What do WBS Master's students get up to outside their studies?

From grabbing food between classes and spending time with friends to exploring the surrounding area, there is plenty to do at Warwick beyond studying. We spoke to Master’s students Sandy Hsu and Razaqa Subagyo about some of their favourite ways to spend their time.

What is campus life like outside of studying?

SH: Campus life is honestly so much more vibrant than I expected when joining to study an MSc Finance. Every day feels like a mix of studying, eating, and spending time with friends, and I’ve found a balance that works for me. It’s not always perfect, but over time I’ve learned how to enjoy both the busy and relaxing parts of university life.

Food is definitely a big part of my daily routine. After classes, I often stop by the Dirty Duck. It’s affordable, with most meals under £10, and perfect when I just want something quick and filling. If I’m extra hungry, though, I go to Panda Mama in the Warwick Arts Centre. They do an all-you-can-eat, and it’s actually cheaper at lunchtime, which makes it even better.

RS: I believe that we can experience many enjoyable things if we are genuinely willing to look for them. From my personal experience during my MSc Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation, I have visited many unique and interesting places near the campus area. There are plenty of opportunities to discover something new, whether that is on campus or further afield.

What are some of your favourite ways to spend time on campus?

RS: Although I enjoy exploring places away from campus, there are also plenty of things to do around the University of Warwick itself. The campus provides a good starting point for exploring the surrounding area, and there are many places nearby that can be reached relatively easily.

For me, one of the best things about being at Warwick is having the opportunity to discover places that I might not otherwise have visited. You do not necessarily need to travel far to find something interesting to do.

SH: I personally prefer the library when I want to study. It’s quiet, and being surrounded by books just puts me in the right mindset to focus. I usually spend a few hours there each day, especially when deadlines are coming up.

But studying can be tiring, so I’ve learned to take breaks when I need them instead of pushing myself too hard. One of my favourite things to do is just walk around campus. It’s simple, but really refreshing and helps clear my mind.

When the weather gets warmer, the campus becomes so beautiful, especially with the cherry blossoms blooming and petals falling in the wind. It almost feels like something out of a movie. There’s also a lake with geese walking around, which is kind of random but also really cute.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

SH: Outside of studying, spending time with friends is what makes campus life truly enjoyable. We often hang out in the Atrium and play pool. I had never played before coming here, but after a few games, I started getting better at it, and now it’s something I really enjoy.

It’s fun, a bit competitive, and a great way to relax and laugh together. The university also organises a lot of events, which makes it easy to get involved and meet people. I’ve been to things like the Christmas Ball and Winter Ball hosted by my department, and they were both really lively and fun – definitely a nice break from studying and a chance to dress up and enjoy the night.

RS: There are many different things you can do, depending on what you are interested in. I think the important thing is to understand what kind of things are interesting to you and be willing to explore them.

For me, history is something I particularly enjoy, so visiting historical places and learning about the stories behind them makes exploring the area much more meaningful.

What is there to do away from campus?

SH: After spending time here, I have come to really appreciate how convenient the location is. Warwick is surrounded by so many places that are worth exploring, from Coventry and Leamington Spa to Birmingham, which has become one of my favourite places to visit whenever I want a break from campus life.

For me, Birmingham is the perfect little escape during term time. I usually take the train from Coventry to Birmingham New Street, and the journey takes around 30 minutes, making it a great option for a spontaneous day out. One of the biggest reasons I love going to Birmingham is the food. As an Asian student, I sometimes really miss Asian food, and Birmingham has so many great options. I often go there for Chinese food with my friends, with Haidilao being one of my favourites.

RS: I am particularly interested in castles, the medieval era and the stories behind historical places, so there are several places near Warwick that I enjoy exploring. Warwick Castle is not too far from campus, and The Kingmaker exhibition brings the history of Richard Neville to life with realistic wax figures showing soldiers preparing for battle.

Kenilworth Castle is my favourite for exploring. There are many spaces, rooms, gardens and different levels to discover. I also find its history fascinating, particularly the connection between Queen Elizabeth I and Robert Dudley, who organised an extravagant 19-day visit for Elizabeth in 1575. For me, this makes the castle feel more meaningful because it is not only about the buildings and ruins, but also the personal stories behind them.

Are there any other ways to make the most of your time at Warwick?

SH: I would definitely encourage students to make the most of the opportunities around them. Campus itself has plenty going on, but it is also nice to have a change of scenery and explore somewhere different when you have the time.

I think student life is all about balance. It’s not just about studying all the time, but also about enjoying the little things – good food, nice study spots, random walks, and time with friends.

Looking back, it’s these everyday moments that make the whole experience so memorable, and I know they’re the parts I’ll miss the most in the future.

RS: So far, I have only talked about the castles that are located near the campus. What about all the other places and activities that I have not talked about yet? As you can imagine, there must still be many enjoyable things to do and discover.

 I'm confident that you can find something meaningful and enjoyable near campus and create your own best 'life off campus' story.