Skip to content Student Survival Guide
Airport Travel
University Shuttle Service
The University provides a free shuttle service for new students, from Heathrow Terminal 3 to every university accommodation. This service is not available at Birmingham Airport.
Taxi/Cab Service
All Airports have dedicated Uber/Bolt pickup points, as well as the optional to hail a general UK black cab.
Train Travel
-- Coventry Train Station (10 minutes by bus or 7 minutes by car)
-- Leamington Spa Train Station (25 minutes by bus or 21 minutes by car)
-- Tile Hill Train Station (12 minutes bus or 7 minutes by car)
Campus Travel
Buses
-- U1 : Leamington Spa (Every 10 minutes)
-- U2 : Leamington Spa (Every 10 minutes)
-- 11 : Leamington Spa/Coventry (Every 10 minutes)
-- 12X : Coventry (Every 10 minutes)
-- 14 : Tile Hill/Canley (Every 30 minutes)
-- 60 : Birmingham (Every 1 hour)
Bikes/Electric Scooters
Download the "Beryl" app to rent Bicycles/E-Bikes or the "Voi" app to rent electric scooters to get around campus efficiently.
Beryl - Prices starting at £1 to unlock and then £0.08 per minute.
Voi - Prices starting at £1 to unlock and then £0.20 per minute.
Late Night Travel
Buses
U1 & U2 (Leamington Spa) and 11 (Leamington Spa / Coventry) both run into the night (around every 30 minutes)
Taxi/Cab Service (Reccomended)
Uber and Bolt can be used to avail taxi services for late night travel.
Part Time Roles
Physical Job Advertisements
Make sure to look out for physical posters advertising vacancies at retail shops and other places.
Prerequisites for Internships
Good CV
Ensure your CV matches the UK format (is only 1 page). It is recommended to tailor your CV to the specifications of the applied role.
Warwick Student Opportunities
The University provides one-on-one sessions with career experts for career advice and additional help.
Skill Developing Workshops
The University and all departments provide multiple skill development workshops throughout the year.
Career Enrichment Tools
Job Applications
For 3 Year Courses
-- 1st Year : Apply for Spring Weeks to gain early insights into potential career paths.
-- 2nd Year : Submit applications for Summer Internships to build hands-on experience.
-- 3rd Year : Focus on securing Graduate Roles as you prepare to enter the workforce.
For 4 Year Courses
-- 2nd Year : Apply for Spring Weeks to gain early insights into potential career paths.
-- 3rd Year : Focus on securing a Placement Year for immersive industry experience.
-- 4th Year : Pursue Summer Internships to enhance your practical skills and strengthen your resume.
-- 4th Year (Post-Summer): Apply for Graduate Roles to kick-start your professional journey.
Grocery Shopping
Dining/Ordering In
Banks
Opening a UK Bank Account
How to open a UK Bank Account
Firstly, it is essential to go through the mentioned banks’ websites and lookout for different types of bank accounts available to understand which suits you the best. Then, you can either book an appointment with the bank or just give a call to the nearest branch and they will advise you on how to get it done. In order to open a bank account, you will be needing the following documents : Your Passport and BRP ( get BRP done at your University ) Student Status Letter (You can download it from your Warwick Enrolment Dashboard, after finishing all administrative tasks at university after arriving such as getting your BRP and checking into your accommodation.) Your Warwick Student ID Card. Once the bank account is opened, you will receive your online banking credentials along with your debit card through courier.
Student Status Letters
Get your student status letter from Warwick Evision portal. This is essential for opening bank accounts.
Carrying Cash
It is suggested to carry some cash for emergencies, however, most services in the UK are contactless so not a very high amount is required to be carried. Carry coins such as 1 or 2 GBP because trolleys at airports and supermarkets may require you to insert a coin to be able to use them
Budgeting Tips
Student Discounts
Maintain a spreadsheet to track all expenses. CREATE AN ACCOUNT ON MYUNIDAYS TO AVAIL DISCOUNTS ON FOOD, SHOPPING STORES AND OTHER ONLINE PLATFORMS! Always check for student discounts.
Shopping
Cinema
Entertainment
Nightlife
Sports and Societies at Warwick
There are hundreds of different societies and sports clubs at Warwick. You can join them though the SU by clicking below:
Sports Memberships
Purchasing a sports membership has a higher cost to join. Check the Warwick SU website for specific information. Joining the gym might cost between 93 and 405 GBP annually, depending on the pack that best meets your needs. Visit the website for additional information.
Grooming
Salons for Women
-- Pink and Blu's (Leamington Spa)
-- The Treatment Rooms (Leamington Spa)
Grooming for Men
-- JJ's Barbers (Cannon Park)
-- Chaplins (Cannon Park)
-- Fades (Leamington Spa)
-- Toni & Guy (Leamington Spa)
Health / Medication
Medicine List
In addition to common cold, flu and stomach remedies (Paracetamol/Ibuprofen), keep the following nutrients on hand:
-- Vitamin D Supplements for the Rainy UK Weather
-- Vitamin C and Zinc (use only after speaking with your doctor).
Tip - Freshers Flu
Freshers Flu is very common during the first few weeks at university. Do not be worried if you initially fall sick, help will always be there.
Register with the Warwick Health Centre as soon as possible.
PRE-ARRIVAL
- Accommodation Confirmation
- Packing Essentials (Bedding, Kitchen Items, etc)
- Health Insurance and GP Registration
- Transport arrangements and airport transfers
- Activating university email and IT setup
GETTING SETTLED
- Campus map and key buildings
- Accommodation tips and room personalisation
- Local supermarkets and essential stores
- Setting up a UK bank account
- SIM card recommendations and Wi-Fi access
- Important contact numbers
ORIENTATION WEEK
- Overview of Welcome Week events
- Societies and Freshers Fair information
- Tips for making friends and joining societies
- Navigating Freshers' events and socials safely
- Key events to attend
ACADEMIC LIFE
- How lectures, seminars, and assessments work
- Learning resources (Warwick Library, reading lists)
- Time management and study tips
- Communicating with professors and tutors
- Essay writing and referencing guidelines
- Key apps and platforms (Moodle, Tabula, Teams)
WELL-BEING
- Accessing university counselling services
- Well-being workshops and initiatives
- Helpline numbers and support groups
- Tips for maintaining mental and physical health
SOCIAL LIFE
- Overview of Warwick Students' Union (SU)
- Popular societies (Finance Society, INSA, etc)
- How to join events and make friends
- Career-focused societies and networking events
BUDGETING AND FINANCE
- Sample student budget (housing, groceries, travel)
- Part-time job opportunities on and off-campus
- Information on scholarships and bursaries
- Money-saving tips and apps (Unidays, Moves, etc)
FOOD AND DINING
- On-campus dining options (Pret, Dirty Duck, etc)
- Budget-friendly restaurant recommendations
- Meal prep ideas and cooking hacks
- Vegan, vegetarian, and halal food options
TRANSPORT
- Campus bus routes and schedules
- Travel options to Leamington Spa, Coventry, London
- Railcards and student travel discounts
- Cycling routes and parking permits on campus
CULTURAL TIPS
- Understanding UK cultural norms
- Celebrating diversity and embracing student events
- Student-led cultural initiatives and festivals
STAYING SAFE
- Campus safety (night-time transport, emergencies)
- Security services and SafeZone app information
- Health protocols (if applicable) and first-aid stations
WARWICK ESSENTIALS
- Access to sports facilities
- Student discounts and perks
- Career services and CV-building workshops
LIFE OUTSIDE WARWICK
- Exploring Coventry, Leamington Spa
- Must-visit spots (Warwick Castle, Kenilworth)
- Cafes, study spots, and bookstores for students
KITCHEN ESSENTIALS
- Sponges
- Dish Soap
- Plates, Bowls and Cutlery
- Storage Jars
- Tupperware
- Ziplock bags
- Utensils
- Cling Wrap, Aluminium Foil
ROOM ESSENTIALS
- Hangers
- Room Decor - Lights, Photos, Posters
- Toiletries
- Bathmat
- Desk Lamp
- Bedsheets
- Duvet Covers
- Pillow + Pillow Covers
