The best thing about Warwick is the campus. All of its facilities are great and walking distance. I feel very safe walking around and it is easy to find specific rooms you are looking for. Discover Maria's journey at Warwick and what led them to apply for the International Foundation Programme, studying with us from 2018-2019.

How did you find out about Warwick?

My parents are alumni. They did their masters and PhD at Warwick, and have returned to the University in several opportunities for academic visits. Since I was 3 years old, I have been coming to the University and staying in Staff Accommodation with my parents.

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

I did not consider any other University in the UK for my Foundation Year, only Warwick. My friends stayed in Bogota, my hometown in Colombia. I considered Universidad de los Andes and Universidad Javeriana in Bogota for my undergraduate course as well. I really like the Warwick Campus since I have visited it since I was 3 years old. Also, Warwick has a good reputation for its School of Engineering which is were I would like to continue with an undergraduate course in Mechanical Engineering.

How was your arrival? What were your first impressions of campus?

My arrival and orientation were okay. I did not find it difficult to communicate with other people and I was very open to interacting with people from different cultures. My first impression was that it was going to be very different to what I was used to back in Colombia, but it really intrigued me. I did not know anyone in the course, but I met a lot of people during the first weeks.

What is the best thing about being a student at Warwick?

The best thing about Warwick is the campus. All of its facilities are great and walking distance. I feel very safe walking around and it is easy to find specific rooms you are looking for.

How is your accommodation?

I live on campus, in Heronbank. I really like my accommodation, particularly the surroundings and it is very peaceful. You have to walk for 10 minutes to get to central campus, but I enjoy walking.

Have you managed to travel at all during your studies?

I have travelled in the UK. I went on a coach trip with the International Office to Windsor, and have taken a bus to several town close to the University such as Warwick, Stratford Upon Avon, Oxford, Birmingham and London. I has also traveled around Europe a couple of times, to Berlin for Christmas and to Istanbul for Easter Break.

What makes you happiest about studying at Warwick?

I have learned so much since coming to Warwick. Interacting with people from different backgrounds has broadened my perspective and I am really happy with that.

What do you hope to do when you graduate?

When I complete my undergraduate studies, would like to work in industry as a Mechanical Engineer, and given the fact that there are various car manufacturers in the UK, I would like to start in Jaguar Land Rover.

What advice would you give to someone considering applying to Warwick?

If you are considering Warwick and have the opportunity to come, you should definitely do it. You will learn a lot, not just from the lectures but from the people from different cultures you will meet at the University, and it will be a great experience.