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.
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 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.
MATURE & PART-TIME STUDENTS NETWORK
REPRESENTATIONAL NETWORKS
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 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 https://www.winchesterstudents.co.uk/activitygroups
MATURE & PART-TIME STUDENTS NETWORK
COMMUTING STUDENTS NETWORK LOUNGE
If you are both mature and part-time you can access the Commuting Students Network Lounge, even if you live less than 5 miles away (please note you must be both mature and part-time to be eligible). Access to the Commuters Lounge requires you to pay a small membership fee for an academic year (£5 at the time of printing).
The Lounge acts as a ‘home away from home’ and comes equipped with comfy sofas, lockers, computers, a printer, living room area, washing room facilities (including a shower) as well as kitchen essentials (e.g. a kettle, toaster, microwave and fridge).
For more information on how to join, please email SU_Commuting@winchester.ac.uk
ACADEMIC SUPPORT
You may find that if you’ve taken a gap from education that you want to brush up on a few skills to prepare you for your Higher Education journey. The University provides ‘Back to Study’ workshops generally before the start of each academic year. However, if you need further support throughout your time at university, you can always get in touch with the Academic Skills department to arrange a one-to-one appointment. If it is more suitable for you, don’t be afraid to request a virtual meeting or a group meeting instead! You can get in touch about managing your time effectively, or how to craft the perfect essay. If there is appropriate demand, tailored group sessions for particular courses can be arranged.
You can contact the team at: academicskills@winchester.ac.uk
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT AVAILABLE
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 Students’ 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
TOP TIPS FROM A MATURE & PART-TIME STUDENT
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 provides a range of both Silent spaces (for low-distraction 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
“Did you know that the West Downs Student Village have designated quiet areas and flats specifically for Mature students? In addition to this, the Student Village also has a few ‘Family Flats’ for small families and couples.”
3. Access to Financial Support
“As a mature and/or part-time student, living alone and adjusting to university life can have negative financial implications. However, there is support available from the University’s Students and Money team, where you can book an appointment with a Student Life Adviser. 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 Student Union Advisor 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.”
“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!”
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:
• 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/
WINCHESTER STUDENTS’ 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@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. There is also a dedicated Mature Students Representative and Part-time Students Representative on Student Advisory Council, and all demographics from our representational networks are represented at Student Senate.
With a dedicated Advice Centre (see above) 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.
ADDITIONAL USEFUL LINKS & ADDRESSES
If you’re a mature student and you haven’t started your course yet, make sure you read the University’s Applying as a Mature Student (21+) guide for an in-depth overview of everything you need to know before you start.
