Muslim Students
g uide 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.
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 Islamic Students Network, Winchester Students’ Union, and the University of Winchester to provide you with support and tips to help you enjoy life as a Muslim student at Winchester.
islamic students network
The Islamic 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.
Want to join a shared community along with your fellow sisters and brothers? Join the Islamic Students Network! The Islamic Students Network is open to all students who are interested in learning more about Islam, regardless of religion or beliefs. We run many exciting events throughout the year, from social gatherings and charity fundraisers to educational discussions and lectures regarding Islam. We aim to be a platform where we learn, grow and unite people in a warm, friendly environment!
Join the Islamic Students Network via the Students’ Union website here: www.winchesterstudents.co.uk/networks
You can also follow us on social media to keep up to date with our events and more found on the link above.
If you have any queries, feel free to contact us on: SU_Islamicsoc@winchester.ac.uk or SUActivities@winchester.ac.uk
prayer facilities
There are Muslim Prayer spaces located on both the King Alfred Quarter and the West Downs Quarter. The rooms are segregated to ensure a dedicated space for both brothers and sisters.
There are ablution and shoe storage facilities, as well as copies of the Quran and some pieces of Islamic text. To provide some extra comfort there are also beanbags, coat hooks and a wall mirror available.
If you have any issues accessing facilities outside of the building opening times, the Site Stewards can provide suitable access. Please phone them on 01962 827666 to make arrangements.
Friday Afternoon Prayers (Jummah):
Although there is not a dedicated Jummah service performed on campus or a Mosque in Winchester, there are services performed at the Guildhall Winchester for both brothers and sisters on Friday afternoons. You can contact the Winchester Muslim Cultural Association (see back page) for more information.
Muslim Chaplain
The University has a full Chaplaincy team who are available to provide support to students. They are here to offer welcome, hospitality, a listening and confidential ear, prayer if requested, and the opportunity to explore the big questions of life. Tea, biscuits and a readiness to listen in confidence are in plentiful supply. The Contemplation Space at West Downs is a space reserved for silence each morning from early to midday.
The University has a dedicated Muslim Chaplain who you can get in touch with about any spiritual or pastoral matters.
Email: chaplaincy@winchester.ac.uk or visit www.winchester.ac.uk/spirituality
Halal food
Although Halal food is not currently served in the Food Hall on campus, the Students’ Union shop serves a selection of certified Halal samosas and sandwiches.
In Winchester city centre there are several establishments and restaurants that also serve Halal meat on their menus, including:
Gandhi Indian Restaurant (SO23 9BA)
Shaad kitchen (SO22 6RN)
Rimjhim Contemporary Indian Cuisine (SO23 8SD)
The Light of Bengal (SO23 7BS)
German Donner Kebab (SO23 9JX)
There are also multiple Halal butchers within neighbouring Southampton. The closest one can be found on St. Mary’s Road (SO14 0BH).
Alongside the Chaplaincy team (see ‘Muslim Chaplain’) there are so many places you can reach out to if you need support as a student at Winchester, providing both online and face-to-face support services:
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
student led. student delivered. students empowered
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 including meeting dates.
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
STUDENT LED. STUDENT DELIVERED. STUDENTS EMPOWERED.
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 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, running Diversity Week, and ‘Celebrating Ramadan’. All demographics from our representational networks are represented at Student Senate.
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.
Additional useful links and addresses:
Bashir Ahmed Masjid (Mosque) 96-100 Portswood Rd Southampton SO17 2FW www.bashirahmedmasjid.co.uk
Bashir Ahmed Masjid Southampton
Guildhall Winchester The Broadway Winchester SO23 9GH 01962 840820 Winchester
