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Institute for Advanced Teaching and Learning (IATL)

Social Programme Activities

This page summarises the extra activities available to WorldCUR-BCUR delegates beyond the main schedule. This encompasses not only our conference's social programme, but also additional suggestions of what to do both within and outside our campus.

WorldCUR-BCUR 2023 Social Programme

During the conference, delegates will be able to enjoy a series of social events which have been co-created with several of our institutional and student bodies.

  • Monday, 3rd April

Orientation Activities

Organised trips to Coventry city centre, Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick Castle. For more information and booking a place, click here.

WorldCUR Scavenger Hunt

Want to explore the University of Warwick's campus? Then complete our scavenger hunt for a chocolate reward! Our flyer with instructions can be found here.

Note: we will have an Information Point with WorldCUR-BCUR reps at the Oculus Building from 15:00. Drop by to talk to us, ask any questions you may have, and collect your Scavenger Hunt reward!

Evening Welcome Event

Come and join our informal gathering to chat, network and connect with delegates from all over the world joining WorldCUR-BCUR 2023. There will be plenty of fun things happening, and pizza and refreshments will be provided!

  • Tuesday, 4th April

Board Games & Networking Mixer

Join us for some board games and informal networking at The Graduate, with the company of our friends from Warwick Presents! This venue is right next to our student pub, the Dirty Duck, where you will be able to purchase food and drinks to enjoy with your friends during/after the event.

Gaming Session 1 - Esports centre

Come and play for free in our newly constructed facilities for everything gaming related, and learn why we are the back-to-back-to-back Esports University of the Year in the UK!

Oculus Fun-a-Ton

From jigsaws and icebreakers, to chilled-out crafts, to a film display, you will certainly find something that tickles your fancy! A great opportunity to make new friends in a relaxed, yet playful environment.

The film being displayed is 'Encanto', by Walt Disney Animation Studios, and it will start around 20.30. Make sure you arrive a little bit earlier to get your popcorn!

  • Wednesday, 5th April

Pool Table Session - Students Union

Drop by our Student Union where you'll have free access to our pool tables! Put your competitive spirit to the test and challenge your friends to a game!

Gaming Session 2 - Esports centre

Come and play for free in our newly constructed facilities for everything gaming related, and learn why we are the back-to-back-to-back Esports University of the Year in the UK!

Gala Dinner (ticket required)

For delegates who acquired a ticket, this event promises to be a wonderful celebration. Expect tasty food and great energy throughout the evening!

Note: the official dress code of the Gala Dinner is smart casual, as for the rest of the conference, so don't worry about being too fancy! If you do want to dress up a bit more than for the rest of the conference, it is an opportunity for that - but it's definitely not something for which you'll be "underdressed" in any way.

  • Where:Panorama Suite
  • When: Start at 19:30 with a drinks reception; food served from 20:15.

  • Thursday, 6th April

End-of-conference afternoon tea

After our Closing Plenary, join us for our last afternoon tea of the conference. Make those final connections and say goodbye to your friends!

Where:Oculus Building

When: 17:00-17:30

What else can I do on campus during the conference?

From arts, to sports, to gastronomy, our self-contained campus offers a variety of opportunities which our delegates can explore during their free time. Here, we outline some of these options.

Warwick Arts Centre

This is one of the biggest arts venues outside of London, making it a hotspot for a consistent flow of new and exciting artwork: shows, exhibitions, dance, music - you name it! The centre's Cinema also offers an exciting film portfolio, enhanced by state-of-the-art visual and audio technology.

See what's on during WorldCUR-BCUR 2023 here.

Sports and Wellness Hub

Our Sport and Wellness Hub offers world-class facilities, designed to inspire and motivate our community to stay active. Explore the different facilities available here.

Note: Delegates staying in Warwick Conferences accommodation have free guest access to some of these facilities. Please consult the terms and conditions here.

Eat and Drink

From several cafés to the beautifully decorated Benugo Bar&Kitchen in the Arts Centre, our campus offers something to suit everyone's taste. A list of available venues can be found here. Additionally, you can also try out one of our Student Union's food and drink outlets, or enjoy a meal at Varsity Pub!

Note: WorldCUR-BCUR 2023 will happen out of term time and therefore some of these venues might have restricted opening times.

Esports Centre

A brand new, fully-accessible gaming centre with state-of-the-art tech. Delegates wanting to 'pay to play' during the conference (outside of our social programme) will get a 20% discount! More info available here.

Note: discount applies to computers only, it doesn't apply to consoles or the new racing rig (cheaper services). Delegates must show their event lanyard.

The Library

Our Main Library is an interdisciplinary hub offering a wide collection of books and resources. Information for external visitors can be found here.

Campus walks and trails

There are a number of short walks and green spaces on campus, which are available for all to enjoy. The walks will take you through some of the beautiful natural areas on campus. More info available here.

Other on-campus retail and hospitality facilities include a grocery store, a pharmacy and a post office. You can also explore the range of University of Warwick clothing, gifts and accessories! More info available here.

Don't know where to go or what to explore? Then use our Interactive Campus Map!

What can I do outside of campus in my own time?

The University is ideally located on the border of the West Midlands and Warwickshire, providing easy access to the major cities of Coventry and Birmingham, and the beautiful historic towns of Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick, Kenilworth and Royal Leamington Spa. London, the capital and one of the world's most visited cities, is also within easy reach by train or bus.

As part of our Orientation Activities, happening on Monday 3rd April, we have organised trips to Coventry, Warwick Castle, and Stratford-upon-Avon. Additionally, we have collated details regarding trips to all seven destinations above, which delegates might like to take in their own time. You can find an overview of details below.

Coventry

This is the city our University is located in. Coventry offers a rich choice of culture and history, with a range of museums and galleries, including a world-famous cathedral, one of England's finest medieval guildhalls and a museum holding the world's largest display of British road transport. Coventry is also a place where visitors can relax and enjoy themselves, with shopping facilities, a bustling bar scene, and a variety of entertainment venues. For fun activities, our Student Directors recommend Planet Ice (ice skating) and Tenpin Coventry (bowling, laser tag, escape room and more)!

Interested? Check out the 'Visit Coventry' webpage for more information! You can also have a look at the University's 'Explore Coventry' webpage.

Leamington Spa

Royal Leamington Spa is famously known for the natural spa springs that were discovered and commercialised in the nineteenth century. Its town centre combines a treasure-trove of independent, specialist boutiques with all the national chains you would usually associate with a large city. An impressive array of entertainment venues and a rich choice of restaurants, combine with impressive Regency architecture to make it one of the most appealing towns in the UK. Many University of Warwick students decide to live here during their studies - it's only a short bus ride away from our campus!

Interested? Check out the 'Visit Leamington' webpage for more information! You can also have a look at the University's 'Explore Leamington Spa' webpage.

Kenilworth

Kenilworth is an attractive market town in the heart of leafy Warwickshire, home to a stunning castle with restored Elizabethan gardens. As well as a diverse range of independent shops, cafes and restaurants which makes a visit to Kenilworth town memorable, Kenilworth is proud of its beautiful 70 acre Abbey Fields, with its wide open spaces, picnic areas, lake, outdoor and indoor swimming pools and tennis courts

Interested? Check out the 'Visit Kenilworth' webpage for more information! You can also have a look at the University's 'Explore Kenilworth' webpage.

Birmingham

The UK's second largest city, and one of England's principal industrial and commercial areas, sits a mere 20 minutes away from Coventry. Having been the most recent host of the Commonwealth games, Birmingham's identity is both rich and diverse. There are plenty of fun activities available, whether you want to explore some of this city's amazing tourist attractions, go out to the parks and countryside, or enjoy the incredible food and drink offering.

Interested? Check out the 'Visit Birmingham' webpage for more information! You can also have a look at the University's 'Explore Birmingham' webpage.

Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is a market town with more than 800 years of history, developed along the banks of the River Avon. The birthplace of the playwright and poet William Shakespeare, it's one of the UK's most popular tourist destinations, with about three million visitors a year from all over the world. The Royal Shakespeare Company resides in Stratford's Royal Shakespeare Theatre, one of the country’s most important cultural venues.

Interested? Check out the 'Visit Stratford-upon-Avon' webpage for more information! You can also have a look at the University's 'Explore Stratford' webpage.

Warwick

Warwick is Britain’s finest market town in the heart of England, famous for the magnificent Warwick castle, superb specialist and independent shops, historic charm and a fantastic range of places to eat and drink. Visitors can explore true gems of this town's mediaeval history but also those of the modern, vibrant life of Warwickshire. There is a wealth of landmarks of architectural and historical interest, as well as beautiful gardens and ghosts that still walk the town!

Interested? Check out the 'Visit Warwick' webpage for more information!

London

Just one hour away from Coventry, you can find one of the most cosmopolitan and fascinating metropolis in the world. Capital of the United Kingdom, London is home to some of the most iconic touristic landmarks, such as the Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and the London Eye. Besides being a cultural hotspot composed of historical buildings, museums, and galleries, London offers the absolute best in dining, clubbing, shopping and entertainment. You will find it very hard to run out of things to do!

Interested? Check out the 'Visit London' webpage for more information!