Why your inbox matters
Why your inbox matters
Email is Warwick's main communication channel. Checking it regularly can make a big difference to your university experience. Your inbox isn't full of spam - it’s where you'll find important announcements, deadlines, job opportunities and helpful information.
This page is here to help you stay on top of your inbox without letting it take over.
What emails to expect in your inbox
Most of your emails will fall into three main categories:
Academic
Moodle notifications
Lecture and seminar materials, pre-session tasks, assignment briefs, academic feedback and room changes.
Tabula notifications (WBS students use my.wbs)
Timetable changes, grades, assignment feedback and personal tutor allocations.
Department newsletters
Course updates, student notices, departmental support, professional opportunities and wider university news.
GradIntelligence
Academic transcripts, degree certificates and Warwick Award certificates (Bronze, Silver, Gold).
Extra-Curricular
University newsletters
Your student newsletter includes updates university news, campus events, support services, student voice initiatives and key dates to be aware of.
Students’ Union newsletters
Events and news from your Students' Union.
Society and Sports Club newsletters
Invitations to events, socials, trips, members' discounts and Sports Hub bookings.
Events and opportunities
Invitations to Together at Warwick events, Warwick Sport updates, career or student mobility opportunities through the Student Opportunity newsletter and more.
Professional
MyAdvantage notifications
Invitations to Careers Fairs and events, tailored job alerts, and confirmations of 1-1 career advice appointments.
Job platforms
Emails from websites such as Unitemps, Bright Network, Student Circus and Glassdoor. These might include part-time and campus jobs, student researcher roles, internships and work experience and graduate schemes.
Subscriptions
Updates from sources such as The Financial Times, National Geographic or sector-specific newsletters. Staying informed with global news is useful for seminars discussions.
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"Try not to be overwhelmed by the many emails you’ll receive - although plenty, they'll become easier to deal with once you organise them in a way that works for you!
Email communication with staff is a great way to get quick and detailed responses.
Remember to always use the appropriate terms of address, be polite, and try to make your messages as clear as possible - things may not be as easy to understand when compared to talking face-to-face"
Anjola, 2nd Year Psychology Student
Organising your inbox: smart email habits
- Check it daily: Check your inbox 2-3 times a day (morning, midday, evening). Once a day is enough at the weekend.
- Use folders or labels: Create simple folders or label with clear names, like ‘Module Code’ ‘Internships,’ or ‘Societies'. A simple system can help you find what you need.
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Turn emails into tasks: Many emails include deadlines, invitations, or reminders. Sync your inbox with your digital calendar (Tabula → Outlook) to stay organised.
- Be proactive with communication: Book office hours, ask questions, and contact your Personal Tutor or module tutors.
- Simplify your inbox: Unsubscribe from mailing lists that aren't relevant to you, and archive emails you don't need anymore.
Email etiquette: communicating with staff
Emailing at university is different from texting your friends. Here’s how to keep it professional, polite and to the point.
Use the correct title - Always address staff with their official title at first (e.g. Professor Jenkins). Some academic staff are happy to be addressed by their first name and often sign off their emails this way. But you should start by addressing them with their official title first.
Use a clear subject line - Make it clear and specific (e.g. Question about M10 Assessment)
Structure your email
Greeting: Dear [Insert Name]
Main message
End with: Best wishes or Kind regards [insert name]
Mention attachments - If you’ve attached a file, confirm this in your email (e.g. Please find the file attached...)
Proofread before sending - Typos can cause confusion; take a moment to re-read and check your message.
Be patient - Staff may take a few days to reply. Try to avoid sending many emails about the same topic unless it’s urgent.