Living on campus last year truly felt like a home away from, whilst may sounds like a cliché, this feeling can be attributed to many aspects of university life; the experience and environment was one of them.

Whether it be going on walks around Tocil lake, taking lunch breaks outside the WBS building or trekking from Rootes to Sherbourne, it has been a wholesome experience. Having been a student who has not previously ventured far or was quite sheltered, Warwick gave me the best of both worlds; serenity and liveliness.

Coming to university certainly showed me how much I loved to be immersed in the community and be involved in giving back. Enactus Warwick Society was one perfect opportunity. Through the Gateway project, I was able to hear the lived experiences of refugees seeking sanctuary in the Coventry area; I could resonate with so many people, given I was once a refugee myself. The students and executive team involved within Gateway truly inspired me in their visions and sense of selflessness.

Gateway was one experience, but being involved in the WBS and City of Culture Project partnership was also another. From the immersive cultural talent show, to bringing families together in the Canley area, students on the foundation year were able to make a difference. Within my group, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of connecting with the local primary schools and planning a successful activity day. Whilst the experience was vast in the ups and downs experienced, nothing beats seeing children happy and engaged in conversing about culture, food, country flags all whilst enjoying the experience. The timely nature of the City of Culture Project was certainly fulfilling and I sometimes now marvel on the memories made.

Campus may be a little further away from a busy city life, especially if one is accustomed to that, with the easing of lockdown however, there are also many opportunities for students to be involved whether it be through volunteering with the City of Culture or taking in the greenery and making friends.