I chose the University of Warwick specifically, because of the high academic and social regard it has in various rankings. I was very excited for the study abroad option that Warwick offers, especially since the range of partner universities is so vast through Europe. Discover Joana's journey at Warwick and what led them to apply for the BA Politics, Philosophy and Law.

How did you find out about Warwick?

I heard about Warwick from the Careers Counselor at my school. She said she had found this amazing interdisciplinary course that she thought I would like. However, I had heard of Warwick before being used as an example of a good university in the UK overall, in other conversations with teachers and students.

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

I chose the University of Warwick specifically, because of the high academic and social regard it has in various rankings. I was very excited for the study abroad option that Warwick offers, especially since the range of partner universities is so vast through Europe which was where I initially planned on studying. Warwick has a very big range of societies as well which seemed very interesting and able to encompass all kinds of interests and hobbies. These are very good opportunities to participate in events to hone skills related to your course or beneficial to life in general, as well as to participate in many interesting projects. For example, the Law Society offers a range of pro bono projects for students to participate in, I have already signed up for one. And it is these kinds of features, projects, and partnerships specific to Warwick that you don't get in other unis.

How did you feel to be awarded a scholarship?

It was the most amazing experience! It felt as if a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. My scholarship cut down the increased price that BREXIT had put on my fees, and it felt like such a relief to be able to afford the university without any long-term difficulties that it might have imposed on my future finances. Receiving the scholarship was truly an amazing gift and I feel very honored to have been selected for it. It proved to me that my education was worth fighting for.

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

The first people I told were my parents and brothers. I sent a message to a group chat with a picture of the email awarding me the scholarship. They were all of course very thrilled as none knew that I had even applied to begin with. My phone soon became flooded with messages and phone calls from them congratulating me. They were all beyond happy!

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

I applied via a link that was in an email the university sent me saying that I qualified for the scholarship. The whole application was very easy. The link took me to the platform of the scholarship. The conditions for the scholarship were clearly laid out and on the next page were the four questions that I needed to answer to complete the application. No one really helped through the technicalities of applying, although I applied with a friend of mine and we peer-reviewed each other's application before sending it. I had no major difficulties throughout the whole process. Everything was clear and concise.

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

I think the first thing I noticed was how much bigger it was than I thought because the first thing I did when I got to Warwick was get lost on campus trying to find the Piazza. However, after finding the Piazza and all the main buildings the campus became very easy to manage. Another thing I noticed was the amount of nature that surrounds you. As soon as you get into campus you see all around you birds, squirrels, and sometimes even rabbits playing in the grass and trees.

What is the best thing about Warwick?

I think it might be all the societies. They are so diverse that everyone can find a society that suits their interests and hobbies and meet people with similar characteristics. It is also an amazing opportunity to immerse yourself in new opportunities, both academically and socially.

What is the worst thing?

The worst thing at the moment is probably the fact that we don't have in-person classes. Although most of my seminars are in person, my lectures all either pre-recorded or live on Teams. Although I understand that the university has regulations about COVID, I wished that some kind of scheme would be in place so that even if we had to divide the class and rotate groups who would have personal lectures that week, we would still have some lectures in person. I think this would very beneficial to our education because it keeps students motivated and engaged in their subjects which directly translates to how well they do in the end. However, I am aware that having in-person seminars is already a step towards that direction, and I am thankful for that.

How is your accommodation?

I am an on-campus accommodation. My room was very nice. The first thing I thought was that it was much more spacious than I thought it would be. I met flatmates that day too who were all international students like me and very nice people. The kitchen was more than big for all 8 of us, which was also a great feature of my accommodation.

Are you a member of any societies?

I am currently a member of five societies. I have gone to a lot of socials and overall events hosted by the societies. But of course, I have not attended all of them. In the societies, I have gone to presentations on projects they were running throughout the year. I have gone to socials to meet other members of the society. I also have signed up for mentorship programs in three societies which is a great way to get mutual support from an older student who has gone through their first year and can provide advice and help in various factors.

What are your plans when you graduate?

In the future, I hope to work as a legal adviser for the UN, or policymaker for the EU, or work in a similar area with another international organization. With my degree, I would like to enter the international community in the areas of politics and law.

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

I would strongly encourage anyone who qualifies for this scholarship to apply. It is such an easy process with a tremendous reward. This scholarship is your opportunity to fight for your right to affordable education, and you really don't lose anything by trying. I would suggest to anyone considering applying to take this opportunity the school is giving to help you support your education.

What one thing about Warwick makes you happy?

I think the campus life overall. The experience of living in the middle of a community of your peers. The Warwick community is very very friendly and supportive. It's just an amazing advantage the campus life, it gives you the opportunity to be independent and get a little space and perspective, but at the same time, the fact that everyone around you is going through the exact same experience is very comforting. I think it's one of Warwick's best qualities.