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Alastair Plumb, in his third year studying English Literature and Comparitive Literary Studies gives us the skinny on student life.

Being a student at Warwick

Before we begin, let me get one thing straight: the University of Warwick isn't in Warwick. In fact, it's not really that close at all.

It's in Warwickshire, sure, but then again, so is Sutton Coldfield. It's a 30 minute bus ride to get from campus to the castle, so don't go telling your parents how pretty the town is.

So it's in Coventry then? Well … yes and no. Warwick campus is nestled on the outskirts of the West Midlands town, lodged between a couple of industrial estates, the suburb of Earlsdon, and a shopping park to which it bears a striking resemblance.

Because it's a campus university, the atmosphere is completely student-y – so it's cheap. Well, in comparison to the rest of the Russell Group (an association of 20 major research-intensive universities in the United Kingdom of which Warwick is a member) at least. You're looking at £1.50 to watch a film in the student cinema, and around £2 for a pint in the union. The union itself is by far the biggest social centre for Warwick students, and will dominate any fresher's life. It is the main place to dance, drink, chat, meet people, and generally hang out. More on that later.

A small world to itself, Warwick campus is a sociable, approachable place where you're bound to bump into a friendly face. Restaurants and cafes are university run, reasonably priced, but not exactly overflowing with character. But from a university just over forty years old, you can't expect Hogwarts.

The university grounds contain everything you need - laundry, supermarket, bars, takeaway, bookshop, cinema, and more. But the cuddly, close nature of the campus can make it feel a claustrophobic, so sometimes it's essential to get the hell out of dodge. Try Birmingham. It's epic.

Study Time

The library is smack-bang in the middle of campus, and is the usual haunt for the academically keen or desperate. For most humanities subjects you'll find that most books get taken out way in advance (usually by postgrads) with few spares. As young as Warwick is, the range of books is pretty impressive, but it can be sparse.

IT rooms are well-staffed and well-equipped. Some departments even have their own rooms. Come Monday morning, every computer will be taken printing off essays, so wake up early.

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