Just as the number of rain clouds in the sky has diminished, I am packing to return to the States. At this time, it is also appropriate to look back at lessons learned in my travels so those who come after me do not have to reinvent the wheel. So, here are the dos and don’ts and useful information for the next person who gets sent to Coventry:
Pre-Departure
Housing:
The University of Warwick gives you the option to live on or off campus. Get your housing request in as early as possible in order to secure a spot. On-campus dorms come furnished with bedding. Bathrooms are cleaned twice a month, so no need to buy cleaning supplies. I believe the least expensive hall is Cryfield, where students have individual rooms but hall bathrooms and kitchens. I live in Benefactors which is different from most other dorms--the first floor of rooms consists of a common room, a kitchen, and a lot of single rooms with private restrooms. The second floor, where I live, has shared rooms with en suite restrooms. What is really cool about my room is that I have a huge window and a lofted second floor where the beds, closets, and restroom are. I also have two kitchens on my floor.
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| Benefactors Hall, January 2014 |
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| Decorative water thing outside Benefactors, April 2014 |
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| First floor of my dorm room. |
Online Enrollment Form:
You are not a student at Warwick until you complete this. You can pay any fees due to the university, like housing fees, and register for classes once you submit the form. Make sure Warwick sends you this form before they close for the winter holiday in case you have questions. I did not receive it until right after their offices closed and I had questions about how to complete it, but no where to turn for answers until the office reopened. It was a really big problem--I almost had to travel to England without knowing if I was enrolled.
Packing
Warm socks, two or three good quality sweaters, a heavy coat and a scarf should get you through the winter months. Blending in is easiest if you stick to dark colors. If you are staying for two terms (from January until June), bring layers. Some of the summer days get pretty toasty, so you’ll want short sleeved shirts and maybe even a pair of shorts. Girls--it is really windy here, so stick to pencil skirts. My airline only allowed me to check in one piece of luggage for free, so I become a minimalist. I only brought three pairs of shoes--winter boots, a sturdy pair of ballet flats, and tennis shoes--which is really all I needed.
I packed to save money, so most of the clothes I brought are things I am fine parting with if a souvenir needs to take its place in my luggage. I also brought shampoo and other toiletries because they are cheaper in the US. My parents believe I may have taken things a little too far when I shoved a bowl, coffee cup, cutlery, and a box of Cinnamon Toast Crunch (my favorite) in my bag, but I think it was worth it.
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| Remember to bring an adapter! |
Travel
You will likely arrive at the London-Heathrow Airport. From there, it is easiest to take a bus to Coventry via the National Express coaches. Ticket prices increase closer to the travel date, so while you can buy a ticket on arrival, you will save some major bank by purchasing it online beforehand. From Coventry Station (also known as Pool Meadow Station), the University is just a 20 to 30 minute bus ride away.
The International Office, which is equivalent to USC’s Study Abroad Office, hosts trips to various parts of the UK. While you could probably find a better deal by booking with another company like Megabus, traveling with the International Office is extremely convenient if you live on campus. Below are some pictures from my most recent trip with the International Office to Winchester, the former capital of England. The World@Warwick society (student organization) also hosts some trips for members.
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| Winchester Cathedral |
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| Jane Austin's grave at Winchester Cathedral |
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| Strolling along the River Itchen after touring the City Mill |
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| King Arthur's round table at the Great Hall |
Campus Life
Classes run Monday through Friday and can be at any time of the day. Only one section of each class is offered, but that should not be a problem as many of the courses within the business school are scheduled so as not to conflict with each other. By the way, I never had to bring my notebook to any of my lectures since the lecturers always brought printouts of the class notes, and margins are a great place for extra note-taking.
There are lots of fun events on campus in the evenings from trivia nights at the Dirty Duck pub to dance events in the Students’ Union. You can also watch movies or work out at the gym. Unfortunately, none of these services are included in the tuition, but most of them are reasonably priced.
Miscellaneous
Walking:
You will notice that students at Warwick go out of their way to walk on the pavement, even if cutting through grassy areas will save time. Definitely follow suit during the rainy winter months. I learned the hard way and ended up with mud all over my boots. Yuck.
Banks:
There is a Barclays and Santander right on campus if you want to open a bank account in England. Opening an account is fairly simple--I just needed a special note from Warwick Uni (I forget what it is called) and a form of ID. Closing bank accounts can take a little bit of time, so be prepared for that.
24/7 Is Not a Thing:
If a store says it is open 24/7, that is probably untrue. For instance, the Costcutter convenience store nearby my dorm boasts 24/7 hours, but closes at 11 pm every night except on Sundays when it closes at 5 pm. A general rule of thumb: most places (stores, castles, etc.) close at 5 or 6 pm, so plan accordingly!
Student Health Services:
There is a health center located nearby the Students’ Union and Costcutter. Before you can meet with a General Practitioner there, you must register. Registering is not difficult at all and only takes a few minutes, but it is best to get that done pretty early on.
Service in General:
This is not Japan, my home country, or even the Southern US, known for its hospitality. The level of service here is inconsistent and having the right accent can make a difference. The American accent both opens doors and slams them shut.
Best Simple Pleasures of Life at Warwick:
Chocolate, even the store brand ones are a level above the stuff in Japan and the US
Ducks on campus
April’s tulips
Spinning desk chairs in the dorms
Nice neighbors
Shopping for postcards to send to friends
Receiving snail mail
Lychee flavored soda
Moving On
This life-altering six month adventure in England is coming to an end, and in a few days I will fly back to the US where I will begin preparing for my final undergraduate year. I am excited about my senior year classes, being involved with the Capstone Scholars program again as a Capstone Ambassador, moving back in with my roommates who are also some of my very best friends, pigging out at Groucho’s Deli, and the bittersweet conclusion of my four years at USC.
My semester at Warwick has been one of self discovery and growth. I now have a better understanding of the world and have become a stronger, more resilient person though overcoming challenging situations. I may have gained a few extra pounds (those Chilli Heatwave Doritos are so good), but with those pounds have come wonderful, irreplaceable memories. I look forward to seeing how my experiences living in England will affect my life in America.
And that's a wrap!
And that's a wrap!
