I love that there's always something going on outside academia. From the student run shows, to the art festival, to the societies that are always organizing events and the student cinema, everyday there's something to do or see after lectures or seminars. Discover Adina's journey at Warwick and what led them to apply for the BA Sociology and Criminology

What is the value of your scholarship?

Half-fee

Was obtaining a scholarship the deciding factor to study at Warwick?

Yes

How did you hear about Warwick?

I first heard about Warwick through a university fair. I had never heard of it before but the brochure provided at the fair looked very interesting so I decided to attend an Online Open Day for Undergraduate students which gave me a glimpse into not only university life but also the professors and the academic environment.

How did you hear about the scholarship?

While researching scholarships at the universities I was accepted to.

Why did you choose Warwick over other UK or international universities?

Warwick is a top university, nationally but also globally. The Sociology department is one of the best in the country and the criminology section, while newer than the rest of the department, is very highly ranked as well. During the Online Open Days I got to see what professors and the staff here were like and they made me feel like I can thrive here academically. Getting the scholarship felt like a confirmation that, by choosing Warwick, I was making the correct decision, a step in the right direction.

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

My mom. I had told her that I applied for the scholarship but that I didn't have high hopes given the limited number of places so when I called her with the news it was a complete shock. I think we were both speechless because it was the best news that we could have gotten at that time.

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

It was a completely different world than any Romanian university I ever saw. It was incredibly modern and full of people who seemed to be constantly moving, from volunteers handing out flyers to society members who were doing sports or dance demonstrations in the piazza. It helped ease some of the anxieties I had about moving to a new place in a new culture because everybody seemed so friendly and the staff seemed very approachable.

What is your favourite part about the University of Warwick?

I love that there's always something going on outside academia. From the student run shows, to the art festival, to the societies that are always organizing events and the student cinema, everyday there's something to do or see after lectures or seminars.

What is your least favourite part about the University of Warwick?

Sometimes it feels a bit isolated and far from anything else city centre-wise. It's such a close community and everything you might need is so conveniently close that I think you forget sometimes that there are whole other cities close-by you can go explore.

What are your impressions of your accommodation? Is this on campus/off campus?

I really liked my first year accommodation. I never had any troubles with my flatmates and I'm still good friends with some of them. The room was way better than I could have hoped for and the shared spaces were always clean and if something broke it got quickly fixed.

What do you plan to do when you graduate?

I'm not sure yet. I know I want to go into NGO work and make good use of my degree but I'm keeping my horizons open for anything that sounds interesting and challenging.

How has receiving a scholarship helped you to make the most of your experience from the opportunities at
Warwick?

It has absolutely changed what my experience has been like . Not having the extra financial burden has allowed me to join more societies and participate in more events. It has helped me tremendously to enjoy my student life and get to know people that I wouldn't have ordinarily met if I were on a stricter budget. I was part of the exec of a society that required me to travel across the country to conferences where I have met some extraordinary people that have shaped who I am today. Without this scholarship I don't think I could have afforded such privilege and I'm very grateful for it.

How did the University of Warwick help in easing you into living in a new country/environment?

The Student Union has been a great help in the transition. The staff has always been very open and efficient in providing me with information and guidance while navigating a new country. My personal tutor and my department has also been extremely helpful and understanding, helping me adapt to university academic life and its challenges.

What is one standout memory from your time at Warwick so far?

The Societies Fair from Freshers Week. I loved the energy and passion everybody was putting into presenting their society and how people were finding friends just by being at the same table, asking about the same things.

If you could give a piece of advice to someone considering applying for an Undergraduate Global Excellence
scholarship at Warwick, what would it be?

If you want to change your life you need to take action so just do it even if you think you don't have a chance. Getting this scholarship has opened so many doors for me and I hope it will do the same for them.