mature & part time students
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 the Love of Learning, Individual and Shared Endeavour and Making a Difference.
If you ’ re a mature student (over 21 years old when you applied to university) or study on a part-time basis, you may worry about feeling a sense of isolation or disconnection by being around younger peers or those who study full-time 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 Mature & Part-Time Network, Winchester Students’ Union, and the University of Winchester to provide you with support and tips to help you enjoy life as a Mature and/or Part-time student at Winchester.
REPRESENTATIONALNETWORKS
We have a range of activity groups including Representational Networks to support you and enhance your university experience. These groups create a space where you can also meet lots of like-minded fellow students with opportunities for you to be fun and active also.
Your Students’ Union works with you to provide numerous extracurricular opportunities but are also always receptive to new ideas and activities Please do contact us if you'd like to contribute an idea, group, or activity to our schedule
For more information, visit www.winchesterstudents.co.uk/activitygroups
TOPTIPSFROMAMATURE& PART-TIMESTUDENT
1. Finding the Right Study Spaces
“As a mature and/or part-time student, you may find that your reasons for coming to university are slightly more driven toward gaining your degree Whilst the University provides many social and open learning spaces, you may find it harder to concentrate in these areas. The campus libraries provide a range of both silent spaces (for lowdistraction environments) and quiet spaces (optimal for small group with a hum in the background) to ensure you can select the right space for your learning needs. You can also book out one of several Study Rooms the Library has on offer, perfect for silent lone working as well as group work – be sure to reserve them well in advance if you’d like to use them as they book out fast!
TOP TIP: Make use of the IT Services Laptop Loan Service where you can borrow a laptop from various cabinets located around campus. Loans last for 24 hours, perfect for on-the-go study or if you find a suitable study space that doesn’t have desktop computers installed.”
2 Accommodation Catered to You
There is a range of University Managed accommodation on campus which includes selfcatered, catered, en-suite and shared bathrooms. All accommodation types have designated quiet areas. There is also limited single sex allocated accommodation as well as a small number of self-contained flats for students with children, couples and students with medical/disability needs.
Students will also have access to a database of off campus properties when searching for private sector accommodation
For more information please contact: Housing@winchester.ac.uk
3. Access to Financial Support
“As a mature and/or part-time student, living alone and adjusting to university life can have financial implications. However, there is support available from the University’s Students and Money team, where you can book an appointment with a Student Journey Coordinator If you find yourself in unexpected financial hardship, you may be able to access funds from the University to support you. Search ‘Students and Money’ on the intranet. Alternatively, you can speak to the Students’ Union Advisor & Wellbeing Coordinator from the Advice Centre (www.winchesterstudents.co.uk/advice).”
4. Make use of Careers Support
“Thinking to the future may be more on your horizon as a mature and/or part-time student, you should then make use of the Careers Service You can visit the Careers and Opportunities Hub on the King Alfred Quarter, and make sure you sign up to the University’s careers and jobs platform, CareerConnect! If you need any kind of support, make use of the services outlined in this guide and don’t assume that you can always handle things by yourself.”
5 Finding your Network
“Try and make time to meet others who may share a similar background to youMature and Part-time Students have access to the Commuters Lounge There is a dedicated network for Mature & Part Time Students, where members may be able to better understand your unique experiences and lifestyles. Be sure to keep in touch with your peers on a regular basis, especially if you ’ re not on campus frequently.”
6. Get Involved
“Another way to feel a sense of belonging to the university and campus is by getting involved as much as you can You may find it hard to fit into your timetable but why not explore the Get Involved pages on the intranet to find the perfect opportunity for you – from sports teams and societies, to academic engagement and volunteering, there is something for every type of student!”
COMMiTMENT TO EQUALiTY AND DiVERSiTY
Both the University and Winchester Students’ Union aim to celebrate diversity in all forms in order to 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.
REPORTiNG 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:
WINCHESTERSTUDENTS’UNION
Winchester Students’ Union is run for students, by students. We are an independent organisation from the University itself, and we are dedicated to representing and supporting you as students, as well as providing a wide range of opportunities, activities and events for all students across our Education, Welfare, Activities and Commercial Zones
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@winchesteracuk 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 introducing One Winchester. All demographics from our representational networks are represented at Student Senate.
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 at Winchester
