SUMMER IS HERE - NEW BEGINNINGS
Last week marked the end of the 2018/2019 academic year for most Winchester students. In the final weeks, students and staff were recognised for their outstanding achievements, the culmination of hours of hard work and commitment towards education, activities and fundraising.
You may have just completed your first year or you might have spent three, four or more years in Winchester and now you’re faced with the prospect of ‘what next?’ The end of your University experience signals a time of change and an opportunity to reflect on the journey you’ve made. Handing in your dissertation and leaving University may be a welcome sight or the thought of missing Bop each week, finding a job, or moving to a new area, could fill you with dread. However you are feeling, adjusting to a new lifestyle and routine takes time so go gentle on yourself.
If you’re moving home for financial reasons you might be worried about leaving friends behind and losing the independence you’ve become accustomed to. Remember that a lot of students will be in a similar position, it is good to talk to others about how this big life change is affecting them too. You may view moving home as an opportunity to reconnect with school friends that you’ve lost touch with, or prefer to meet new people by joining a club or evening class. There might also be opportunities to socialise with colleagues in your new place of work. We look forward to hearing all about what you get up to beyond Winchester and where the adventures of life take you!
For students who are returning in September, you may have other questions. We also understand how uncertain it can feel if you have had someone drop out of a house share or you are urgently trying to find accommodation. If you aren’t getting any immediate responses it can seem as though the situation is never going to get sorted, a good place to start your search is to view the discussion forum on the Intranet and to look at posts on social media pages. Speak to friends and ask people from your course if they know of anyone in need of accommodation.
Over the summer, here at Winchester Student Union we will be continuing to work towards the launch of our new Advice Centre, ready to welcome a new intake of Freshers. The Advice Centre will be open to all Winchester students, offering free, impartial advice on a range of issues that may be impacting upon your overall University experience. Our four main areas of focus will be academic issues (including complaints, appeals, misconduct, and extenuating circumstances), wellbeing, housing and money.
In the meantime, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to get in touch by emailing SU_Advice@winchester.ac.uk
Have a great summer!
