Student Guide
for University of Winchester
We look forward to welcoming you to the University of Winchester. Find all the information you need for before you arrive, and once you are on campus here.
Important Dates – January 2026 Intake
Address: Sparkford Rd, Winchester SO22 4NR
Course Start Date
19 January 2026
Induction Week Begins
12 January 2026
Housing Welcome Day
10 January 2026
Pre-Arrival and On-Campus Information
Pre-arrival timeline
Our pre-arrival webinar for international students is designed to prepare you for your upcoming journey to the University of Winchester. You can find out some of what we discuss in these webinars below and how to join them.
In these live sessions you’ll be introduced to your key staff contacts who will provide you with guidance and advice as a newly-admitted international student.
Do you have questions?
All our webinars have a LIVE question and answer session at the end! You will have the opportunity to ask our speakers questions during the meeting and get fast answers!
University Pre-Arrival Webinar
In this webinar, participants will begin by meeting the University of Winchester team for the first time! This webinar will cover specific topics, including:
- Notable dates
- Your journey to the university
- How to complete your online registration
- The cost of living in the UK
- Welcome week and induction
Upcoming Pre-Arrival Webinars:
All students will receive a link to register for one of the upcoming pre-arrival webinars. The dates of these are found below. If you have not received a webinar invitation please email uowprearrival@oxfordinternational.com
Thursday 27 November, 12:00PM (UK Time)
Wednesday 3 December, 12:00PM (UK Time)
Thursday 18 December, 12:00 PM (UK Time)
Frequently Asked Questions
The UK has cool, changeable weather, so pack warm and versatile clothing. Essentials include a waterproof jacket, layered outfits (hoodies, sweaters, thermals), comfortable waterproof shoes, and a winter coat for colder months. Bring a few lighter pieces for warmer days, but plan mainly for rain, wind, and mild temperatures.
It might also be a good idea to check the UK government’s customs information. Meat and dairy products, for example, cannot be brought outside of the EU.
Yes, you can live off-campus in private accommodation, but we advise students to live within 15-minute travel time to ensure you can attend class.
For Travel:
• A current passport
• A Student Visa (if required)
• Permission to Travel Letter (if applicable)
• Acceptance Letter (CAS)
• Evidence of financial support
• Medical records for pre-existing conditions & details of vaccinations Any medication you are currently taking
• Travel insurance
• Cash or travellers’ cheques for everyday expenses, before your bank account is set up
For university:
• A suitable laptop or computer for study that can connect to Wi-Fi
• A mobile phone with a number you can easily be contacted on
If you anticipate arriving in the UK after your course start date, it is crucial to inform us as soon as possible. Please email the Pre-Arrival team at arrivalsupport@oxfordinternational.com
Kindly note that late arrival requests submitted to other teams will delay processing. To ensure a prompt response, all requests must be directed to the Pre-Arrival team at the email provided above.
Our partner universities offer a range of accommodation options both on and off campus. Once you have accepted your offer of study the Admissions team at the University will guide you through this process.
You can prove your immigration status by using the view and prove service to create a share code. This code will give others temporary access to your immigration information. You can get a new share code whenever you need one.
When you come to campus to register, you will need to come with your guardian(s) and have your guardian’s contact information ready to share with the University.
If you want to open a bank account, you will need the following:
Bank Reference Letter from the College/University
– You Identification (ID or Passport)
– Accommodation Agreement
– You can find further information on the UKCISA website.
We recommend that you bring some cash or a pre-paid travel card (around £300) with you, to make sure you can meet your expenses until your bank account becomes active. Please do not travel with large amounts of cash.
If you are coming to the UK with your partner or family, please get in touch with your college so that they can help you find suitable accommodation.
As a full time student, you will need your own laptop. You can bring one with you, or we can give you advice on where to buy one.
For non-EU citizens, you will be asked to register with the police. This will be stated on your Home Office decision letter or your visa vignette. You will have to register with the police within seven days of your arrival to the UK and pay a registration fee of £34. Please remember the following documents:
– Original Passport
– Biometric Residence Permit (BRP Card)
– Accommodation Confirmation
– Enrolment Letter
You’ll need to register with a doctor (GP) in your first week of moving to the UK. There will be further advice and guidance regarding this on your induction day. It is free to register with a medical practice and GP appointments are free; however, some NHS services are not free such as prescriptions or appointments with a dentist or optician.