Winchester at a glance
Winchester, located in Hampshire, is one of the UK’s most beautiful and historic small cities. Home to the University of Winchester, it’s known for its medieval architecture, charming streets, and welcoming atmosphere. Students enjoy a blend of peaceful study environment and rich cultural life, all within easy reach of London and the south coast.
Winchester is a gorgeous and intimate city, with lots of photogenic architecture dating back through the centuries, and plenty of green spaces. It's small enough that once you've had a good wander, you will find it almost impossible to get lost. Playing host to Hampshire Pride in February, and lots of creative arts and writing events throughout the year, I've found it a very culturally enriched place to learn. One small warning: it's full of hills, something I'm used to now, but found difficult when I first moved here! (Second year student, University of Winchester)
Airport
Train station
Student population
Browse through the universities and colleges in Winchester to find one that suits you.
City highlights
Winchester Cathedral is one of the largest in Europe and a centrepiece of the city. The Great Hall, home to King Arthur’s legendary Round Table, adds a mythical touch to the historic cityscape. Markets, museums, and arts festivals keep the city lively year-round, while the riverfront and cathedral grounds are perfect for relaxation.
Winchester Cathedral: The cathedral was rescued from collapse in the 20th century, by a deep sea diver, who spent six years in the dark placing concrete under its waterlogged foundations.
Student life in Winchester
Local gems, tips, and things to do, as recommended by students.
Low on cash
Sunday chilling
When family visit
Feeling cultural
Transport tips
Winchester is compact and walkable, with most student housing, shops, and the university within easy reach. The city’s railway station offers direct connections to London (under one hour), Southampton, and Oxford. Bus services are frequent and serve surrounding towns and the south coast. For international travel, Southampton Airport is the closest option.
Accommodation
Students typically live in areas such as Stanmore, Weeke, and Fulflood – close to campus and local amenities. Accommodation in Winchester is slightly more expensive than in larger northern cities, but many find the lifestyle and setting worth the cost. The university provides a range of housing options and strong support for international students including orientation and wellbeing services.
International student information
Discover everything you need to know as an international student planning to come to the UK.
Whether you're coming for the first time, returning for postgraduate, or are still waiting to make a decision, our international pages can help you prepare as best you can for life in the UK.
Where to eat
Winchester offers a great mix of high street chains and independent eateries. Try The Dispensary Kitchen for brunch or Piecaramba! for comfort food on a budget. For international flavours, Tanoshii Fusion and Kyoto Kitchen serve up Japanese favourites, while The South Downs Social is popular for coffee and student meetups.
What to visit
Aside from the Cathedral and Great Hall, visit the Winchester City Museum or take a walk along the Itchen Way trail. The South Downs National Park is nearby and perfect for weekend hikes or cycling trips. Theatre Royal Winchester and Discovery Centre host events, talks, and student discounts throughout the year.
There are lots of pubs and bars scattered around Winchester town centre – all normally really busy Friday and Saturday nights. It’s also only one or two stops away from Southampton – a lot of people travel there for only a couple of quid [to] enjoy the much bigger nightclub scene there.
Stanmore – I like living in this area, as it’s only a short 15-20 minute walk to campus. It’s one of the cheaper areas to live in Winchester, and is popular with students, although you get a nice mix of other residents in the area, such as older couples and families. There is a large Sainsbury’s about a 20-minute walk away, or you can take the bus to the big Tesco on the other side of Winchester. The only bad thing is that it’s far from the city centre – about a 40-minute walk to the high street or train station, but there are bus routes available.
On your doorstep
Winchester’s location is ideal for exploring the south of England. Take short trips to Southampton or Portsmouth for waterfront views and shopping. London is close enough for day trips, while the New Forest offers scenic walking trails and traditional pubs. The Isle of Wight is also reachable for a weekend getaway by ferry from Southampton.
Spinnaker Tower: A short trip away on the waterfront in Portsmouth.
Basic safety
It’s important to adhere to basic safety practices when studying and living in any city. Being aware of your surroundings is always wise, especially in busy and populated areas.
Some basic advice from the Metropolitan Police will help to ensure you stay as free from crime as possible:
- Keep your valuables hidden and don’t carry large amount of cash.
- Beware of scams, such as street hustlers, unlicensed taxis, and non-official sellers.
- Keep your belongings, shopping, and luggage close to you at all times.
- Don’t leave your drinks unattended or accept them from strangers.
- Travel as a group and always make sure you tell your friends you got home safely, and vice versa.
- Double check all taxis have a visible and valid licence before using them.
UCAS Hub
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