Information and advice for University students

Are you a student in the Chichester District? We've pulled together information about a range of services and support that is available to help you, and signposts you to events and activities taking place in the local area.

On this page you will find advice around council tax; budgeting advice and financial support; waste and recycling information; health and wellbeing support; and events and activities in the area.

Events and activities

Whether you are looking for something fun to take your mind off your studies, or something informative to expand your interests, there's a host of events and activities for you to get involved with in the Chichester District.

We have listened to what students want to see within the city and have already organised a range of events, including music, laser light shows, markets and more, in response to this. We also work with a range of partners across the district to pull together details for our What's On calendar., which provides information about events taking place across the district.

You can also follow our Chichester District Events and Markets Facebook page (opens new window) and Instagram page (opens new window), or sign up to our monthly email newsletter.

We also run The Novium Museum in Tower Street, Chichester, which holds regular events and exhibitions. Built over the remains of a Roman bath house, The Novium Museum is Chichester District's award-winning museum, located in the heart of the city centre. You can find out more about them by visiting the The Novium Museum What's On calendar. (opens new window).

Council tax discounts for full-time students

Did you know that if you are a full-time student and your course meets certain criteria, you do not have to pay Council Tax. You can apply for an exemption if you get a bill, or check if you qualify for a discount if someone in your household is not a full-time student. You can find out more information and register for a student council tax exemption or reduction.

Financial support and budgeting

Being able to budget is an important part of student life and an invaluable skill to develop. Managing your finances can be challenging, especially if this is the first time you are having to budget and live on limited funds such as student loans.

Our Supporting You team is available to assist and provide you with tips on how to better manage your finances, especially during the current cost-of-living crisis. You can find lots of useful information on our Supporting You campaign page, and contact our Supporting You team by emailing: supportingyou@chichester.gov.uk

Housing standards

Choosing to live-off campus, in private rented accommodation is often an exciting time for students. For many, it is a completely new experience and a big learning curve.

The University of Chichester is committed to only advertising properties that are accredited by our Landlord Accreditation Scheme. This scheme recognises that a landlord has voluntarily complied with our scheme standards to the condition and management of their properties, and gives you the peace of mind that your housing is up to the expected standard. All accredited properties have been inspected by Environmental Health Officers and accreditation runs for five years when the property must be re-inspected to ensure it still meets the standard. Accredited Landlords also must subscribed to the scheme's Code of Good Management. If there are any issues with accredited properties or the way they are managed then our Environmental Health Officers will be able to step in and help.

If you live in a property that isn't part of the accreditation scheme and concerned about the standard of accommodation, please get in touch with our Housing Standards Team: housingstandards@chichester.gov.uk

Waste and recycling advice

Recycling is so important. But it's not always easy to get it right. We have a range of ways to help you to identify what items can go in your rubbish and recycling bins and when to put your bin out for collection.

What can I recycle in each bin?

When should I put my bin out for collection?

It's really easy to find out what days your waste and recycling bins are collected. You can either enter your postcode on our check your bin day page.

Or you can download our Chichester District Council app and switch your notifications on. This will not only allow you to access a variety of council services from your smartphone, but it will provide you with your waste and recycling collection dates - and will even notify you of any changes, as long as you have your notifications switched on. This means that we can let you know if our crews are running late, and it allows us to notify you of planned changes to collections, such as any changes to collection dates over the Christmas period. The app also allows you to complete 'Report It' forms for issues such as street cleaning and fly tipping, or even to request a new bin. You can also view local food hygiene ratings for restaurants and cafes - which will be especially useful over the festive period. It also allows you to find your nearest facilities, such as recycling centres, car parks and public toilets. In order to access this, all you need to do is visit either the Apple app store or the Google Play store and search for the Chichester District Council app.

You can also find out more information and advice on our designated waste and recycling page.

Textiles and small electrical collections

If you're having a sort out, or getting rid of unwanted clothes or electrical items when you move, you may be interested to know we have a kerbside textiles and small electricals collection service. We've also introduced a coffee pod recycling service in partnership with Podback.

These services are currently available to around 75% of properties in the Chichester District. You can use our simple post code checkers on our textiles and small electricals collection service page and coffee pod recycling service page.

Health and wellbeing support for students

We have a range of health and wellbeing services that can support you during your time as a student, including our Chichester Wellbeing service and our Chichester Youth Connection Service.

Chichester Wellbeing

Chichester Wellbeing is a free, friendly and impartial service that helps people living and working in Chichester District to improve their health and wellbeing by making small, positive lifestyle changes.

Chichester Wellbeing could help you to:

eat well
be more active
kick a habit
cut down on alcohol
stop smoking
have more energy
manage stress
feel happier
lose weight
find local activities or services that suit your needs

You can find more information on the Chichester Wellbeing website (opens new window), or you can contact the team by emailing: wellbeing@chichester.gov.uk

Chichester Youth Connections

Our Chichester Youth Connections service is for young people aged up to 25, who are looking for help in dealing with:

lack of confidence;
feeling lonely or isolated, or
wanting to have a greater sense of connection to your community and friends.

After meeting with a member of the team, together you will create a plan to focus on what is important to you. It will connect you with activities, events and organisations that can help you feel better. These connections could be to:

an advice or counselling service;
careers;
money advice;
housing;
something sporty;
arty;
social; or
to volunteering.

You can find out more information and to sign up to the service on the Chichester Youth Connections page.

Keep in touch with us

We are keen for you to keep in touch with us and we want to hear your views. We issue a monthly email newsletter, which details all of the latest news, events and activities. You can sign up to this on our initiatives+ sign up page.

We also have a Let's Talk Panel. This means that you will be the first to hear about the surveys and consultations we are running and gives you the chance to have your say. There is no time commitment - you can get involved as much or as little as you like! You can find out more and sign up on our Let's Talk Panel.

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