Why joining WBS from overseas is one of the best decisions I have made

02 April 2019

In this blog, BSc Accounting and Finance student Sofya Khokhlova discusses what she loves about WBS and the University of Warwick, from the academic support on offer, to the location and social life.

It’s one of the top business schools in the world with promising employment prospects.

At WBS you are taught by outstanding professors. Academic staff are at the forefront of their subjects and I feel like I am part of a community where knowledge is being created, not being described. There is high-quality teaching but a big effort is also made in terms of student care. Whether I have a question about an assignment or am wondering about the effect of any affair from recent news, I always find that my tutors are willing to help and support their students as well as develop themselves! That definitely demonstrates that they hold high expertise in the area they are specialised in and are willing to help you even beyond their main responsibilities.

Indeed, the staff at WBS are extremely supportive, starting from the WBS Undergraduate (UG) Office! The UG Office hold an answer to almost every question. If not, they will always get in touch later on with all information and even more. Every time I go there, I am amazed by their service and their personalised support.

In addition, I am personally career driven, and employability was an especially important factor for me when choosing my university. Even before coming to WBS, I was aware of the statistic that around 81% of graduates from my course, BSc Accounting and Finance, go on to work or further study six months after leaving university (Unistats 2018).

WBS also has its own Careers Service - WBS CareersPlus. They offer a wide range of support services starting from CV workshops to 1-2-1 sessions. Through attending sessions, I have been enhancing my knowledge about my future prospects as well as strengthening my employability skills.

As an international student, I have everything I could need.

Birmingham International Airport is the closest airport to the university. There is nothing more I could ask for than a quick journey back to the university after a long, tedious flight from Moscow! It only takes me around 30 minutes to get from the airport to the main campus, which is really convenient.

Moreover, Warwick is just 10 minutes away from Coventry railway station by bus. A trip to London? From Warwick, London is perfectly reachable by train! For days off studying, I love going to Leamington or Birmingham street markets with my friends.

Moving to practical joys, Warwick is a campus university, so I can reach anything (grocery shop, cafes/pubs, hair and beauty salon, bar/club) within walking distance. That is life-saving when you are limited with time for shopping and any other activities, especially during exam season. 

Last but not least, all my family want is for me to stay happy, safe and secure at a place which is a thousand miles away from home. Warwick has 24-hour campus security. Additionally, there are self-defence courses and social activities like boxing. Overall, I like (and my family likes it even more) that there is a safe and secure atmosphere at Warwick.

Social Life - I was never bored during my first year - there are so many events going on!

To start with, Warwick has over 300 societies and everyone can find something to suit their taste and explore something new. Personally, in my first year, I tried a lot of societies and activities. I then focused on Warwick Salsa Society; it was my love at first sight. They have dance classes twice a week where I have learnt how to dance as well as made new friends. They also have loads of social events like dinners, nights out like going to POP at the SU on Wednesday, and Salsa parties.

In addition to Warwick Salsa Society, I like exploring the UK. Warwick SU provides us with a great opportunity called 'Visit UK', for people like me who enjoy adventures. You can explore the UK by taking one of the 3 day / 2 night trips organised by the SU for a relatively low price which includes accommodation and a city tour, etc. I am definitely going on the next one!

Overall, Warwick is like a small town where I can make my dreams come true, try a lot of new things, and get one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life whilst developing and growing my personality! It brings the most and the best out of me, and that’s why I love Warwick!

If would like to find out more about our courses, why not download our Undergraduate Brochure.