What I wish I knew before starting at WBS: A student's perspective

Starting university is both incredibly exciting and overwhelming at the same time! I remember feeling a mix of anticipation and uncertainty during the days and weeks leading up to fresher’s week. Looking back, there are so many things I wish I had known beforehand that would have made my transition into uni smoother. If you are preparing to take the next steps in your academic journey at WBS, here are some key points that will help you hit the ground running!

Academic expectations: what you need to know

The hardest thing I personally found on this list was adapting to the university workload. At WBS, most modules follow a 1-1-1 structure. This means that you typically have an asynchronous task, which takes one to two hours to complete. Then, you have a one-hour lecture, which builds on the content you learned in the self-study (asynchronous) tasks. Following the lecture, you have a one-hour seminar, which applies the concepts you learn in the lecture and asynchronous tasks. On top of this, you also have to do the weekly readings for each module, which helps solidify your understanding of the module content. Overall, you are expected to put in 150 hours of work for a standard 15 CAT module. CATs are just the measurement of content, and you are expected to undertake eight, 15 CAT modules each year throughout your degree. 

What I would absolutely stress here is the need for effective time management. Unlike in school, you won’t have teachers reminding you about deadlines or exam dates. I would recommend using our own planner or digital calendar, which includes key dates to track assignments and keep on top of exams. 

Assessment methods vary from module to module. Expect a mix of coursework, exams and group projects across your modules. Learning to work effectively in teams is incredibly important. 

Campus life: getting settled at Warwick

Warwick campus can be a maze at first, but you’ll find your favourite study spots quickly. The undergraduate learning space in the WBS building is my personal favourite, however, there are plenty of hidden gems on campus. I also spend a lot of time in the library (floor five to be exact), the FAB and the Oculus. 

In terms of shopping, Tesco is only a short 20-minute walk from campus (or even better) Aldi is a much more cost-effective option. For reference, my weekly shop at Aldi costs around £50 GBP. Find out more about living costs on the Student Funding Support – Money Matters webpages.

Making friends: it starts before you arrive!

Building a social circle starts even before you set foot on campus! Warwick students are proactive in forming group chats, and joining them can make a huge difference. Fresher’s week (also known as ‘Welcome Week’) is a great place to make friends! WBS events (such as Speed Friendship, Buddy Scheme Taster and Welcome Walks) are also a good opportunity to meet course mates and make new friends in a relaxed setting. The one thing I would say that helped me the most is getting involved! Put yourself out there, because the more you participate in societies and events, the easier it is to make lasting friendships.

Social life: balancing fun and studies

Warwick has a thriving social scene, and there is something for everyone! If you are looking for a relaxed evening on campus, the Terrace Bar in the Student’s Union is always a safe bet. On a Monday, the place to be is Kasbah in Coventry. On a Tuesday, it is undoubtedly Smack in Leamington (remember to get yourself a queue jump). If it is a Wednesday, circling with a society and then going to the SU’s POP! Is a must. On a Thursday, there is always a society event happening at Altoria and on a Friday, it is everyone’s favourite: Neon.

To wind-down, I love going on walks in the woods and also enjoy coffee catch-ups at Curiositea. I would also recommend venturing into Birmingham, as it has a lot to offer! 

Making the most of resources available to you

WBS provides a wealth of support, and knowing what is available can make all the difference. In terms of careers guidance, the WBS CareersPlus team offers incredible networking events, presentations, workshops and CV reviews which will help you along the way. If you need academic support, your personal tutor, peers (through the buddy scheme) and seminar tutors (during office hours) are all great to utilise. Don’t forget to also make use of the wellbeing services the university offers, as the team is always available for a chat. 

Looking back, I wish I had embraced more opportunities, asked for help sooner, and been less worried about making mistakes. WBS is a place to grow, explore and build lifelong connections. If you are starting at WBS this year, take every opportunity to make the most of your time here- you won’t regret it!