I did not have just one perfect dedicated study space dedicated to my Master’s journey as I travelled to many buildings based on my mood. I often wanted a change of scenery to study, or it was that time of the year when all the students have exams coming up and I had to find the few available spaces.

Here are the top five study spaces I have frequently visited spaces I highly recommend.

05 - The Library

I know I am stating the obvious, but the library was my go-to study space. It might be just me, but my favourite space to study in the library was the breathing space on the first floor, something about the atmosphere that helped me focus. If you are in the mood to study but want to collaborate with your classmates, I recommend the second floor. If you want a quiet space but is not having an environment of ‘pin drop silence’, I recommend the remaining three floors. Just so you know, if the library is likely to get busy, it will be most likely to get crowded on the first and fifth floors.

04 – Postgrad Hub

Postgrad Hub is that one space in the University that is allocated to us Postgrads. It is a space that always has available spaces for formal and informal studies. From common study areas to bookable rooms and the relaxation room filled with chilling seats and games is a great space for long hours of study.

03 – Learning Grid at University House

There are two Learning Grids at the University, but the one at the University House, I believe is the most underrated study space. It might be because it is not on Central Campus, but the few minutes’ walk to University House is worth it. Many students do not use this space, so I can guarantee you will not walk into anyone you know, so you are most likely to focus and have a productive day of studying.

02 – FAB

If you like to study in a space that is all about beautiful architecture, the Faculty of Arts Building is the spot for you. I know everyone who has been to the University of Warwick will agree to be the most beautiful building in the University. This study space is all about the ambience which also happens to have Café Nero on the ground floor for that coffee break.

01 – MEC

If you are a WMG student, the Materials Engineering Centre (MEC) building will be the building you have one of many module classes and the common area on the second floor has the perfect atmosphere to study. The space is often quiet and has a vending machine and equipped area to have your meals.

Did you think I only had five study spaces? I would like to give an honourable mention to the Oculus building, Warwick Manufacturing Group (IMC) building and Warwick Art Centre too!

I hope this is a short guide to the hundreds of hours you will spend on your assessments and dissertation!

- Manthila Gallassage, MSc Management for Business Excellence

I was just a girl who joined the University of Warwick as an International Student who wanted to pursue her Postgraduate Degree at WMG. Little did I know, when I walked into the IMC building for my Induction, that the One Year programme was about to change my way of thinking in so many ways than I could ever imagine.

If you are someone who is considering enrolling on the MSc Management for Business Excellence course, I highly recommend it (although it comes from a biased opinion)!

This course is based on the teachings of an American Engineer called W. Edward Deming and he said, "Competition is a destroyer. It destroys the best in people".

So, what did the tutors who designed the Management for Business Excellence course do? They took the Percentage-Based Grading System that was recognised all around the world and threw it out the window. This was replaced with the Pass/Grade-Based Grading System. Which means I did not get marks; all I got was a page-long feedback sheet on guidance to improve my assessment.

I used to think this was the most absurd thing I ever heard of; I could not be more wrong. I used to think phrases like ‘competition leads to productivity’, and now I understand Deming’s vision. When we focus on competing, it is never about how do I improve ourselves but rather how do I be better than the person I am competing with, which means we would never reach our optimal productivity level.

This changed the dynamic of my class because we were not being graded, I could never compare my ability with my fellow peers. I could only collaborate with them. Since the feedback was so personalised to my capabilities. I could only think about how I could improve myself (Deming emphasised too much on continuous improvement).

You know what the more mesmerising part was during all this, I subconsciously started to have these intellectual conversations outside the class on the robustness of a framework we learnt (who am I becoming?) instead of gossiping about utter nonsense like I would usually do.

This drove me nuts in the beginning, but later on, I discovered the intellectual conversations outside the class on the robustness of a framework we learnt. I have done this during my bachelor’s and never would have enjoyed having such casual conversations.

While I started having these conversations about how the new EFQM model is way too complex compared to the old model, the skill of critical thinking reached new heights. I cannot make any straightforward decisions anymore, every answer I give at this point starts with ‘it depends’ followed by a very comprehensive reply.

I am leaving the best for last; did I mention the stereotypical Presentation-Based Learning only happened a handful of times? The majority of the time, I got to learn through group-based simulations and group presentations. This all means the class was basically a playground for us adults. You might think I did not learn anything, which is not true, because the simulations a.k.a games I played with my classmates on Variation, the Skill-Motivation Matrix and the Bullwhip Effect in the supply chain will forever be pinned into my brain.

In conclusion, if I can sum up my experience being a Management for Business Excellence student in a sentence, it would be ‘I found a treasure map that led me to new and exciting discoveries’.

- Manthila Gallassage, MSc Management for Business Excellence

Photo of some of my MBE classmates :)

As an international student at WMG, this is a journey that extends beyond just academia. Let me tell you about the new and exciting friendships that await those who join this vibrant community.

1. A Mosaic of Cultures

At WMG, there is tapestry of cultures from every corner of the globe. Here, within the vibrant international student community, you'll find a range of languages, customs, and traditions from the student population. Embrace the opportunity to engage with classmates from various countries, each with a unique story and perspective. From sharing traditional delicacies to celebrating festivals together, every encounter is an invitation to immerse yourself in a diverse, global environment.

2. Cohort Collaboration

You'll find that students have a shared pursuit of knowledge and personal growth. You'll embark on group projects and collaborative assignments, presenting the perfect platform to forge bonds with classmates who share your passions and aspirations. The bonds formed within these academic endeavours often transcend the boundaries of the classroom, blossoming into lifelong friendships.

3. Supportive Networks

WMG understands the challenges faced by international students adjusting to a new country. That's why they foster a warm and inclusive environment, where support networks thrive. Whether it's the dedicated staff members or the warm-hearted Student Ambassadors, you'll find a caring community eager to lend a helping hand.

4. Extracurricular Extravaganza

Beyond your study, WMG offers a range of extracurricular activities. Friendships can be formed on the basis of shared passions and hobbies. Engage in sports clubs, join the vibrant cultural societies, or participate in volunteering initiatives. From competitive football matches to lively cultural festivals, these activities provide the perfect opportunity for making friends who share your interests.

5. Exploring the United Kingdom

The University of Warwick, is ideally situated in the heart of the United Kingdom, providing the perfect location to explore the UK. Gather a group of friends and take a weekend trip to iconic cities like London, Edinburgh, or Bath. Discover the breathtaking landscapes of the Lake District or the charming villages of the Cotswolds.

As an international student at WMG, University of Warwick, I can confirm that this university campus is the perfect place to form new friendships. From celebrating cultural diversity to supporting each other's dreams, the bonds we form transcend borders and shape our university experience. So, readers, embrace the opportunity to connect with fellow global adventurers, for in these friendships lies the magic that makes the journey truly extraordinary.

#WMGWarwick #GlobalBonds #FriendshipJourney

- Jagrit Jain, MSc International Trade, Strategy and Operations

From the time I arrived in university, something I've heard said is that “university clubs and activities are only for undergraduates”. To be honest, I was very disappointed to hear that. However, with less than three months left until I complete my Master's study at the University of Warwick, I can tell you that above statement is NOT true and here are five ways in which postgraduates can also benefit from the social activities at Warwick.

1. Join a society or a sports team (or even both)

If you are planning to study a one-year full-time master’s degree like I am doing right now, you should know that you will be busy. Busier than you may ever have been before. But, joining a society or a sports team will allow you on a sense of belonging to the ecosystem of the university.

In the beginning of my course year, I joined the 'Public Speaking Society'. Although, the society was dominated by undergraduate students, it was one of the best decisions I have made.

2. Make plans with your friends

Making friends is important. My course contains students of a variety of different ages, levels of education and experience. Once you make the effort to get to know your peers, you realise that everyone is going through the same challenges though and you have an immediate common bond. Try to meet up with your friends at least once a month for a house party, dinner in the city (this extends to Birmingham), or you might even take a day trip to another beautiful city.

3. Volunteer

There is quite a wide range of activities you can volunteer at university, based on your passion and your availability, the volunteering activities have both long term projects and projects just for a day. I had the opportunity to craft bracelets on campus for less fortunate kids and plant some trees in Canley.

4. Watch a movie at the Warwick Arts Centre

If you are thinking about checking out the latest movie and want to stay on campus, rather than travelling to Coventry city centre or Leamington Spa, then check out Warwick Arts Centre in a group or just by yourself for some me time. Warwick Arts Centre is an impressive multi-venue arts complex located in the heart of campus.

5. Attend the social events organised by WMG

The library might be your best friend and your social space, but once in a while, you should switch it up. Attend the social events that you see on MyAdvantage for the students of WMG - some of these are for all WMG students, others may be course-specific events. At these events, I have had some of the best times and made some great friends outside of my course. I remember one time I even got to pet some Alpacas! Plus, most of these events offer FREE FOOD AND DRINK!

If you are a postgraduate student at WMG, you already know that the time is ticking and your dissertation is soon due, but remember the memories you make here will be known as the good times.

- Manthila Gallassage, MSc Management for Business Excellence

Looking for graduate advice? You’ve come to the right place! That's exactly what I did at the 2021/22 WMG cohort Graduate reception as a current student.

I was lucky enough to attend the reception of the 2021/22 WMG Winter Graduation and it was exactly what you think, full of excitement and hope for graduates entering a new chapter of their lives. With all that enthusiasm in the hall, I took the liberty to seek advice on what they would give to a current Full-time WMG Master's Student.

Out of all the graduates I spoke to, there was one of the consistent answers was given to me and it's none other than don’t bury yourselves in books, spend time socializing and partying with your friends. I warned with so much energy not to doubt how fast the year will go by because they simply took a minute to relax during the PMA and now it was time for their graduation. I am not doubting this claim because I was given the same piece of advice from my personal tutor.

Another common answer I received was to experience WMG because there is a stigma, I have heard quite a few times which is only undergraduates get to have all the fun, this might be partly true since they have more time than us to experience life as a Warwick student. So, the advice is that we shouldn’t hesitate to join sports teams and societies, attend social events organized for WMG students and even get to know our course tutors.

Since the first two pieces of advice were on socializing and enjoying university, I wanted to switch it up to focus on studies and that’s the core reason why we’re at the University of Warwick. I am going to make these two parts; one is to don’t wait to start on your PMA till the last moment because your module tutor always knows how much time we’ve spent on your assignments. The second is finding that sweet spot you can do your studies, most graduates found it to be the library.

I am here to follow in the footsteps of this year’s graduates, and I look forward to being the one wearing the cap and gown to celebrate with my family and fellow classmates.

- Manthila Gallassage , MSc Management for Business Excellence

The initial few months in a new country may seem daunting and uncertain. But it doesn’t have to be!

Here are some of my top tips to students starting their masters at WMG or just Warwick University in general:

1. Ensure that you attend the offer holders meeting: The university organizes offer holder meetings in various countries and will inform you of the dates via email once you have a conditional offer. It is an excellent opportunity to hear firsthand from some Warwick alums about their campus experience and journey after completing their course. Furthermore, it provides a perfect opportunity to meet members of your cohort who will travel to campus with you. It’s usually around this time that WhatsApp groups are created, and other forms of networking take place. It can help to have someone to turn to for any clarifications.

2. Student Accommodations: Visit the university website to get a clear picture of accommodation and all the essentials you need. Some accommodations may have additional facilities which you might be interested in or may be closer to your department, the gym, or the shopping centre. Keep an eye out on the website and your email, as students will be informed of the dates when applications open for on-campus accommodation. Don’t forget that you will need an unconditional firm offer to book your spot on campus. Alternatively, if you’ve opted to live off campus, getting a head start on your accommodation applications would be a good idea, as these tend to get booked quickly.

3. Learn to cook: Cooking will arguably take up a good chunk of your time, especially if you are used to elaborate preparations like the South Indian cuisine I’m used to. Learning the basics and the quick dishes you can make in reasonable quantities to store over a few days can prove helpful, especially during module weeks. If you haven’t cooked before, there is a high chance that you’ll be video calling your parents anyway, so don’t forget about the time difference.

4. Ensure you set up a routine: Managing your time will be your biggest challenge in WMG. There will be a few periods with limited coursework, but you still must apply for jobs and engage in extracurricular activities. Conversely, the coursework can creep up on you if left unchecked. Research for PMAs (post-module assessment) takes time and can’t always be rushed, especially if you’re aiming for that distinction-level PMA. Finally, ensure you leave enough time for physical activity during the week.

5. Seek help if you have an issue: If you’re stuck in a rut and can’t seem to progress in your assignments, job applications, or in-module exercises or have difficulty making friends, it’s vital that you talk to people that can help. This can be the careers team, personal tutor, health and wellbeing services, or close friends. The sooner you address what’s bothering you, the sooner you can understand the remedies and progress to the next level.

- Mario Miranda, MSc Engineering Business Management

The courses at WMG have an extensive spectrum of modules covering important technical and management concepts of Engineering that deliver skills in high demand in the industry globally. The core modules and electives helped me to assess my strengths and weaknesses. This master's course isn't just an educational journey but a transformational experience as I have evaluated myself through personal reflection, understand where I lack and built the necessary skills to progress.

The Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) focuses on two skills; 'Technical Competence', which we gain from the modules, and 'Organizational Clarity', which we acquire from interacting in teams. The coursework involves a lot of group tasks and case studies that emphasize interacting in teams, which is beneficial and essential for a work environment. This has helped me build my technical competence in my field of interest.

Besides traditional engineering jobs in operations, supply chain or process engineering, today's market has new and upcoming job roles. Sustainability has taken centre stage, wherein merging sustainability with the organization's mission and vision while embedding it in project management is a crucial enabler for developing a strategic competitive advantage. At WMG, preparation for these jobs occurs through an application-based learning style consisting of case studies and real-world simulations.

Until the 2022 intake of students, the modules take place over 1-3 weeks and will be delivered over half days or full days or a combination of both. The schedule of the modules can be intense but ultimately rewarding. You will have a month to submit your assignments for completed modules but will have other modules running during this time. Time management is a skill that every WMG student will build over the course's duration. The wide-ranging industry expertise of the module tutors and the ease of contact, be it face-to-face, via email or through MS teams, enriches the overall learning experience. The tutors do a fantastic job of balancing academic concepts with the realities of the industry. The module leader demonstrated this excellently in one of my modules, Strategy and Finance for Engineering Organizations.

The best part of the course is the student cohort. The different countries represented in the classrooms provide diverse opinions and views on the topics discussed during the module. The varying levels and types of work experience have provided learning curves for me during team exercises and have led to strong bonds of friendship that flourish beyond the coursework. Ultimately, the biggest takeaway from my time at WMG is the global perspective I have gained from the department and its faculty members.

- Mario Miranda, MSc Engineering Business Management

As the new academic year begins and fresh faces embark on their journey at WMG, there's no better time to share some valuable advice on how to maximize your time at the university. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your experience:

1. Make the most of your time at WMG: Embrace the thrill of stepping out of your comfort zone and challenging yourself. This year is an opportunity for tremendous personal and academic growth. Embrace the excitement because this unique stage of beginning your university degree won't come around again. Additionally, WMG hosts various events. For example, last year we had course socials and BBQs. There are also some online events you should look out for. If you happen to come across any of these, please don’t hesitate to join in!

2. Push yourself to try new things: Like joining a new society! There are tons of society for you to be part of whilst you are student at Warwick. I would suggest joining at least one or two societies to have a bit socialising during your strict term times.

3. Participate in the WMG Skills+ Award: I myself did this and would suggest that its one of the best awards out there you can achieve with sincere efforts. It definitely adds to your CV and makes you stand out in front of potential employers.

4. Brush up on your critical analysis skills: This is really important if you want to score high in your assessments. Critical analysis is a skill which will benefit you immensely even in your career ahead. So, polishing it as much as you can, will be the best bet in my opinion.

5. Be Courageous: Take small but meaningful steps towards building connections with your peers. It can be as simple as initiating a conversation or saying "hi" to a fellow course mate or WMG student. You never know that person may end up becoming a lifelong friend or a valuable study partner. Some of the best relationships are forged during university, so don't shy away from being the one to take the first step.

6. Utilise Abundant Resources: WMG and Warwick University offer a wide range of resources to enhance your academic and personal journey. Make the most of the well-equipped library, dedicated support staff, and knowledgeable lecturers. Explore the state-of-the-art sports facilities and engage in physical activities to maintain a healthy

- Jagrit Jain, MSc International Trade, Strategy and Operations

However, with time the weather became better, my life was better organized, I felt I was too much time on campus and I start making friends that lived in Coventry. This made me change my position and try to give a change to plans in the town. I do not know how much this can influence but I had a friend that really enjoyed the city center and the sourandings. Additionally, he knew different places to go and visit so I start giving it a second chance. I won’t lie to you, the city has not changed, has not many things to offer and the client service is the worst. But you get used to it and you start enjoying it and laughing at it.

Finally, now that I am near to leaving I am feeling nostalgic about the experience, the place, and the people so I am going out each time that I have the chance, to make the most of this and this has made me change a little bit my opinion of Coventry.

However to make your life better when you reach with these 3 tips:

TIP 1: Do not go to the theater in Coventry! Go to the one on campus.

TIP 2: Sometimes you can find bus tickets with Discounts when you go in the evening. And is cheaper if you go and come back paying with the same card and in national express services. If you are going with friends check before Uber or Bolt sometimes the price is good for sharing.

TIP 3: Go out with time the bus is rarely on time and don’t get mad at it just assume it as a fact. You will save yourself a lot of stress.

Juanita Pachon

MSc Supply Chain and Logistics Management

Have you ever believed in second chances? I know is difficult but I have been doing that with Coventry. I arrived in Coventry by September, indeed I reach the campus of the university at that moment. With a lot of things to do, organize and understand I did not have time or the willingness to leave the campus and explore the town. The first time that I went out was for making my police registration which does not count because it was in Leamington Spa. Therefore I did not visit Coventry properly in a long time, and when I did it it was for very precise things not to enjoy the town and what it has to offer. Additionally, the winter was beginning, and the days were grey, and getting colder hence I was not very enthusiastic about going out.

After those first months I tried to go more, but with the fact that I had to take the 20-30 minutes bus, that it was late all the time or it did not arrive, and I had to pay 4 pounds for the round trip did not help my motivation. I mention the price because by that time I kept thinking in my currency, so for me it was very expensive for public transport. Moreover, when I found the occasion to go, to do some plans with friends my experience was not good. Because of the lack of places to go, the bad quality of the experience, and consequently because of the fact expending money on things that I did not enjoy.

(to be continued...)

Juanita Pachon

MSc Supply Chain and Logistics Management

As I mentioned before, I stayed in the campus residences. More precise in Lakeside village. There you have Lakeside, Heronbank, and Sherbourne residences and despite they have many differences, all of us, as residents, can agree on one thing: our love-hate relationship with the geese.

As soon as you reach the campus, you don’t pay too much attention to them, you have a lot of things in mind to notice them. However, with time, you start realizing some issues they bring. First, is the mined path to the university. You find yourself trying to not step geese' poop and if you don’t achieve it… surprise, all your room will start to have a bad smell.

Secondly, you will have a permanent alarm, no settings, and no way to stop it. You will hear them, all the mornings, afternoons, and evenings. I guess one day you get used to it and you stop hearing them or at least they don’t affect your sleep. Finally, this permanent fear to be attacked by them is real. As a fact there was in the Coventry news one story about a racist goose, go and check it. Indeed, these geese will attack you if you get too close or even if you are near to them they.

Nevertheless, not everything is bad. But you will just realize it till the spring when all of them are in reproduction time and you find them with small and beautiful goslings. (That is a funny fact, the baby geese are called goslings, and the most perfect actor in Hollywood, Ryan Gosling 🙈. ) is a beautiful moment of the year, not just because you see the flower blossom out but because you are in all the growing presses of the newborns. You can see how they go from yellow and small birds to grey and clumsy medium size.

Additionally, I may sound silly but is amazing to see how is nature and how these geese' parents protect so much their eggs and babies.

Moreover, when you travel to London or nearby you will realize that despite all the big parks and animals you can find around they don’t have this adorable approach to them and therefore to nature.

In conclusion, don’t be mad at them all the time because of the mess they do around, try to be grateful and enjoy the chance the campus gives us to explore life.

MSc Supply Chain and Logistics Management
Juanita Pachon

I finished classes around one month ago, I was one of the last people in my course to finish due to the elective I had. I was not happy because now everyone was able to have some holidays, travel around or start their dissertation with time. However, when you realize is your last time in classes, with classmates, being a student it gets nostalgic.

Regardless of the fact I am from WMG most of my classes were in EMB building, in Westwood.

I will sincerely tell you some of the things I will miss from this…

First and more important the toilets signs about UK Bathroom Etiquette. For me, it was very funny every time I saw it, and made me realize the nice fact of the multiculturalism offered by the University of Warwick.

Secondly, the beautiful cardio I had to do every morning from my accommodation to the building, as it is not on the main campus I had to walk around 20 minutes. Of course every morning I had to rush and sweat because I usually was over time, hence trying to look for the good side, I was working out. However, on the days that I had the time it was beautiful because you have the chance to enjoy the walk and see the birds' houses, flowers, and ponds…

As I mentioned, when you have classes in this building you don’t have all the facilities you have on the main campus. However, you are pretty near to Cannon park, hence you can go there to take your lunch and even if you need to do some groceries before coming back home.

Finally the wood tables in the yard. Lovely space. The first time I saw them was around November, and I just thought who can use this space with Conventrys weather?!? However, June arrived with its heat wave and I was the first to lunch on them and enjoy the place. But yeah, I was the first and only one, apparently, people do not like to sit under the sun even after going through the winter.

Therefore my TOP TIP will be to enjoy all the spaces the university has. The campus is very big and everyone offers different experiences that will definitely change during the year and its seasons.

MSc Supply Chain and Logistics Management

Juanita Pachon

Hi everyone,

It is amazing how fast times go by. I only have two months left of my master's, and I can only stop and reminisce about how a year ago I was getting ready to start this adventure, full of expectations and wondering who I would meet, how would my life in the UK be like, and if I would enjoy the experience. I remember feeling anxious about preparing everything and how overwhelmed I felt about it. So today, I want to share with you some tips and thoughts about getting ready for your trip to the UK:

Getting your Visa: This can be very stressful as you must prepare all the documents and then wait for a response. Don't get overwhelmed with what they require you to submit; just upload the documents they require you to upload, and, most importantly, make sure you have sufficient money to prove you can maintain yourself during your masters, whether that is with a scholarship, a loan, savings, or a combination. They don't usually email you updates about whether you got the Visa or not. You just get your passport back, and when you open it, you see the Visa (or not :S). The wait time in Colombia is usually three weeks, but because so many students are applying for their Visas during this period, some people can wait for more than a month, so just be patient. Your Visa will arrive sooner or later. My suggestion here is to apply as soon as possible (by now, the University must have sent you the CAS, which you will need for your application) so you don't have to change your plans.

Packing: Moving your stuff is never easy, especially when you have a limit on how much weight and bags you can bring with you. It is essential to prioritise and remember that you will probably be able to buy or get most of the things you will need here. Some do's and don'ts when packing are:

YES

· Bring a basic amount of medicines that can get you through your first weeks while you get used to the brands here. In this stance, it is also important to bring your glasses, prescriptions, and any other documents you might need in case you have to buy more medicine.

· Bring a small part of your home with you. This might be pictures, small amounts of food you like, or a piece of clothing. Having that piece of home with you will be comforting sometimes.

· Plug converters! Don't forget them if you come from a country that doesn't use the same plugs as the UK

· Even though the UK is known for being grey and cold, remember we now live with climate change and have heat waves, so pack just a couple of summer clothes. You might also need it when you travel somewhere else in Europe.

· Bring sweaters and hoodies. You will use them almost all year (except on the heatwaves)

· Pack one or two light jackets. They are very practical, and you will also use them a lot.

NO

• Packing pans, bed sheets, towels, dishes, and big electronics like hair dryers is unnecessary. You can easily buy them here, new or used, so that you won't misuse space in your bags.
• Don't bring your entire closet with you because a) it probably won't fit in your bags and c) it won't fit in your flat. Student accommodations are small and don't have ample closets to keep your clothes. Bear this in mind when you are packing.
• Don't fill your bag with bottles of shampoo, toothpaste, etc. You just need to bring enough to get you through a couple of weeks, and then you will buy them from the grocery store.
• If you like reading, don't bring your whole library with you. Books are very heavy and take up a lot of space. Maybe consider using a Kindle or having them on your iPad or laptop to save space.

DEPENDS

• You will need winter clothes. This includes a proper winter jacket, boots, base layers, and gloves. If you already have them, you can bring them with you. If you don't, I recommend you buy them here, as they can be much cheaper than getting them in a country where they are not required (which was my case).
• If you have a raincoat, bring it! Otherwise, buy one when you get here because the UK is rainy.

Saying goodbye: This might be the hardest but most important part. Make sure to say goodbye to those most important to you. Find a moment and time to meet with them, grab some food or a coffee, and spend quality time surrounded by those you love before leaving. You might also want to consider doing some of the things you enjoy the most back home before coming. It might sound sad or very dramatic, but the truth is, you are travelling to another country for a whole year (or even more if you decide to stay here), so you must take your time to be with the ones you love, eat as much as you can (trust me, food in the UK is not the best), and take one last snapshot of your home country!

You are about to begin an incredible journey. Doing a master's abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that will change your life, but preparing properly and leaving home without any rush is important. Right now, you must be feeling happy, but at the same time sad, and at the same time anxious about what will happen. Enjoy it. It is all part of the experience, and we've all been there.

Safe travels!

Mariana Amador

MSc e-Business Management (Digital Marketing)

Hi everyone,

July is almost over, and by now, I am done with modules and 100% focused on working on my dissertation. I finished my last module a month ago, and it just seems incredible how fast time past by. I am reminiscing in all the lectures I had, and I can definitely say I learned many new things about technology and digital marketing.

Today, I want to give you my opinion on some of the modules I took, so you get an student’s point of view and a small glimpse of what modules in WMG are like:

Personal favourite module: Creating a Digital Brand (CDB) was my personal favourite module. It was our second module after having our e-Business Fundamentals lectures, and it was all about understanding what a brand is and all the creativity, but also accuracy, there is behind coming up with brands that will disrupt the market. To me, it was a module to be creative and figure out all the psychology behind bonding with consumers. It was very interesting, and I enjoyed doing both the IMA and PMA very much, as I got to create my own brand and just think outside the box.

Most challenging module: Digital Marketing Strategy and Management (DMSM) might be the core module for the Digital Marketing specialism, but I have to admit, it pushed me to my limits. In this module, we learned all the theory behind the channels and technologies you currently use to do marketing (SEO, email, social media…). As interesting as it was, we had to learn a lot of new concepts, and then, we were tested when we actually had to do a marketing campaign and run it through a simulator as part of our IMA. It was a very stresfull week, as we struggled to understand what to put in the campaign, what channels to use, run the simulator, and then adjust. We had to consider so many things! But it was completely worth it, because it gave me all the tools I need to become a successful marketer in today’s digital world.

Most mind-opening module: Big Data and Marketing Technologies (BDMT) was a scary module for me just from hearing its name. Just thinking about the technical part behind big data got me nervous. But, the truth is, it was quite interesting learning about all these technologies and tools available for us as marketers (AI, VR, AR, Automation…), even when we are not the ones programming them and writing all the complex codes. I liked how it broadened my view about what Marketing includes and how it really made me understand that our jobs as marketers is also understanding the trends and technologies that might improve our interaction with the customer, even when we are not the experts in that subject.

Most practical: Digital Marketing Campaigns (DMC) was our last and capstone module. It was a very practical one, as it aimed to present us with a real business case and allow us to give our suggestions. To me, it was very exciting to see how I could integrate everything I had learned in the last 8 months, and provide a company with some insights that, hopefully, they found valuable.

Lastly, I would like to talk about a module I didn’t enjoy that much (because we can’t love everything), but I think did provide me with important information for my student experience:

Least favourite, but necessary module: Study, Professional, and Analytical Skills (SPA) was a mandatory module for some Master’s, and a 0 CAT module, for others. In my case, it was mandatory, and, in my opinion, a little time consuming. They teach you about academic writing, how to handle professional life, how to do your PMA, and you dissertation. Personally, I did think they provided students with good insights about writing, and, most important, the dissertation, but the fact that we had to do quizzes and submit assignments for this, whilst we were still expected to write PMA and progress on our dissertation, was a little too much. If I had the option, I would have just taken the lessons I considered I needed (example: referencing, dissertation). But I understand this helped me as a student in some way…

Remember, these are just my personal opinions. If you talk to some of my classmates, they might not agree with what I wrote here. But I think it is good to hear first-hand what modules are about so you can make up your mind about what to expect and, maybe, decide if WMG is the reight choice for you.

Best,

Mariana Amador

MSc e-Business Management (Digital Marketing)

Hi everyone,

While you are doing your masters, you will be busy with lectures, dissertation, and assignments. But that doesn’t mean you won’t have time to explore the UK, a country full of history, culture, and landscapes. And a good way to start is by getting to know the area near Coventry, which has some amazing places just a short bus or train journey away. So today, I want to share my three favourite one-day trips you can do whilst living in Coventry:

OXFORD

The hometown to the oldest English-speaking university, it is only 40-45 minutes from Coventry by train. When you get to Oxford, you just feel like you are surrounded by knowledge and it’s amazing to think some of the most incredible minds were once students there. When you get there, you will want to walk around the city centre and see the cathedral, the Radcliffe Camera, and the famous bridge of sighs. But you will also want to visit the colleges (Oxford has a collegiate system, meaning it is formed by several colleges. Students have to choose the college they will attend before starting their studies), within which, Christ Church is the most famous, as it is not only beautiful, but also the birthplace of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland and, if you are a Harry Potter fan, you will know it has the original “Great Hall” and was a filming set for the first two movies. If you live in England, visiting Oxford is a must!

WARWICK

Warwick is a small town 30 minutes away by bus from city centre (you can take StageCoach’s X18). It's biggest attraction is the Warwick Castle, originally built in the middle ages and used as a home for the Earls of Warwick even until the XX century (1970’s). Today, you can enter the castle and learn about its history, see recreations of what life used to be, enjoy knight shows, falcon shows, and many more things. I had a great time and I think it is worth it.

STRATFORD-UPON-AVON

If you are into literature, then this is a must for you. Stratford-Upon-Avon is the birthplace of William Shakespeare and is 1 hour away from city centre by bus (again, X18 takes you there). Even though the town is small, it is really picturesque and you can tell they are proud to be where Shakespeare was born: they even have “Otello Taxis”. The main attraction is William Shakespeare’s house, where you get to see where he grew up and learn about life back then. The ticket to his house also allows to enter Anne Hathaway’s house (no, it is not the actress, it is Shakespeare’s wife).

During your masters degree, you will find studying can be stresfull and tiring at times. This is why you need to have breaks, and what a better way to relax than by visiting new places!

Cheers mates,

Mariana Amador

MSc e-Business Management (Digital Marketing)

Some may be getting ready for their adventure abroad whilst others might still be considering whether or not to take the leap. People may be reluctant to embark on such an adventure for various reasons; love for their home country, adaptability, personal relationships, work, the list is endless. For some it may be a scary thought, but the truth is that change is a natural progression of life. If living abroad is not something you have previously considered or if you are on the fence and need that final ‘push’ to make up your mind, then keep reading to find out 4 reasons why living abroad can be the adventure of a lifetime.

1. You become independent

When living abroad, particularly if you live on your own for a period of time before you meet new people and make new friends, you inevitably become more independent. This is particularly true, as staying in your comfort zone and the same places you grew up knowing, is not likely to challenge you or encourage you to become self-reliant and autonomous. You are responsible for your nutrition, accommodation, you learn to take care of bills, and you are encouraged to socialise and create a new circle of friends. It takes courage to leave your current ‘comfortable’ situation behind and head towards an unknown direction where everything is different, but gaining your independence is well worth it.

2. You become adaptable and open-minded

It is no small feat turning into a chameleon and adapting to new environments. You become more open-minded by realising that the world functions in different ways than you were accustomed to. You learn about new cultures, and you get excited with small, daily accomplishments, even if these are boiling an egg to perfection for the first time ever. Your new friends may not speak the same language as you, as such you learn to adapt to obstacles imposed by language barriers. It is really a pity not having felt such emotions; emotions which can only be truly understood when living abroad and mapping out your own journey.

3. You become brave and courageous

It would not have been possible to not include the bravery and courage needed before such a trip, where one discovers a completely new identity. Indeed, it is difficult to leave behind the comfort of what is known to embark on the unknown, with new dreams, hopes, and goals to accompany you on this new experience, but if you are brave enough to own this journey, I can guarantee it will be the best decision you ever make.

4. You get to know yourself better

Lastly, it is impossible for someone to live abroad and not discover new aspects of themselves and their intricate personalities. It is indeed a shame when people reach a point in their lives where they don’t know who they truly are or what they have contributed to the world during their short existence on this planet. It is not necessary for someone to leave their home country to discover themselves and grow through this journey of self-discovery, however one such outcome can be achieved through a life-changing adventure described in this post. Why is it worth living abroad even just once in your life, then? First and foremost, for yourself; each person will then choose their own denominator to this adventurous equation that is experiencing life abroad.

Living in a foreign country is not for everyone and this is absolutely acceptable. If everyone chose to embark on such an adventure, it wouldn’t be described as such an enriching experience of inner growth. Nonetheless, it is an effective way of reaching your goals of personal growth and self-discovery in a much faster and unforgettable way.

Have a lovely week ahead!

Artemis Panteli

MSc e-Business Management (Digital Marketing)

Greetings, my friends. As modules have now ended, everyone is very busy and focused on their dissertation.

I have some good news to share! 🎉 🎉

I started to work as a marketing intern at Whitehouse Machine Tools LTDLink opens in a new window. 🙌 🙌

Today, I would like to share my experience with you about how I received an internship offer. I will explain my interaction with the WMG Careers team during different stages of the job application process.

CV check / finding companies to apply for

As I wrote about the CV check in my previous blog, most students can get their CV checked or find a specific role through Warwick's careers portal, myAdvantage. myAdvantage is a university-wide tool, so students from all Warwick departments are able to access the service. I received feedback on my CV several times from a Careers Advisor on myAdvantage, to ensure that it was perfect for applying for jobs in the UK. This support really gave me confidence in applying for roles. The WMG Careers Team are another fantastic service that you should use. The team regularly post job vacancies via our Microsoft Teams channels. This internship opportunity was one of those posted on MS Teams!

Job introduction session with staff

Before applying for this role, Peter and Dan, who are the Sales and Marketing Managers for Whitehouse, came to WMG to introduce the position and explain some of the tasks. This session helped me to prepare for the job interview as I was able to ask questions about Whitehouse's current marketing activities and objectives, in order to become familiar with the company and their customer base.

Submit my CV

For the application, I sent my CV to the WMG Careers team, who managed the administration process. Not long after, I was delighted to hear that I had been selected for an interview.

Interview

The interview questions were focused around analysing Whitehouse's current social media marketing status and creating strategies for social media.

I prepared a 10 minutes presentation containing B2B social media marketing strategies, and competitor analysis. I felt really comfortable doing this because of everything I've learned on the e-BM course. The presentation was fairly similar to an 'In Module Assessment', so I was pleased to be able to put my WMG education into practice! Peter and Dan liked my suggestions for social media and provided positive feedback.

Outcome

The result was, as you guys know, that I received an offer as a social media marketing intern!

I am so delighted to announce my first day of internship at the Whitehouse company with my blog friends! I'm excited for this opportunity as it's my first work experience in the UK. In the role, I manage all of Whitehouse's social media channels (LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube) by generating the content, analysing the traffic and creating blog content for their website.

Finally, I really appreciate our e-BM tutors who have supported me throughout the process and they continue to do so now that I'm in the role.

And I hope you guys have good news like me 🙌

P.S. Check out Whitehouse's social media channels. And feel free to share your comment please :)

Whitehouse Machine Tools LTD

https://www.wmtcnc.com/Link opens in a new window

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wmt-ltd/Link opens in a new window

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whitehousemachinetool/Link opens in a new window

MSc e-Business Management

JiHyun Park

Hello, my friends! This is Jihyun!

The third interviewee is a student from Digital Consultancy and Entrepreneurship

This specialism is designed for graduates who aspire to a leadership position in high-tech, high-growth, globally operating companies.

Let’s read Digital Consultancy and Entrepreneurship student’s comments about her specialism.

1. Which module was your favourite and why?

I actually have two favourites: Digital Marketing Strategy and Management and Big Data Analytics and Optimisation

DMSM - this module provides a comprehensive picture of digital marketing, including an overview of strategy and channels. The In Module Assessment is particularly interesting as there's a simulation which allows us to practice what we've learned from lectures and we're able to use analytic tools.

BDAO - this module helps students to acquire the most important skills - data analytics and visualisation in the digital field. During the module, there's a trial on the tableau, screaming fog, and other tools that are commonly used in the digital industry. There are also some data sets ready for students to analyse and interpret which provide good opportunities for us to practice.

2. Are you happy that you chose the Digital Consultancy and Entrepreneurship specialism?

I'm enjoying the course so far and the modules cover a wide range of topics. I personally enjoy getting to grips with analytics, and this is something that consultants will be required to understand in detail, so I would like to see a bit more of this on the specialism.

3. What advice would you give to students considering selecting their specialism?

Really think about your future career plans when choosing your specialism, whether you're looking for a technical or non technical role. Ensure that your specialism, and the modules, align with the skills that you are looking to develop.

Hope these interviews help you to decide on your specialism:)

MSc e-Business Management

Jihyun Park

Hello, my friends!

All my modules in WMG finished last week. Time flies like a rocket...!

Today, our second interviewee is a student from the Digital Marketing specialism.

Digital Marketing specialism prepares students to effectively utilise Digital Marketing channels (such as social media, search engines, programmatic advertising, and content marketing) to deliver effective digital marketing campaigns. Additionally, the specialism incorporates cutting-edge technologies and techniques for analysing customer data and achieving digital transformation throughout the organisation.

And here is a digital marketing student’s comment about her specialism.

1. Why did you choose your specialism?

I studied Marketing as an undergraduate. After graduation, as a student who grew up in this high technology era and also experienced the shift to this "new normal" of virtual engagement, I fully understand the power and importance of online platforms and digital marketing. I'm excited to progress my career in this field.

2. Which module was your favourite module and why?

Big Data and Technology was my favourite module. Although it is a challenging module, I have learned a lot through using tabula in the In Module Assessment. Analysing data has always been my weakness, but the module has given me confidence in this area and I believe this knowledge and confidence will be incredibly important during my career.

3. Are you happy that you chose the Digital Marketing specialism?

The course allows us to gain a very practical and hands-on experience, especially during the In Module Assessments (IMAs).  I enjoy the practical elements of the course greatly. These IMAs enable us to develop transferable skills for the world of work.

4. Please give recommendations or advice to potential students of e-BM

Time management and being well organised are important. Since there are many of free time between modules, good time allocation is crucial to meet deadlines.

Hope these interviews help you to decide on your specialism:)

MSc e-Business Management

Jihyun Park

Last month without much planning my classmates decided we were going to Brighton. Expecting a beach day in the South of the UK, trying to get a tan instead of freezing with the wind we planned to visit rapidly Seven Sisters and then spend the whole day in Brighton. However, the plan was not what was expected as we reach quite late to Brighton and we didn’t have enough time to enjoy it. Nevertheless, I have to say it was worthy. Seven Sisters is a must in the UK, the scenario is amazing and you can take good pictures.

Looking forward to going on that trip, my FIRST TIP will be to seek a group of 5 friends and rent a car. This will give you a lot of mobility, flexibility, time-saving, and, very important when you are traveling inside the UK, money-saving. You can rent it in Birmingham and leave by 7 or 8 am from the central campus directly to Seven Sisters.

My SECOND TIP, for this trip, will be to try to stay at least one night to be able to enjoy the different places around. Brighton is well-known for its livelihood, hence if you stay on a Friday or Saturday maybe you may be able to go for some drinks or to a club.

My THRID TIP is to bring your jacket! I went during the spring, at this time of the year you can start wearing dresses and enjoy the sunny days. However, the weather is still not very hot, and on the coast, the wind is strong, stronger than the one you will be used to in Warwick.

Juanita Pachon

MSc Supply Chain & Logistics Management

As I mentioned in my last post, there are a few nice places to visit near to the campus. Today I will share with you a small but very near town you can go on foot, Kenilworth. From the campus, you can have one hour walk to the main street, and I would say the only street with something going on in the town. The walk has one part that is into the woods which makes it very enjoyable and another where you can see the nice British houses.

I learned about this please because of the plant society, hence my FIRST TIP will be to join the society or at least to participate in their activities and visit new places, meet a diversity of people, and break the routine.

My SECOND TIP is that when you plan to visit Kenilworth, go on the morning walking from the campus and do brunch in the town. There is one coffee show that I would recommend called The Forest, they have really good plates and pastries. Additionally, when the weather starts to get better they put some tables outside to enjoy the weather.

Finally, my THRID TIP will be to explore it. As it is not very big it won't take too much time, but there is a nice bakery you may want to try looking for fresh bread or an Indian restaurant I am craving for trying and a big and interesting park. So, don’t doubt to go anytime you don’t have plans for a beer or a cheeseboard in the pubs of the town.

Juanita Pachon
MSc Supply Chain & Logistics Management

One of the best things about living in Coventry is its central location and how close it is to London. Personally, London is my favourite city, as it has so many things to offer. I really think you won’t ever get bored or tired of visiting this amazing city, and if you are studying in Warwick, you will definitely want to visit it at least a couple of times. Apart from the touristic spots, like the Big Ben, the parliament, Buckingham Palace, or Picadilly Circus, there are so many more things you can enjoy. So today, I want to share with you my five top things to do while in London:

1. Go to a park: London is a green city. It has more than 3.000 parks where you can walk, read a book, have a picnic, ride a bike, or just chat with your friends. Of course, there the more touristy parks like Hyde Park or St. James, but there are so many possibilities to choose from. I recommend Primrose Hill and Hampstead Heath (this has been the setting for several movies like Eternals). They are magnificent spots to see the sunset or just have a glimpse of London’s city Centre.
2. Go to a show: London’s West End is one of the most famous artistic neighbourhoods in the world, right next to Broadway. Going to a show, whether it is a musical (The Lion King is a must) or a play (Agatha Christie’s The Mouse Trap is the longest running play in the world), if you book your tickets in advance you can get £20 tickets for great quality shows!
3. Go to a (free) museum: Some of the best museums in London are free, and there is something for every taste. My personal favourites are the British Museum (where you will be able to learn about civilisations) and the Science Museum, which is very entertaining and interactive.
4. Take a stroll or ride a bike by the Thames: Taking a stroll by the river bank has been so far one of my top experiences in London. I recommend to do it on a sunny or at least not cold day, and you can start in Tower Bridge and just start walking towards London Bridge, Millenium Bridge, and just go as far as you want. You will encounter street artists, the Tate, pubs, Shakespeare’s Globe, the London Eye, and many other things that will give a good glimpse of London’s vibe.
5. Explore a neighbourhood: London is so big, each neighbourhood is like a small town within a big city. You never know what you may encounter. For example: Nottinghill is famous for its colourful houses and is Saturday Market, Hackney Road is know for its hipster vibe, the Sunday Flower Market, and its vinyl record stores, and Camden Town it the centre of punk culture… It is fun jut to pick one and just start exploring it.

Whilst in Coventry, don’t miss your chance to visit London. There are so many options, and places to visit, you will be amased!

Mariana Amador

MSc e-Business Management (Digital Marketing)

Today I will tell you a surprising fact that maybe you will just notice when you reach here. The University of Warwick is not in Warwick, it is in Coventry.

Yeah, as you heard, most of your time at the university will be in Coventry unless you live in Leamington Spa or another place. However, you can do a day trip to Warwick, it is a really nice town. It is small but you can find a market on Saturdays, and you can visit the famous castle of Warwick.

Hence, my first tip for your journey is, to take Stagecoach from the university as you will need to change the bus in Leamington Spa to one to Warwick and National express does not have services till there.

My second tip is to visit the castle of Warwick, but make sure there are no events that day as in that case you may not be able to visit all the rooms and spaces of the castle.

Finally, my third tip is to go in the morning as you will be able to do a picnic in the castle and because as it is a small town most things close by 4 pm. Additionally, I will suggest you go back when there is sunlight to be able to walk from Warwick to Leamington, as there is a nice path by the side of a canal and you will find nice scenarios. Once in Leamington, you can choose to take the bus home or stay for some drinks or clubbing.

Juanita Pachon

MSc Supply Chain & Logistics Management

As you have probably realised by now, studying at Warwick is an opportunity for you to be part of a diverse cultural mix of students, to develop your intercultural awareness and create lifelong friendships. In order to do this, a number of events are organised throughout the year, for students from different countries to become acquainted with each other and learn about distant cultures. One such event is the World at WMG day and the Languages Café organised as part of the celebration, which is an opportunity for students to celebrate cultural diversity at WMG by learning a few words and sentences in a different language.

The event is mainly an informal gathering, where students come and sit at a table where a tutor provides them with a handout with some sentences in English and the translation in their own language (e.g. Spanish, French, Greek etc.). Students try to learn these sentences with the tutor and are asked to repeat each sentence a few times to help them get the right pronunciation. The casual set-up is very inviting and really helps those who are intimidated by the idea of socialising or speaking a completely new language relax and have fun. Refreshments and snacks are also provided, which provide a great opportunity for students to get to know each other and their respective cultures.

Developing one’s intercultural awareness is a key professional skill and something that will be very useful when working as part of a team, whether in an academic setting or a professional one. After all, as an international student in a foreign country, it is a great opportunity to meet fellow international students and expand on one’s intercultural horizons.

Wishing you all a lovely weekend!

Artemis Panteli

MSc e-Business Management (Digital Marketing)

Hi everyone,

As I dive into my last module and my ninth month living in the UK, I have reminisced about the previous months and my first day arriving at Coventry, my first lecture, the first time meeting my classmates, etc. It's been such a fantastic journey full of learning, both academic and personal. By this point, I realise living abroad is so much more than just learning a new language and immersing yourself in a new culture, so here are my main lessons about living abroad:

Have an open mind: This, to me, is the most important one. Before arriving, you will be full of expectations and imagine how everything will be. And then you come, and everything is real. However, the truth is that many of the things will not be as you thought they would, both good and bad. And that's totally ok, as long as you keep an open mind and understand that it's all part of the experience and that one bad thing shouldn't stop you from enjoying this wonderful experience.

Your friends become your family: Making friends is one of the things students are most afraid of. But, as I've told in previous posts, everyone is going through the same experience and is open to meeting new people. As time goes by, you will find yourself surrounded by beautiful people who become your family and whom you can rely on to go for some drinks, study together, or just talk about life and your future. Your friends will become your family and will be key to making you feel at home.

3. You are fortunate to have this opportunity: Just earning a spot in a master's is a significant achievement, but most importantly, having the chance to go abroad is something many people dream of, but only a few have the opportunity to do. I constantly remind myself of this, and that's why I have made the most out of my master's year. I travel, try new things, encourage myself to improve my English, and meet new people… Your master's is not only about academic life but so much more!

4. You'll never stop missing home, but…: Being homesick is normal and, to be honest, something that never disappears. And that's fine because you miss birthdays, weddings, babies being born, just hanging with your friends and family. However, if you are always thinking about how much you miss home and how much you wish you could be there, you will not see all the fantastic things the UK offers. You need to make this your new home, make new friends, and try new things. It's all about making beautiful memories that you will afterwards share with those you miss the most back home!

5. Cooking and budgeting are everything: Never underestimate the power of knowing how to cook and manage a budget! You don't have to be an expert, but knowing the basics will make your life so much easier and enjoyable because you will be able to do as much as you can, eat healthy, save money, and, why not, maybe discover a new hobby…

I can honestly say this experience has allowed me to get to know myself and grow as an individual in so many ways. I would not change this experience for anything else, and I am very grateful I get to live it.

Best,

Mariana Amador

MSc e-Business Management (Digital Marketing)

The WMG Scholarship Dinner was successfully held in Apr 2022, after another wave of Covid-19 at the end of last year. It was my honour to be invited and the dinner was too perfect. I was so glad and excited to be there and many thanks to WMG for the incredible night

The dinner was a very great opportunity to meet new people and talk to the teaching fellows at WMG. Everyone there was very kind and friendly, and I met loads of new friends. The small talks with the teaching fellows were fruitful and it was a very great time to broaden your network. Indeed, as a foodie, I would love to talk about the food – It was the greatest I had at Warwick, and I am currently still missing the chicken and apple pie there! Hahaha :P

Till here not sure if you wonder how I became one of the awardees or if you are interested in applying for a scholarship (?) If yes, please continue reading and I am happy to share more tips for your application. 

I applied for the scholarship after accepting my MSc offer and the requirement of the application was to submit a personal statement about your motivations for your MSc degree and future planning. I think being genuine and realistic, and showing your passion for your study and future career in the statement is very important as the department is getting to know you and decides if you are qualified for the scholarship via your statement. Keeping your statement simple but unique is another key to being outstanding among the applicants since the relevant staff may read through thousands of applications and a unique story is always memorable and deserved an award.

Hope the above sharing would be helpful and wish you all the luck in your scholarship application! xx

April was a hectic month for all WMG students, everyone was chasing lectures, IMAs, PMAs and the research methodology deadlines for our dissertations in early May… Even though the schedule was very tight, we should still enjoy our school lives. We deserved to have a break and the British Afternoon Tea event was a great opportunity for everyone to escape from schoolwork for a while and reunion with our friends! 

The event was held on 22^nd Apr 2022 and the weather on that day was extremely nice. Nearly 100 students joined the event. Before I came, I had not imagined we could have afternoon tea at school, but it was real - Every table was served with a traditional afternoon tea set and a few pots of English tea. Of course, coffee was also available for those coffee lovers. As a tea lover, the tea I had was impressive, and I could not count how many cups I had during the event (haha).

It was an amazing occasion where you could enjoy the food and drinks and had a great chatting time with your friends – I was recharged from the hectic schedule. Meanwhile, a competition with prizes about British afternoon tea culture was hosted and it was a keen one. Sadly, our table did not win the competition  but I did learn a lot about the local culture!

It is a free event organised by WMG and I am so glad it was successfully held during the Covid time, and I could have a chance to participate. If you are coming to WMG next year, I strongly recommend you register for this event via MyAdvantage. Let’s colour your school life and understand more about the beautiful British culture with your friends. See you in the next blog!

By now you may notice that the University of Warwick has a very big campus. In the central campus, you can find several buildings for the different faculties, for undergraduate and postgraduate classes, all of them surrounded by green spaces that makes more enjoyable the daily life. Additionally, you will find some buildings with a variety of facilities as a groceries store, bar, pub, restaurants, theatre, and spaces for clubbing, paying pool, markets.

Moreover, as some of you will enjoy, there is a huge variety of on-campus accommodations. Some of them are located on the main campus whereas other are 10-15 minutes’ walk. Regardless their distance from central campus the accommodations have huge green spaces, what makes the living and everyday walking really enjoyable. The most beautiful thing about these spaces is not the peacefully environment and all year changing scenarios, but the possibility to see animals as squirrels, foxes, geese with their goslings growing up and more.

With all this information on hand, I wanted to give you a TOP TIP. Explore, explore the campus, your residence, the facilities, and resources. For example, last weekend I went for a walk with my flatmates, and we discovered a stunning field full of flowers and as we keep walking, we found an enjoyable restaurant near to campus.

Remember to make the most with your time in campus, sometimes we use to leave as soon as we finish classes but there is a lot of activities going on and places to visit. Keep in mind that the university, students, and societies organize with some periodicity events and activities on campus and additionally, you have the theatre showing the most recent movies for an adorable price and comfortable seats.

Juanita Pachon

MSc Supply Chain & Logistics Management

University life is a great way to immerse yourself in various activities and events, whether these are networking events, social events, or academic workshops. Since you will most likely be looking for a job shortly after completing your Postgraduate degree, your time at Warwick is a great opportunity for you to develop your transferrable skills, so you can demonstrate these on your CV and strengthen your application to stand out from other candidates. An excellent starting point would be the WMG Skills+ Programme, which focuses on the 12 Warwick Core Skills and consists of 6 stages:

Stage 1: The first stage is all about attending the introductory workshop where you can find out more details about what the programme entails and how you can go about completing it, as well as ask any questions you might have. After attending the workshop you can add the programme to your Moodle dashboard and move on to complete Stage 2.

Stage 2: This stage is about recording any activities you have been involved in since starting your course at WMG, as well as any events you have attended during your time here. These can range from professional webinars and careers workshops, such as ‘How to Write CVs and Applications’ or how to tackle challenging interview questions, as well as networking events and careers fairs which are held throughout the year. Keep an updated record of all the events you have attended, as these count towards completing Stage 2 of the certification. The more activities and events you attend, the faster you will progress to the 3^rd Stage.

Stage 3: This stage is about completing and perfecting your LinkedIn profile. A checklist is provided with tips and advice on how to complete each section, so that you create a professional-looking profile. The great thing about the careers events and workshops you have attended to complete Stage 2, is that you can have your photo taken by a professional photographer, which you can then use for your LinkedIn profile. A great first step to completing this stage, indeed. You will then need to make sure you have an appropriate headline, a summary of your motivations, skills and aspirations, any relevant work experience, as well as your educational background and any volunteering activities. Don’t be shy in listing your skills-the more the merrier, as they say, and make sure you get your friends/colleagues/fellow students to endorse you and validate your expertise. Once you have successfully built your LinkedIn profile, you can then progress to the next stage of the programme.

Stage 4: In this stage, you will have the opportunity to revisit the 12 Warwick Core Skills in a checklist and select 6 skills which you are most confident to express and demonstrate either in a written or verbal format. The 12 Core Skills are: Communication, Critical Thinking, Digital Literacy, Ethical Values, Information Literacy, Intercultural Awareness, Organisational Awareness, Problem-Solving, Professionalism, Self-Awareness, Sustainability and Teamwork.

Stage 5: This stage is a written task. You will need to select 3 out of the 6 skills you have selected in the previous stage and write a paragraph explaining each skill and a time when you have demonstrated the particular skill. You will need to follow the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) and use an appropriate example for each skill. This exercise will also help prepare you for any competency-based interviews you might encounter when completing your job applications.

Stage 6: You have done remarkably so far and have finally reached the last stage of the programme! Well done! In this stage you will have the opportunity to attend an interview (either in person or virtually) where you will have the opportunity to talk about the remaining 3 skills of your initial skills selection. Be confident and follow the same STAR technique you used in the written task. Make sure you utilise different and varied examples for each skill. These can be academic, professional, or extra-curricular.

After successfully completing all 6 stages of the programme, you will be awarded with a Certificate of Completion which will state the skills you have developed and demonstrated throughout the programme’s duration. This will also look great on your LinkedIn profile, to showcase your skills and continuous development to potential employers, as well as on your CV as an additional qualification.

I hope you find this experience as fun and rewarding as I did! It is a great opportunity to develop your self-awareness by recognising your strengths and weaknesses and areas you might need to develop. After all, a master’s degree is not just about doing well in assignments but becoming a well-rounded and self-aware individual who is adequately equipped to enter the professional environment.

Best of luck!

Artemis Panteli

MSc e-Business Management (Digital Marketing)

I still remember the moment: a Q&A with students on a virtual open day before I started my studies here and one of the students recommends to think about a topic for your Master's thesis even before you come to Warwick. I was shocked, as I hadn't even finished writing my Bachelor's thesis at the time.

But don’t stress! Even though at WMG we decided on our dissertation topic very early, within the first term, it's no problem if you don't know what you want to write about at the beginning of your studies. You also don't have to come up with a topic completely on your own, although this is of course possible, you should have an idea for it in mind. Instead, there is a project selection system in which all potential project supervisors are listed with their subject areas. So we could easily filter by our areas of interest and see which supervisor is willing to supervise which topics. Then we could talk to the supervisor about this and potential questions and if everything fits, we can imagine working with the supervisor and they also have the capacity to supervise a student, we applied for the project.

So even if you don't need a specific research question yet, it helps to think about possible areas of interest early on. For example, I knew that I wanted to do a project with an environmental sustainability focus, preferably in the automotive industry. So I filtered the system by automotive industry, went through the different proposed projects, picked my favourites and finally got stuck with hydrogen vehicles. Together with my supervisor, I came up with the specific question within the next few weeks or months. So after I had my rough topic, I looked at it.

In summary, don't panic, you will get enough support to define a project topic that really interests you. Interest is very important here because you spend months on the project and without interest, at least I tend to lose my motivation relatively quickly. Unfortunately, the thesis doesn't write itself in the end.

Good luck

Henrike Weglage (ITM)

Hi guys!

Admittedly, not necessarily in daytrip-distance, but definitely worth a visit is Cardiff! I was there in mid-April, in the best weather, and I have to say I'm impressed. The city itself has a great vibe, lots of cafes and pubs in the city centre and on Cardiff Bay.

But from the beginning. Our first stop was at the market hall. A beautiful, classic market hall in the middle of the city centre, so actually you can't miss it. Here you can find a snack for every taste. And since it is in the middle of the city centre, you can stroll through, browse in the shops or sit down in a café or pub.

But I can only recommend not to forget the time here and go to the Bay as well. There are even more pubs, restaurants and cafes here and the atmosphere when we were there was very relaxed. I heard someone somewhere say that Cardiff was like a little London and we definitely got the vibe here. There is even a small Ferris wheel at the Bay (miniature London eye?) and you can take a speedboat tour. If you don't want to sit down in a pub, you can just buy an ice cream or welsh cake (highly recommended!) and watch the hustle and bustle from one of the benches right by the water.

Unfortunately, we were just passing through, so we didn't have that much time, but in the end, we went to Cardiff Castle. And here, too, the holiday mood came straight away. On a large meadow surrounded by the castle walls, families and groups of friends had picnics, played ball games or simply enjoyed the sun. Due to our limited time, we didn't go to any museums or into the castle building itself, but even so, I can say don't miss out on a stop here!

I absolutely plan to go back to Cardiff with more time in my luggage and can only say pack your bags and plan your trip to the capital of Wales.

Cardiff Castle

Bay

Market Hall

Henrike
ITM

As in my previous post, I share some of the most popular places to sit and study, today I will share with you some other spaces I have found around the campus that in general, I prefer. The places I mentioned before, in general, do not have something essential for me, good sunlight. In winter the hours with the sun are very reduced, hence looking for places with the sun was one of my challenges.

Till the moment I have not to find many, in the IMC building in WMG, on the second floor there are some open spaces to study but there are very dark whereas in the rooms to study you have some nice tables and sofas to sit with the change to take some morning sun. Additionally, on the first floor, you have a Common Room with facilities to take lunch and some snacks. In this building, WMG has the Degree Apprenticeship Center with big collaborative spaces to sit and study, and there you can have some sunlight in the afternoons. This building is quite far from the main campus nevertheless you are very near to Cannon Park, hence you can go a grab some food there.

Finally, I will share with you my secret spot on campus. On the Sports & Wellness Hub, there is a really nice and peaceful terrace with a nice nature view. This space is open to the public so even if you don’t have a membership you can access it, as this space is shared with Caffè Nero. This terrace is very nice on sunny days as you can take the sun and the wind does not hit very hard and in the case it gets chilly or your computer runs out of battery, you can go inside and sit in the coffee shop where the is different spots and plugs. I have to be honest, when you go inside, the place can be very noisy because of the people and the music they play.

Juanita Pachon
Supply Chain & Logistics Management

As soon as you reach the university, staff, students and even teachers will recommend you some places to go and study. One of them and the most common is the library, located in the middle of the campus. It is a really quiet place with three different floors, spaces to study, and a coffee shop. However my TOP TIP today is to go and explore the university. You just have one year here and finding a place where you enjoy studying in this short period is a huge task, so start as soon as possible and do not stay in just one place when you can find somewhere new.

In the meanwhile, I can suggest to you some places that I found with time and that you may like to explore when you start your studies. The Postgraduate hub, also called PG Hub, on the third floor of the Junction building is a space just for, as its name indicates, postgraduate students. Here you can find a very silent common space to study, some individual rooms to work in a group and other common spaces where you can be with your mates but you must keep your tone of voice low. Additionally, on the same floor, you can find a room with facilities to keep your lunch fresh, warm it or just to sit, eat and chat.

Moreover, there is a building called the Oculus in general that is quite busy so, if you like to study in silent places this is not for you, but if you don’t mind, it has nice sofas with plugs to study. Here you can find a stand with food on the first floor and sometimes the classrooms are free so you can use them as a quiet place or study with mates. Like this one, the new Art center building is very nice and modern, this is a building you must visit even if you won't be studying in there.

These are just some of the most common places recommended to students when studying, however, in my next post, I will share with you some others that are not that well known.

Juanita Pachon

MSc Supply Chain and Logistics Management

In a previous post, I talked about traveling around. To make the most of your time in Europe and the cheap flight tickets. Nevertheless, today I come to give you some tips concerning traveling in the UK.

Traveling inside the country is very expensive or at least more expensive than traveling abroad. However, as my FIRST TIP, I will tell you to not miss the incredible places you can find in this country. Usually, you don’t visit them when you come just for tourism as your itinerary is tight and it is focused on landmarks and important cities, hence try to travel during your studies. The UK has amazing scenarios, small pretty towns, mountains, and beaches. It is not a very big country but you will find out different historical and fun places and facts, for instance, did you know that the Kit Kat was created in York?

I know I mentioned it is expensive and that we are all students with limited budgets, nevertheless, my SECOND TIP will be don’t be that afraid of the prices that you don’t allow yourself to enjoy. Of course, there are always some tricks to make your trip cheaper. You can try to use bus services, plan and book everything with time and even try to travel with friends, as all together can rent a car and travel wherever you want, in less time and at less expensive prices. Additionally, I will recommend you to buy the railcard, it can seem a little bit unnecessary at the beginning but you can save a lot of money with it.

Finally, my THRID TIP is to go on those unplanned trips! Yes, maybe it won't visit all the places you wanted and miss some highlights. But remember that it is all about the experience, the good moments, and sharing with others. So, yes, try to plan some trips to save money and do the most with your visits but if you can have a sudden day trip with friends don’t miss.

Juanita Pachon

MSc Supply Chain and Logistics Management

Hi everyone,

It’s been six months since I arrived in England. I have made many great friends and learned so much about this country and its culture. Today I want to share five things I have identified that make British (or Brits) unique:

1. It’s always a good time to go to a pub and grab a beer: British are beer people, there is no doubt about that. And I knew that before coming here. But what I didn’t expect was that they could drink beer at ANY time of day. Morning, afternoon, or night, pubs are open, and people get together to drink beer with their friends and family. There’s nothing more English than crowded pubs!
2. Rain is not a limit: The UK is a rainy country. But unlike other people around the world, brits don’t care about the rain. Sometimes, they don’t even carry an umbrella because it’s useless when there is rain and wind. To British people, rain is part of their daily lives, and just because it starts raining, they are not going to change their plans. Genuine British people are just in to walk in the rain and have a wet park day.
3. If the sun comes out, you go out: Another undeniable truth about the UK is that it is cloudy and grey a lot of the time (it’s something you must know before coming here because it can be shocking at the beginning). Therefore, whenever it’s sunny, everyone goes out, and there is such a great vibe around. Even if it’s for a while, it is important to suck in some Vitamin D and sunlight.
4. Lunch=sandwich: This is one of the things that has shocked me the most, and it’s the fact that most brits just have a sandwich for lunch, eat in 10 minutes and then go back to whatever they were doing. In Colombia, lunch is a very important meal. You even get together with your family, friends and even co-workers to have a one-hour lunch (at least) and eat a lot. But the British enjoy their lunch sandwich, and then they have a good dinner at around 5 or 6 pm. It’s part of their culture.
5. Walking everywhere: People in the UK are used to walking everywhere. Of course, they have cars, but the fact is that, if it’s a walkable distance, they’ll just walk. I come from a city where people are used to having a car to move around. But I have enjoyed walking if I can. It’s a good exercise and a way to break from studying.

Being an international student is all about immersing in a new language and culture. It’s amazing how much you learn about a culture if you just open your mind and give yourself a chance to explore. The UK has so much to offer, and it is worth it to know its people and their traditions.

Cheers mates,

Mariana Amador

MSc e-Business Management (Digital Marketing)

Dear friends,

I hope the email finds you well. Time goes so fast and now is the term THREE. In this term, some students might have almost finished their modules and prepared the dissertation. People might also be very intensive and stressed because finishing the final project is not easy. However, WMG organize an event for us to socialize and network with other students! That is "having British Afternoon Tea Together" in the amazing building, The Slate.

At the event, we not only enjoy the British afternoon tea with our new friends but also share the experience or even some learning tips with others. It is a good and informal platform for us to connect with students outside your department. Besides, there is also an interesting quiz about British and tea culture. I discussed and played the new friends and even learned new knowledge as well.　　　

Last but not least, as a student, it is really nice to connect and socialize with others at the event. Although we might be busier and busier in term three, it still is worth engaging in the social event and making some new friends. From others' stories, they might give new insight into your coursework or your project. Therefore, step out of your room! Join the social event and make some fun together! Look forward to the spring image on campus? Stay tuned!

Best,

Chun Wei

With the last two tips in mind, I will tell you a bit about my experience and some things you must consider. If I had the chance to choose again where to live, I will choose again on-campus residences. Why? Despite there are a lot of better options, offering better prices, rooms, facilities, and locations… Warwick residences take into account other factors that other places and maybe you had not thought about. For instance, when I was looking for the place, I noticed that on campus they mentioned the fact that you are going to live with postgraduates. This was not considered by other residences, hence when you reach your accommodation you are living with master's, Ph.D., or undergraduate students. From my point of view and my personal experience, undergraduates are in a different moment of their life, their courses are very different, and their plans and conversation topics may be quite different from what you would like to share. Hence, looking for a place where you live with people that are in a similar situation to yours, will be my TIP 3.

Additionally, when you are applying for the residences, you have to list your wished on-campus residences, ranking them from your favorite to the less wanted. Additionally, with this preference list, you will need to fill out a questionary regarding your interests, your lifestyle, your requirements, and more. In my case, this was considered, and they offered me a room in Sherborne, the residence with the biggest kitchen you can have on campus (as I already mentioned I love to cook). Therefore, my bonus tip will be to take your time filling out this form as it may make the difference for you when the university gives you your options.

Juanita Pachon

MSc Supply Chain and Logistics Management

• Why am I writing this blog?

As a student in SCAV (Smart, Connected, and Autonomous Vehicles), I received many queries from prospective students asking about how to apply for SCAV at WMG in recent days. Therefore, I decided to write a blog talking about my application process to SCAV. Hoping this could be useful to anyone who intended to join us in SCAV at the University of Warwick.

• First, a brief introduction to SCAV.

As we all know, electrification and intelligence are shaping our vehicles in the future. Among these, automated vehicles would bring evolutional changes to our ways of transportation. Hence, every major vehicle company and technology companies globally invest heavy money in relevant R&D.

At SCAV, students are working closely with Intelligent Vehicle Group through modules and projects. Thanks to the industry connection of WMG, we also have plenty of guest lectures and collaborative projects with industry partners. All of which would help lay a fundamental knowledge in understanding automated vehicles.

•  Apply for SCAV.

Now, cut to the case.

No matter whether you are attracted by the state-of-the-art automated vehicles, or by the high salary provided in relevant R&D positions. You have to go through three stages before you are given a place at SCAV.

1. Personal Statement, CV, Transcript, Reference submission etc.

2. Video Personal Statement.

3. Interview.

1. Personal Statement, CV, Transcript, Reference submission etc.

This is the general stage that you have to go through no matter which universities or courses you are applying for. Just be mindful that if you are choosing to study SCAV, stressing your interest and relevant knowledge regarding automated vehicles could be helpful. WMG has given a useful guide on how you should write your PS, you could be directed to that page using the link down below:

Advice on your Personal Statement | WMG | University of Warwick

2. Video Personal Statement

When you receive an e-mail requiring you to provide a Video Personal Statement after your application submission. Congratulation! You are at stage two now. It is worth noting that different years of application may require different content in your VPS. But based on my experience, your VPS would require a demonstration of your coding/programming skills, and your knowledge of basic electronic circuit analysis (analogue circuit and digital circuit). I would recommend that applicants pay attention to preparing their VPS at this stage, for it will be reviewed by the course leader of SCAV.

3. Interview

If your VPS has been accepted, then you are at the final stage of your application. You will be contacted by the course leader personally for an interview. Based on my experience, during the interview, you would be asked the same questions you prepared for your VPS and the reason for choosing SCAV. It will not be a stressful interview but any pre-research (like reading some comprehensive papers on automated vehicles, any news in related industries) would be helpful. Because of the advancement of SCAV, this is a very hard master’s course compared to other courses at WMG. Therefore, your determination of joining this intensive master’s course would also be appreciated.

After the interview, hopefully, you could receive an offer for your place at SCAV.

I sincerely wish everybody could receive your desired offer.

PS: Pictures are for some of the cool stuff we met during the year. I will be writing a blog regarding the experience of studying SCAV very soon.

MSc SCAV-Hetian Wang

Hello, my friends! JiHyun again!

There is only one module and dissertation left to finish our eight modules and this Master's course this year.

If you haven't yet applied for the e-Business Management course, you may not know that it is divided into five specialisms. In order to give you an insight, I have prepared interviews with students who are now studying MSc e-Business Management 21/22. I picked the questions you may be curious about, and prospects usually ask us.

Today, our first interviewee is a student from e-Commerce and Digital Analytics(ECDA).Link opens in a new window

This specialism will give you a comprehensive understanding of implementing effective e-Commerce solutions from both a technical and a business perspective.

And here is an e-Commerce student’s comments about her specialism.

1. Why did you chose your specialism?

I’m passionate about the luxury retail industry and my job of course, but I would like to equip myself with the latest technical knowledge further and advance my career within digital operations in e-commerce. At the same time, the luxury retail industry is gradually picking up online retailing with the integration of sales channels, so I see a huge advancement opportunity globally.

2. Which was your favourite module and why?

I have two favourites…. It’s difficult to pick one.

The first one is e-commerce solution which emphasises on CMS operation and UX design. We had a chance to utilise the best-in-industry-platform Shopify and built a usable e-commerce retail website from UX and operational perspective. It’s amazing as we had the chance to try every single function and plug-ins and evaluate their effectiveness. Undeniably, it offers great real-touch to workplace as CMS operation is essential for e-commerce roles.

Big Data and Optimisation is also impressive. It offers both data visualisation methods from top-down perspective and technical SEO optimisation from bottom-up perspective. Additionally, both IMA and PMA provide practical use cases to put this knowledge into practice with the support of workplace-popular softwares Tableau and Screaming Frog.

3. What advice would you give to prospective students for e-BM?

It’s a good choice if you want to work in the UK after graduation, as the university is always a platform for you to adapt to the local lifestyle and connect with like-minded people.

Hope these interviews help you to decide on your specialism:)

MSc e-Business Management

Jihyun Park

If studying on the e-Business Management course, you will be asked to select a Dissertation topic and Supervisor shortly after joining the program. This will be done through a Project Selection System where you will be able to browse the different topics available for you to choose from and you will also notice that you will have the opportunity to select your own topic, under ‘Student-Defined Project’ options. There were several topics I personally found to be very interesting and aligned with my chosen degree specialism, as well as future career endeavours. Nonetheless, other than the topic, finding the right supervisor is another important factor that must be considered.

Selecting a supervisor is almost as important as choosing the topic of your dissertation. After all, you will be studying, researching, collecting data, analysing case studies, and compiling this information for the next 8 months, which will also bring your Postgraduate degree to its long-awaited conclusion. After deciding on 3-5 topics that are of interest to you, you will then request an interview with the supervisor of each of these projects. For the interview, you will need to be prepared to discuss with the supervisor why you want to research that particular topic, what it is that you find interesting about it, how you intend to collect your data and how it is associated with your future career aspirations. You will need to demonstrate you have enough knowledge to undertake that project and will be willing to work hard and meet tight deadlines to deliver this project to the best of your ability. If successful, the supervisor will then let you know whether you should go ahead and apply for the project and whether they would be happy to assist you on this journey. Make sure to let your passion and determination to put in the work shine through, as this will be a two-sided relationship. Your supervisor will provide you with as much as you are willing to put in, so it is important to remember to maintain an important balance between work and feedback.

Other than the student-topic fit, the student-supervisor fit is also very important. You will need to make sure that your supervisor is someone you can reach out to at any given moment for any questions, clarifications, or general guidance whenever you feel unsure of how to approach certain aspects of your project. You need to ensure that you can communicate with them and will feel supported during this critical and somewhat daunting time in a postgraduate student’s life. Even if the topic might be of interest to you, if you do not feel the supervisor is the right fit for you, then think twice before applying for the project, as once you have been accepted by the supervisor, it is not possible to change your choice. It is not a decision you should take lightly and something you should spend time thinking about carefully.

I am sure that no matter what you decide to research and write about for your project, all the blood, sweat and tears will not go unrewarded. After surviving numerous hours of lectures, writing countless PMAs and spending hours with your teammates trying to perfect that IMA presentation, the dissertation submission will be the culmination of a most challenging, but fulfilling journey.

Best of luck!

Artemis Panteli

MSc e-Business Management (Digital Marketing)

Hello, my friends! Welcome to April!

These days, the weather is so fantastic to get more sun☀️ Feels like leaving somewhere:)

I bought a bunch of tulips from Tesco 🌷 🌷 This makes me happy seeing and smelling the tulips in full bloom.

I would like to share my unforgettable experience with you guys!

On 3^rd April, I attended Manchester Marathon with my lovely mates!

I registered 4 Leg relay marathons running 10km each.

As I mentioned in my previous blog, I used to run in the morning via the football pitch route. The route is almost 4km on the round way taking around 30 minutes. At first, I ran to strengthen my back muscle because I hurt my lower pain. Getting longer on my chair, I felt more sore pain. One of my friends recommended me run together, which relieved my pain. At that time, Running was just my rehabilitation exercise for me. I had never imagined that I could participate marathon in mylife.

My friend suggested me to join a marathon together by chance, and suddenly I became a runner!

‘Marathon’ is quite a burden because I could not run entirely even though this is 4 leg relay marathon. I tried to practice before attending, but my academic schedule was busy (which sounds like a great excuse 😝)

I could not believe it till the day before the event! After keeping my mind up, I was in Manchester!

The city was crowded with enthusiastic runners 🏃 🏃 🏃

The weather forecast said it would be cloudy, but I could get shiny sun while preparing the Running!

My goal was quite small; no matter how long it takes, just complete my run! Enjoy my experience 😊

After starting a race as the first runner in my team, I was so excited by the festive vibe 🔥 ✨

I felt the Manchester vibe directly to the skin.

Everyone was so passionate, and the massive audience cheered us so much. The whole city was filled with clapping and cheering sound

I couldn’t stop running when I was out of breath and tried to slow down because so many audiences, including kids and puppies, encouraged me, even other runners. Power Up! You can do it!!!

Their shout enabled me to squeeze my all energy

I ran 10km. I nailed it! The record was quite fast! 💨 💨 💨

It was a challenging but so touching and unforgettable memory in my life.

It’s beyond description.

I was happy to make one more valuable memory in the UK.

I recommend you join the marathon or try challenging tasks.

When you nail it, You will definitely feel what I felt! 💪

Have a wonderful day, my friends:)

See you on the next blog!!

MSc eBusiness Management

Jihyun Park

Who doesn't love food? But all vegetarians or vegans probably also know the worry of finding enough meat or animal product-free food in new places. I can put your mind at ease here because so far I've been able to find it everywhere.

Let's start with the campus. The University of Warwick does not have a canteen or cafeteria, as you might know from other universities, but instead, there are a few cafés, pubs and other dining options and in all these cafés you can get milk alternatives instead of cow's milk with your coffee or hot chocolate. Vegan cakes are also on offer, and I can personally recommend the vegan brownie from Curiositea or the Library.

But even for the "real" food, there are vegetarian or vegan options, both in the Breadoven and the Pubs or for sandwiches from the cafés, so that actually everyone will find what they are looking for. And even if not, there is also a small supermarket right next to the Piazza on campus - roots. Here you can find all the essentials as well as a selection of salads, sandwiches, pastries and warm snacks.

For weekly grocery shopping, vegetarian and vegan alternatives are best found at Sainsbury's or Tesco. There is a Tesco right next to campus and they have a wide range of plant-based products, including ready meals, for those lazy evenings.

Aldi also has a few alternative products, but only in a relatively limited range. I have already found vegan cheddar here, there are for example plant-based burger patties, and of course oat and almond milk. However, you don't necessarily find everything and these products may be already sold out or not always offered. On the other hand, it is much cheaper here, since you know, plant-based products can be quite pricey, which is why it may be worthwhile to shop here and go to Tesco for the missing products.

And I can also reassure you about going out to eat. In Coventry and Leamington, there are many different restaurants and cuisines and most of them serve vegetarian and vegan products. Allergies are also usually catered for very nicely.

Enjoy!

Henrike

ITM

vegan brownie at Curiositea

restaurant in Leamington

Hi everyone!

When I came to Warwick, the structure of a 1-2 weeks module in a block followed by a post-module assignment (PMA) was a big change for me in terms of the way I studied. You have around 4 weeks for these PMAs and they go by faster than you think.

Even if the change to this block system takes some getting used to, I like the idea of the PMAs because it allows you to apply what you have learned and deepen your knowledge. We all know it, you sit in a lecture, think you have understood everything and don't need to write it down because "You'll remember that". A few weeks pass and the only thing you remember is the fact that you thought taking notes would be unnecessary. And even though the modules are usually very interactive, the PMAs helped me to really remember what I had learned in the long term.

Now here is my approach to completing a PMA without having to pull all-nighters on the weekend before the submission

1. Start early

I know, a very classic tip, and what can you call it if you translate newton's 1st law of motion to students? A student will not change their state of procrastination unless the stress becomes great enough. But seriously - starting early helps. Right after the module, what you've learned is still fresh and you remember most of it. It also gives you the freedom to work on one topic of the PMA for half of the day instead of the whole day, and the other half on your dissertation, for example. That way you don't get tired of a topic so quickly.

2. Initial research

I like to do some rough research on the topic I'm writing about first, to get an overview of what's involved. This then helps me for my next step.

3. Narrow topic down

In almost all of my PMAs, I had the freedom to influence the area to which I wanted to apply the question. So, building on my previous research, I narrowed down the topic to be able to go into detail here. This helps a lot to stay within the word limit because surprisingly it is more difficult not to exceed it and still go into detail. The more specific the topic is, the easier it becomes and at the same time, you show that you really understand what you have learned and can apply it individually.

4. Set structure

Once I have decided on my "special field", I think about a structure in which I would like to answer the questions. This is not 100% fixed, of course, but it helps me with the deeper research.

5. Deeper research

Journal articles, books, when appropriate industry insights, other case studies etc. the possibilities are seemingly endless :)

6. Take notes

I create tables on OneNote or excel, either one per question or one per subchapter, in which I make notes and always note the source in a column behind it. This way I keep track of what is in which source and which sources either confirm or contradict each other. I can only recommend this to avoid unintentional plagiarism.

7. Write up

Once I have my notes together, I rewrite them into a chapter. Rewording is super important here, again to avoid plagiarism. Details and tips on how to do this can be found in the SPA module, which all Master's students at WMG complete in parallel to the normal student routine.

8. Use referencing tool

Referencing tools such as Endnote help to correctly reference and manage sources

9. Proofread
I always leave some time in the end to proofread my PMA with a certain distance. Preferably at least one day after I have finished writing, to avoid "operational blindness".

I hope this helps you with your future PMAs and good luck!

Henrike

ITM

Once you have chosen the place where you want to live, you will need to think about the options offered in that location. The SECOND TIP will be to understand your needs and wants from the place you are going to live. Some people do not like to share spaces such as bathrooms or kitchens, while others will find important to have a big kitchen to cook and do accommodation parties.

In my personal opinion, I wanted to have my bathroom in my room and not share it will anyone as every person has his manners, its things and managing it in such a small place may not be easy. Nevertheless, having a place to socialise as it is the kitchen was very important to me, not just because I love to cook but to have someone with whom I can share after classes while I am cooking or taking my meals. Additionally, I think it is a great place to make friends, learn about different cultures, and practice your English.  

Moreover, I found nice to live in residence as you can share with your flatmate but at the same time, you have the opportunity to meet more people from other flats in the building. Actually, I love to hang out with them as we can make meetings and parties in the building without the need of going out and if we go to Coventry or other places we can come back home together.

Last but not least, I know the price of the place will play a relevant role in your decision, some will not vary much but others will. So my bonus tip in this post will be to consider all the facilities the place offer and factors you consider important for you, do not make your decision just based on the price. Remember you will live one whole year in the place you choose, so pick a place you think you will enjoy the most as this will change your whole experience in the UK.

Juanita Pachon

MSc Supply Chain and Logistics Management

One of the biggest decisions you will need to take a few months before coming to the UK is where to live. You would like to live in a nice space, in a nice place, with good flatmates, maybe near to a groceries store or pub. It is a decision that will depend on a lot of variables, including your wants and needs, price, and availability. When I started looking, I saw videos, and references, and even contacted someone from WikiWomenUk that may offer me a room in their house. You will have different options, in Coventry, Leamington Spa, on Campus, Earldeston, and more. So my FIRST TIP will be, to choose wisely the place where you want to live. Here I leave you some essential information about the possible places where you would like to live.

Coventry:
The University of Warwick is in Coventry, however, you are 20 minutes away from the city center by bus or 1 hour and a half by foot. Here you can find most of the facilities you will need, groceries stores, restaurants, the bus station or train station to travel around the UK. Nevertheless, in my personal experience is not a nice city but you can find very nice residences.

Leamington:
Is a small town with nicer restaurants and nightlife but more expensive in terms of accommodations. You will find more students living in shared houses and spending their time around. The time-traveling to the university will be around 30 minutes by bus. Additionally, from here you can travel directly by bus or by walk to Warwick, where you can spend one day visiting the Warwick castle and the Saturday market.

On-Campus:
You are near to your classes, you have a big Aldi and Tesco to do your groceries and the Sports Center. However, there are just a few restaurants and one bar to visit after classes not much to visit after classes or on weekends. Depending on which accommodation you are it can take 5 or 15 minutes to reach the central campus by walk.

Surroundings of the university:
The most famous places to live near the university are shared houses in Candley, Kenilworth, Earldeston, or the new residence building, The Oaks. For this option, you may want to transport yourself by bike or short bus travel to the campus or Coventry when you want to find nightlife or do some shopping.

Juanita Pachon

MSc Supply Chain & Logistics Management

Hello everyone, hope you’ve had an amazing week!

My week ended on the best note, and that was a day trip to Oxford with friends. I enjoyed every second of it and learned some interesting facts about this city, which I thought I would share with you here 😊

Studying and remaining on top of academic commitments is essential when completing a postgraduate degree. Nonetheless, taking some time off to relax and do something fun with friends, like visiting new places, is highly recommended, particularly if you are an international student and haven’t had the opportunity to explore the UK.

The great thing about living in Coventry is that many major cities are just a short train ride away. Oxford, for example, can be reached via a 48-minute direct train from Coventry Rail Station. Renowned for its University, I was amazed by the beauty and vibrance of this city, as well as the history surrounding it. The architecture is out of this world, and each building has its own story and significance. The little shops and picturesque narrow alleys resemble sceneries from Harry Potter movies. In fact, Oxford is a must-visit place for any true Harry Potter fan, as numerous locations in Oxford were used for the movies’ filming purposes.

As we were a group of 25, we decided to book a private guided tour of Oxford, which lasted about 1.5 hours. This is highly recommended, as it only cost £5 per person and gave us the opportunity to learn lots of interesting facts about this place, which otherwise wouldn’t have been possible. Our tour guide, Debbie, was one of the most funny, enthusiastic, and energetic tour guides I have ever had the pleasure of meeting and she truly made the tour very enjoyable. I didn’t even realise how fast the time went by!

Some fun (and surprising!) facts I learned about Oxford:

• Rowan Atkinson actually graduated from The Queen’s College, Oxford, therefore you will see many souvenirs and memorabilia portraying his famous character Mr. Bean! He lives just outside Oxford and visits Oxford mainly when the town is quiet. Sadly, he doesn’t drive a Mini.
• Townies and Gownies- these terms are often used in university towns, such as Oxford. ‘Townies’ refer to the non-academic population, whereas ‘Gownies’ (yes, you’ve guessed it!) refer to the students attending one of the University’s Colleges, who are often seen roaming around in their university gowns.
• When it comes to ‘Gownies’-The longer the gown, the higher the degree title. Undergraduates, for instance, are often seen wearing a gown just above the knee, known as the ‘Oxford Commoners Gown’. Upon graduation, they change into a longer gown to signify the completion of their degree. The graduation ceremonies are actually pretty spectacular as our tour guide described and are deeply entrenched in the University’s traditions.
• The Bodleian Library holds a copy of every book to be published in England since 1610.
• It is believed that J.K. Rowling got the inspiration for Harry Potter’s lightning bolt scar in Oxford (see picture below).
• One of the city’s most photographed spots is Hertford Bridge (or most commonly known as the Bridge of Sighs), which people mistakenly compare to the famous Bridge of Sighs in Venice, due to its distinctive design. The bridge was built to connect Hertford College to New College Lane.
• J.R.R. Tolkien (writer of the world-famous The Lord of The Rings and The Hobbit) studied at Exeter College, Oxford (see picture below for dormitory).

Radcliffe Camera (The Bodleian Library)

The inspiration behind Harry Potter's scar

Bridge of Sighs (Hertford Bridge)

Exeter College (J.R.R. Tolkien's college)

I am certain that if you do get a chance to visit Oxford, you will find out even more interesting facts about this fascinating place. Needless to say, Oxford is not only filled with breath-taking views and sceneries, but it is also home to some of the greatest literary minds and has provided filming locations for numerous movies and TV-shows. Its charm and beauty are undeniable, and it is definitely a must-visit place during your time at Warwick.

Have a fantastic week!

Artemis Panteli

MSc e-Business Management (Digital Marketing)

Hi everyone!

It has officially been five months since I arrived at the UK and Coventry as an international student. By this point, I can tell you I have defined my favourite spots in the city (hopefully, I will be able to share this with you in another post), made some amazing friends, improved my English, and learned a lot about e-Business Management. But most importantly, I have learned a lot about living by myself and on a student budget.

I am financing my studies with a combination of a scholarship from the University (please don’t hesitate to apply to WMG’s Excellence Scholarship), savings, and a scholarship-loan from a Colombian institution called Colfuturo. I have other friends you are paying their entire master’s with savings or are being supported by their families or companies. Whichever the situation, at the end of the day we are all students who mostly spend and have almost no incomes (I say mostly because you can still get part-time jobs to get extra money if you want). We are constantly looking for sales, freebies, and jump into any opportunity to save money because the last thing you want is to run out of it and stop enjoying all the amazing opportunities you will find here, whether it is a trip, or a nice dinner, or simply doing your laundry.

So, it is VERY IMPORTANT that you manage your budget wisely. This is something many people struggle with, but achievable if you are an organised and smart spender. I have been perfectioning this art for the last 5 months and I want to share with you my biggest learnings:

1. Be a smart grocery shopper: One of the things I struggled most at the beginning was buying what I would actually eat. It is hard to cook for one person and avoid food getting spoiled when you live by yourself. After three failed attempts to fill my fridge with food “just in case I would need it”, I learned the best way to optimise your spending in groceries is by PLANNING your meals. Before going to the supermarket, make a list of what you are going to eat during the week and the ingredients and quantities you will need. That way, you will only buy what is really necessary (you can even include some biscuits or snacks you like, but remember they are just for you, so don’t over-do it when you buy them) and avoid spending some extra pounds in unnecessary tomatoes, chicken, or even milk. BONUS: this also avoids you from having to throw spoiled food every week. In this regard, it is also important that you consider where you shop. Here at Coventry, you can find Tesco, Aldi, Lidl, Asda, Sainsbury’s and even Marks & Spencer’s. In my case, Sainsbury’s is very convenient in price and location (10 minute walk from my accommodation), so I go there every week to do a small fridge refill, but when I need to buy a lot of stuff, including toiletries, or non-perishables, I’d rather go to Asda, Lidl or Aldi because they are cheaper. Again, it’s up to you, but consider your options before over-spending unnecessarily
2. Student discounts are there for you to use them: There comes a point when just start downloading every student discount app you find. And why wouldn’t you do it? UniDays, Totum and Student Beans are some examples of free platforms that are constantly providing discounts just for students. Whether it is for a restaurant, or your favourite apparel store, discounts can go up to 50% sometimes, and trust me, every pound counts. So don’t be ashamed to use it and sometimes just getting excited for getting an email with a discount!
3. Set aside the money you need for fixed costs: Some of your fixed costs may include your rent, or laundry, or your mobile top-up, bus pass… This are things you need to pay no matter what, so at the beginning of the month, set aside the money you will need for this and know you cannot use it for anything else. Which brings us to our fourth and final point which is:
4. It’s ok to treat yourself every once in a while: Many people think that being a student is living on pasta, tuna, and not going out or travelling because: who has the money? But that is far from true. If you plan your budget smartly, you will see that you will be able to set some money aside for leisure, a trip to London or even to another country, a dinner in a good restaurant… It’s ok to treat yourself and you shouldn’t feel bad for it because it is a way of enriching your experience. Just know money is limited, and that sometimes you might have to do trade-offs. So, maybe, to be able to pay for your trip to London, you might have to stop going out with your friends for a couple of weekends. But it will be worth it!

Living on a student budget can be tricky, but if you do it correctly, you will find yourself living ok, eating good food, travelling, and most importantly, making the most of your time in the UK. Because this is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and the last thing you want is being stuck in your flat for a whole month because you didn’t spend your money wisely.

Best,

Mariana Amador

MSc e-Business Management (Digital Marketing specialism)

“In a world where you can be anything you want, be kind.” I hear this a few weeks ago and I think sometimes we don’t put much attention to it. However, we should try to apply it in our daily life. I talk about it in this block which is mainly about the UK and Warwick experience topics because I found it very important to be supportive with all the people we meet here. Sometimes we forgot that we are not the only ones that are having hard times with the changes, work, and people. So, my FIRST TIP will be to try to listen and speak with your mates, sometimes people are going through things that you cannot imagine, and finding someone that listens to you and maybe empathize can be very difficult if you don’t share. For instance, in winter I was struggling to understand what was happening with all these seasonal changes, and with time I realize lots of my friends were in the same situation as me and everyone had different advice and ways to go through it. So, don’t be afraid of talking and listening!

As my SECOND TIP, I will tell you to try to go out with your friends. During this experience, you will have days where you feel alone and certainly people around you will feel the same. So, if you see someone that does not socialise much, that is always between home and university, do not doubt to plan dinners, walks, or study sessions just to share a moment with them. This not just will boost the mood of both but will be a perfect opportunity to meet more people, to practice your English and take a break from your studies.

Finally, remember that all of us we came to learn, most of us English is not our mother tongue, most of us make mistakes talking. So, my THIRD TIP will be ASK and CORRECT. If you don’t know how to say something, ask your friends or someone with whom you feel comfortable. And if you hear someone making a mistake, and they are open to being corrected, them tell! Help them to become better in this international experience.

Juanita Pachon

MSc Supply Chain and Logistics Management