I was impressed by the wide range of cultural, gender, religious variation - each student that I met is a unique piece of art for me - so different, unique, and fascinating. Discover Anastasia's journey at Warwick and what led them to apply for the BA Film Studies.

How did you find out about Warwick?

I was searching for the best academic options on Film Studies in UK, and based on the ratings and the Guardian's Top on this subject University of Warwick was on the best places to study film - moreover, my film teacher was doing his Masters' in Warwick and he was really impressed about the academic level and opportunities, and my university supervisor recommended this University as one of the best in the UK.

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

Warwick provides the best academic course on the subject, supported by the strong academic side and the international community - the information about the course was really useful while thinking about my final University choice, since I was able to compare the course modules with the course of other universities, and through comparison find out that Warwick Film Department explores a range of the unique subjects, has a multicultural range of academic sources, provide a film fresher student with the essential academic basis and the further opportunities of its application on the practical field of the film industry. The interview also was a really important factor that influenced my decision, because it already determined the expectations from the department and show that Warwick has a higher competition and a complex process of the candidate choice. Moreover, the University of Warwick has a wide range of different departments that allows me to exchange knowledge with students of the other majors, which would be impossible during studying in the typical film school.

How did you feel to be awarded a scholarship?

It is an incredibly authoritative offer, especially, for a student from one of the creative directions, that often are truly avoided by scholarship places. Without this necessary financial support, I would not be able to study in such a superior academic institution as the University of Warwick, due to the high fees. I feel thankful for an opportunity to get such an offer, that saved my dream to study in this place and continue my academic pathway to the greater goal - your belief in my success inspired me to create the inspiration for others!

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

The first person, who heard the news, was my mother: we were sitting in the car, planning my flight to Amsterdam, where I was planning to study. Despite this fact, I had the internal belief to gain the scholarship from Warwick, since it was my first choice university. I was not able to hold my tears - it was a highly emotional moment that I will never forget, hopefully, the moment that changed my life and made the first step to my personal path to the world of cinema and film studies.

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

The application was conducted only by myself, however, the process of application was really understandable and clear due to the helpful and stepwise instructions from the University.

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

I was impressed by the wide range of cultural, gender, religious variation - each student that I met is a unique piece of art for me - so different, unique, and fascinating. I have also found the campus highly representative and massive in terms of the number of places to explore. If someone will ask me to define the Warwick campus metaphorically, I would call it "the world in a miniature with the art in a center, science on the defensive borders of humanity and an atmosphere of cognition and knowledge everywhere".

What is the best thing about Warwick?

Community and the academic opportunities.

What is the worst thing?

Such a wide range of places and things that it's almost impossible to explore everything.

How is your accommodation?

My accommodation is Cryfield Standard (on-campus) and I am absolutely in love with my hall - it's one of the best experiences of social interaction I ever had! My neighbours are the funniest and the most supportive people, our hall is very international and this cultural exchange is inspirational and amusing. Before the arrival, I was anxious about the number of people in the kitchen and the shared bathroom, but in practice, it is absolutely comfortable and, based on the discussions with my friends from other accommodations, even more, interesting in terms of communication and diversity.

Are you a member of any societies?

I am a part of the Film Production society, and it's both useful and amusing time for me as a person, who want to be a part of the film industry. The amount of clubs and societies is incredible, I am sure that I will sign for much more later because it allows you to meet people from other courses and years.

What are your plans when you graduate?

I would like to be a film director after graduation, it is challenging path, especially in terms of the successful contribution with the industry, however, I am ready to face this challenge, because film for me is not entertainment - it is the piece of art, source of inspiration and life itself. It is time to renovate the cinema, female directors should leave a legacy in cinematic history, and I want to be one of these powerful and great individuals, working for art and humanity.

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

Believe in yourself and your values, don't be afraid to share your story and intentions, ask your friend to describe yourself to find the most realistic picture of your personality and compare it with your view - it will be the best self-reflection, that you can use to present yourself.

What one thing about Warwick makes you happy?

Warwick itself - it is the best place, everything here is very inspirational and special for me, I can't fully describe everything about this place it is much better to experience it firsthand.