Information for Cannel Islands Students

INFORMATION FOR CHANNEL ISLANDS STUDENTS

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Bournemouth

Southampton

Rail connections from Winchester Southampton Airport – 10 minutes London Waterloo – 1 hour

GUERNSEY

(45 minutes from Southampton)

JERSEY

(50 minutes from Southampton)

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WELCOME

Hello from the University of Winchester.

My name is Alison and I am the Schools and Colleges Senior Development Officer for the Channel Islands.

possible but apologise if things are a little different when you visit (lockdown permitting) or if you become a student with us.

As I write this we are in the middle of a national lockdown due to the Covid pandemic. To ensure that the campus is compliant with all the safety requirements some of the facilities on campus may have changed their opening times and availability and government/local requirements or procedures may have changed. I have tried to include these changes where

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact me and I hope that I will have the opportunity to meet you either in the Channel Islands or in Winchester soon Alison Wilson Schools and Colleges Senior Development Officer (Future Students) Alison.wilson@winchester.ac.uk

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AN INTRODUCTION TO WINCHESTER THE UNIVERSITY The University of Winchester is committed to delivering a superb teaching and learning experience, and we encourage our students to go on to make a real difference in the world. We are located in the Happiest Place to live in the UK (Royal Mail Happiness Index 2019) and our beautiful campus is just a 10-minute walk from Winchester City Centre. There are around 7,500 students on undergraduate, postgraduate and research degree programmes in the areas of education, the arts, humanities, social sciences, business, sport, law and health and wellbeing. The academic staff are innovative and forwardthinking scholars at the forefront of their disciplines and the institution punches well above its weight in terms of worldleading research.

The campus has excellent facilities to support the student learning experience.

The Library service provides the resources to support learning, teaching and research throughout the University of Winchester. We have a wide variety of books, e-books, journals, resource databases and academic streaming services to support the student learning experience. Our libraries, Martial Rose Library (King Alfred Quarter) and West Downs (West Downs Quarter) also offer many different study opportunities, quiet areas and silent areas to study in, bookable PCs and individual workstations where you can bring your own laptop. There are many hundreds of PCs available to students both in open access study areas and in computer teaching rooms. In addition, the university runs a free self-service laptop loan scheme that provides a mobile computing solution for all. Computers

and laptops are available in all university quarters – King Alfred, Medecroft and West Downs – providing an excellent choice of study locations throughout the day, with some areas being open 24 hours during the semester.

Open 24 hours a day, the Multimedia Centre offers outstanding industry‑ standard facilities including two HD TV studios with green screens, a newsroom, a computerised radio studio, and facilities for multi-track audio recording.

A wide range of equipment is available from HD field and studio cameras, DSLR filming rigs and a wide range of lighting and sound kit and grip such as track, jibs and sliders. The Centre is an Apple Certified Training Centre.

The university offers state of the art recording studio facilities, offering a unique blend of contemporary digital recording technology and classic analogue equipment that is unique in the South West. The studios were designed and built by Dr Edward Veale of Veale Associates who is world renowned for acoustic design.

We are proud to have worked with Veale Associates and believe that these facilities are truly unique in sound and feel. Students have 24 hour access with an industry standard microphone and instrument collection with which to record and the studios are also linked to the rest of the university via RedNet audio - allowing performances/lectures/ shows/livestreaming to be captured from any space on campus.

In September 2020 we opened our new West Downs Centre. The inspirational, state of the art facility for learning and teaching is home to our Digital Technologies, computer and digital

3 related degree programmes including computer science, cyber security and digital media. The building includes a 250 seat auditorium, art gallery, cafĂŠ, food hall, school library, social learning areas and teaching spaces. The garden with water features is an oasis nestled in the heart of the new development.

This building is one of the greenest in Winchester with sustainability a driving principle, including solar panels, wildflower roof and inbuilt bird and bat boxes. The building is thermally efficient with mechanical ventilation and heat recovery systems to minimise energy loss.

A range of sports facilities are available including the University’s Winchester Sports Stadium, located at Bar End in Winchester, which hosts a competition standard eight-lane athletics track and all-weather 3G Astro pitch.

The University Gym in the Burma Road Student village offers the latest strength training and cardio equipment. The University also has on-campus MultiUse Games Area (MUGA), fitness studio, offering a range of fitness classes; and a multi-use sports hall.

The University is part of a thriving network of arts activity involving national and international artists and a range of professional performance companies and venues. Our Performing Arts building includes four standard and two double height spaces for performance and rehearsal. Students regularly perform at the Edinburgh Festival and students and staff have close involvement with the Winchester Hat Fair, a major international street arts festival.

THE CITY Winchester is a historic but lively city offering a variety of activities to keep you entertained. The city centre is a fifteen minute walk from the campus and has an array of pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants. The centre also boasts the Theatre Royal Winchester which regularly hosts well- known comedians,

as well as the Screen Cinema and a large variety of sports and leisure facilities.

The campus is close to Winchester train station. From Winchester trains to Southampton Airport take around 8-20 minutes, and from Southampton Airport there are regular flights to the Guernsey and Jersey airports.

As well as enjoying the delights of Winchester, our students often travel further afield. Southampton city centre is around 20 minutes by train and London is just over an hour away by train. This means that our students are within easy distance of Southampton’s West Quay shopping centre and the theatres and shows in the West End.

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TRAVELLING TO WINCHESTER If you are flying here, the closest airport to use is Southampton.

Public transport from the airport to Winchester is excellent with trains running approximately every 12 minutes throughout the day. The journey will take between 8 and 20 minutes depending which train you get and it costs about £6 one way. Once you arrive in Winchester it is a 10-15 minute walk or 5 minute taxi ride which will also cost about £6.

If you fly into Gatwick you are likely to have a train ride of about 1 3/4 hours costing between £25-35 depending on the train you get.

If you are travelling by ferry the car journey from Poole will take about 1 hour and if you arrive in Portsmouth it will take about 45 minutes. Both of these timings may be affected by traffic meaning a longer journey.

All prices quoted are correct at time of going to print.

BEE NICHOLSON BSC GEOGRAPHY, GRADUATED JULY 2019, FORMERLY AT GUERNSEY GRAMMAR SIXTH FORM ABOUT ME I came to Winchester University, from Guernsey, in 2016 to study Geography.

Everyone was friendly and welcoming and the course offered me lots of opportunities to study locally and abroad! I studied for my dissertation in Tanzania, volunteering for the Tumaini Fund and then stayed at Winchester to do my PGCE in Primary Education and I am now a primary teacher nearby!

HOW WINCHESTER PREPARED ME FOR TEACHING? Winchester is rather famous for its Primary Education training and so it should be! Each of the lecturers have an expertise in different areas across the curriculum and as most have been primary teachers they understand life in the classroom. They share their real-life experiences to give you tips on planning, assessments and working with a range of individual needs. The subject lectures were key for my NQT year and I have often referred to them when planning units.

A lot of the PGCE year is spent on placement, usually in two different schools across key stages. You are assigned a university and a class teacher mentor to support you and I think Winchester University should stand out for how they support their students!

HOW WINCHESTER PREPARED ME FOR LIFE. The staff at Winchester want what’s best for you and support you to get where you want to be. I was told by a good friend that university is where you grow - I didn’t realise until I graduated just how true this was - the Geography I learnt was a bonus! I’d never imagined my life outside of Guernsey… until I went to Winchester.

MY ADVICE Just go for it and take any opportunity you can - How else would you end up carrying out fieldwork in Las Vegas?

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STUDY OPTIONS COURSES IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS • Accounting • Animal Welfare • Anthropology • Archaeology • Business • Childhood Studies • Classical Studies • Computer Science and Cyber Security • Criminology, Forensics and Policing • Digital Design • Economics • Education Studies • English and Creative Writing • Event Management • Geography • Health and Wellbeing • History • Journalism • Law • Liberal Arts • Marketing • Mathematics • Media, Music and Film • Nursing • Performing Arts • Physiotherapy • Politics • Psychology • Social Work • Sociology • Sport and Exercise • Teaching • Theology, Religion and Philosophy

An increasing number of the degree programmes offer the opportunity to take either work experience modules or a year out to create a sandwich degree style pattern of study. The university recognises the importance of students gaining experience within the industry they wish to work in to heighten their employability upon graduation.

Please visit our website for the most up-to- date list of courses: www.winchester.ac.uk/courses

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APPLICATIONS HOW TO APPLY All applications to UK universities are made via UCAS (University and College Admission Service) www.UCAS.com.

Applications for study commencing in September 2022 are usually made between September 2021 and January 2022 however, you may be able to apply up until September 2022 if spaces are still available, using the clearing system from July onwards. We would always recommend that you apply as soon as possible especially if the course requires an interview.

INTERVIEWS During 2020/21 we interviewed for the following courses and this should be expected again for 2022 entry although this will be confirmed after you have applied.

• Any course with a Drama element • Nursing • Physiotherapy • Primary Education • Social Work • Theatre Production OPPORTUNITIES TO VISIT WINCHESTER This year the university is holding preapplication Open Days in June, July, September, October and November.

These dates are in our prospectus and will be on our website. Attendees must book for these events via our website www.winchester.ac.uk/opendays.

In addition the university usually holds Applicant Open Days in February and March. Applicants are invited to book onto one of these via our website when they have submitted their application.

At the time of going to print we are in lockdown and unable to open the campus to visitors but as soon as we are able to, we will be offering campus tours again.

Visitors are taken on a tour of the campus (lasting approximately 60 minutes) and depending on social distancing rules may be able to see inside a room in one of our student residences.

Unfortunately we are not able to organise for you to meet academic staff during a campus tour owing to their teaching commitments. All information about the availability of tours and any restrictions or to book a place please visit our website www.winchester. ac.uk/opendays and scroll down to campus tours.

We try to be accommodating to visitors who travel a great distance when offering tours. If you are visiting the area and would like to have a look around please let us know and we will try to organise for you to meet a member of staff and have a tour. Please contact us via Alison.

Wilson@winchester. ac.uk giving as much notice as possible.

Parents may be able to claim for a refund to help cover the costs of students travelling to interviews. Please contact your local Student Finance for more information.

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• Beaulieu Convent School, Jersey

The University of Winchester has a number of Partnership Agreements with Channel Island Schools and Colleges.

These agreements aim to encourage students to progress to higher education and assist them through the transition from sixth form or further education to university.

• De La Salle College, Jersey

Applicants from Channel Islands Schools and Colleges listed below are guaranteed the offer of a place for non‑interview courses. For courses that require an interview, applicants are guaranteed an invitation to interview.

Please note that students will need to be predicted grades (and if necessary have experience) in line with our entry requirements and will need to meet all the conditions of their offer to obtain a place on their chosen course.

We are currently in discussions with Blanchelande College and hope to add them to this list of Level 3 providers

• Jersey College for Girls

• Elizabeth College, Guernsey • Guernsey College of Further Education • Guernsey Grammar School and Sixth Form Centre • Hautlieu School, Jersey • Highlands College, Jersey • The Ladies’ College, Guernsey • Victoria College, Jersey TUITION FEES The University of Winchester charge you tuition fees as a home student, this is currently £9,250 but make sure you check with individual universities to confirm tuition fees for you.

SOPHIE VENTON BSC HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE (DISABILITY) STUDIES) 2ND YEAR, FORMERLY AT HIGHLANDS COLLEGE WHY DID YOU APPLY TO WINCHESTER? When I was applying to university Winchester gave me a sense of belonging compared to other universities. Everyone in and around campus is so welcoming and friendlynothing is ever too much trouble whether you’re asking fellow student for advice or directions as well as members of staff or the student union.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR TIME IN WINCHESTER? I have loved every second of university here at Winchester. The Student Union put on some amazing events: themed nights, BOP (weekly cheesy fancy dress night) and Student Recharge Days. I love being part of the BSL society as well as two sport societies (rounders and woman’s football). They are my big second family, from training as well as social events.

HOW DID YOU FIND LEAVING JERSEY? I was so nervous and anxious and worried about living on my own for the first time but when I arrived I made the most of my Freshers week signing up to trips, days out and sport and societies.

Before coming to university I was a quiet and shy student, now I am a Student Ambassador showing future students the ropes. It has already made such an impact on my life and I wouldn’t change it for anything.

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AFTER YOU APPLY HOUSING We guarantee a room in university managed housing (this may be on or off campus) to full-time Channel Islands students for their first year of study provided they hold Winchester as their firm choice and apply for accommodation before the deadline which is usually 31st May (please check our website for the current deadline date). Accommodation may also be available for Channel Island students beyond their first year of study, subject to availability – students must reapply for housing in each subsequent year by the deadlines published at www.winchester.ac.uk/housing Campus accommodation is located on the King Alfred Quarter and West Downs Quarter, all within walking distance of the city centre. Accommodation is close to the university facilities including mini-mart, shop, launderettes, the university gym and catering facilities.

Campus accommodation includes the Burma Road Student Village, Queens Road Student Village and West Downs Student Village – all of which are self –catered and St Elizabeth’s and Beech Glade which are catered.

If you prefer to live off campus there are several options available. Winchester has a good supply of highquality student accommodation located in various areas across the city. Many residential areas are an easy walking distance from both the university and the city centre. Off campus accommodation includes University Managed Housing, Cathedral Point and Riverside Way or you can choose to seek accommodation in a house managed by a private landlord.

During the 2nd and 3rd years of study most students move out of university

accommodation into private landlord properties. It is really easy to find housing and there are lots of houses around in a variety of places, don’t panic when people start looking around in October, you will still find somewhere if you are looking around later. It is worth starting early as you may find the best value rooms at this time but there are still many places left after Christmas.

There are a variety of sizes depending on how many people you want to live with. The university also offers support to help you find a place to live Visit www.winchester.ac.uk/housing to view all accommodation options.

11 FINANCIAL SUPPORT

MOVING TO ENGLAND

For students from Jersey, support is available to help with the cost of course fees and living costs. Financial assistance is means tested and takes the form of a grant, which does not need to be repaid unless you withdraw or fail your course.

As you may expect living in England is a bit different to living in Jersey or Guernsey. I have tried to highlight some of the big differences that our students talk to us about or questions they ask.

For students from Guernsey, support is available to help with the cost of course fees and living costs. Financial assistance is means tested and takes the form of a grant, which does not need to be repaid.

BURSARIES AND SCHOLARSHIPS Bursaries and scholarships are often available via Channel Islands organisations and companies. These can be a very useful source of extra financial support. Your Education Department will have more information about what is available and how to apply.

There is also financial support available from the University of Winchester. For the most up to date information about eligibility and figures please visit our website www.winchester.ac.uk/studentsandmoney PERSONAL STATEMENT AWARDS In recognition of the quality of personal statement that we receive from the Channel Islands students. Each year 2 awards are given to Jersey students and 2 to Guernsey students. Congratulations to Holly Groves and Jennifer Creed from Guernsey and Anya-Skye Walls and Troy Osment from Jersey who were last year’s recipients.

LIBERATION DAY The University of Winchester marks the anniversary of the Liberation of the Islands on 9th May (or the nearest working day) each year with a special celebration event for Winchester students from the Channel Islands, which can also be enjoyed by the whole university community.

FLIGHTS When you are choosing your university you may want to think about your flights.

It may be a simple flight to the airport nearest to your university but what is the onward travel like? There may be regular flights during the summer but do they reduce them over the winter restricting the times you can travel?

Some airlines give you extra baggage as a student – check with your airline if you can take 2 bags for the price of 1. If you are asking, check what you need to qualify, some airlines ask for a student ID card which you probably won’t have when you first fly over in September but they may accept a university offer letter/email or accommodation rental agreement.Make sure you book in advance to get cheaper flights but check semester dates carefully or you may end up spending a lot of money changing your booking.

12 WORKING IN THE UK Most students choose/need to work to support their university study. To work in the UK you will need a National Insurance (NI) number. This is very easy to get but may take up to 6 weeks to process and there may be an admin fee.

You can only apply once you are in the UK but when you arrive at the university contact your local JobCentre Plus (the careers department will be able to help you find their details).

You will probably have to complete a form and possibly attend an interview when they will ask you to take certain documents as proof of your ID. They will probably ask why you need a National Insurance number, explain you are a new student in the UK and want to work. You should also be told how long it will take to receive it. You are allowed to volunteer before your National Insurance number arrives but you will not be able to receive any payment for work. You should tell your prospective employer that you have applied for the NI number

and pass it to them as soon as you receive it.

HEALTH ISSUES When you are a student you are entitled to National Health Service (NHS) medical cover. Your visit to the Doctor is free but any medication they prescribe for you is chargeable. The current cost of a prescription is ÂŁ9 per item. If you have regular medication it is therefore worthwhile stocking up for a term before coming to university if you are able to. When you arrive at university you will be advised to register with a GP and will be given information about the surgeries which cover the student accommodation. Some universities have a Doctor who comes onto campus which might be worth considering if you need regular medical visits.

LAUREN CHALMERSHUNT BA PRIMARY EDUCATION, GRADUATED JULY 2019, FORMERLY AT JERSEY COLLEGE FOR GIRLS WHY DID YOU APPLY TO WINCHESTER? When visiting the open day the campus and town had such a homely feel. The people are so friendly and home was only a short plane journey away, just 8 minutes on the train and a 50 minute flight.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE PEOPLE STARTING THE APPLICATION PROCESS? Try to visit all the places you’re applying to. It made my decision so much easier as I just got a feel for the campus, student life and town in one trip. Once you’re at university make the most of the opportunities available to you.

WHAT WAS IT LIKE LEAVING WINCHESTER ONCE YOU’D GRADUATED? I found it really hard to leave friends behind, especially when I had got to know them for 3 years but as I had a teaching position lined up I was also looking forward to meeting new friends and colleagues back in Jersey.

WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW? I am currently teaching at a school in Jersey for the duration of my NQT year.

I then plan to undertake a ski instructor internship before embarking on a long and adventurous teaching career around the world.

14 MOBILE PHONES The cost of making phone calls with your Channel Islands SIM card can be very expensive as it may be classed as an international call. Many students therefore buy a UK SIM card when they arrive which they use for all UK contacts and keep their Island card for when they return home. With the increase in Whatsapp and Messenger this is less of an issue.

BANK ACCOUNTS Some students find that private landlords or service providers are wary of island bank accounts and I have known students in the past who have opened a UK bank account to pay their rent and bills for 2nd and 3rd year housing if they are no longer living in university managed accommodation. This may be worth checking when you are looking for housing. If you are looking for a UK bank account shop around as they may offer different term and conditions and some offer incentives too.

DISCOUNTS There are lots of ways you can get discount as a student, your university ID Card may be enough in some places.

You could buy an NUS student card (TOTUM) which costs from £14.99 per year. This give you discount with over 200 retailers for Eating Out, Entertainment, Health & Fitness, Travel, Fashion, Music & Technology, Finance and some supermarkets. Visit www. totum.com for more information.

Also think about a National Rail Card. It will currently cost you £30 for 1 year or £70 for 3 years and will entitle you to 1/3 off Standard Anytime, Off‑Peak, Advance and First Class Advance rail fares, so if you think you will be travelling around by train it might be worth buying one. Visit www.railcard.co.uk for more information.

You can also download the unidays app which gives you discounts. Www. vouchercodes.co.uk and www.groupon. co.uk are great websites to get to know if you don’t already use them.

DRIVING IN THE UK The University of Winchester is unable to offer parking on campus for students (even overnight parking if living in oncampus halls). If you are off campus you may have space to park at the accommodation but cannot bring a car onto campus for lectures. If you have a medical reason for needing a car please speak to our student services team.

Our current Channel Islands students say that the roads in England are very different to back at home and are crazy!

We have lots of roundabouts and some roads which are dual carriageways where the speed limit is 60 or 70 miles per hour. Because of this some have recommended that if you want to drive over here you may want to have a driving lesson to get used to them. You would also need to have an MOT (Ministry of Transport) Test, if you don’t have one, to prove your car was roadworthy to drive it in the UK. THE WEEKENDS You may find that some students who live locally travel home at the weekends and this can mean that it feels a bit lonely for you. Use this time to explore the city or further afield, perhaps join some local (non‑ university) groups or arrange to meet other Channel Islands students.

You could always make the weekends the time when you knuckle down and get your assignments done.

JACOB GOSS BA POLITICS AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 2ND YEAR, FORMERLY AT ELIZABETH COLLEGE WHY DID YOU APPLY TO WINCHESTER? Winchester is an amazing, safe and beautiful city and the university has great links with Guernsey and the school and colleges there. The university offers lots of support for everyone but especially those from Guernsey and Jersey.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR TIME IN WINCHESTER? I really enjoy the ability to try something new and to push yourself not only in your subject but also outside lectures. I have already had the opportunity to get involved in UK politics and am playing Polo for the university. The transport links to London and the rest of the UK are great so it is easy to explore new areas.

HOW DID YOU FIND LEAVING GUERNSEY? I was excited about the ability to leave the island, I already had friends in the year above studying at this university which helped me feel less anxious about leaving home and looking forward to something new.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE PEOPLE WHO ARE ABOUT TO START THE APPLICATION PROCESS? Be enthusiastic and look forward to starting the next chapter. Leaving Guernsey can be daunting but it will open opportunities you have never thought off. Think about the ease of accessibility of the universities you are looking at. I would certainly recommend you come and have a look at what Winchester can offer you.

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USEFUL CONTACTS CAREERS DEPARTMENTS SKILLS JERSEY Bermuda House Green Street St Helier Jersey JE2 4UH 01534 449440 www.gov.je/skillsjersey Tel: 01534 449357 Email: skillsjersey@gov.je CAREERS GUERNSEY Route de Coutanchez St Peter Port Guernsey GY1 2TT Email: careersguernsey@gov.gg www.careers.gg Tel: 01481 706565

UNIVERSITY OF WINCHESTER CONTACTS ADMISSIONS Tel: 01962 827243 Email: admissions@winchester.ac.uk HOUSING Tel: 01962 827533 Email: housing@winchester.ac.uk STUDENT SERVICES Tel: 01962 827341 Email: Studentservices@winchester.ac.uk DISABILITY & LEARNING DIVERSITY Tel: 01962 827341 Email: disability@winchester.ac.uk

www.winchester.ac.uk University of Winchester,Winchester, Hampshire SO22 4NR +44 (0) 1962 841515 course.enquiries@winchester.ac.uk UniversityofWinchester @_UoW UniWinchester UniWinchester #HelloWinch