Warwick is not only academically excellent, it also has an extremely rich community life. I was looking for a university where I could stay active and take part in the life of the university, which is possible thanks to the numerous societies and sports clubs. Discover Marie-Aude's journey at Warwick and what led them to apply for the BSc Management.

How did you find out about Warwick?

When applying to the UK, I wasn’t fully aware of which university was renowned, which one had a good atmosphere...so I had to do my research! That’s when I discovered Warwick, by looking at different rankings, websites and advice from students who previously studied there.

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

I did not hesitate long before choosing Warwick, which was my very first choice. College is a huge step in the life of a young adult and everything is done at Warwick to make the students feel fulfilled, both from an academic and social point of view. Students at Warwick can indeed benefit from academic excellence. This includes high-level education and Warwick is also among the top universities in the UK. What I also found interesting is the possibility to spend a year studying or working abroad as well as the many partnerships it has. As a student, I believe that these are amazing opportunities. Warwick is not only academically excellent, it also has an extremely rich community life. I was looking for a university where I could stay active and take part in the life of the university, which is possible thanks to the numerous societies and sports clubs.

How did you feel to be awarded a scholarship?

I didn't think I would be awarded a scholarship so I was at first very surprised. I then felt extremely lucky for this opportunity I was offered. It made me feel confident in my abilities because I knew that I had won the scholarship and deserved it. To be honest, I felt reassured to be awarded the scholarship. I had never been to Warwick, I hadn’t started my studies there yet, but I felt welcomed and I was convinced that I belonged here.

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

I first told my sister. She was surprised because I hadn’t really mentioned the fact that I applied for a scholarship. She seemed truly happy for me and impressed by the fact that it was awarded to me.

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

I applied to Warwick through the admission service in the UK for college : UCAS. I am lucky because my school helped me with my application form. My family also contributed in correcting my personal statement. However, despite the guidance, I felt like I didn’t really know what I was doing, which was to some extent stressful. Now that I look back on this experience, I realise that most students were just like me and that the application process isn’t as bad as it seems.

In regards to the visa application, it was definitely time-consuming but the different steps to undertake were clear and simple to follow. Nobody helped me with it but I managed to complete it without incident and everything worked out.

Surprisingly enough, the scholarship application was rather fast. I just had to write a few essays. Even though no one helped me with it, I didn’t find it bothersome.

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

I arrived in Warwick a few days before welcome week. When I arrived, I was immediately astonished by the size of the campus. I used to be in a small high school so I was not used to living with that many students in such a big campus. Even if it was really big and different from home, It felt welcoming because everyone was friendly and ready to help. The first day, I got lost and couldn’t find my accommodation but a staff member helped me find my way back really kindly.

What is the best thing about Warwick?

If I had to choose the best thing about Warwick, I would say the opportunities. No matter what one likes doing, enjoys learning or what projects they have, I feel like the university will have something that fits them. Professionally, students are offered a lot of opportunities such as help to write CVs, to find a summer job...Even on a social level, all kinds of events are organised by Warwick for students with interests of all kinds.

What is the worst thing?

For me, It would be the fact that we have very few hours of seminars and lectures and a lot of personal work. This can be an amazing way to learn to be independent concerning school work. However, students can quickly feel overwhelmed by the amount of personal work given. It is difficult to stay focused and organised when you study independently.

How is your accommodation?

I live in Sherbourne which is an on campus en-suite accommodation. It is overall very good, even if it is slightly expensive. The kitchen is very big, which is perfect for reuniting with friends or flatmates. The bedrooms are quite small but cosy and there is plenty of storage space. Sherbourne is known for being far away from campus, which I don’t think is a problem at all because I enjoy the walk from the accommodation to central campus. I was incredibly lucky because I get on well with all my flatmates and there is a great atmosphere in our flat.

Are you a member of any societies?

I am a member of several societies : baking, finance, dance and japanese. With the dance society, I take ballet, contemporary and pointe classes. I am also going to do a showcase in a few weeks. I had the opportunity to attend a meeting about spring week with the finance society and in the future, I want to attend the meetings about market discussions. With the Japanese society, I am doing beginner Japanese classes once every two weeks. Finally, with the baking society, I attended a cupcake decorating event and this week I am going to go to a candy making event.

What are your plans when you graduate?

For the moment, I still have doubts about whether I would like to work in a company or to be an entrepreneur. I want to work on an international scale so having met people from all over the world and knowing how to speak English will be a major advantage. After graduating, I would be interested in being involved in a charity. For example, I could be the one in charge of the financial accounts.

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

My piece of advice would be : Don’t hesitate to speak your mind. Say what you have to stay. There aren't any “good” or “bad” answers for the questions given. You should take these questions as an opportunity to express yourself and show that you have something to bring to the university. I feel like being genuine will bring value to your answers and put forward your ideas.

What one thing makes you happy about Warwick?

My answer is: support. If I have an issue or a struggle, I know that support will be available. It can be from friends, teachers, societies and more but there is always something or someone here to help. That makes me happy as I feel surrounded and helped in everything I do.