commuting students guide to winchester
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Winchester Student 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 commuting student, you may worry about feeling a sense of isolation or disconnection from peers who live in Winchester. 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 Commuting Students Network, Winchester Student Union, and the University of Winchester to provide you with support and tips to help you enjoy life as a Commuting student at Winchester.
c o m m u t i n g s t u d e n t s n e t wo r k The Commuting Students Network is a representational network under Winchester Student 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. The Commuting Students Network was started because we wanted to find a way to link commuters with other students who may share similar circumstances, and who don't always find it easy to immerse themselves in university life because of their outside commitments. We host get-together events, including movie nights, board games afternoons, music and muffins day, pub trips, and going to open mic nights. Acknowledging that commuting students have different contact hours, spend different amounts of time on campus (as well as the cost travelling in), we aim to hold events on different days and at different times to try and make them accessible to as many people as possible. The idea of these events is to give commuters a chance to meet and build up friendships all across the university and overcome the invisible barrier accommodated students usually have. As such, commuting students are able to be brought together by a community. st u d e n t l e d . st u d e n t d e l i v e re d . st u d e n ts e m p ow e re d
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Once students join the network, you will have access to the Commuting Students Network Lounge – essentially operating as the hub of the network. The ‘home away from home’ facilities of the Lounge enable commuting students to have a level playing field (like their on-campus peers) in what they have access to. By joining the Commuting Students Network Facebook group, you will have more of a connection to your peers at the university. By meeting those who you wouldn’t generally meet, you’ll feel a part of the wider community and can even lead to coordinating commuting routes with other peers so that the journey feels a little less lonely! Join the Commuting Students Network via the Student Union website here: www.winchesterstudents.co.uk/networks Follow us on social media to keep up to date with our events and more:
University of Winchester Commuters Network
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c o m m u t i n g s t u d e n t s n e t wo r k l o u n g e Access to the Lounge requires students to pay the small membership fee (£3 at the time of printing) to join the Commuting Students Network, which covers one academic year. “The membership fee really is worthwhile as it provides commuting students with our own space and really is a ‘home away from home’!” – Commuting Student The Lounge 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). In order to access the Lounge, you must join online via www.winchesterstudents.co.uk/networks. Once you have purchased your membership online, we will need to verify your membership and email you when you are able to get swipe card access to the Lounge. Please note this process may take up to a week, we appreciate your patience. Once you receive this email, you will be able to activate your student card for access to the Lounge. If you have any questions about the Commuting Students Network Lounge please email SU_Commuting@winchester.ac.uk
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T r av e l i n g a s a c o m m u t i n g s t u d e n t Be sure to check out the ‘Travel and Transport’ pages on the intranet for all the information you need on the best ways to travel to campus, as well as details of all the travel discounts available to Winchester students, including discounted season tickets, Young Persons Coach card, and discounts on Bluestar, Stagecoach and First Hampshire buses. If you drive, Winchester has four Park and Ride car parks and the University is well-served by the service. The University offers a discount on Park and Ride for students, you can buy your Smartcard via the ‘Travel and Transport’ pages on the intranet. For the latest P&R timetable visit: www.winchester.gov.uk/parking/park-and-ride Look into your various travel options independently to see where you can make savings. For example, if you’re travelling a long route via train, it may be worth looking into ‘split ticket’ options. You can use this website: raileasy.trainsplit.com to find cheaper routes for you.
b e p re pa re d Being a commuting student can often be expensive – being prepared can help cut down on costs! If you’re rushing around to catch a bus or train, it can be quite easy to quickly buy a coffee or even lunch. However, buying a flask can eliminate the need to pop into Starbucks, or preparing snacks before your journey is often helpful to break the fatigue associated with travelling. Being prepared also means preparing for a long day at university. It may be worth bringing your charging cable for your phone to campus to ensure you can stay connected throughout the day.
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T o p t i ps f ro m a co m m u t i n g st u d e n t … Below you’ll find top tips from a student from the Commuting Students Network: 1 . F I N D YO U R S E N S E O F B E L O N G I N G
“The transition to university as a commuter student can often be an isolating experience if your peers are living together and a lot of activity takes place on campus. However, don’t be afraid to talk to people and make relationships with others – the more you do this, the more likely it is that you’ll be invited to take part in a variety of events. Putting yourself out there and forming friendships makes all the difference, especially if you are on campus all day! It may be difficult at first, but it will get better and gives you the chance to make the most out of your time at university.” 2 . B e at T r av e l F at i g u e !
“If you have an early start to your day, do the sensible thing and get an early night – your future self will thank you! Having a hectic travel schedule means that time management (as well as plenty of food and drink!) are integral to the commuting student lifestyle.” 3 . P r i o r i t i s e yo u r S a f e t y
“If you’ve finished a late lecture, it can often be uncomfortable using public transport when travelling back home in the evening. Wherever possible, see if you can wait for any friends who may also be travelling back – even if you have to wait five minutes, having another person walk with you to the train station or bus stop can make all the difference!” 4 . M a k e yo u r R e q u i r e m e n t s K n o w n
“By alerting your peers, lecturers or tutors that you are a commuting student, you can make known your specific requirements which can ensure some level of compromise and accommodation of your needs. For example, if you’re doing group work with non-commuting students, your peers will understand that you have a limited amount of time on campus which can then make your study sessions a lot more productive and time effective” 5. Finding the Balance
“Your time at university can often fly by so it is important that you make the most of your time. Once you know your schedule for each term, research what opportunities you can get involved with and that fit around your lifestyle. For example, explore the Get Involved pages on the intranet to find opportunities you can take part in – from sports teams and societies, to academic engagement and volunteering! However, it is also important to use your time productively in a way to ensure you don’t ‘burn-out’. So, if you have a few gaps within your day, make sure you don’t waste that time – why not go for a walk, read a book or socialise with others?” st u d e n t l e d . st u d e n t d e l i v e re d . st u d e n ts e m p ow e re d
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s u p p o r t ava i l a b l e Student Support and Success The University’s Student Support and Success team offer a wide variety of student support services to ensure all of your wellbeing needs are met. Support is available from the Mental Wellbeing team, Student Academic Support, Student Life Advisers, Students and Money, Disabilities and Learning Diversity Advisers and more. Email: studentsupport@winchester.ac.uk Winchester Student Union Advice Centre Winchester Student 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 Student 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
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WINCHES TER S T UDEN T U NIO N Winchester Student 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 Services Zones. Student welfare is a priority for the Student Union, and we understand the challenges many students face when going to University. The Student 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 Student 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 Commuting Students Representative on Student Advisory Council, and 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 Student Union is here for you throughout your time as a student at Winchester.
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I n fo rm at i o n i n t h i s g u i d e c o r rec t at t h e t i m e o f p u b l i c at i o n ( 2 02 1 )
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