Warwick is a beacon among British universities for its dynamism, quality and entrepreneurial zeal, and that can be a huge factor in my success in society. Warwick is a close-knit community as well, a value that I cherish the most, given that no student is left behind and that collective effort trumps individual success, which has been a value and principle I have strived for. Discover Jing Xian's journey at Warwick and what led them to apply for MORSE.

How did you find out about Warwick?

I heard about Warwick through my cousin. She has just graduated this year with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance. I was told that Warwick is a top Mathematics university with strong relationships and ties with the practical, business community.

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

The University of Warwick, in particular, stood out to me as a digitally-savvy, diverse, supportive and pragmatic university that prepares its students for the working world. It is a beacon among British universities for its dynamism, quality and entrepreneurial zeal, and that can be a huge factor in my success in society. Warwick is a close-knit community as well, a value that I cherish the most, given that no student is left behind and that collective effort trumps individual success, which has been a value and principle I have strived for. To be part of the prestigious Statistics Department would be a great honour, and to be able to receive guidance from esteemed professors and mathematicians would offer me knowledge and experience that I would not have in any other institution. Warwick is by far the best choice for me to study MORSE, with its top-of-the-range curriculum and faculty.

How did you feel to be awarded a scholarship?

I was overjoyed! It felt like a dream. Frankly speaking, I thought that only prestigiously gifted students were awarded scholarships and I did not rate my chances particularly highly. In fact, I did not even consider applying for a scholarship when I first applied to the University of Warwick. I received an email from the University informing me that the deadline for the Scholarship Application is approaching soon and figured it would not do me any harm to apply for it.

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

My mother was the first person I told. We were in the living room when I received the email about my successful application. She was convinced that they had made a mistake and asked me to read the email carefully again. She burst into tears of joy and could not believe her eyes when I showed her the email.

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

I applied for the scholarship through the Global Excellence Scholarship website provided by the university. I did not need any help with my application form as I did not have any difficulties assessing it, all of the instructions were very clear! As for my visa application, I received guidance from a UK education specialist provided by my previous college. The visa application process was smooth other than the fact that there was a delay in getting my visa due to an increased demand for student visas this year.

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

When I walked around campus for the first time, I was rather impressed by the state-of-the-art facilities. Most of the buildings were new and extravagant, particularly the newly-renovated Arts Centre which provides the students the opportunity to engage with the arts. I fell in love with the university, the welcoming smiles of the staff, the modern architecture and the wandering geese around campus. There are plenty of facilities for students who are striving to achieve a good work-life balance. It is definitely an ideal environment to study, work, and at the same time indulge in some entertainment!

What is the best thing about Warwick?

Warwick is one of the best universities for employment in the United Kingdom. I believe this is due to the excellent career development support system of the university. The university provides all of its students career and skills support such as webinars, workshops, careers fairs as well as information regarding CVs and Applications, Interviews, LinkedIn Profiles and Assessment Centres. The support provided is tailored according to our needs. Students will be given the opportunity to build their agile thinking and problem-solving skills, which are both crucial to achieving success in the workplace.

What is the worst thing?

The campus is safe, with a close-knit community and good security but I always have this feeling that Warwick is located in a “bubble”. The location of the university is a fair distance from the cities like Coventry and Leamington Spa, which are the two main areas of student activities and are in fact the two places where students go as an alternative to the Student Union on campus.

How is your accommodation?

I was lucky enough to get an on campus accommodation that I love, which is Cryfield Apartments. My accommodation is an en-suite which has been recently renovated, therefore everything in my flat is spick and span. It is located near central campus, around a 3-minute walk to the Student Union which is quite convenient if you engage in a lot of student activities. The rooms are not very spacious but all of the furniture is new. The kitchen is my favourite part of the accommodation. It is spacious and has a good view over the surroundings of the building. All of the buildings in the area of my accommodation are modernly designed and surrounded by trees and grass, which is why I really enjoy going out for walks.

Are you a member of any societies?

I am a member of the Malaysian Students Association in Warwick. I have signed up for a few events, one of them being a family system where I was assigned two senior students to take care of me and support me whenever I needed help throughout my life in university. As I was travelling alone to campus for the first time, I managed to get some advice and information about my accommodation, food, living costs and the whereabouts in the university. I also managed to have a meal with the members and get to know more people from the association. I am really grateful for the tremendous amount of support I have received from the association. I would not have adapted so quickly in a foreign country without their help.

What are your plans when you graduate?

I would like to be involved in the fields of data research, in aspiration to achieving a sustainable economic growth for the benefit of Malaysia. Having a degree from the University of Warwick would be able to enable me to contribute to the formation of economic policies with the aim of reducing poverty rates, with extra emphasis to rural states in Malaysia as well as reducing the increasing income gap, a pertinent issue in the urban states. Through the means of operational research and Mathematical modelling, I would be able to highlight to the policymakers the importance of formulating policies that would benefit the whole community, with attention to every bit of data that could potentially change countless amounts of lives.

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

Do not be afraid to show that you are different. Whether it is an interesting idea that no one has ever mentioned or a subject that you have spent a lot of effort researching on, do not be shy to show your passions! Keep in mind that people around the world are applying for it so be unique and speak your mind.

What one thing makes you happy about Warwick?

The community. Everyone is supportive, caring, and willing to help each other. Knowing that there are people who would be there for me, to fight against all odds hand in hand and provide me a shoulder to lean on, gives me a sense of comfort and purpose despite being in a foreign country. Warwick feels like a second home to me, a home that will always have a special place in my heart.