I think the University of Warwick is located in a peaceful and wonderful place with beautiful surroundings, when I first walked around campus. I saw many animals on campus, such as squirrel, rabbits and ducks. Discover Xi's journey at Warwick and what led them to apply for the BA Education Studies.

Course:

BA Education Studies

How did you find out about Warwick?

In China, the University of Warwick is renowned as a high-level and awesome institution, these positive comments made me more interested in studying at the University of Warwick. Then I searched a lot of information about my major at Warwick on the Internet, it shows that Education Studies is a widely praised and excellent course at Warwick. Moreover, I attended a university fair in Xi'an City when I was in high school, and I acquired detailed information about my major at Warwick from this fair. Therefore, I chose Warwick as my firm choice at UCAS, and fortunately, I met the requirements and was accepted to Warwick.

Did you consider studying anywhere else? What made you choose Warwick?

In the grade 12 Career-Life Connection class, I did a lot of research about my future career planning. I discovered that my occupational planning matches the modules of the BA Education Studies at Warwick. Entering the University of Warwick to study education is an important and indispensable opportunity for me to explore the field of education. I want to get advanced and comprehensive resources that are associated with education study at Warwick. The modules of the education studies at Warwick contain many fields that are associated with education, such as psychology, philosophy and sociology, and it has opened many doors for me to explore the fields of education. Moreover, the University of Warwick is friendly for all students, which reflects on campus providing mental health and health care support. Campus also provides various clubs for students, and students are helped in the academic aspect. The transport facilities are convenient at Warwick, and it has a beautiful campus environment. School provides many opportunities for students to touch with their major, which helps to connect career life. These favorable conditions promote me to go to the University of Warwick. Moreover, the United Kingdom is one of the biggest developed countries in the world. The quality of UK higher education is always highly regarded, and it has a high position internationally. Significantly, education studies were set early in the United Kingdom, and it is now a mature academic subject in Britain. Accordingly, I intend to complete my undergraduate studies in the UK.

How did you feel to be awarded a scholarship?

I was really happy and excited when I received a full-fee scholarship, because I strongly believe that I was chosen because my abilities have been recognized by the university, and I also feel responsible for the social issues, especially those related to my major. I wrote my future career planning on the application form, and it has been approved by the scholarship team, that encourages me to be committed to achieving my goals. I plan to study for my doctorate in education in the future, and my goal is to propose a new theory in education that could improve the teaching method in a way. Meanwhile, I also would like to pay close attention to charity activities in education. I know there are many students who do not have the right to education in some underdeveloped countries. Thousands and thousands of students are still suffering from social issues at school, such as bullying and blackmail. In my role as a student who graduated from Warwick University, I am responsible for helping students who have difficulties and issues in education.

Who was the first person you told when you received the news about your scholarship and how did they react?

I told my mother first when I received the news about my scholarship, and she was really elated and immensely proud of my achievement. My mother hugged me, and endlessly showed me praise. My parents were happy when I received an offer from Warwick University, because it is a prestigious university in the UK. And when I was awarded a full-fee scholarship, they were overjoyed. Moreover, I am a first-generation college student, my parents did not receive higher education. I am very grateful to the Warwick scholarship team because they made it easier for me to receive higher education. The University of Warwick is committed to promoting equality in higher education, and I believe that the Undergraduate Global Excellence Scholarship will enable more people to access in higher education.

How did you apply and did anyone help you with your application form and visa application?

My scholarship application form was completed entirely by myself, with no help from anyone else. However, Ms. Zhang Sisi, my high school graduation advisor, provided me with plenty of advice about visa applications. During the visa application process, she helped me to collect visa information and complete the visa application form. Unfortunately, my visa was delayed and I almost missed the plane. It was thanks to Warwick's student immigration team I was able to contact UKVI, and finally I caught the plane and arrived in the UK on time.

What was your first impression of Warwick when you first walked around campus?

I think the University of Warwick is located in a peaceful and wonderful place with beautiful surroundings, when I first walked around campus. I saw many animals on campus, such as squirrel, rabbits and ducks. It is really suitable for studying because campus is quiet and safe. Students have easy access to public transportation at Warwick, I saw many bus stops on campus. It is convenient for them to travel to downtown. Moreover, life at Warwick is convenient and safe. Campus is closed to a big shopping mall, so that students can buy daily necessities and food easily. The university also set up a lot of emergency help points, and it shows that the University of Warwick is thinking of students safety.

What is the best thing about Warwick?

I think that the University of Warwick is an international and inclusive institution. The students at Warwick are from different countries, and have various identities and religions. In this situation, students are able to hear voices from different people from all over the world who are of different cultural backgrounds, which can promote academic research and class quality. Moreover, the University of Warwick is friendly for all students, which reflects on campus providing mental health and health care support. Campus also provides various clubs for students, and students are helped in the academic aspect.

What is the worst thing?

I am disappointed that there are so much garbage on campus, some students threw masks, plastic wrap, and tissues on the grass. I believe that everyone have the responsibility to protect the environment, and we should appeal all students not to throw litter around.

How is your accommodation?

I lived in Heronbank residence, which is on campus. Heronbank is a residential district with various supporting facilities. My roommates are friendly and they like to share interesting stories with me. I feel that I am in a big community. The resident tutor is a responsible person, and she always cares about our life and safety. Heronbank is also very quiet and safe, and it is close to the classroom buildings, which makes it easy for students to access the classrooms.

Are you a member of any societies?

I joined the Warwick Chinese Society Charity department, and I wrote a blog about educational charity with my group members. Moreover, I also attended Warwick Student Union as a Department Rep, I believe I can help more students as a rep in the future.

What are your plans when you graduate?

After completing my studies, I want to be a teacher first, and visit schools around the world. I plan to focus on academic research in education, and I would like to compare and contrast the education systems in different countries. Moreover, I want to build an education institution, which provides service to students with psychological problems, and provide students with personal learning tips. In the meantime, I intend to set up an educational foundation to help finance the students’ basic education. My ultimate aim is to be an education professor, providing teaching or training to teachers and parents to better develop theirs teaching or parenting strategies, especially towards children and students who are suffering from social issues.

What would you say to someone considering applying for an Undergraduate Global Excellence scholarship at Warwick, what would it be?

First of all, I think you should have higher grades. Grades are one of the most important factors in judging someone's ability, but are not the only factor. Moreover, reposing scholarship questions is also important. You should read and understand the scholarship prompts carefully. It is also vital to be honest in your scholarship answers because your own life is important and interesting. Finally, do not feel too nervous about your application, just try your best to complete the form.

What one thing makes you happy about Warwick?

I think the University of Warwick is really friendly for the first year students, the university is setting personal tutor and peer tutor for every new students, which helps them to be familiar with the university life. Peer and personal tutors are both helpful for new students, and they can help them to adapt to campus life. In addition, first year marks are not count towards final grades, and this also helps students to reduce stress and be familiar with college life faster.