s tudents guide to winchester
students guide to winchester
Winchester Students’ Union is passionate about ensuring you have every opportunity to get the most from your student experience while at Winchester, and that you feel supported and represented throughout your time as a student. The University of Winchester cares about every student and embodying the institutional values of Spirituality, Compassion and Individuals Matter.
As an International student, coming to the UK to study can seem daunting. We also recognise that all students have an individual student experience complete with different challenges, so this guide is written in partnership with students from the International Students Network, Winchester Students‘ Union, and the University of Winchester to provide you with support and tips to help you enjoy life as an International student at Winchester.
If you haven’t already, make sure you read the University’s International Student Handbook for a comprehensive in-depth overview of everything you need to know as an international student.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS NETWORK
The International Students Network is a representational network under Winchester Students’ Union. Representational networks are student-led groups which have an increased focus on advocating equality, diversity and accessibility within specific underrepresented student groups to directly improve the experience of students from the background they represent.
The International Students Network is open to all students – be it EU, International or UK based, everyone is welcome! We are here to support students from all walks of life. Whether you’re here for the semester, on exchange, or your full degree, there is someone here that can relate to you.
We regularly hold a huge range of social activities, meetings, events, trips and potlucks including: game nights, pub outings, film nights, events put on by the Students’ Union, and holiday-specific events such as Halloween or Christmas dos - all of which are democratically decided upon among the membership.
The International Students Network has an incredibly friendly atmosphere which is great for students that want to learn, meet and respect different cultures and countries. The welcoming atmosphere also extends to the fact that collaboration with different sports teams, societies and representational networks are always welcomed. Students can expect to be a part of a network which has a strong group solidarity that cares and campaigns for international student integration.
Our goal is to help you easily immerse yourself into the British community – the students, the culture, and the country. We know the difficulties of going to a new country, but we also know the rewards and once in a lifetime experiences it can hold!
Join the International Students Network via the Student Union website here: www.winchesterstudents.co.uk/networks
t op tips from an international student
G etting used to the cultural differences
“Coming to a new place means there are different academic and social cultures that you have to get to grips with. For example, at Winchester, lectures and seminars often work using small group settings. This may be different if you are used to big lecture halls and highly independent study as the norm. The standard of living may also be different to your home country, and there may be some social norms that are different to what you are used to e.g. less direct communication, over-politeness or waving when a car lets you cross the road.
However, this is a good opportunity to understand a British way of working and living which you will naturally pick up as you continue to work and study at the university.”
B
E PATIENT
“You may find that there is a language barrier if you are not entirely fluent or used to speaking in English. However, you should not be too hard on yourself and be assured that your peers will not judge you.
If you need further support, you can book an appointment with the University’s English Language and Teaching Support Unit (see following page) or speak to your Programme Leader”
yourself. Members are also encouraged to socialise with students from different backgrounds and explore other international friendship groups to make the most out of your time – this is a good way to make and visit friends from all over the world. Using the network is also helpful in signposting you to more opportunities around the university.”
G et Involved
“You should enjoy your time in Winchester as much as you can and the best way to do this is by getting involved. You can do this by:
• Exploring Winchester beyond the High Street, such as St. Catherine's Hill/St Giles Hill
• Hang out with your flatmates and peers on your course – a good way to develop your English language skills and get used to British slang!
• Take part in the various extra-curricular opportunities that the university has on offer – you can do this by exploring the Get Involved pages on the intranet
• With all the new opportunities and experiences you are gaining, you should see the Careers and Opportunities Hub who can help you translate all the skills you have gained”
E nglish Language Teaching and Support Unit (ELTSU)
If English is not your first language, and you would like some extra support with academic reading and writing, your grammar or spoken English, the English Language Teaching and Support Unit (ELTSU) can help. As part of the Student Support and Success team, ELTSU can prepare you and support you as an international studying in UK higher education. Book a one-to-one appointment with an English Language Tutor who can help you reach your potential and achieve your academic and language goals.
Email: eltsu@winchester.ac.uk
Student Support and Success
The University’s Student Support and Success Teams offer a wide variety of student support services to ensure all your wellbeing needs are met. Support is available from The Mental Wellbeing team, The Disability and Inclusion Team, Academic Skills, The Student Journey Team, Student Support and Success Advisers (SSSAs), Students and Money, and International Student Support. Please drop by the Student Support and Success Reception Monday – Friday, 9 am to 5 pm or email: studentservices@winchester.ac.uk.
Winchester Students’ Union Advice Centre
Winchester Students’ Union Advice Centre offers free, independent and impartial support and guidance on a range of issues that may be impacting upon your University experience. We specialise in supporting students through the academic processes of appeals, misconduct or complaints, and the Advice Centre also provides support on issues such as wellbeing, money, and housing. Visit: www.winchesterstudents.co.uk/advice for more information, to read our toolkits, or to book an appointment with our Student Union Advisor
Student Listeners
This is a peer support scheme run for students, by students who have received training in listening and support skills. Come to our Wellbeing Cafe and speak to our Student Listeners about anything from homesickness, low self-esteem, relationship/housemate difficulties, to course worries and more. Why not become a Student Listener yourself? Email: studentlisteners@winchester.ac.uk
Nightline
Nightline is a confidential out-of-hours listening service, run for students by students. Lines are open from 6pm-8am during term time. Call: 0207 631 0101 Text: 07717 989 900
Careers
and Opportunities Hub
This is a one-stop-shop for all students and graduates who are thinking about their employability and next steps. Made up of Careers, Volunteering, Winchester Hub, Placements and Enterprise, we support students to make the most of their time at university and prepare for life afterwards.
Email: Careers@winchester.ac.uk
create a safe, hospitable and inclusive environment. The Equality and Diversity forum is open to all staff and students who are interested in advancing inclusivity, equality and diversity at the University. Search ‘Equality and Diversity’ on the intranet for more information including meeting dates.
R eporting discrimination
The University and Students’ Union have a strict zero tolerance policy on any form of discrimination. Together we are committed to tackling any hate crime, harassment, bullying or violence, and we hold the view that bullying and harassment is never okay. A hate crime is any crime that is motivated by hostility or prejudice based on race or ethnicity, religion or belief, disability, sexual identity or gender identity.
There is support available for you if you have experienced or witnessed anything that made you feel uncomfortable or concerned you. We would always encourage you to report any incident because it can prevent similar things from happening to other people and it sends an important message about what behaviour is acceptable within the student community. It can also help us to understand the prevalence of hate crime, harassment, bullying or violence within Union and University activity.
If you should ever find yourself in any harassing or inappropriate situation in which you are being discriminated against, we encourage you to take any of the following steps:
• You can report harassment, bullying and violence (including anonymous reporting) via the University's Report + Support system: https://reportandsupport.winchester.ac.uk
• Get in contact and seek advice from our Student Support and Success team (search for ‘Student Support and Success’ on the intranet, or email: studentservices@winchester.ac.uk)
• Winchester Students’ Union Advice Centre can support you with an academic appeal if you have evidence of prejudice or bias: www.winchesterstudents.co.uk/advice
• For Winchester-specific support with online harassment visit https://stoponlinebullying.winchester.ac.uk/
Student welfare is a priority for the Students‘ Union, and we understand the challenges many students face when going to University. The Students’ Union President leads on the Union’s work to represent all student demographic groups, ensuring the equality, diversity and accessibility of the Union and liaising with the University. You can email them directly at SU_Pres@winchester.ac.uk to get involved, to raise issues you may be facing or to suggest campaigns or areas of focus for the Union. The Students’ Union runs campaigns throughout the year based on issues faced and areas raised by students, such as the introduction of Representational Networks, and running Diversity Week and Celebrating Cultures.
If you experience harassment, intolerance or violence at any Students’ Union run event or activity, you can alert any member of Union staff who will be able to provide support and assistance, or make a report via our website www.winchesterstudents.co.uk/report
With a dedicated Advice Centre and a friendly team of elected officers here to represent you, your Students‘ Union is here for you throughout your time as a student at Winchester. The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) is the UK's national advisory body serving the interests of international students. Winchester Students’ Union is an affiliated member. www.ukcisa.org.uk
