Winchester
68 Reviews by Students #63 out of 172 University locations
Nice place to live. Expensive. Not a lot of shops for students or places to go out. But when you get to know the city you wouldn’t want it to change much
By member489047 On 17th July 2023
Study in Winchester
Winchester or ‘Winch’ to those in the know, is a beautiful historical city. It’s where the University of Winchester and Winchester School of Art, which is the art school campus of the University of Southampton, are located.
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University of Winchester
The University of Winchester is home to over 7,500 students and the university's teaching has been recognised with a Silver rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework. The University of Winchester has a reputation for providing a personalised learning experience and high-quality pastoral care in a supportive and creative environment.
Study in Winchester? Review your location
Winchester Student Life
Winchester is still a traditional cathedral city that isn’t particularly large or fast-paced, making it a pretty sweet spot for the student who likes a slightly calmer university experience, with a bit of old-style culture thrown in for good measure.
Cost of Living
Accommodation
Student accommodation costs range from £88 - £350 per week; the average is £188 per week.
Compare the average elsewhere: Bournemouth: £171/week, Brighton: £238/week, Chichester: £161/week.
(prices are for all purpose-built student accommodation (both private and university-owned) over the last 12 months, as listed on StudentCrowd)
The average price for:
A cheap meal at a restaurant: £10
A pint of beer: £3.95
A regular takeout coffee: £2.84
1L of milk: £0.98
A loaf of white bread: £0.87
(Source: Numbeo)
Nights Out
There are a few pubs and bars in the town, but for the most part, nights are pretty quiet. Some of the popular spots where you will find fellow students are at wacky pub The Black Boy, Spoons, Pitcher & Piano, Alfie’s and the only nightclub in the city called Vodka. But if you are after a big night out then catch the train to Southampton where there are lots of clubs and is only half an hour away by train.
Public Transport
It is easy to get around the city by foot or bike, you won’t need a car unless you’re planning day trips or big grocery shops. Winchester is well connected by road and rail, there are direct trains into London Waterloo that only take an hour. There are also good connections to Southampton, Basingstoke, Bournemouth, Weymouth, Brighton, the New Forest and the north of England.
Eating Out
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Coffee Shops
There is a superb independent cafe culture in Winchester. You will never be short on places to get your coffee fix! Some great spots to try out are Orangery, Academy Winchester and The Dispensary Kitchen.
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It’s always important to have a go-to pizzeria up your sleeve and Pi will become yours when living in Winch. They use fresh and seasonal ingredients on their in-house-made dough, take some mates and you can share their large tasty pizza’s, which is not only fun but saves a few £’s too!
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Into pies and comic books? Head to Piecaramba! You can get a delicious pie (including vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free) with a side for under a tenner plus you can enjoy it in a relaxed and slightly geeky setting.
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Shopping
Winchester’s city centre is where you can find an array of shops on cobbled pedestrianised roads. Alongside the normal shops that you would expect on a high street, Winchester is full of unique, independent shops and boutiques as well as a weekly market. If you are after a bigger selection of more well-known brands, West Quay shopping centre in Southampton is only 30-mins away and will tick that box for you.
Days Out
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The cathedral is a beautiful building and has some amazing historical sights hidden inside, including Jane Austen’s tomb. It may not be a whole day out, but it is well worth taking a few hours to explore the impressive structure and afterwards enjoy relaxing in the stunning cathedral grounds.
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A short walk from the town centre is St Catherine’s Hill, it used to be an Iron Age Fort and a chapel in the 12th Century. From the top of the hill, you can overlook the entire city and beyond. If you are keen to impress someone, it’s a cost-free and romantic location to take someone special, particularly at sunset or with a picnic.
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Winchester boasts a superb location right next to the South Downs National Park. The area around the town is known for its hills and woodland, which make for some great walking, riding and cycling, and the high Downs themselves offer amazing views of the rest of Hampshire.
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Just a 20-minute drive away, Marwell Zoo is a fun place to spend a day away from the books. The zoo is home to over 1,200 animals of 135 species including giraffes, tigers and penguins, set in 140-acres of land.
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For a big day out, or even better a night away, hop on a ferry from nearby Southampton and head over to the Isle of Wight. Buses run all over the island so it’s easy to get around or hire a bike which is also a great way to explore all the island has to offer.
Top 10 Winchester Accommodation
Read Winchester Reviews
Small town with n...
Small town with no shopping mall read more
It's a cozy littl...
It's a cozy little town. I like it read more
Lovely town with...
Lovely town with loads of amazing buildings and history. Not a lot to offer on the social front, could definitely use some more shops, activities and clubs. A bowling alley, mini golf or some sort of young social activities would be amazing. However, Winchester will always have a special place in my heart and is easily the most beautiful place I’ve seen in the uk read more
Would be nice if...
Would be nice if there was more of a social place for people who don’t go to clubs, but I love Winchester it’s so peaceful and lovely read more
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Winchester is ver...
Winchester is very safe and quiet read more
Very good good go...
Very good good good good good good read more
Nice place to liv...
Nice place to live. Expensive. Not a lot of shops for students or places to go out. But when you get to know the city you wouldn’t want it to change much read more
Winchester is suc...
Winchester is such a beautiful place! Do not let the hills scare you off! It’s definitely worth it! read more
The shop close ea...
The shop close earlier which I find a bit inconvenient read more
It is a very peac...
It is a very peaceful city with an unparalleled environment and climate that is more comfortable and pleasant than many large cities and is ideal for in-depth design work. It is surrounded by many large and convenient shopping malls. It is very convenient to shop for the necessities of life. This peaceful city has been with me for three years and can almost be considered as my second home. I love it very much. read more
Winchester is ver...
Winchester is very beautiful however not built for students read more
Winchester is an...
Winchester is an extremely expensive place to live, but it is very pretty. Plenty of places to eat out - in fact I think there's more restaurants than shops. One club and its extremely small, dirty and rundown. Only been once but wouldn't go again. Drinks also tasted dodgy. There was also a lack of safety checks and bouncers. Winchester has all the main shops you need but lacks a lot of clothes stores. Public transport is okay, trains seem reliable but busses can usually arrive and leave stops much earlier than advertised. read more
Winchester is an...
Winchester is an expensive but lovely place to live, I have never used the public transport or gone to the club so I can't comment on those read more
I live in southam...
I live in southampton so I don’t really use any of the stuff listed above read more
I’ve always loved...
I’ve always loved Winchester so moving here was the right choice. read more
Not a cheap city....
Not a cheap city. Buses between uni and town limited. Trains expensive but alright if going to London or Southampton read more
Winchester is an...
Winchester is an expensive city to live in but it is also very pleasant, without many major issues. There is not much nightlife but I prefer pubs to nightclubs anyway. Public transport is good. read more
A bit expensive b...
A bit expensive but very safe. read more
Winchester is a b...
Winchester is a beautiful place, rich in architecture and history. Plenty of restaurants to eat out at, however, shopping and night life is not so present. read more
the city centre i...
the city centre is very safe and easy and there is an incredible range of local shops, supermarkets, amenities and city attractions. read more
Winchester is exp...
Winchester is expensive, but safe! There is just students, families and old rich people. I’ve had the best nights out in Winchester, it’s cheap and so much fun - you can also have walk home in small groups late at night because of the safety. The town also provide watchers during night, if you get ill after a night out they have water, flip flops, jackets and help available. The shopping isn’t the best, but Southampton is a 15 minute journey with train. There’s tons of restaurants in Winchester and they’re all so good. There’s even a market on certain days with so much to offer, it’s amazing to buy some food from one of the food trucks and then sit in the grass in front of the cathedral while you’re catching up with your mates. Winchester is an amazing town. read more
Lovely city to li...
Lovely city to live in, welcoming, safe read more
I love Winchester...
I love Winchester, this city is not that big as London but it is better read more
Very beautiful sm...
Very beautiful small city, very close to Southampton, with many historical sites and beautiful scenery. Peaceful and beautiful, good for a leisurely holiday and study, but there are few places to shop and almost no big department stores Easy to get to, I can take the train to Southampton or London for shopping. read more
Winchester is fai...
Winchester is fairly small to get around. It is fairly good when it comes to transport as enough buses and taxis’, although most of the time it is not needed as you can walk. Furthermore, there is the train station right next to town. Also, shopping wise you can get your essentials and also some clothing around here in town such as primark. There are loads of takeaways if you can eat anything, however if you have a special requirement then there are also a few. read more
Very nice to live...
Very nice to live in, very local to both Southampton and London read more
Winchester is bea...
Winchester is beautiful but you'll pay a hefty price for it. It's got a small primark and an iceland in town, an aldi quite far out, a big tesco and sainsburys. Lots of expensive boutiques, and plenty of shops keep shutting down because people here are not actually as rich as you might think. Sure, there are lots of middle class types in wellies and tweed, but walk up to winnall and the eight story tower blocks talk of a different side to the city. I do love Winchester, it's got some great restaurants and pubs, but it is costly. read more
It’s a small city...
It’s a small city so night life isn’t as great but the student bars are good and Southampton is 20 minutes on the train for clubs! read more
Cost of living is...
Cost of living is terrible. My university accommodation per semester is £1579 for the cheapest option. I don't even get any money to spend on myself. My student loan doesn't even cover my rent. Eating out is fine. Really enjoy the restaurants nearby. Nights out? What nights out? No one leaves flats. We're in a pandemic. Shopping is fine. Nothing really note worthy. Public transport is bad. One bus every 30 mins up that huge hill to the university. The university doesn't even have parking. You've got park 5 mils away from the university and catch a bus there and back. Downgrade to a bus from a car? Really? read more
very quiet city,...
very quiet city, loved it and getting there is easy. would not recommend if you like to party but for more sophisticated students looking for living quality highly recommend. read more
Good choice of sh...
Good choice of shops, could do with more but Southampton is near read more
15 minute train j...
15 minute train journey (if that) to Southampton central for the best nights out. ubers available so it really isn't an issue going out beyond winchester read more
Great public tran...
Great public transport but honestly nowhere to go. Nightlife is nonexistent with 1 club in the whole of Winchester excluding the self managed university club. Cost of living is very expensive here and housing usually ranges anywhere from 5-6K a year read more
Very expensive, n...
Very expensive, nights out are ok but tend to get boring. Public transport is amazing. read more
A bit posh for st...
A bit posh for students and you aren't welcomed much by the community. Lovely views and beautiful place to live, but extortionate rent and due to poshness there's no asda or affordable shops in town centre apart from poundland, which the residents loathe. Nightlife is rubbish, you have to go to southamptom for a proper night out. If your studies are depressing you, walking out in the nature of it all is nice. read more
Public transport...
Public transport isn't necessary, the most you'll have to walk anywhere is 30 minutes. Even then, you're talking one side of the city to the other. Nights out, it depends what you like. I'm not much of a clubber and there's better shopping in Eastleigh (A short train ride away). Spoons becomes your second language. Housing prices are on a par with London. It's bloody expensive. Remember though, Winchester was once the capital and it is a beautiful city. I think it's worth it. Plus it teaches you the value of money. read more
The restaurants i...
The restaurants in town are lovely! Again the nights out are pretty good, but if security catch you having too much of a laugh, they will genuinely just grab you and kick you out ! read more
Winchester town i...
Winchester town is absolutely beautiful. There is plenty to do and see. One downside is that there is only one nightclub, but the town has good public transport and a huge variety of shops. The town is a short walk from the uni, and has lots of restaurants and pubs to eat out at. read more
There is one club...
There is one club in town and it’s s*** Wetherspoons is alright read more
Affordable travel...
Affordable travel, brilliant nights out and great atmosphere on the city centre read more
Obviously quite e...
Obviously quite expensive city, but it is nice and there are a good number of shops available, independent ae well as chain ones. Overall good though read more
I love the town,...
I love the town, plenty of history. It makes me really appreciate what’s on offer read more
Very nice little...
Very nice little city, immediately felt like home for me. However, not many places to shop (for food or clothes). read more
Beautiful city th...
Beautiful city that has a friendly feel read more
Small but has eve...
Small but has everythin you want in one place. Only has 1 night club but loads of great pubs with quiz nights etc. Also csry close to Southampton which is a good night out read more
Expensive to live...
Expensive to live, but if you're smart and look in the right places you can find somewhere do-able. Eating out is great, lovely cafe culture with a range of independent restaurants. Not much of clubbing nights out, more of a pub city but the SU is great at nights out and Southampton is only 20mins away by train if you want something more hardcore Shopping - there's a Sainsburys, Primark and Poundland - what else do you need? Tesco do online deliveries so that saves you going into town all the time! Public transport - depends on what you need but the uni is only 10-20mins away from town and everywhere you need is quite close so it doesn't really matter! read more
A very expensive...
A very expensive place to rent a house second year. If possible, it is cheaper to commute from Eastleigh. Lots of great pubs, and the university hosts clubbing nights weekly to make up for their only being one 'club' in Winchester. Trains run efficiently and cheaply to Southampton/eastliegh. read more
Not really a club...
Not really a clubbing city but perfect if you love a pub crawl. Having a Weather Spoons and an SU means it's possible to have an affordable night out. I don't really recommend Vodka as a club but the Railway has a bit of fun for everyone as a pub and for live music. The SU does the best clubbing events - you can't beat a BOP night out! :) read more
Lots of nice pubs...
Lots of nice pubs for something to do, however, shopping wise you would have more luck travelling to Southampton! read more
most beautiful ci...
most beautiful city ever, more like a big town read more
It is safe, it is...
It is safe, it is full of talented people and a great place to take artistic photos. read more
Lovely town- not...
Lovely town- not many clubs but loads of bars and restaurants. Has all of the essentials read more
the cost of livin...
the cost of living here is fairly standard for the south. There is a great town, with plenty of shops, restaurants and pubs. Unfortunately, there are no real night clubs. Having said that, some of the pubs open until late and the excellent train service can whisk you to Southampton for the clubs. read more
Although expensiv...
Although expensive.. Winchester had everything you could hope for. Minus the clubs! There were a range of shops perfect for everyone's needs, a small cinema and a theatre. The nightlife was bare.. One club but hundreds of pubs! There are great public connections too with the bus station in the middle of town and the train station at the top. And Southampton being only 10 mins Away.. What more could you want? read more
Winchester itself...
Winchester itself is the most boring place, there are no shops and only 3 places to go on a night out.. read more
Great for Christm...
Great for Christmas present shopping, terrible for anything else. read more
Options for shopp...
Options for shopping are limited but Southampton west quay is 20 minutes away and easily accessible, lots of lovely places to eat out, only a few bars pubs and clubs but they are all great and you can have some brilliant nights out, the cost of living and rent etc is slightly higher than average but not ridiculous and you don't mind because it's such a lovely place read more