Warwick stood out to me because of its strong ranking, especially for its Statistics Department as well as the unique blend of subjects MORSE has to offer. The university's emphasis on real-world application, combined with its reputation for producing employable graduates in the financial and analytical sectors, made it an ideal choice. Discover Shirvar's journey at Warwick and what led them to apply for MORSE BSc

What is the value of your scholarship?

Half-fee

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

No

If obtaining a scholarship was not a deciding factor what was?

While the scholarship was a significant reason for my decision, the primary factor that led me to choose Warwick was the university's academic excellence and the specific structure of the MORSE program. It offered a unique blend of mathematics, operational research, statistics, and economics, which closely matched my academic interests and career aspirations. The opportunity to work with leading experts and gain access to advanced resources in these fields ultimately outweighed other considerations.

How did you hear about Warwick?

I heard about Warwick through first finding the university online via looking at rankings. I read further about Warwick on its website online which provided detailed information regarding any and every part of the university and my course.

How did you hear about the scholarship?

I heard about the scholarship from the University during my application process.

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

Warwick stood out to me because of its strong ranking, especially for its Statistics Department as well as the unique blend of subjects MORSE has to offer. The university's emphasis on real-world application, combined with its reputation for producing employable graduates in the financial and analytical sectors, made it an ideal choice. Additionally, Warwick's supportive and collaborative community, as well as its global outlook, offered a well-rounded experience that appealed to me over other institutions.

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

My parents. The first people I told when I received the news about my scholarship were my parents. They were incredibly proud and excited for me. Their reaction was a mix of joy and relief, as they knew how much this opportunity meant to me. t was a moment of celebration for all of us, knowing that my hard work had paid off and that I was one step closer to pursuing my academic and career goals. My mother gave me a rib-crushing hug followed by my father who gave me yet another great big hug even though I already was struggling to breath.

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

I had my parents look for errors and omissions on every application. I had several people also look through the essays I wrote for my application to get any suggestions and improve it as much as I could.

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

My first impression of Warwick when I first walked around campus was that it felt like a very modern university. The architecture and facilities were impressive, blending contemporary design with a welcoming atmosphere. The walk around campus was absolutely stunning with the open green spaces alongside the state-of-the-art buildings which created a sense of balance between innovation and an extremely student-friendly environment. It immediately gave me the impression that this was a place where both academic excellence and student well-being were prioritized.

What is your favourite part about the University of Warwick?

My favourite part about the University of Warwick is the strong sense of community. Whether it's through the various societies, academic departments, or sports clubs like Warwick Squash, there is always a place to belong and people to connect with. The university's inclusive and supportive atmosphere makes it easy to meet people from different backgrounds, and the collaborative environment encourages both personal and academic growth. This sense of belonging, combined with the diverse opportunities available, has made my experience here incredibly enriching.

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

My least favourite part about the University of Warwick would probably be its location. While the campus itself is beautiful and well-equipped, sometimes, it feels a little isolated, and traveling to more urban areas like London or Birmingham requires extra planning. That being said, the campus offers plenty of activities and events, so there's always something to do, even if it's not in the heart of a city. The quaint feel of Leamington Spa in which many students live also provided a more heart-warming experience compared to the steel jungle that is found in the major cities.

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

I stayed at Bluebell in my first year and my experience was immaculate. I learned a lot and grew a lot as a person during my time there and made friends from all across the world. It was a lot less space than I am used to, but I guess that is the norm across the UK. I found the change to using heaters instead of air-conditioning quite a different experience as well as the changes due to the difference in the climate. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my experience. In the following year, I stayed at a student accommodation just off campus called The Oaks. I have enjoyed the experience having some of my flatmates nearby, but also enjoyed the joys of having my own kitchen.

What do you plan to do when you graduate?

When I graduate, I plan to pursue a career in quantitative finance or working in areas that use data to solve real-world problems, leveraging my background in mathematics, statistics, and data analysis from the MMORSE program. I'm particularly interested in working in areas that use data to solve complex real-world problems or at first learn more about the inner workings of business before transitioning to this.

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

Receiving a scholarship has given me the financial stability to focus fully on my studies and extra-curricular activities, without the added pressure of financial concerns. It has allowed me to immerse myself in leadership roles, such as Vice-President of the Warwick Squash Club, and to participate in academic societies and competitions. The scholarship has enabled me to take full advantage of the many opportunities at Warwick, both academic and social, making my university experience more enriching and fulfilling.

Did receiving a scholarship encourage you to engage with other scholarship recipients from other nationalities/cultural backgrounds?

Yes, receiving a scholarship has definitely encouraged me to connect with other scholarship recipients from a wide range of nationalities and backgrounds. The global nature of Warwick's scholarship program has exposed me to diverse perspectives and allowed me to form connections with individuals who share a similar drive for academic excellence. Engaging with people from different cultures has broadened my worldview and helped me develop a more inclusive and global mindset.

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

The University of Warwick provided a lot of support that made the transition into a new country and environment much easier. From the moment I arrived, there were orientation programs and international student support services in place to help me settle in. Various social events allowed me to meet other students from all over the world, which helped me feel more connected and less homesick. The university's staff were also incredibly helpful, ensuring that I understood everything from academic expectations to practical matters like healthcare and transportation.

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

One standout memory from my time at Warwick so far has been my involvement in organizing and participating in the squash tournaments as part of Warwick Squash Club. In particular, helping to host one of our larger competitions with 144 players from 18 universities was an exciting and rewarding experience. It was amazing to see the sense sportsmanship, not just within our team but across all participants. It's moments like these, where I've been able to contribute to the community and engage with my peers, that have made my time at Warwick so special. The feeling when we were able to run the tournament successfully even amongst all the problems that occurred, including my other comp sec getting injured and sent to the hospital, and losing a court to a leak.

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

My advice to anyone considering applying for the Undergraduate Global Excellence scholarship would be to highlight not only your academic achievements but also your passion for your academic field of interest, as well as the views that you will bring along with you from your country. Make sure to emphasize how you intend to use the scholarship to enhance your personal growth and make a positive impact on the global community at Warwick.