My standout memory of Warwick has to be meeting my partner, Hamna, for the first time. It was 13 November 2018, in the Student Union building. She was a second year History and Sociology student, and I had just started my Masters in the School of Life Sciences after finishing my undergraduate degree. We were both from Pakistan (she was from Karachi and I was from Lahore) and Warwick, thousands of miles from home, became our meeting point and our second home. We became best friends, spending time all over campus, from Gibbet Hill to the walk down towards Bluebell Lake, the empty lecture halls of the Economics building, the Piazza steps on crisp winter mornings, when the sun would occasionally peek out, and the sofas of Curiositea, our go-to coffee spot on campus, a peaceful haven offering the best of Warwick's warmth and hospitality.

I was at Warwick from 2015 to 2019, a time before the global economy was hit by the pandemic and wars. Warwick had a vibrant international community, and the campus buzzed with excitement. Every day brought something new and entertaining. There was a strong sense of tolerance and respect among students from diverse backgrounds. The accommodation buildings were mostly quite old, but they had a cosy charm.

Warwick's student culture was incredibly vibrant. I vividly remember the many cultural and sports events. The Indian and Bollywood societies hosted events like Diwali Ball, Bollywood Bounce, and Horizon, bringing the flavour of South Asia's vibrant entertainment culture to Warwick's international community. The Pakistan Society held its annual Qawali Night, another unforgettable South Asian musical experience. Cricket was huge, with many charity initiatives, including the fun-filled 24hour cricket match on the Piazza. I was part of several academic societies, including the Warwick Accounting Society and Consulting Society, which influenced my career path, leading me to become a consultant. The highlight of the year was Eurovision, a true spectacle. The Piazza would be packed with enthusiastic students cheering for their countries and dancing all night. Summer terms were spent relaxing on the library lawn, soaking up the sun between study sessions.

Warwick influenced who I am today, because it taught me the importance of tolerance, acceptance, and diversity. It gave me the confidence to be myself, even surrounded by unfamiliar faces.