All the friendships I have made so far and the facilities around campus make me feel part of a community. Discover Shirley's journey at Warwick and what led them to apply for BSc Economics.

How did you find out about Warwick?

I have a friend who graduated this year from Warwick and explained to me what it was like to live on campus, the job opportunities after graduating, the facilities and how easy it was to make friends, which really encouraged me to apply to Warwick.

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

I have been to the UK and was really excited to see its monuments and architectures that mark what the city has been in the past and its evolution throughout the years. The UK is highly diverse, with different cultures and religions from all over the world creating a unique feel in every different city. UK universities with so many world-class degrees on offer have featured strongly in world rankings ever since they began. The UK’s academic reputation is also world-renowned. Thus, it's always been my dream to pursue my studies in UK, meanwhile seeking opportunities to visit it’s historical sites and to learn more about the culture.

The University of Warwick is an acclaimed world-leading campus university, renowned for providing a strong academic challenge through teaching and research excellence. I was sure the Department of Economics will offer me executive education programmes, combining world-class teaching with industry expertise as it is recognised as a top target.

How did you feel to be awarded a scholarship?

It felt incredible! You obviously sit and hope that you will be one of them. It is definitely a huge honor to me as it not only recognised my ability but also gave me the motivation to continue working hard towards my degree. Then when it actually happened it felt unreal. I felt so happy and it felt so great to be recognised and it definitely makes my hard work feel really worthwhile.

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

My family! As soon as I received the email and confirmed it I made a call in the family group chat and gave them the big news. They were all very proud of me.

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

As my parents did not know how the application form and visa application process work, I had to manage to do it all by myself. There were many difficulties, such as contacting UKVI due to the VISA delay, mistakes while filling in the application form, but I am happy I was able to solve all the kinks.

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

The first shock was the excellent facilities for learning, such as the library (although some floors are in maintenance), the Oculus, Social Science building...and how modernised they were in terms of technology.
Before coming I already knew that Warwick is a campus-based university, which is one of the reasons that brought me here, so it actually did not fall off my expectations, as the environment is also excellent.

What is the best thing about Warwick?

The campus, the education, the university itself, but most importantly it is all the friendships I have made so far and the facilities around campus that make me feel part of a community.

What is the worst thing?

I think it would be better if there were some study rooms that are open 24-hours.

How is your accommodation?

I am currently living in Rootes, which is on campus. To start with, it is very well-located as it is on central campus. Before I came here I heard that Rootes is regarded as partying accommodation, and could not imagine living with 19 people in the same flat. But after I got here it is really not bad as I thought. You can actually get to know a lot of people and make friends easily.

Are you a member of any societies?

I am member of the Economics and Chinese society, but have not attended any event yet as I have been busy trying to organise myself. Nevertheless, I am really looking forward to future events.

What are your plans when you graduate?

My future career aspirations are geared toward economic analysis. Professional economic analysts must draw on their knowledge and experience, but also need social skills, and capabilities to process information and formulate plans to address economic problems related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy. My goal is to help people who do not have the professional knowledge needed to defend their property or human rights due to lack of resources or management.

I acknowledge the fact that it is not enough to recognise current affairs. However, I firmly believe I can be better positioned to act if I can spot the varying economic trends of the fluctuating market. For this reason, I am particularly fond of steering my career prospects towards working for a company in the future to balance risks and benefits while making decisions. This is a challenging and fast-growing area, which I yearn to embrace.

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

Definitely do it! You only have to fill in some questions which will also help you to learn the reasons why you are coming to study at Warwick and make you think about your future plans. But I would recommend to prepare the application beforehand. In case you have been awarded a scholarship, it is definitely a huge honor and reward that recognises your effort so it is definitely worthwhile.

What one thing makes you happy about Warwick?

That would be the SU events. During week time, as we all have a lot of work to do and it is hard to balance social life and study at the beginning, I barely see my friends. Therefore these events are great to gather the majority of us together to hang out, having fun and meet new people!