Warwick University Review 2020/21: a Leading British University!

Today we review the University of Warwick, or Warwick University. It was founded in 1965 and is located in the outskirts of Coventry, UK. It Is a public research university and part of the Russel Group, the UK’s version of the American Ivy League.

Warwick University of regularly found in the top 10 of the major British university ranking tables, with a few subjects topping them frequently. Warwick, including the Warwick Business School (WBS), is a “magic circle” university, making it one of the top 5 universities for investment banking/finance in the UK alongside Cambridge, Oxford, LSE, and UCL. It has also been named a member of the ‘Big Five‘ for political science alongside Oxford, Essex, LSE, and UCL.

However, the university’s also well situated in subjects beyond the social sciences. The Warwick Manufacturing Group, or WMG, provides a range of top-end taught and research degrees, in particular related to automobiles. Their computer science and math-based degrees (including Physics) are highly regarded and offers application-based degrees such as MORSE (Mathematics, Operations Research, Statistics, and Economics).

This is not all, though. Warwick also offers strong profiles in the Humanities, for instance in English Literature or, for as one of the few universities offering the degree, in Theatre Studies.

The university has two satellite campuses, one in Wellesbourne, and the other in the Shard in central London. The main campus is based at Coventry’s border in the southeast and features plenty of space, green patches, and, err, geese. Lots of geese. Beware!

Our Review of Warwick University 2020/21

Warwick is one of the leading British universities in terms of teaching and research. As always, quality among degree subjects differs and university rankings reflect this to an extent. Generally speaking, you can’t go wrong with Warwick for business-related degrees, computer science and math-based degrees, or social sciences.

If you need a break from city life, Warwick is the perfect university for you. While you can still be in London within 90 minutes, or in Birmingham within 40 minutes, it offers a pleasant countryside atmosphere. Everyone is a little more relaxed than in other places and you do not have to try as hard to get ready for a night out or for attendign lectures.

The diversity in subject quality mentioned above leads to an exciting mix of students on campus. Together with a very high international student rate (close to half of the students come from abroad), you can enjoy one of the most diverse and engaging student experiences outside of London by coming to Warwick.

However, if you are used to city life or want an extensive social life beyond student society activities, think twice before accepting your offer. Many students get bored staying on or next to campus for more than one year. Coventry does not provide much entertainment. Leamington Spa, a student town nearby, is certainly the hottest hotspot in the region, but still cannot compete with any major British city.

Student Societies & Sports

For a campus university in the countryside, Warwick University offers a surprisingly active student body. The Warwick Student’s Union website gives you an overview about the large range of student societies as well as sports clubs that are active within and beyond campus grounds. Whether you like ballroom dancing, want to organise a Tedx event, or prefer going skiing, they got you covered.

For sports enthusiasts the Warwick University Sports Hub offers a state-of-the-art gym, a decent pool, and an extensive range of classes to attend every single day. The highlight, however, is the large climbing area which features bouldering and top rope areas and lessons for all levels.

The Sports Hub is not only available to students and staff but also the public, so make sure you book your classes early. If you are an avid gym goer or swimmer you might want to consider applying for nearby accommodation, namely for the Heronbank Residences or Lakeside Residences.

Accommodation

Check out our up to date reviews on Warwick University accommodation options:

• Bluebell Residences: High-End Living (to follow)
• Claycroft Residences: Studying & Shopping Combined
• Heronbank Residences: Quiet & Special
• Lakeside Residences: a Top Choice
• Off-Campus: Coventry (to follow)
• Off-Campus: Leamington Spa (to follow)