08748 - Study Abroad at Winchester Handbook 2023/24

STUDY ABROAD WELCOME HANDBOOK 2023-24

CONTACTS

These are useful contacts and it is strongly recommended that you make a note of these and carry them with you when in the UK. If you are dialing from outside the UK, you must dial 00 (access code) followed by 44, then the city prefix without the first 0. E.g. Study Abroad is 0044 1962 827210

UNIVERSITY OF WINCHESTER, INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SUCCESS CONTACTS

Study Abroad, International Student Success

The Zone, Winton Building – see map studyabroad@winchester.ac.uk

01962 827404

01962 827550

Geoff Titchener, International Student Adviser (Welfare, Advice, Arrivals)

The Zone, Winton Building - see map international.support@winchester.ac.uk

01962 827482

UNIVERSITY OF WINCHESTER, OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS

24 Hour Site Stewards

King Alfred Quarter (Main Campus)

01962 827666

West Downs Quarter 01962 827667

Main Reception (Switchboard)

King Alfred Centre, Sparkford Road - see map 01962 841515

Student Support and Success (Wellbeing, Study Support) student.advice@winchester.ac.uk

The Zone

Winton Building – see map

01962 827341

Finance (Credit Control) credit.control@winchester.ac.uk

Winton Building – see map

01962 827536

Housing Office

St. Swithuns – see map housing@winchester.ac.uk

01962 827533

Housing Wardens

For residents/out of Housing office hours only 7pm-7am weekdays, 24 HRs weekends and bank holidays

housing@winchester.ac.uk

01962 826404

EXTERNAL CONTACTS

National

THINGS TO DO/NOTE BEFORE ARRIVAL

ATTENDANCE DATES

Semester 1 (Fall)

• Arrival day

Saturday 9 September 2023

• Welcome Week

Monday 11 September 2023 to Friday 15 September

2023

• Semester 1, Part 1 (weeks 1-5)

Monday 18 September 2023 to Friday 20 October

2023

• Semester 1, Reading week (week 6)

Monday 23 October 2023 to Friday 27 October 2023

• Semester 1, Part 2 (week 7-13)

Monday 30 October 2023 to Friday 15 December

2023

• Standard departure date

Saturday 16 December 2023

Please note that some programmes run an assessment week Monday 8 January to Friday 19 January 2024. Study Abroad students are not normally in attendance for this period.

Semester 1 results will be issued in March 2024

Semester 2 (Spring)

• Arrival day (new students)

Thursday 18 January 2024

• Welcome day (new students)

Friday 19 January 2024

• Semester 2, Part 1

Monday 22 January to Friday 9 February 2024

• Semester 2 – Reading Week

Monday 12 February to Friday 16 February 2024

• Semester 2 – Part 2

Monday 19 February to Thursday 28 March 2024

• Spring break

Friday 29 March to Friday 19 April 2024

• Semester 2 – Part 3

Monday 22 April to Friday 10 May 2024

• Standard departure date

Saturday 11 May 2024*

*Standard departure date if opting to complete alternative assignments instead of attending assessment weeks. Traditionally most students opt for completing alternative assignments in place of attending the May exams. Please contact Study Abroad for further details if staying on for the exam period.

Semester 2 results will be issued in July 2024

HOUSING INFORMATION AND PAYMENTS

HOUSING ALLOCATIONS

Housing will email your housing offer by the end of July (Semester 1, Fall) or mid-December (Semester 2, Spring)

For more information, please email Housing@ winchester.ac.uk also see www.winchester.ac.uk/ accommodation-and-winchester-life

ELECTRICAL ITEMS

Please note that all portable electrical items brought into the accommodation (e.g. laptops, hairdryers) must be PAT (Portable Appliance Tested) tested for safety by the university. EU and US electrical supplies are of a lower voltage and your electrical item may not be earthed. To use the item in the UK you will need an earthed adaptor that is compatible with UK electrical outlets – please ask Housing for advice on purchasing an adaptor if you need one.

Housing@winchester.ac.uk

FEE PAYMENTS

Students who pay housing and/or tuition fees directly to Winchester will normally be invoiced in mid-August (Semester 1, Fall) or January (Semester 2, Spring). Payment is due on arrival, but if you anticipate any problems or have any questions, please do contact our Credit Control Team credit.control@winchester.ac.uk

If you wish to make a payment in advance (in full or in part), you can pay online from mid-August (Semester 1, Fall) or January (Semester 1, Spring) https://payments. winchester.ac.uk/payments. Please select “upfront accommodation payment” to make the payment (full payment or part). You will need to enter your student number (available on your acceptance letter OR from Study Abroad) and your date of birth. Please ensure you enter your date of birth as day, month, year.

TRAVEL INSURANCE AND MEDICAL ARRANGEMENTS

INSURANCE AND MEDICAL COVER/TREATMENT

ALL students should ensure that they arrange insurance with a reputable company. Your insurance should include comprehensive medical cover (including repatriation), to cover yourself and any dependents.

VACCINES

We advise all students to check that they are vaccinated against Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Meningitis (Meningitis ACWY vaccine) and Covid-19 where possible.

VISA, IMMIGRATION AND TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS

Please go to website https://www.gov.uk/check-ukvisa to check whether you require a visa to study and to find out about visa conditions. Your nationality, length of study and whether or not your study period includes a placement will determine whether you need to apply in advance for a Student Visa, a Standard Visitor Visa or will not require a visa in advance (Standard Visitor Visa rules still apply). Please note that students on Standard Visitor visas do not have permission to do undertake work or placements. Further information regarding visas is also available at International Student Handbook p 4-6 and 29.

Before departure, please ensure you have evidence (e copies or hard copies) of your acceptance to Winchester, your Winchester address and evidence of funds, such as a loan letter. Most students on Standard Visitor visas or Student Visas will be able to enter via the e-gates (automated entry gates) without needing to speak to an immigration officer, but we recommend you travel with supporting documentation just in case.

All students should ensure that they keep evidence of their arrival date (in the form of an electronic travel booking confirmation or photo of your boarding pass) as the university will ask you to provide evidence of your entry date when you enrol with the university.

Please do not book your flight/travel until you have received acceptance to study from Winchester and have received your visa (if advance visa application is required) When booking flights, please check the flight arrival time and date carefully! Please book your flight/ travel to arrive in the morning or early afternoon of our standard arrivals day. Please see page 7 for information about Heathrow airport pick up on our standard arrivals day.

TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS FROM YOUR PORT/ AIRPORT TO WINCHESTER

We will have a dedicated airport transfer service from Heathrow on our standard arrival dates only. We recommend you book your flight to arrive at Heathrow on our standard arrivals day in the morning or early afternoon if possible.

All students should complete the Arrival Notification and (Airport Transfer Request) Form, regardless of whether they are using the Heathrow airport transfer service.

If you are travelling to another port/airport or on a different date, you might also like to look at the following websites www.nationalexpress.com (UK’s main coach company) www.nationalrail.co.uk (website for all of the UK’s train companies).

The railway station is a short walk to the University and a slightly longer walk from the coach stop. You may want to consider taking a taxi from Winchester’s coach or train station (5-10 minute ride).

www.wintaxcars.com

01962878727

www.winchtaxis.com

0792 2233 545

www.wessexcars.com

01962 877749

The location of key collection for university housing will depend on the date/time of your arrival and where your accommodation is, please ask Study Abroad nearer the time for advice.

Main Reception, King Alfred Quarter, Sparkford Road (see map p.2) will be open 8am-6pm weekdays. If you arrive out of hours or on another date, you may be advised to ring the Site Steward on arrival 01962 827666 (King Alfred’s Quarter) or 01962 827667 (West Downs Quarter) or Housing Wardens 01962 826404.

For Maps and Directions to the University of Winchester, please go to www.winchester.ac.uk/contact-us

Please note that at the end of your semester with us you will need to make your own return travel arrangements to your port/airport.

ONLINE ENROLMENT

Students will be emailed their Winchester IT account and online enrolment instructions 3 weeks prior to their arrival. Online Enrolment is step 1 of our registration process and enables students to upload a photo for their record and reconfirm their personal details (e.g. contact details) and intention to study. We ask students to complete the process prior to arrival if possible. Once you arrive at Winchester, you will be asked complete the step 2, which involves a check of your ID documents, visa permissions and arrival date (please keep a copy of your arrival date for this – e.g. e-ticket or boarding pass).

GET CONNECTED

Before you arrive, please download the GetEduroam (WiFi) and Microsoft Authenticator apps which will assist with getting onto our secture Wi Fi network and authentication to our systems once you are here. You can also download the University of Winchester App.

These applications are free on google and apple stores. Any questions, please contact IT at servicedesk@winchester.ac.uk

ARRANGE STUDENT SUPPORT

Disabilities, Learning Differences, Long-term Health/Mental Health Issues

The Disability and Learning Diversity Team within Student Support and Success will be happy to discuss any support requirements with you. If you require support whilst studying at Winchester and have not already been in contact with the team, please do contact them at Disability@winchester.ac.uk as soon as possible

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT NETWORK - WINCHESTER

You may wish to consider joining the International Student Network Winchester Facebook page before or after you arrive.

Please visit their Facebook page: International Society–University of Winchester. Note: this is a closed group, so you will need to request to join.

UOW International Students Network 22/23

WINCHESTER STUDENT UNION

Please take some time to check out our Student Union online. Winchester Student Union is run for students, by students.

The Student Union are an independent organisation from the University itself, dedicated to representing and supporting students, as well as providing a wide range of opportunities, advice, support, societies and networks.

Please check out www.winchesterstudents.co.uk

CHECK LISTS

PRE-ARRIVAL CHECK LIST

Ensure you have the appropriate ID (e.g. passport) and /or any visa necessary (e.g. full year students or one semester students on placement)

Ensure you have evidence of study/address/ financial means (see below) – e copies or hard copies*

Check you have completed our Arrivals (and Airport Transfer) Form

Check you have received details of Heathrow pick up (if required) or arrange own travel to Winchester

Let us know if you require student support in advance (if you have any support needs)

Ensure you have insurance/appropriate medical arrangements including any vaccines you may wish to have

Complete online registration (details provided 3 weeks in advance)

Received confirmation of housing (if staying in university managed housing)

Check/make arrangements for any housing fee payments due on arrival

Check the latest travel advice locally and on the UK gov website

Evidence required for arrival to the UK (in addition to appropriate ID and any visa required in advance – e.g. year students, placement students)

Your University Acceptance letter*

Your accommodation details*

Evidence of financial means (e.g. sponsor/loan letter)*

*E-copies or hard copies just in case these are required

UPON ARRIVAL

SETTLING IN

The International Student Handbook also has some helpful information to help you settle in and covers a range of topics such as culture shock, safety, eating, shopping, phones and receiving mail at Winchester. We really hope that you will feel at home at our university once you become more familiar with your surroundings, but please do not hesitate to contact Studyabroad@winchester.ac.uk or student.advice@ winchester.ac.uk if you feel you would like some support or even just a chat about how things are going.

ORIENTATION AND ENROLMENT (WELCOME)

During Orientation and Enrolment, you will have the opportunity to find out lots of information and meet students and staff. All of the things that make life as a Winchester student great, like the clubs, societies and support services are open to Study Abroad students and you will have the opportunity to find out about these during orientation. Your orientation and enrolment programme (often referred to as Welcome or Welcome Week) will be emailed to you shortly before arrival.

UK TELEPHONE NUMBERS

We recommend that you obtain a UK mobile number (SIM card) as soon as possible once in the UK as you may require a UK number for supermarket deliveries AND for telephone doctors appointments (you can order a SIM online or via a mobile phone shop in Winchester). Some halls also have a phone in a communal area that you can use to make internal calls (e.g. site stewards 7667) or can be used for incoming calls (e.g. doctors or supermarket delivers) whilst you are arranging for your UK mobile SIM. For West Downs

flats, the number for incoming calls is 01962 6290 then the flat number E.g. for a flat with number 98, it would be 01962 829098.

WINPAY MOBILE APP

Self catered students (who have not purchased a catering package) who are interested in using university food or coffee outlets may wish to consider using the WINPay app in order to earn discounts and loyalty rewards Food on Campus.

DOCTOR REGISTRATION AND MEDICAL HELP

DOCTORS REGISTRATION

All students should register with a doctor (also called a General Practitioner ‘GP’). You can choose from the following 3 GP surgeries in Winchester. St Clements Surgery is in the city centre www.stclementspractice.co.uk

St Paul’s Surgery is near the railway station www.stpaulssurgery-winchester.nhs.uk

The Friarsgate Practice in Weeke and Badger Farm areas www.friarsgatepractice.co.uk. When you have chosen, complete the online GP registration form on your GP’s website. Please remember to save the GP Surgery contact number in your phone.

Out of hours: please note the general NHS nonemergency helpline number 111

DIFFERENT WAYS TO ACCESS MEDICAL HELP

Please remember face coverings may be required in medical settings and pharmacies.

• Chemists – for mild illness – Boots and Lloyds

Pharmacy have branches in Winchester. You do not need to make an appointment and they may have private consultation rooms if needed.

• NHS offer a telephone service for general health advice – just dial 111. Unless you are in a lifethreatening situation, this is usually the best number to call. They can make you appointments with out of hours doctors if needed. They will also advise you if need to go to Accident & Emergency or an Urgent Treatment Centre.

• Accident and Emergency (A&E) and Urgent Treatment Centres (UTCs) –there is an A&E at Winchester Hospital, next to the university (Romsey Road) and an UTC in Southampton (Royal South Hants Hospital - please check opening hours and access online). Please phone NHS 111 for advice if needed. www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/nhs-services/ urgent-and-emergency-care/nhs-111

LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCY

Call for an ambulance on 999.

Students in halls: Site Steward (24 Hours) duties include first response to accidents, first aid calls, concerns for the welfare of individuals. King Alfred Quarter/West Downs Quarter: 01962 827666/01962 827667 (7666 or 7667 from an internal phone).

INTERNET ACCESS

For a guaranteed internet connection for students in University Managed Housing there are wired data points within all study bedrooms, although Wi-Fi is also available in all communal areas and most study bedrooms.

Eduroam is the University’s wireless provider with hotspots located around campus/campus housing. Select Eduroam as the WIFI network on your device and enter your Winchester username email address and password (username will be sent in advance).

Username/Identity: username@unimail.winchester.ac.uk

Password: The password you set at online registration

If you are having any difficulties with IT on campus, contact the IT Helpdesk in the Library. Email servicedesk@winchester.ac.uk or call (0196282)7654.

MODULES AND TIMETABLES (MY RECORD)

Once you have enrolled, you will also be able to check your module registration on your ‘My Record’ (student record) page. Please ensure that the modules you have been given add up to a total of 60 credits per semester. Most modules are worth 15 credits (7.5 ECTS). If you require less than 60 credits please ensure your home institution approves. Your timetable will also be available via My Record and the University Mobile App and will be published shortly before the start of teaching.

Due to the logistical complexities of scheduling classes and rooms we are regretfully unable to provide this in advance. Each module also has a ‘Canvas’ page (Virtual Learning Environment) where you can find out further information about your programme, modules and resources. Please note the Canvas pages are managed by the Faculties and provide access to lecture information only. Canvas does not confirm official registration on a module.

HOW/WHEN TO CHANGE YOUR MODULE

The deadline for module change enquiries will usually be Thursday of week 2 of teaching (28 September 2023 and 1 February 2024) Any changes to your timetable should be made by emailing Studyabroad@ winchester.ac.uk Your modules cannot be changed by professors, by faculty offices or via Canvas. You will only be assessed and receive the results for modules on which you are registered.

Please note that you are responsible for contacting your home institution for approval of any proposed module changes. Erasmus students will require a new learning agreement to be signed by their home institution

TEACHING AND RESOURCES

Teaching at Winchester is normally delivered in person, in the form of lectures, seminars or practicals (programme dependant). Like other UK universities, Winchester expects students to undertake independent learning, with most of their study time taken outside of class (e.g. undertaking reading or research).

To support your learning, Winchester offers both an extensive library service and a “virtual learning environment” (Canvas). As most programmes require students to read a wide range of sources, rather than a specific textbook, textbook purchases are not always recommended. Normally, we do not advise that you buy books before arrival, just in case a module change is necessary.

Reading lists are made available after arrival, usually via Canvas or the module tutor. For information regarding Library services, please go to Winchester’s Library webpages or email library@winchester.ac.uk In order to support your transition to learning and studying in the UK, we recommend you make the most of the Academic Support available (please see sections on Academic Skills and Support)

ACADEMIC SKILLS AND STUDY SUPPORT

Assignments at UK universities are likely to differ from assignments at your home university and may be less frequent (i.e. you may just have one or two assessments per module) The differences can be challenging, but also rewarding, provided you have the right support – the free Academic Skills service can help you to understand what is required and to

develop techniques to manage those differences and do well. Find ways to both enjoy and engage with your studies in an efficient and successful way - email: academicskills@winchester.ac.uk

ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND TEACHING SUPPORT UNIT (ELTSU)

ELTSU offer international students additional academic guidance and skills to help every student achieve their academic and language goals. Appointments can be booked through Canvas. You may also email any enquiries to eltsu@winchester.ac.uk.

UOW MOBILE APP AND ATTENDANCE

We recommend all students download the University mobile app from either the Apple or Google Play stores – look for ‘UoW mobile’. For other devices, you can use the web version at www.winchester.ac.uk/mobile. The app is a very popular, useful tool with access to a wide range of tiles – Library, timetable, maps, laundry services, PC availability, travel and more. All students attending lectures and seminars need to register their attendance using the app or web version.

Please look for the Attendance tile and follow the simple instructions to register your attendance at lectures. Note that the UoW Mobile app will also show your timetable in a separate tile so you know what is coming up, where and when

FACULTY CONTACTS

Each module belongs to a programme and each programme belongs to a faculty. You will also be assigned to a ‘Home Faculty’ and this will be shown on ‘My Record’ and your student ID card.

Faculty of Business and Digital Technologies (BDT) BDTenquiries@winchester.ac.uk

Business, Digital Technologies, Economics, Events Management, Fashion, Marketing

Faculty of Education and the Arts (EDN)

EA.enquiries@winchester.ac.uk

Childhood Studies, Education, Film, Media, Musical Theatre

Faculty of Law, Crime and Justice (LCJ)

LCJenquiries@winchester.ac.uk

Criminology, Forensics, Law

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS)

HSSenquiries@winchester.ac.uk

Archaeology, Classical Studies, Creative Writing, English, Geography, History, Politics, Psychology, Sociology and Theology

Faculty of Health and Wellbeing (HWB)

HWBenquiries@winchester.ac.uk

Childhood and Youth Studies, Sport.

HOUSING SUPPORT –UNIVERSITY MANAGED HOUSING

Routine maintenance: Each hall will have instructions regarding how to log a maintenance call online. These instructions will be on display in communal areas. You may also speak to your Housing Warden or contact Housing Team for guidance on how to log a call (Housing@winchester.ac.uk/01962 827533/ St.Swithuns, see map p.2).

Students must log a call online in order to give the relevant permission for a maintenance inspection to be carried out, university staff cannot do this for you.

For urgent out of hours maintenance, you can call Site Stewards - King Alfred Quarter 01962 827666 or West Downs Quarter 01962 827667 (7666 or 7667 from an internal phone).

For all other housing concerns, you can contact Housing (office hours) or a Housing Warden or a Site Steward (out of hours– see above for details). Wardens are available between 7pm and 7am Monday to Friday and 24 hours over weekends and bank holidays: Warden number: 01962 826404

STUDENT SUPPORT AND SUCCESS

Study Abroad (International Success Team) is part of the wider Student Support and Success Department (The Zone, Winton Building). The Student Support and Success team includes Academic, Disability, Financial, International, Health and Mental Wellbeing support as well as general Student Life advice. Please see Student support - University of Winchester or email student.advice@winchester.ac.uk to be signposted to the correct service. If you need to take an absence from study, or obtain an extension (due to extenuating circumstances) please remember to tell the advisor that you are a Study Abroad student and may be taking modules from more than one faculty. The Study Abroad team are also available to help you access the right support.

ASSESSMENTS AND RESULTS

Exams/submission of work after departure

If you find that you have a module which is assessed by an exam which takes place AFTER your departure date, you will need to ask your module tutor for an alternative assignment. Please contact Study Abroad for an Alternative Assignment Form. If you are required to submit work electronically (e.g. coursework) after your departure date, you will be able to do so in the normal way as your IT account/Canvas account will remain open for several months after you have left.

RESULTS

At the end of your programme an e-copy of your transcript of results will emailed to your university email (unimail) and a hard copy will be posted to your home institution. Semester 1 results are sent in March; Semester 2 results will be sent in July. If you fail an assessment, you may be required to submit a second attempt. Second attempt exercises are usually published on Canvas (please check with your subject administrator) and must be submitted by the stated deadline. Please always check for a submission receipt! The maximum mark you could achieve for a redemption exercise is 40% /a pass (unless you have had extenuating circumstances approved).

If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to contact us - Studyabroad@winchester.ac.uk We are really looking forward to welcoming you soon!

Study Abroad Team

International Student Success

The Zone, Winton Building

University of Winchester

Sparkford Road, Winchester, SO22 4NR Email: Studyabroad@winchester.ac.uk 01962 827404 or 827550