University of Warwick

University of Warwick:

Name: Shubhi Srivastava
Year: Second Year
Major: Accounting and Finance

Hi everyone, my name is Shubhi Srivastava. I’m a second year Accounting and Finance student at the University of Warwick. In terms of my career, I’m current considering investment banking and private equity. At university, I’m the current Treasurer for the Warwick Women’s Careers Society, and I was the Finance Officer for the Enactus Conceptual Project as well as a Facilitator for the first edition of the Warwick Climate Negotiation Forum.

Before diving into a few points about Warwick, I just want to highlight that if you’re considering studying in the UK, you should really ask yourself if you’re sure about the degree you’re choosing. While there is some mobility between courses, the UK is a lot more rigid in their course structure, especially when compared to the US. More often than not if you want to switch into another course, you’ll have to repeat a year.

I was very sure that this is the course I wanted to pursue, and so far, Warwick has been absolutely amazing. Going beyond the TISB-instilled requirement of wanting to graduate from a competitive university, here are a few points that highlight what I personally really value about Warwick –

• I’m going to start on slightly weird note and first speak about the campus grounds. Warwick is one of the few in the top universities list in the Russell Group with its own campus. It’s around an hour’s train ride from central London, so whenever you feel like visiting the city it is easily accessible. Warwick is basically a university town, with accommodation, sports centre, grocery stores and every other necessity on campus, unlike some of the London universities.

Having lived in a city all my life, I was curious to try living without the city chaos for a few years. In addition, I really loved the TISB campus, and this criterion was almost a necessity for me, because having a huge, sprawling campus was something claustrophobic me was just not ready to give up.

• Warwick has one of the most diverse student populations in the UK. Not just in terms of ethnicity and background, but also in terms of the courses that students take. In this regard, I think Warwick holds the closest resemblance to the US colleges, when compared to other UK universities. This is something I really value now, because meeting a new person is always interesting – whether it be through a society, party or a group project. Everyone has different backgrounds, aspirations (both career and otherwise) and views.

One thing that I had wanted to avoid during my college experience was facing a downside that a number of competitive universities have. Being a target university for the highest paying job sectors (i.e. consulting and banking) results in many students adjusting their personalities and interests to fit the job description asked for. This happens for many reasons – the money, the competitive element, the interesting work, and the bragging rights. While there are advantages to this, it does prevent individual growth in some ways. Warwick does have numerous students competing for those glamorous jobs (let’s face it, I’m one of them), but the diversity (in all aspects) amongst the students prevents an overall monotony when compared to other UK unis.

• Societies! There are so many to choose from – you have your career-oriented ones, discussion forums and conferences, and even a Wine and Chocolate Society. This applies to the sports clubs as well – there is a plethora of choice, and if you still don’t find something that suits you, you can always (and very easily) start a society of your own.
• If you think you’ll miss India (especially the food!!!), Warwick does not disappoint. There is a large community of Indians there (both students and the general population) so you’ll always be guaranteed great food and a loving community to celebrate the festivals with.
• Lastly, there is always an air of positivity around campus. Everyone is helpful and social, and the underlying moto of everyone there is to always be better every day. It’s not something that can be easily measured, but I think this aspect is extremely important, especially when you’re moving to another country and leaving your family for the first time.

I really hope this helps, and if anyone has any questions, they can always message me!