Information for Channel Islands Booklet

INFORMATION FOR CHANNEL ISLANDS STUDENTS

Hello from the University of Winchester. My name is Alison and I am the Schools and Colleges Senior Development Officer for the Channel Islands.

Choosing what and where to study is a really important decision. This booklet will give you information about studying at the University of Winchester, but also some general tips about moving to the UK to continue your education.

As you narrow down your choices, try to visit those universities that will be top of your list, there’s nothing quite like the feel of a place to help you decide if it could

be right for you. You can find information about visiting us at www.winchester.ac.uk/opendays

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

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 one of the top five safest university cities (Complete University Guide 2020) and our beautiful campus is just a 15-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 forward-thinking scholars at the forefront of their disciplines and the institution punches well above its weight in terms of world-leading 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 on the King Alfred, Medecroft and West Downs quarters, 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 accesswith 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.

We recently opened our new West Downs Centre. The inspirational, state-ofthe-art facility for learning and teaching is home to our Digital Technologies,

computer and digital related degree programmes (including computer science, cyber security and digital media) and houses our new clinical practice rooms for our nursing programmes. The building includes a 250 seat auditorium, art gallery, café, food hall, 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. We are also proud to be a funding partner of the new Winchester Sport and Leisure Centre in the city centre.

Our student Union strives to empower its members through the provision of exceptional student led, and student delivered activities and services. As well as supporting student’s education and welfare, they offer a range of social activities aimed at all students ranging from quiz nights and film nights to silent discos and BOP which is Winchester’s biggest student night, bringing you the ultimate party atmosphere.

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, cafés 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.

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.

STUDY OPTIONS

COURSES IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS

• Acting

• Accounting and Finance

• Animal Science and Welfare

• Anthropology

• Archaeology

• Architecture

• Biomedical Science

• Business Management

• Childhood and Youth

• Classical Studies

• Computer Science and Cyber Security

• Creative Writing

• Criminology

• Digital Design

• Economics

• Education Studies

• English

• Event Management

• Fashion

• Film

• Forensics

• Geography

• Health and Social Care

• History

• Journalism

• Law

• Marketing

• Media and Communication

• Midwifery

• Music

• Musical Theatre

• Nursing

• Nutrition and Dietetics

• Philosophy Religion and Ethics

• Physiotherapy

• Policing

• Primary Education

• Psychology

• Social Work

• Sociology

• Sport and Exercise

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

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 2024 are usually made between September 2023 and January 2024, however you may be able to apply up until September 2024 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 2022/23 we interviewed for the following coursers and this should be expected again for 2024 entry although this will be confirmed after you have applied..

• Acting

• Midwifery

• Nursing

• Physiotherapy

• Primary Education

• Social Work

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.

During Campus Tours 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 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 opendays@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.

PARTNERSHIPS

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.

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.

• Beaulieu Convent School, Jersey

• Blanchelande College, Guernsey

• De La Salle College, Jersey

• Elizabeth College, Guernsey

• Guernsey College of Further Education

• Guernsey Grammar School and Sixth Form Centre

• Hautlieu School, Jersey

• Highlands College, Jersey

• Jersey College for Girls

• 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.

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 (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 high-quality 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.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

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.

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 two awards are given to Jersey students and two to Guernsey students.

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.

MOVING TO ENGLAND

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.

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.

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 12 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. 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.

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.

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

Level 4 Sir Charles Frossard House

La Charroterie, St Peter Port GY1 1FH Email: careersguernsey@gov.gg www.careers.gg Tel: 01481 226565

UNIVERSITY OF WINCHESTER CONTACTS

ADMISSIONS

Tel: 01962 827243 Email: admissions@winchester.ac.uk HOUSING

Tel: 01962 827533 Email: housing@winchester.ac.uk

STUDENT SUPPORT AND SUCCESS

Tel: 01962 827341 Email: StudentServices@winchester.ac.uk

DISABILITY & LEARNING DIVERSITY

Tel: 01962 827341 Email: disability@winchester.ac.uk