Studying at WBS with a Sports Scholarship

Undergraduate student Fatima Sotero Bourel shares her experience at WBS and reflects on the impact of the sports scholarship on both her academic development and her athletic career.

Why WBS? 

Choosing a university was a big and difficult decision. For me, Warwick’s Business School quickly stood out as the right place to study, grow, and challenge myself both academically and through sport. I am currently studying Management with Placement Year at the University of Warwick, and my experience so far has been incredibly rewarding.

I chose to study at WBS because of its strong reputation and consistently high ranking among UK business schools. When researching universities, I was looking for a course that would give me a solid grounding in business while also offering practical experience. The BSc Management with Placement Year felt like the perfect fit, as it combines academic learning with the opportunity to gain real-world industry experience. WBS also appealed to me because it felt like a place that would push me to achieve my best, while still supporting my interests beyond academics.

How did you find out about the sports scholarship application process, and how has this supported your student journey?

I first found out about the Sports Scholarship while exploring the University of Warwick website before joining. As someone very committed to sport, playing women’s hockey for Spain’s under-21s performance squad, discovering that Warwick actively supports student-athletes was incredibly encouraging. Realising I could apply for a sports scholarship made me feel that Warwick recognised and supported my sport efforts I have worked hard for.

The application process was clear and straightforward, and it felt reassuring to know that the university genuinely values the balance between academic success and sporting excellence. Since receiving the scholarship, it has played a huge role in supporting my athletic journey, through the availability of resources such as the gym facility, physio and nutritionist sessions.

What are your 3 key highlights from university?

One of my biggest highlights was joining the women’s hockey pre-season before even starting my first year. This was such a fun and positive way to meet new people, settle into university life early, and immediately feel part of a team. It made the transition into university much smoother and helped me build friendships that I still value now and have helped me thrive.

Another unforgettable memory was when it snowed on campus. Seeing the entire university transformed was a magical and special moment I will forever cherish and remember.

Finally, last spring’s hockey ball was also a standout experience. It was a great way to celebrate the season, reflect on achievements, and enjoy time with teammates and other club friends off the pitch. Moments like these really define my university experience and highlight how important sport has been to my time at Warwick, both building and shaping my character.

Why I would recommend WBS to prospective students

I would highly recommend WBS to prospective students because it strikes the perfect balance between academic excellence, career-focused opportunities, and a supportive student environment. One of my favourite aspects is how much value is placed on student feedback, ensuring that our voices are heard and that the learning experience is continuously improved. For students who want to excel academically while continuing to pursue sport, WBS and the University of Warwick provide outstanding support. Overall, WBS is a place where you are encouraged to challenge yourself, grow in confidence, and make the most of every opportunity.