Winchester Student Blogs

School vs Uni: How different are they?

Don’t know what to expect when you start University? Shaniya takes you through some of the biggest differences you’ll encounter to help you get prepared.

How to choose the right course and the perfect university for you

Tips and advice on choosing the course you want to study and where you want to study it.

Studying Geography at Winchester Q&A

Georgia answers our questions about studying Geography at the University of Winchester

Tips and tricks for writing your personal statement

Your opportunity to bring yourself to life to showcase your talents to a university and your potential to soar on their course. Read our top tips on perfecting your statement before the UCAS deadline!

Ways to Save and Make Money at Winchester

Discover the best ways to save and make money whilst studying at the University of Winchester.

Simple ways to prepare for clearing

Here's what you'll need to have before you get in touch with your clearing enquiry.

What to expect from a typical assignment

Making the move from school homework to university assignments can feel a little daunting. Graduate Savannah takes you through the main differences and let's you know what you can expect from university study.

Winchester: On screen and on page

We’re celebrating the role that our lovely city consistently plays a part in literature, TV and films whether Winchester is where they’ve been written, set or filmed. Check out some key locations...

How could an Academic Skills Adviser help me?

Information on what an Academic Skills Adviser at Winchester does and how he or she can help students to achieve the best grades that they can in their assignments and exams.

Simple ways to tackle stress

Take a look at some of the best and simplest ways to reduce stress during busy times.

Why we love Winchester

Independent businesses are the backbone of Winchester, from cosy coffee shops to ethically conscious grocery shops. We interviewed the people who chose to build their business here and what makes the city special to them.

Making the most of a virtual open day

We’ve put together our top tips on making the most of a virtual open day.

Making the most of an open day

Open days are a great opportunity to find out more about a university. With so much going on throughout the day, you definitely want to make the most out of it. Sophie has shared her top tips on making the most of an open day.

Twenty years at Winchester: Student | Lecturer | Author

Former student and current lecturer Dr Vanessa Harbour discusses her twenty years at the University of Winchester from student to published author.

10 questions students ask before coming to Winchester

Do you have any questions about coming to the University of Winchester? Here are some common queries about life on campus and moving to a new city.

Winchester: The secrets of our city

There are many hidden delights in the side streets of Winchester, whether you’ve never heard of these places or you’ve just never noticed them. From independent cafe's to clues capers - they’re all worth exploring.

5 Sustainable Items from The Pantry you should buy

Take a look at some of the best sustainable products to buy at The Pantry

How to prepare your student for university

Our info-packed guide on how to help students go to university.

How to ace clearing with these ten tips

With results day just around the corner, you might be anxiously waiting to find out if you've achieved the grades you need. But fear not if you don't quite get the grades you were expecting, we've put together some top tips to help you ace Clearing!

Vlog: Emma's 10 Top Tips for Clearing

Clearing may seem a bit confusing and feel a little overwhelming, so Emma has shared her top 10 tips in a vlog to help you through clearing.

What is different about studying Law at Winchester?

Find out what is different about studying Law at Winchester.

Why Study Cyber Security at Winchester?

Find out why you should study Cyber Security at Winchester.

Why Winchester?

Recent graduate, Chloe, tells us all about moving to the beautiful historic city of Winchester and shares her reasons why she loves living here!

The Trinity Big Sleep Out 2022

Event Management student Kate Browning shares her experience of volunteering at The Trinity Big Sleep Out in the Cathedral Close on 13 May

I'm a student, I'm a cheerleader and I have CFS

Hear from our Primary Education student, Samantha, on how she felt valued when applying to Winchester.

A breakdown of our on-campus accommodation

Good news stories to spread the love

Some good news stories to share on Valentine's Day

The Winchester student bucket list

There's so much to do in Winchester and we can't wait for you to discover it all. Take a look at our Winchester student bucket list - how many will you tick off?

Vlog: My Clearing Experience

Louise shares her experiences of joining the Winchester community through Clearing and how she hasn't looked back since.

The best trips from Winchester

One of the most exciting things about starting university is exploring not only your new city, but having the opportunity to discover new towns and places nearby. Find out where our students recommend as the best day trips to take from Winchester.

Living sustainably as a Winchester student

As we all know, the planet can really use a helping hand at the moment. Luckily, the University has been working on ways to make it as easy as possible for you to be more sustainable in your everyday life as a Winchester student. Below are a few tips on how you can make a difference.

Five Things I Wish I Knew Before Coming to Winchester

In a time when everything is so uncertain, I’ve shared some things I wish I knew before coming to Winchester, and I hope you’ll find them useful too.

Alex, BA (Hons) Forensic Studies

Alex studied BA (Hons) Forensic Studies, graduating in 2017. Alex shares how his experiences at Winchester have helped get to where he is today.

Alumni Profile - Summer, BA (Hons) Creative Writing and English Literature

Summer studied Creative Writing and English Literature at Winchester, graduating in 2020. Read how Summer used the extra-curricular activities available to boost her university experience and CV

Alumni profile - George, BEd (Hons) Primary Education

George studied Primary Education at Winchester, graduating in 2019. He shares his top tips for choosing the right university for you.

Alumni Profile - Bee, BSc (Hons) Geography and PGCE Primary

Bee studied Geography and PGCE Primary at Winchester, graduating in 2020. Read how Winchester prepared Bee for a career in teaching.

My Geography field trip to Spain

Geography alumnus, Liisa, shares one of her highlights of studying Geography at Winchester - her exciting field trip to Spain.

Making friends at uni: Andrea’s top tips

Student blogger, Andrea, shares her top tips on how to meet new people and make great friends during your first few weeks at Winchester.

Meeting the professionals

Second year sociology students met with disability professionals to discuss real-life issues and find out what careers in the disability sector are really like.

Winchester WatchFest: an April TV challenge

We don’t know how long we’re going to be locked down at home, but we do know it can be lonely, frustrating and boring. So we thought it might be a nice idea to offer some suggestions on some classic TV shows that we can watch each day of this month and share our thoughts about.

Top tips for Parents

Sending your child to university can be a rollercoaster of emotions. Alison is mum to our psychology student, Katie and she shares her top tips to parents and guardians who are supporting their children in applying to university and in choosing their next new home.

Going to uni: Expectations vs. reality

Going to uni can be a pretty life-altering experience. Suddenly your life is turned upside down, with a new town, new accommodation and new people. Andrea, tells us her experience of joining uni.

10 motivational songs to get you through your UCAS application

With the UCAS application deadline fast approaching, we thought you could do with a little motivation to help you finish off your application.

Easy peasy pancake recipes

So, today is Pancake day and we're very excited to bake up a storm in the kitchen later on. Here's some of our favourite recipes to impress your housemates and give everybody serious food envy!

Best ‘affordable’ coffee in Winchester

Kendra shares her best independent coffee shops in Winchester to keep you energised whilst tackling university life.

My audition experience and top tips

I cannot believe that it has been almost three years since I auditioned in front of a panel of people who are now my friends and teachers. I have pulled together my top tips to help you prepare for an audition, and how to get the most out of the experience.

Studying Education Studies at Winchester

PhD student, Laura shares her experiences and knowledge of studying Education Studies at Winchester.

Top tips to defeat homesickness

University can be the best time of your life, helped in part by your new-found independence! But it’s natural to feel a bit homesick whilst at Uni, Luke has shared his top tips to combat homesickness.

Vlog: My Reflection on First Year

Kendra reflects on her first year at Winchester; discussing all-parts of student life from halls, social life, academic life and what she would do differently next year.

Studying Forensic Investigation at Winchester

Third-year student, Charlotte, shares her experience, advice and knowledge from her time studying Forensic Science at Winchester.

Maia's education: Taking Liberal Arts into schools

Maia shares her experience bringing Liberal Arts into schools and the education she received in doing so.

Gracie’s guide to an alternative night out

Gracie shares her top things to do when you are a student at Winchester and you want to skip the shots and headaches.

My time with Inspiring Enterprise

Ever thought about starting your own business? We asked some of our students about their time as part of the Inspiring Enterprise project and what they learnt from in industry mentors.

Winchester's Secret Eats

There are so many places to eat in Winchester, it may take you three years to try them all! So why not experience some unique local restaurants to begin with?

Five reasons to study a Masters

If you’re coming to the end of your undergraduate degree, now might be the time to start thinking about postgraduate study. Take a look at our top five reasons to consider pursuing a Masters at Winchester.

Stay healthy while studying: 10 top tips

Taking breaks and regular exercise whilst studying has been shown to improve your mood, memory and thinking skills. Check out our top 10 tips to stay healthy whilst studying.

Cheap and healthy student meal ideas

Lydia and Jack run an Instagram channel dedicated to making cheap and healthy meals to maintain a balanced lifestyle whilst at uni. Here are their tips to inspire you to cook cheap yet amazing meals.

TRAVELLING BEFORE UNI: JADE’S TRIP TO INDIA

Student blogger, Jade, tells us all about her trip to India before starting her first year at uni.

The five best things about studying creative writing

As her second year draws to a close Creative writing student, Andrea, ponders upon the five things she most enjoys about her course.

Rising Star: Stefan Kabarowski

Stefan has been making music from an astonishingly young age, he remembers fondly making rap songs with his younger brother on Garage band, a style that he is trying to replicate in some of his work now. Check out his latest release Mannequin here.

Why are new musical theatre works so important to develop?

Musical Theatre student Hannah tells us about studying the New Musical Theatre Performance project...

We’ve Done All of Our Growing Head to Toe; Becoming Just So

After three, intimate years of studying Musical Theatre at the University of Winchester, student Joe Best gives an introspective account on the development of Just So...

Five benefits to studying a Foundation Year

Just missed out on the grades or entry requirements to secure a place on your degree? Here's our five reasons why a Foundation Year might be a great option for you!

A Fresher’s Guide to the Student Union

Tali Atvars, Winchester Student Union President (2017-19), tells us all about the University of Winchester's Student Union and how to get involved.

The best of BOP: Our top anthems

Whether you’re a current student or alumni you’ll no doubt recognise these songs as the soundtrack to some of your best nights in Winchester. Has your favourite BOP song made it onto the list?

Travelling before uni: Jade’s trip to India

With just 10 weeks to go, the countdown until Arrivals Weekend is on and it's time to start making the most of your summer holidays! Student blogger, Jade, tells us all about her trip to India before starting her first year at uni.

Why commuting was the best decision for me

As a commuter, you get the best of both worlds - you get to enjoy a home life outside of the “University bubble" and you still get to maintain your “real” life. You also get all the perks of student life. Here's why recent graduate, Claire, thinks commuting was the best decision for her.

How to balance part-time work and your degree

Getting a job is part of the university experience for a lot of students. Whether you need some extra cash or you want to become more independent, here are some tips to help you balance work and study.

The trip of a lifetime: David's time in South Africa

My name’s David and I’m a second-year BA (Hons) Film Production student. I’ve just come back from a trip of a lifetime to South Africa where I was capturing footage of six primary education students who were teaching in a South African primary school.

Creative Writing Awards Evening

BA (Hons) Creative Writing and BA (Hons) Creative and Professional Writing third years came together to commemorate their time at university at a celebration evening with student readings and awards.

Four apps to help beat procrastination

Do you procrastinate a lot while writing your assignments or revising for exams? Then this blog is for you! Stay organised, become more focused and beat procrastination with these five apps perfect for the exam season.

Study habits for success

With the academic year coming to a close it’s definitely a busy time for everyone. We've asked some of our students to share their tips to help your have a successful study session.

Rising Stars: The Britons

BA (Hons) Media and Communications student, Rhian interviews a variety of up and coming singers and songwriters from here at the University of Winchester in our new feature, Rising Stars. This week she meets Rory and Rosie, also known as The Britons.

How to get ahead in your legal career

Did you know, if you want to be successful in the legal world, you need more than a high grade and an in-depth knowledge of law? I didn’t. Craig Sharpe, a marketing specialist from Darlington Solicitors LLP, attended the University of Winchester to talk to budding solicitors about the reasons why.

Why I chose to come to Winchester from the Channel Islands

We asked some of our students who have come to Winchester all the way from the Channel Islands why they chose to study here with us, how they found moving to a brand new city (and completely different landmass!) as well as what advice they'd give others thinking of starting a new chapter here in Hampshire.

Dot.to.Dot tour with D@win dance

Choreography and Dance student, Jess, tells us all about the courses student lead D@win Dance company and what the class of 2017/18 are getting up to in preparation for the Dot.to.Dot tour.

A week of workshops run by internationally-recognised dance companies

Choreography and Dance student, Orla, tells us all about returning to Winch after the Christmas holidays and how her course eased her back into uni life with a week packed full of motivational workshops.

Instant stories: From paper to podcast in 24 hours

After a ghostly semester studying Gothic Literature, our second year Creative Writing students gathered together on a cold, winter's morning to create their own stories, and to take part in a brand new University initiative.

Five reasons to join the University of Winchester Music Centre

Music is integral to life at the university through the University of Winchester Music Centre. Here are Laura's top five reasons why you should join the University of Winchester Music Centre.

Five essential apps for student life

Do you struggle to budget? Do you procrastinate a lot while writing your assignments? Then this blog is for you! Save money, stay organised, and become more focused with these five apps perfect for life at uni.

My year in five books

As semester two comes to a close, creative writing student, Andrea, shares the top 5 (non-academic!) books she's read so far this year.

Three things you realise about yourself as an international student

You know what is exhilarating? Buying a one-way plane ticket and arriving in a new place where you are going to live and study for the next few years. Read Savannah's experience of moving to Winchester from the USA.

How to travel the world while studying

There are so many opportunities to make your time as a student a worldwide adventure. So if you’re someone who struggles to stay put in one place, read on!

Wait, they went to Winchester?

As a graduate, you will forever be a member of the Winton Club, our alumni association with over 25,000 members across 91 countries. Here are some exciting names (such as Lauren Cohan!) that you'll be joining.

10 top tips to make your CV great

Whether you’re trying to secure a graduate job or applying for part-time work over the summer, check out our Head of Careers, Liz Manning’s, top tips for writing a CV that will get you noticed.

Postgraduate life: My experience

Thinking about postgraduate study? Find out what inspired student blogger, Evie, to pursue a Masters degree at the University of Winchester.

Maintaining long distance friendships at uni

University is a momentous change, especially if you move far away from home - but that doesn’t mean people have to be left behind! Read our tips on how to maintain your long distance friendships.

A week in the life of a history student

Want to know what it's like to study History at Winchester? Student blogger, Gabrille tells us all about her final week and handing in the dreaded dissertation.

The best coffee shops in Winchester

As you may know, Winchester has an incredible selection of independent coffee shops. Student blogger, Kate, reveals which ones you should try out next time you're in town!

Why volunteering is the best thing to do this semester

Volunteering is a great way to get involved with the people and the city around you. Kate tells us all about her experience on the volunteering module and what its meant to her career.

Society profile: Winchester spirits cheerleading

Thinking of taking up a new hobby, but don't quite know what to choose? Sam Hunt, Captain of the university Cheerleading Team tells us all about what it's like to be a Winchester Spirit.

Journalism alumni: Where are they now?

Thinking about a career in journalism? We've been in contact with some of our journalism alumni to find out what they've been up to since graduating at Winchester. Find out where their degree has taken them.

Make the most of your time here

Whether you want to embrace the social side of university or focus on building your career (or both!), there are hundreds of ways to get everything you need from your time at Winchester. Read on to find out how!

From Uganda to Winchester: My Story as an International Student

Find out why international Computer Science student Thomas Bwambale Muhiwa made Winchester his university of choice, what he loves about studying here and his advice for anyone considering Winchester

Helping families through the Legal Advice Centre

Hear from Law students Tom and Leo about their experience volunteering with our Legal Advice Centre.

What are my placement options as an Adult Nursing student at Winchester?

Find out about all of the different settings where you could complete your placements on your Adult Nursing course.

Criminology at Winchester: A student's POV

Q&A with Film Production Graduates Beth and Marie

We asked Film Production graduates Beth and Marie for their best things about studying Film Production at Winchester.