Student Profile: Olga Efraimidou
Discover Olga's journey at Warwick and what led them to apply for the Bachelor in LLB Law, studying with us from 2018-2021. |
How did you find out about Warwick? Did you consider applying anywhere else? What made you choose Warwick?
Warwick could be always found in the top rankings of UK universities and I heard that it was one with the most international students. Both of these factors pushed me into applying to this great university.
My second choice was Queen Mary University, but as opposed to Warwick, it was located in London. Even though I love London, I wasn't sure whether I wanted to miss the unique Warwick campus life.
I chose Warwick for many reasons. First of all, its widely known reputation. Secondly, the campus life. Unless you visit Warwick, you won't understand the uniqueness of its community on campus and outside. This was the major reason why I preferred it over London. Even when moving to Leamington Spa or Coventry in your second/third years, you realise that, due to their small size, these towns are full of students and always give you a sense of warmth and safety. I can literally walk to any of my friends' houses, the supermarket, or clubs in less than 15 minutes. I'm sure that Londoners would be jealous of that!
Did you contact the University prior to application?
No, unfortunately, I didn't contact the university. I wish I knew more about this greatly organised team that exists to help European incoming students.
How did you find the application process?
I went to an international school and I, therefore, had my professors' help in applying to UK universities. I completed the UCAS application and I didn't face any particular difficulties in doing so.
How was your arrival? Did you settle well into life at Warwick?
I could never forget my Fresher's Week! I was welcomed to the university in the best possible way and I was thoroughly guided for my first steps here. My concern has always been how to meet more Europeans. I was very lucky to have an amazing flat (with a few Europeans) and I had many chances to meet more people through parties, my course, or even random tours around the campus.
What is the best thing about studying at Warwick?
Its people. Everyone can find a community/society to belong to and your Warwick friends will stay in your life forever. As previously mentioned, my main concern was finding European friends because they made me feel closer to home. I must admit that it was extremely easy to do so and happened very naturally.
How have you found your accommodation?
I had the honour to live in Sherbourne, which was an on-campus accommodation. Sherbourne has a few blocks, it is right next to the Sports Centre and a few minutes walk from the central campus. Its a very new, clean and friendly accommodation and I would definitely recommend it.
Have you joined any societies?
I have been a member of the European SocietyLink opens in a new window since my first year. At first, I was a Fresher Rep, then the Vice President and now, in my last year, the President. This society has helped me so much expand my connections both socially and academically. It is a very active society with parties, games and BBQs taking place every other week and many academic talks about European politics and EU matters.
Have you managed to travel at all during your studies?
I have travelled a lot in Europe during my studies. Every reading week, I would find the cheapest tickets and go to a different country for a few days. However, I regret not travelling in the UK enough. I have been several times to London to see friends and family, or even for day trips to have a nice lunch or a walk by the river. You can find very cheap tickets if you book in advance and it's only 1.5 hours to get there.
What do you hope to do when you graduate?
I hope I will find a job or traineeship in Europe and work for a couple of years. Then, I would like to do a Masters at a European university.
What makes you the happiest about being a student at Warwick?
Seeing people enjoying their Warwick experience and being part of a group. Warwick is one of the few universities in the UK with so many societies, which means that you can easily join a community that fits you. This is what will make your Warwick experience unique! Don't be scared to meet new people. This is what university is all about.
What advice would you give to someone considering applying to study here?
Join as many group chats as you can and contact the societies that you would be interested in joining. They can both be of great help and make you feel part of the Warwick community even though you won't have arrived to the university yet.
Olga's course:
Law LLB provides the framework for economic and social life, and for relationships between states, governments and individuals. At Warwick Law School, we pioneered an approach to the study of law that looks at legal rules 'in context' to examine their social, political and economic effects.