UniHomes guide to

Winchester

Uni Life in Winchester

Winchester student life is known for its friendly and close-knit community, welcoming around 7,000 students to its historic streets each year. Located 13 miles north of Southampton, Winchester is conveniently placed to explore a variety of surroundings.
This city is home to the University of Winchester, and many students decide to live on its doorstep in the city centre or Stanmore, where you can access a variety of amenities. From historic sites to affordable nightlife, there’s something to suit everyone here!

Key reasons to study in Winchester

  • 1
    Historic places

    Aside from Winchester Cathedral, there are lots of historic places that students can dig into here. You can visit King Arthur’s Round Table at the Great Hall, enjoy strolling the medieval high street, or visit one of the city’s renowned museums, like Westgate Museum.

  • 2
    Nature escapes

    When your coursework gets too much, you can always escape into Winchester’s stunning nature. St Giles Viewpoint offers excellent views of the city, whilst the Itchen Navigation will lead you along a peaceful stream all the way to Southampton.

  • 3
    Caffeine fix

    There are lots of independent cafés to try out here. Josie’s is very popular with students, featuring locally sourced all-day breakfasts, smoothies, and even a click and collect option! However, Coffee Lab Academy or Chococo might also become your new study spot.

  • 4
    A well-connected city

    Winchester is conveniently placed just an hour away from London and only around 15 minutes to Southampton Airport. The city itself is compact and walkable, and boasts a centrally located train station and affordable buses.

  • 5
    Bustling pubs and clubs

    Winchester University student life offers memories to last a lifetime. You can chatter the night away at pubs like the Railway Inn and the Hyde Tavern, or try a fabulous new cocktail at Incognito. The Broadway does a great bottomless brunch, and don’t forget about BOP, the Students’ Union’s club night held every Wednesday.

  • 6
    Shopping heaven

    Shopping can be a fun part of student life in Winchester. Strolling the medieval streets and embracing the historic charm on the high street, packed with independent businesses, is a great way to spend the weekend. Alternatively, the Brooks Shopping Centre has everything you need in terms of retail and leisure.

I love the proximity of shops to the lecture rooms and the library at Winchester. Everything you need is around 10 minutes from each other. I love the walks the most, the beautiful, quiet scenery in a very safe area.

Lana Nguyen-Killen Brand Ambassador

Universities in Winchester

University of Winchester

Picture of University of Winchester

Founded in 1840 as a teacher training college, the University of Winchester is now known for its strong graduate employability and its specialist courses in education, the humanities, and social sciences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Winchester offers a blend of historic vibes, cosy study spots, and nightlife excitement, making it a great place for students to live. It’s loaded with history, shops, and student housing, so you should easily be able to find your home away from home here.
Winchester is said to be one of the happiest places to live in Britain, making it a fantastic place for students to choose. It is considered a safe city with low crime levels and a strong sense of community.
Get your dance shoes on for BOP at the Students’ Union’s Vault every Wednesday! This provides a budget-friendly nightlife option with cheesy tunes and pop classics running from 8 PM to 1 AM.
October is the best time to start looking for student accommodation in Winchester. Properties will be available until February, but we would recommend starting a search for a property during the autumn. The most popular student areas in Winchester include Stanmore, City Centre and Bar End.
UniHomes has a property search tool which displays hundreds of student properties in Winchester, all with bills included. Sign up to our mailing list so that you can be notified of new properties going live.
Tenancy periods in Winchester usually last for 12 months. Most contracts will start on the 1st July and end on the 30th June the following year. Occasionally, letting agents may offer tenancy periods that last for 10 or 11 months, starting in August or September. You can always enquire with the letting agent to find out how long your contract length will be.
Deposits are usually either 4 or 5 week's rent. The maximum legal amount a landlord can charge your for a deposit is 5 week's rent. You’ll get your deposit back when you move out of the property. That said, if the landlord is still owed outstanding rent or needs to pay for repairs to damage within the property, they may take deductions from the deposit to cover the costs.
UniHomes accommodation in Winchester usually costs £124 – £190.5 per person, per week. This price includes the cost of all bills you'll need to pay, which you won't always see on other student accommodation websites. Check out the full range of student accommodations available in Winchester.

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