Personal Safety for International Students

Whether you are coming to the United Kingdom (UK) for a short training course or to attend a longer study programme, we want your stay here to be a valuable and enjoyable educational and cultural experience

This guide, Safety First, from the British Council is designed to help you prepare for your stay here and give you practical advice about living and studying in the UK. It highlights some of the safety and security issues you need to be aware of and lists organisations to contact if you do need help.

See the NUS's International Students' Safety Pages here

 

Health

Have you registered with a doctor (GP)? Don't wait until you get sick - contact the surgery nearest to where you live and register NOW!

Basic health treatment is free of charge under the NHS. You do not pay for an appointment with the doctor. You only need to pay for medication (prescription).

The local Accident/Emergency Department is at Queen Alexandra Hospital, Cosham. If you are not sure whether you need to go to the Accident and Emergency Department or need some health advice then ring 'NHS Direct' on 0845 4647 - this is a 24 hour phone line.

Meningitis

Meningitis is the inflammation of the tissues which cover the brain and spinal cord
Septicaemia is blood poisoning caused by bacteria entering the blood stream and multiplying uncontrollably
The bacteria which cause Meningitis/Meningococcal Septicaemia are very common and live naturally in the back of the nose and throat. In rare cases they get through the body's defences and cause Meningitis/Meningococcal Septicaemia. First-year students, particularly if living in halls of residence, are at a slightly higher risk of developing meningitis. The reasons for this are not fully understood, but may be related to new students being exposed to strains of the meningitis bacteria which they have not met before. Meningitis/Meningococcal Septicaemia may not always be easy to identify at first because the symptoms are similar to flu. Be aware of the signs and symptoms:

Violent and severe headaches
High temperature/fever
Vomiting
Neck stiffness
Dislike of bright lights
Drowsiness/lethargy
Joint pains
Fits
A rash may appear

Meningitis and Meningococcal Septicaemia are both life-threatening infections. In most cases someone with Meningitis or Septicemia will become seriously ill rapidly. Trust your instincts - seek medical help immediately if you are concerned. Contact your GP immediately or, if you or your friend feels extremely unwell, dial 999.

 

Road Safety

Cyclists

Did you know you can be fined £30 for riding your bike on the pavement?
Did you know you can be fined £30 for not using lights on your bike at night?

-Learn the road signs - you need to know where you can and cannot cycle
-Always follow the Highway Code and obey traffic signals
-RED means STOP!
-Don't cycle on the pavement, on pedestrian walkways or in crowded shopping centres. Get off and push your bicycle
-Show respect for pedestrians, especially elderly people and children
-Don't cycle against the flow of traffic on one-way streets or on roundabouts
-Always indicate with your arms before turning left or right into another street. You must show other road users what you intend to do
-When using shared cycle/walkways always keep to the correct side of the path and use your bell to warn others of your approach
-Cycle helmets are voluntary. They can be bought for £20
-Buy a very strong bicycle lock and never leave your bike unlocked. Bicycle theft is very common - protect your property.

Drivers

-In the UK, you must drive in the LEFT-HAND lane
-Speeding is an offence and speed cameras are in operation throughout the UK. You must obey the speed limit signs.
-The speed limit on British motorways is 70 mph (112 kmph)
-It is illegal to drink alcohol and drive and the penalties are severe. DONT DRINK AND DRIVE
-The wearing of seat belts is compulsory
-It is illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone at all times when driving and fines can be up to £1000 if the matter goes to court

It is ILLEGAL to drive without:

A valid driving licence
A valid Road Tax disc
Motor Insurance (minimum - Third Party)
Vehicle Registration Documents
A current certificate of road-worthiness (MOT) if the car is over three years old

Please also purchase a copy of The Highway Code for the full UK driving regulations. The Highway Code is available from most bookshops, post office.

 

 

Rough Guide to Living in the UK

There are obviously going to be a number of differences between how things work at home and how things happen in the UK and Winchester. It would be impossible to cover them all but, here are just a few which may help settling in easier.

Little Things Make A Big Difference

Probably the most important thing to know if you are bringing any electrical equipment that needs to plug-in is that the voltage in the UK is 240v. You will need a special adapter for the plug (which you can buy in most electronic stores).

People in the UK drive to the left, if you are not used to this it is better to look both sides before crossing a road. You do get used to it after a while.

If you are planning on bringing or buying videos and/or DVDs, you should know that the UK uses the PAL system and it is not compatible with NTSC systems. Likewise, DVDs and DVD players are Region 2 and cannot be used with any other region except for Region 0.

Most major credit cards, with the exception of American Express, are widely accepted throughout the UK.

Living in Winchester

Winchester has quite a variety of restaurants and takeaways that are sure to please everyone's taste. There are a few Indian, Thai, Chinese and Italian restaurants, but nothing is more common than the Pizza and Kebabs takeaways.

For those of you wanting to try traditional English food Winchester offers quite a selection. Pubs usually serve food until 6.00pm and their menus include various british dishes. Be sure to try the Sunday Roasts.

If you like the nightlife and enjoy going out, Winchester has quite a selection of nightclubs and pubs you can choose from. Entry to pubs is free but clubs will charge a fee that ranges from £3 up to £5. Student Union always is a great choice.

Something that may come as a surprise to some people is that life in Winchester starts and finishes rather early. Shops are generally open from 9.30am until 6.00pm while pubs stop serving at 11.00pm and most clubs close at 2.00am.

Life in the UK can be very expensive but fortunately there are many shops that offer good deals for student budgets. Secondhand books can be bought from the book shop on campus at very low prices. One pound shop offers a variety of household applainces for very low prices while Iceland has great deals on food products.

 

Studying at Winchester

Undergraduates

The UK system of teaching is based around the idea that you will use your free time and self-motivation to continue your studies and further research anything that you did not understand during class.

Classes

There are two main types of classes: Lectures and Seminars.Lectures vary in format depending on the lecturer and the nature of the subject, but they are generally students will sit down and listen to what the lecturer has to say with some time at the end to ask questions. Lectures are given to everyone registered in the module so expect crowded rooms for the most popular subjects.
Seminars are more dynamic classes composed generally of 5-7 students. Here students have the chance to interact and exchange ideas with the tutor and other fellow students.

Essay Writing

When it comes to writing essays, UK academics may expect a slightly different way of referencing other people's work than you are used to. The Univeristy have very strict rules about using quotes and ideas from other people's work. Failure to follow these rules is called plagarism. Make sure you understand what plagiarism is by reading all your course handbooks and guidelines on referencing when you arrive.

Degree Schemes:Part I

Degree schemes at Winchester University are divided into two parts. Part I refers to the first academic year of study in the university and is like an introduction to your degree and university life in general. Most of the courses involve a quick overlook at everything your intended degree scheme of study is going to cover. In order to move onto Part II you must pass all your subjects.
This is also the time to decide whether you have chosen the right degree or not. At the end of Part I you will be given the chance to change your degree if you want to. This option is dependant on the availability of space in the new degree, the courses you took during Part I and the results for those courses.

Part II

This is the most important part of any degree. Every module you take counts towards your degree and the work load increases considerably compared to Part I courses. Classes are more specific and will ask more of you so make sure you understand what each tutor expects from you.
It is important to stress that you need to pass both the exams and the coursework to pass a module. Should you fail any module(s) you will not be allowed to continue your studies at the university.

Developing and Improving Academic Skills

The first academic year for undergraduates does not count as much towards your degree as the following years. Use this time wisely to get used to the teaching system employed by the university, understand what is required of you and develop some good study habits.
If you experience any difficulties with your academic performance do not panic or stress, the Student Service provides a series of sessions all year round to help you improve different aspects of your study ranging from how to take notes to how to write essays.

There is more information available at the Winchester University Student Service