0
CONTENTS
1
Introduction
1.1 About SingSoc
4
1.2 Warwick Singapore Office
4
1.3 Executive Committee 2023/24
5
2 Pre-Departure
2.1 Pre-Departure Activities
7
2.2 University Websites
8
2.3 Important Deadlines
9
2.4 Visa Application
10-11
2.5 Applying for Accommodation
12-14
2.6 Exit Permit
14
2.7 Registering with MFA
14
2.8 Medical Check-up and Vaccinations
14
2.9 Insurance
15
2.10 Complete Enrolment
15
2.11 Phone Lines
15-16
2.12 Finances
16
2.13 Packing
17-18
2.14 Booking Flights
19
2.15 Important Documents to Hand Carry
19
3 On Arrival in the UK
3.1 Getting through Immigration
21
3.2 Getting to Campus
21-22
3.3 Covid Travel Requirements
22
3.4 Getting around Campus
22
3.5 Things to Do
23
3.6 Welcome Week
23
3.7 Bank Accounts
23-24
3.8 National Health Service
25
1
CONTENTS
4 Life at Warwick – Academic Details
4.1 Tuition & Accommodation Fees
27
4.2 Term & Vacation Dates 2022/23
28
4.3 Lesson Times
28
4.4 Exams and Assessments
28
5 Life at Warwick – Travelling Around
5.1 Rail
30
5.2 Buses
30
5.3 Driving
31
5.4 Area around Warwick University
32-34
6 Life at Warwick – Campus Life
6.1 Culture
36
6.2 Weather & Time
36
6.3 Shops on Campus
37
6.4 Students’ Union Building
38
6.5 Sports & Societies
38-39
6.6 IT Services
39
6.7 Safety
39
6.8 Groceries
39
6.9 Launderette
40
6.10 Post
40
6.11 Religion
40
6.12 Useful Apps
41
6.13 Jobs
41
2
Introduction
3
1.1 ABOUT SINGSOC
The Warwick Singapore Society (Warwick SingSoc) is an official organisation and a subsidiary of the
University of Warwick Students’ Union. With an annual membership of about 200 students, Warwick
SingSoc aims to elevate the experience of studying abroad by providing a home away from Home for
our Singaporean members. In addition, Warwick SingSoc also acts as a platform to share various
aspects of our unique Singaporean culture and lifestyle with students of other nationalities in the
University. Ultimately, we strive to foster an inclusive and supportive community for our members, as
well as to provide opportunities to help them excel in their endeavours.
We also aim to share our unique Singaporean culture with the rest of the Warwick student population.
Our events calendar is packed throughout the year, with sporting events such as the annual Warwick
Summer Games, festive gatherings like Christmas and Chinese New Year dinners, an annual theatre
production and a ski trip.
Do visit us via the different platforms below to find out more about what we can offer you.
Telegram: Warwick Singapore Offer Holders Group 2023
Instagram: Warwick Singapore Instagram
1.2 WARWICK SINGAPORE OFFICE
The Singapore Office is headed by Senior Liaison Officer for Southeast Asia, Mr Imran Hashim. Imran
provides advice and guidance on applying to and studying at the University of Warwick. The Office
also assists with visa-related issues.
Office/Mobile: +65 9383 7594 (Whatsapp is best!)
Email: SEAsia@warwick.ac.uk
4
1.3 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2023/24
⭐
Feel free to contact us about queries that you may have throughout the pre-departure process!
Contacts with a
are the preferred contact number for that particular Exco Member!
Name
Position
Course
Lucas Huan
President
Politics,
Philosophy &
Economics
Sabrina Tan
VicePresident
Management
Chris Cheung
Secretary
Management
Aaron Ang
Treasurer
Economics
Wayne Ang
Community
Director
Neuroscience
Ren Jie
Event
Director
Ethan Wong
Amir Rafi
Corporate
Comms
Director
Corporate
Comms
Director
SG/ UK Contact
(+65/+44)
Telegram Handle
9871 7221
7547 938 145
@lucas_huan
⭐️
9757 6976⭐
7917 951 570
9619 2542 ⭐
7917 952 006
96914918 ⭐
7761 338 999
⭐
@sabrinatanzx
@justcallmechris
-
7917 951 958
@wayneangg
Economics
85954975
-
@rondododo
Computer
Science
9641 7089
-
@ethandibo
events.
warwicksingsoc
@gmail.com
corpcomms.
warwicksingsoc
@gmail.com
corpcomms.
warwicksingsoc
@gmail.com
@amir_rafi
⭐️
@seenwrong
corpcomms.
warwicksingsoc
@gmail.com
@nightwing0037
culture.
warwicksingsoc
@gmail.com
@rachellimlx
marketing.
warwicksingsoc
@gmail.com
⭐️
@bwaaj
⭐️
sports.
warwicksingsoc
@gmail.com
@gfooster
tours.warwicksin
gsoc@gmail.com
7783 324 155
8777 0309
7761 308 973
Sean Wong
Corporate
Comms
Director
Economics
Adam
Cultural
Director
Sociology
-
Rachel Lim
Marketing
Director
Politics,
Philosophy &
Economics
8362 2111
7859 181 777
Bharath Waaj
Sport
Secretary
Economics
8202 2920
7760 753 434
Gabriel Foo
Tour
Secretary
Management
⭐️
5
president.
warwicksingsoc
@gmail.com
vicepresident.
warwicksingsoc
@gmail.com
secretary.
warwicksingsoc
@gmail.com
treasurer.
warwicksingsoc
@gmail.com
community.
warwicksingsoc
@gmail.com
⭐️
Accounting &
Finance
9833 9972
-
Email
Pre-Departure!
6
2.1 PRE-DEPARTURE ACTIVITIES
Freshers’ Orientation 2023
Date: 18-19 Aug 2023
Venue: East Coast Park
Warwick Summer Games (WSG)
Date: TBC
Venue: TBC
Orientation is a great opportunity for you to get
to know and interact with your fellow
batchmates and seniors through fun and
games! It will be a 2D1N event where you can
look forward to station games, a barbecue
night and a chalet stay!
Warwick Summer Games is an annual full-day
sporting event organised by Warwick SingSoc.
Each year, we invite the SingSocs of various UK
universities to send teams to participate in a
day of friendly competition in our many
sporting events, such as Basketball, Frisbee,
Badminton, Football, Captain’s Ball.
We will continue to arrange for smaller
meet-up sessions past Orientation itself to
allow you to have a chance to meet your fellow
seniors and batchmates, and to collect some
essential items we think will be useful before
you take off. Do follow us on our social media
and freshers’ pages for the latest updates!
WSG seeks to provide an avenue for
Singaporeans studying across the UK to
interact with one another and expand their
social network. This is another fantastic
opportunity for you to bond with fellow
Warwick students across all levels.
7
2.2 UNIVERSITY WEBSITES
https://warwick.ac.uk/students/welcome
A step-by-step guide by the University on what you
have to do pre-arrival, on arrival and post-arrival.
https://warwick.ac.uk/study/international/
admissions/offerholders/arriving/
Information by Warwick International Office for Offer
Holders. It contains information ranging from how to
accept your offer, to how to prepare for Warwick (e.g.
opening a bank account, insurance), etc.
http://www.warwick.ac.uk/evision
The University’s platform for student records. You may
use it for:
- Viewing modules
- Editing personal data
- Paying tuition/accommodation fees
Login using your ITS account, which will be available
once you complete Stage 1 of Enrolment.
https://warwick.ac.uk/services/academicof
fice/finance
Student Finance page that contains information on
tuition fees, when and how to pay, etc.
http://www.warwicksu.com
Warwick Student Union Website, which has all the
information on sports and societies at Warwick, campus
stores, events at the SU, etc.
https://warwicksingsoc.wixsite.com/weare
warwicksg
Warwick Singapore Society website, which has details
and guides to help you prepare for your arrival and
contact information for course ambassadors and the
SingSoc ExCo.
Warwick Singapore Offer Holders Group
Warwick Offer Holders 2022 – join this Telegram group
for more updates about the application process, details
for upcoming events, and other useful information!
8
2.3 IMPORTANT DEADLINES
Item
Visa Application
Deadline
At least 1 month
before you fly
off and not
earlier than 3
months before
the start of term
Remarks
Visa Application is done with the UK Visas and
Immigration. You need to complete your visa
application successfully prior to coming to the
UK so it is vital that you get this done! Your
passport will be retained while the visa is
processed so make sure you do not make any
travel plans for the two weeks after you submit
your application.
Relevant
Section
Section 2.4
If there are any issues with the Visa Application
(it may take more than 2 weeks), do contact Mr.
Imran Hashim for assistance.
It is highly important that you apply for
accommodation before this date. Any
applications past this date will not be
guaranteed on-campus accommodation. If this
happens you might have to live off-campus
instead and miss out on the campus
experience.
Accommodation
Application
22 August 2023
We recommend that you talk to seniors/OGLs
before selecting your accommodations! Also
check out the accommodation brochure for
2022/23. We have also produced a video for
our Youtube Channel showing the highlights of
each accommodation.
Section 2.5
The link to the Youtube Playlist is here:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnGLn_nioT
8kxmTGgY7SirQY2ovQ2H8p9
Exit Permit (for
NSmen only)
Before leaving
Singapore
Enrolment
Process
Opens
approximately
2-3 weeks
before the start
date of your
course
It is compulsory for all NSmen to apply for an
Exit Permit before departing for their studies. It
can be done within 15 minutes via NS Portal.
Remember to complete this in time so that you
may login to the various University platforms
before leaving. This will prevent delays in
obtaining your University Card when you arrive
at Warwick.
Note: You will need to have obtained your visa
to complete this process.
9
Section 2.6
Section 2.10
2.4 VISA APPLICATION
Most of you will be applying for a Tier 4 (General)
Visa for studies in the UK. Do try to get your visa
application done early (up to 3 months in
advance) in case of any complications. The
general procedure is:
Address:
VFS Global Services Singapore Pte. Ltd.
135 Cecil Street,
#08-01 Philippine Airlines Building,
Singapore 069536
1. Prepare your required supporting documents
and information – receive your Confirmation of
Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from the
University, and ensure your passport is valid for
the whole duration of your studies (to avoid
future hassle). More details.
Application submission (by appointment only):
Monday to Friday: 08:00 – 16:00
Document collection:
Monday to Friday 08:00 – 16:00
For more information and a step-by-step guide,
please see
https://visa.vfsglobal.com/sgp/en/gbr/apply-visa
2. For most of you, you will apply for a Visa
outside the UK. You will have to complete an
online form which you can access from this page
(Start now button). Direct link to online form.
For the appointment, please bring along:
- Printout of appointment confirmation email
- Valid passport/travel document (with at least
1 page blank on both sides)
- Printout of completed visa application form
- O Level and A Level Certificate or IB Diploma
or any equivalent qualification (both original
and photocopy); or undergraduate cert if
you’re starting a postgrad course
- Evidence of sufficient funds, both original and
photocopy. This evidence does take time to
produce but is only checked in some cases.
3. You will need to complete payment of the
Immigration
Healthcare
Surcharge
at
https://www.immigration-health-surcharge.servi
ce.gov.uk/payment/start. When payment is
cleared, you will be given an IHS number for
your application form. (note: this IHS number is
not the same as an NHS number needed for
medical treatment in the UK) Non-payment will
result in a rejected application.
4. Pay the application fee online via Visa or
MasterCard.
5. Book an appointment at the visa application
centre operated by VFS Global Singapore. Your
appointment must be within 30 days of
submission of the online application form.
6. Check whether you have any supporting
documents that need to be uploaded before the
appointment as there is a Document Scanning
Fee (SGD$29) if you choose to scan your
documents on the day itself.
7. Attend the appointment at the Visa application
centre in person, where your biometric data will
be collected. A picture of you will be taken for
your BRP.
10
Evidence of Sufficient Funds
If you are on a scholarship: Your sponsor should provide you with a scholarship letter stating that they
will pay for your full academic fees and living expenses.
If you are self-funded: Prepare a bank statement stating that you have enough money to fund your
education for at least the first year. This includes your academic fees for the first year and all other
living expenses. The bank statement needs to show a 28-day period ending no more than a month
before the visa application date. You may or may not be asked to show this document, depending on
whether you are from a country deemed "high risk" by the UKBA (generally UKBA does not ask
Singaporeans to produce this document)
If the money is held in your parent/guardian’s account: You will have to provide their bank statement, a
document showing the relationship (birth cert, adoption cert or court document) as well as a letter
from your parent/guardian confirming the relationship and permission to use the funds.
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
v)
Your passport will be taken from you (as the visa will be pasted inside) and you should be able to
collect it back within 1-2 weeks (however this varies and there have been cases where the process
does take longer). You cannot travel overseas in this duration! There is an option to keep your
passport during the visa application process, but it will cost an additional SGD$144.
You can pay SGD$4 for SMS notification service to let you know what specific stage of the visa
application process you are in once your passport is submitted.
There is also a courier service to send your passport to your home for a fee of SGD$23.
There are other premium services available on the VFS Website.
VFS will typically notify you that your passport is ready for collection via email, and you will need
to head down to the VFS address to collect your passport. Do check that your details on the visa
are correct. (There will also be a white sticker on the cover page of your passport. This can safely
be thrown away.)
NOTE: Singapore is considered one of the ‘low risk’ countries, and as a ‘low risk’ applicant, you will not
normally need to provide all the supporting documents. However, they reserve the right to request all
documents from you, so we advise you to bring everything mentioned for your appointment to
prevent any delays.
*If any of your supporting documents are not in English, you must additionally provide a translated
copy done by a translation company.
For information on visa application:
UK Border Agency (Immigration Authority)
https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa
VFS Global Singapore (Visa Application Agent)
https://www.vfsglobal.co.uk/sg/en#latest-updates_o=Article%20Date,Descending
University of Warwick immigration guide
https://warwick.ac.uk/study/international/immigration/
11
2.5 APPLYING FOR ACCOMMODATION
Go to https://warwick.ac.uk/services/accommodation/students/prospective/apply/23 to apply for
accommodation. The deadline for submitting your application this year is 22 August 2023.
Undergraduate 35-week let (need to move out during Easter Vacation)
Name
Bathroom
Cost
Remarks
Arthur Vick
En-suite
£221 per week
1st Year Undergraduates
Jack Martin
En-suite
£198 per week
1st Year Undergraduates
Rootes (International
House)
Shared
£119 per week,
1st Year Undergraduates
Undergraduate 40-week let (includes all of term time, Winter Break and Spring Break)
Name
Bathroom
Cost
Remarks
Bluebell
En-suite
£233 per week
1st Year Undergraduates
Claycroft
Shared
£162 per week
1st Year Undergraduates
Cryfield Standard
Shared
£117 per week
1st Year Undergraduates
Cryfield Townhouses
En-suite
£207 per week
1st Year Undergraduates
Heronbank
En-suite
£180 per week
1st Year Undergraduates
Lakeside
En-suite
£185 per week
1st Year Undergraduates
Rootes
Shared
£119 per week
1st Year Undergraduates
Sherbourne
En-suite
£193 per week
1st Year Undergraduates
Tocil
Shared
£122 per week
1st Year Undergraduates
Returning Undergraduates
Westwood
Shared
£127 per week
1st Year Undergraduates
Whitefields
Shared
£91 per week
1st Year Undergraduates
Undergraduate 44-week let (includes all the above and first 4 weeks of summer break)
Name
Bathroom
Cost
Remarks
Tocil
Shared
£122 per week
1st Year Undergraduates
12
Postgraduate accommodation (50-week let unless stated otherwise)
Name
Bathroom
Cost
Remarks
Benefactors
En-suite
£244/£268 per week
New Postgraduates
Claycroft
Shared
£162 per week
New Postgraduates
Cryfield Apartments
En-suite
£215 per week
New Postgraduates
Cryfield Studios
En-suite
£260 per week
40-week let
New Postgraduates
Cryfield Townhouses
En-suite
£210 per week
New Postgraduates
Heronbank
En-suite
£180 per week
New Postgraduates
Lakeside
En-suite
£185 per week
New Postgraduates
Sherbourne
En-suite
£193 per week
New Postgraduates
Tocil
Shared
£122 per week
44-week let
New Postgraduates
Westwood
Shared
£127 per week
New Postgraduates
Westwood En Suite
Shared
£192 per week
New Postgraduates
Whitefields
Shared
£91 per week
40-week let
New Postgraduates
Note that postgraduates are usually housed together when staying in on-campus accommodations.
More options are available, in particular for Cryfield Studios and Westwood En Suite. Refer to the link
for more information:
https://warwick.ac.uk/services/accommodation/students/pgresidences-2023
Accommodation reviews
Warwick SingSoc has created accommodation videos outlining the pros and cons of each
accommodation. It is recommended that you watch these videos and talk to current students before
making your choice. This video can be found on the SingSoc website under ‘Our Guides’ at:
https://warwicksingsoc.wixsite.com/wearewarwicksg/accomodation-video.
This video was last updated in the 2022 Spring Term and you can find it at:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnGLn_nioT8kxmTGgY7SirQY2ovQ2H8p9
Off-campus accommodation
Most, if not all, first years usually get on-campus accommodation if you meet deadlines and all
requirements for allocation. If you are somehow unable to get a room on campus, or choose to live
off-campus, Warwick Accommodation also has off-campus housing for first years in Coventry.
Contact Warwick Accommodation at accommodation@warwick.ac.uk and they will help sort out your
13
housing issues.
General Accommodation Advice
- The accommodation application form will require you to write a short description of yourself
and your preferences. Please be explicit about your preferences (e.g. Preferring a quiet flat,
single-gender accommodation) as this will help the accommodations office best allocate you
- While choosing a shared room will save you money, do note that you have no say over your
roommates, and this may lead to clashes, especially if you have contrasting schedules. This is
up to your personal preferences, many current students are divided over whether this is a
problem for them.
- Students under 18 on 21 Sep 2023 will only be able to select en-suite accommodation in their
options, and will be allocated to an en-suite hall. More information can be found here:
https://warwick.ac.uk/services/accommodation/studentaccommodation/apply/specificrequire
mentsnew/other
- Consider the distance of your accommodation to your respective academic buildings – i.e.
Cryfield for its proximity to Life Sciences, Sherboune/Lakeside for WBS, Tocil for Humanities.
This is especially the case for Westwood tenants who may need to go to Gibbet Hill Campus
(this is around 25 minutes away!)
- Consider the distance of your accommodation to facilities and amenities - i.e. Cannon Park
Shopping Centre, Central Campus, Warwick Sports and Wellness Centre.
2.6 EXIT PERMIT
A required exit permit can be applied on NS Portal. For pre-enlisted or disrupted servicemen, please
check with CMPB or MINDEF for the full details or contact the 24 hour NS Call Centre at 1800 367 6767.
Link to the application page: https://www.ns.sg/nsp/portal/site/mindef/manage-overseas-trips/info
2.7 REGISTERING WITH MFA
Registering with MFA will allow the Ministry and its embassies/consulates to contact you and render
assistance in case of any emergencies overseas. This is a free service that is entirely optional.
Register at: https://eregister.mfa.gov.sg/eregisterportal/common/preLoginEregisterView.action
2.8 VACCINATIONS
The University recommends all students to take the 2 doses of the MMR Vaccine which should be part
of the normal schedule of vaccinations offered in Singapore. It is also recommended to take 2 Doses of
the COVID-19 Vaccine and a Booster Jab. Beyond the normal schedule of vaccinations administered,
the University also strongly recommends all students to get the Men ACWY Vaccine.
Find out more about Men ACWY: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/men-acwy-vaccine/
Possible places for vaccinations:
-
Tan Tock Seng Hospital’s Travellers’ Health and Vaccination Clinic
SATA (A University Enrolment Check-up is offered, but is not required)
Polyclinics
Other private clinics (e.g. Raffles Medical Group)
Travel around most of the EU (but not all countries!) and to the UK no longer requires proof of
demonstration of the COVID-19 Vaccine, however it is still strongly recommended to be up-to-date on
your COVID-19 Vaccinations.
14
2.9 INSURANCE
You may choose to get insurance from a
Singaporean company before you leave or get
insurance from a UK company when you first get
there.
(We will provide it at a later date). If you apply
directly via the AIG website, you will not be able
to claim the 10% discount.
Possible options:
- AIG:
https://www.aig.sg/personal/more-insuranc
e/student-assist
- NTUC Income:
https://www.income.com.sg/insurance/insur
ance-for-students-children/overseas-studyprotection-plan
- MSIG:
https://www.msig.com.sg/personal-insuranc
e/global-study
Do note that standard room insurance policies
do not cover the loss of important documents,
such as your passport, travellers’ cheques, or
academic certificates.
Note: Singsoc will be partnering with AIG for a
10% discount on AIG Student Assist. To claim this
discount, you must submit your application form
directly to treasurer.warwicksingsoc@gmail.com
2.10 COMPLETE ENROLMENT
1. Upload photo for student card
2. Complete course registration (an email will be sent to you when the portal is open)
3. Register your IT Services account (This will be used for all logins – Student Union account, Wifi
access on campus, etc)
4. Access your online enrolment dashboard
5. Set up fees payment on the Warwick e:Vision portal
6. Register for the campus-based NHS Health Centre on the e:Vision portal
7. Complete the Warwick Values Moodle prior to starting your course
Detailed instructions can be found here:
https://warwick.ac.uk/services/academicoffice/ourservices/enrolment/
2.11 PHONE LINES
All mobile phone lines have free incoming calls when you are in the UK. You can easily transfer your
number from one mobile phone network operator to another by requesting for the PAC code. Both
options we have recommended are cheap, flexible (no contract, cancel the plan whenever you want)
and provide roaming services across the EU for ease when travelling!
GiffGaff (Connected to O2 Network)
You may choose to purchase airtime credits and pay per use or purchase one of their monthly
‘goodybags’ which provide a certain amount of data per month. Your UK number will be shown in the
GiffGaff App so you can inform your friends and family of your new number.
Additionally there are student ‘goodybags’ that can be purchased for extra data. These require a valid
University Email linked to your GiffGaff account.
15
GiffGaff Website and Rates: http://www.giffgaff.com/.
GiffGaff Student Golden Goodybag: https://www.giffgaff.com/help/articles/student-golden-goodybag
VOXI (Connected to Vodafone Network)
Voxi is another good option as it provides ‘Endless social media’ usage, allowing you to use Whatsapp,
Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook (and other apps) without eating your data in the UK. The first month of
VOXI is free.
VOXI Student Plans: https://www.voxi.co.uk/acquisition/students
Your current phone line
You may choose to either deactivate your phone number temporarily for a monthly fee or suspend
your phone line. Check with your provider for options.
2.12 FINANCES
Bank Draft
This should be under your name and is usually valid for 6 months. The amount stated should cover at
least Term 1’s academic fees, accommodation fees and living expenses. This amount can then be
banked into your newly set up account once activated.
Cash
Bring along an adequate amount of cash to tide you over your first few weeks in the UK while you are
waiting for your bank account to be set up and activated and your money to be banked in. An
approximate amount of cash to carry in hand would be £500.
Telegraphic Transfer (TT)
Subsequently, should you wish to transfer money from Singapore to your UK account, you can get
someone in Singapore to TT funds over, and they will require your bank account details (Name, SWIFT
code, IBAN).
Wise
Consider money transfer providers like Wise, which make bank transfers more affordable than
traditional banks by using lower transfer fees and converting money at the true mid-market exchange
rate. Many seniors use this to convert SGD into pounds, and it saves us lots of money in the long-term!
You will need a UK bank account to transfer your money into before being able to sign up for this.
Sign up for Transferwise by heading to https://wise.com/ and register an account with them!
Digital Banks (Monzo and Revolut)
Monzo and Revolut are popular digital banks in the UK. A great benefit is that you’ll be able to
withdraw money with your card at any ATM worldwide with no additional fee, and at the best
international exchange rate. You will also be able to receive and send money through the apps. Many
seniors are able to live with just Digital Banks without having to set up accounts with “normal banks”.
Sign up for Monzo: https://monzo.com/download/
Sign up for Revolut: https://www.revolut.com/
Monzo & Revolut comparison: https://ecommerce-platforms.com/payments/revolut-vs-monzo
Note: Do ensure you do not sign-up to either of these Digital Banks with a Singaporean Phone Number
and Address. There are specific limitations on the amount of money that can be held in an Singaporean
Digibank Account that will make it extremely inconvenient (borderline unusable) for daily use.
16
2.13 PACKING
You can generally find everything you need in the UK, so please do not feel the urge to bring
everything! Remember that the more things you bring, the more troublesome it is for you to travel to
campus, and the more pain you will feel when moving out of your room at the end of the academic
year. You will also realise that you can buy many things (textbooks, electrical equipment, etc.) off other
Singaporeans currently studying there, which helps you to save money and save the environment!
Apparel & Footwear
You don’t have to bring your entire wardrobe as the UK is a shopping haven, especially for online
shoppers. Online shops like Amazon and ASOS give free delivery in the UK and offer free returns as
well. Do bring one or two sets of formal clothing for interviews, presentations, or formal events.
Warm clothing can be bought easily and cheaply in the UK and you’ll find that the variety in the UK is
much better. You may want to buy HeatTech from Uniqlo, as it is cheaper in Singapore!
Bags
A good backpack is useful for travelling around the UK and Europe, especially since most budget
airlines (Ryanair, EasyJet) only allow small bags to be brought onboard for free.
Toiletries
Lip balm and skin moisturiser are essential especially during the winter months. Most toiletries you
need can be purchased in the UK, unless you require specific brands that cannot be found in the UK
(Darlie, Shokubutsu etc.)
Contact lenses/contact lens solution/spare spectacles are much cheaper in Singapore and Malaysia so
you may want to bring a year’s supply along. It’s relatively troublesome and costly to get new supplies
from opticians in the UK, but contact lenses can be purchased online without prescription.
Medication
Medication is easily available at pharmacies and supermarkets, but many students bring their own for
convenience. Just ask your GP to prescribe you the basic medication that you will need for studying
overseas. This will allow you to avoid making appointments at NHS and having to wait long hours (or
even days) just to see a doctor!
Stationery
Most stationery can be easily bought in the UK, with bulkier items like writing pads and files found in
Wilko or Tesco. However, correction tape and pen refills are uncommon in the UK.
Also, you may want to get some quality pens and stationery from Singapore. It is difficult to find good
stationery in the UK and it is difficult to find specific types of pens if you have a preference. Consider
stocking up on your favourite brands (Uni-ball Signo, Muji), and bringing a very healthy supply over.
Textbooks
Textbooks can be bought at our University bookshop. A cheaper alternative would be to go to
http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/ or http://www.amazon.com/ to see if your textbook is available
there. An even cheaper alternative would be to inherit your senior’s textbooks at a small price or for
free. The library and Learning Grid (located in the University House) also contain all your required
textbooks you can borrow – you can renew a book indefinitely if it is not placed on hold! Most courses
do provide all necessary readings online and access to online resources will be provided when courses
start.
Electronics
17
Bulky electronic items like printers can be bought from the UK, although ink cartridges for UK printers
are quite expensive. Power strips/multi-plug can also be bought in the UK, though they usually do not
have individual switches for each socket.
If you are particular about the light colour of your lamp, you might want to get white light bulbs from
Singapore, as they are difficult to find in the UK. Most stores only sell yellow light bulbs.
Household Items
You may want to buy a rice cooker from Singapore, as they are usually cheaper and of better quality.
Chopsticks may also be hard to find, so it would be good to bring a few pairs. Note that you will have
to be over 21 to buy sharp items like knives and scissors, so you may want to bring these from
Singapore.
Essential bedding items (pillows, duvets, and bedsheets) are easily located at Cannon Park Shopping
Centre and many head there in the first few days to buy these items. Bolsters are a rarity in the UK so if
you have a very strong preference for one you could pack it in. Many other household items can be
easily found at the Cannon Park Shopping Centre. An alternative is to use UniKitOut. It is a bit more
expensive, but ensures that bedding and all arrives in your on campus room.
Laundry nets are not readily available in the UK so if you are particular about your clothes being long
lasting and in a good shape, pick up some laundry nets before you fly over!
Food
When in the UK, the thing you will miss most about Singapore will be the food. You could consider
bringing Kaya, Bak Kwa, PrimaTaste mixes, herbs for soup, mooncake, instant cereal etc.
The Asian shops in the UK sell some common Singapore food items but at a slightly higher price. Do
not bring over boxes of instant noodles as you can easily find them there! Also, basic sauces such as
soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, etc can be found in Tesco and Seoul Plaza (the Korean mart at
Cannon Park) so there is no need to bring them!
General Items
It is good to bring along some extra passport sized photos as it is relatively expensive to take them in
the UK.
18
2.14 BOOKING YOUR FLIGHT
General Tips
1. Buy a ONE-WAY ticket to the UK this time and buy a RETURN from the UK. Return flights are
somehow much cheaper from the UK than from Singapore.
2. Check if there are student privileges or discounts from certain carriers.
3. Hand carry is generally not weighed so try your best to bring as much as possible on board.
Keep everything very compact to maximise space.
Singapore Airlines provides student privileges with savings on certain fares, additional checked
baggage and booking changes if you provide proof that you are studying overseas.
https://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/sg/plan-travel/promotions/student-privileges/
2.15 IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS TO HAND CARRY
Please note that you should have the original (and a photocopy where applicable) of the following in
your hand carry:
□
Passport (With Visa stuck in Passport)
□
Letter of Acceptance from the University
□
Details of CAS Number
□
Financial Statements/Sponsorship Letter
□
Address of your University accommodation
□
Medical documents
□
Vaccination Information
□
Mobile numbers of people whom you can contact in case of emergency
These items come in handy if immigration officials request them. Do also be prepared to answer
questions at the immigration checkpoint, as that is the way that the officers check on your status. They
usually ask simple questions about your university, course of study, and travelling to campus. Don’t
worry and just answer their questions confidently.
19
On Arrival
In The UK
20
3.1 GETTING THROUGH IMMIGRATION
All Singapore passport holders for people aged 18 and over with a biometric/’chipped’ passport will be
able to use the automated ePassport gates at certain airports in the UK.
3.2 GETTING TO CAMPUS
Airport Transfer Service (only available during Arrivals)
In the past, the University arranged airport transfer services from London Heathrow and Birmingham
International Airport to the main university campus. It has been the norm for the University to provide
these services and information about them will be released in due time.
https://warwick.ac.uk/students/welcome/arriving/international/
Note also that Heathrow Airport has 5 Terminals. Your flight may not arrive at Terminal 3 where the
pick-up service is. However, fret not as you can travel between the terminals easily by a free Airport
Train.
From London Heathrow Airport
1. Take a National Express coach from Heathrow Airport to Coventry (Pool Meadow Bus Station)
(approx. £15-£25, 2 hours, book online). Then,
a. Take a taxi, Uber or Bolt (approx. £10-£12, 15 minutes, tell the driver to drop you off at the
university’s Rootes Grocery Store or Warwick Arts Centre); or,
b. Take local bus 11 or 12X (£2.20 single way - no change given, approx. 25 minutes, alight at
University of Warwick)
c. These services can be paid for via Contactless Payments (GPay & ApplePay)
2. Take a taxi from London Heathrow to the University of Warwick (approx. £200, 1h30min, tell the
driver to drop you off at the university’s Rootes Grocery Store or Warwick Arts Centre) – this option is
highly expensive, and we advise you against it, unless you are sharing the taxi.
From Central London
1. Take the train from London Euston rail station to Coventry rail station (approx. £7.50 if booked early,
1-2 hours, book through the Trainline app). Then,
a. Take a taxi (approx. £10-£12, 15 minutes, tell the driver to drop you off at the university’s central
campus or,
b. Take local bus 11 or 12X (£2.20 single way - no change given, approx. 20 minutes, alight at
University of Warwick)
2. Take a coach (Megabus, NationalExpress) from London (Victoria Coach Station) to Coventry (Pool
Meadow Bus Station) (£5-6 one way, approx. 2h20min) and then take a local bus (11 or 12X) to reach
Warwick University Interchange
3. Take a taxi from Central London to the University of Warwick (approx. £200-£300, 2 hours, tell the
driver to drop you off at the university’s central campus) – this option is highly expensive and we
advise you against it, unless you can find people to share the taxi with you.
From Birmingham Airport
1. Take the train from Birmingham International rail station to Coventry rail station (approx. £2 one way,
10 min). Then,
a. Take a taxi (approx. £10-£12, 15 minutes, tell the driver to drop you off at the university’s central
campus); or,
21
b. Take local bus 11 or 12X (£2.20 single way - no change given, approx. 20 minutes, alight at
University of Warwick)
2. Take the train from Birmingham International rail station to Canley rail station (approx. £2 one way,
10 min). Then,
A. Take a taxi (approx. £6, 5-10 minutes, tell the driver to drop you off at the university’s central
campus);
B. Walk about 2km (approx 25mins) to central campus.
3. Take a taxi from the airport to the University of Warwick (approx. £30, 30 minutes, tell the driver to
drop you off at the university’s central campus).
Useful websites
Directions to University: https://warwick.ac.uk/about/visiting/directions/
National Express Coach: http://www.nationalexpress.com/home.aspx
Megabus Coach: http://uk.megabus.com/Default.aspx
Rail: http://www.nationalrail.co.uk
Local Bus: https://warwick.ac.uk/about/visiting/directions/localbuses/
3.3 COVID TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
As of 18 Mar 2022, you do not need to complete any forms nor do any COVID-19 tests nor quarantine
when you arrive in England. This applies no matter the country you transited from.
It is still advisable for you to bring some face coverings with you, as private companies may mandate
that you wear them while you do business with them, however this is generally not the case. (Airlines,
Shops etc.)
Coronavirus advice for Warwick can be found here: https://warwick.ac.uk/coronavirus.
3.4 GETTING AROUND CAMPUS
Campus Map
The campus map can be found on the My Warwick application. If location services are activated, the
app will be able to give you a recommended route from point A to B.
Getting to classes
If you stay within central campus, most lectures and classes will be at most a 15-minute walk away.
However, you may also consider renting a bike through UniCycles, which has over 100 bikes situated
around campus. This can be done through signing up for the subscription (£25/year) or paying £1 per
ride
(for
the
first
30
minutes).
More
details
can
be
found
at
https://warwick.ac.uk/services/estates/transport/cycling/uni-cycles/
Shuttle Bus
The university provides a shuttle bus service around school. However, do note that spaces are limited
on the bus, and the bus will leave once it is full! The full list of prices for tickets and locations is below:
https://warwick.ac.uk/services/estates/transport/buses/shuttlebus/
22
3.5 THINGS TO DO
Here are some of the important things you should do during Arrivals Weekend:
1. Collect your accommodation keys and move into your assigned hall of residence.
2. Collect your University Identity Card:
- Your University Card is required for examinations and general identification
- It is also used for entering the library, sports facilities, and buildings
3. Register with the National Health Service (NHS)
4. Collect your Student Status Letter (required when opening bank account)
- You will need this BEFORE applying for a bank account. Request for it online at
https://warwick.ac.uk/services/academicoffice/studentrecords/srforms/statusletter/
- Ensure that
1) the letter is addressed to the address of the specific bank you are looking to access
2) all details on the letter are accurate, especially the address of the University – make sure that
it is in the format of: (Room number) (Name of Residence), Gibbet Hill Road, University of
Warwick, Coventry CV4 7ES. People have been turned away at the bank after queuing for
hours due to an incorrect address. If an incorrect letter is given to you, simply proceed to
Senate House and request for a new one to be printed.
5. Open a bank account (This may take some time, alternatively using Digi-banks is also viable)
6. Apply for various discount cards
- Railcard: https://www.thetrainline.com/trains/great-britain/railcards
- Coachcard: https://www.nationalexpress.com/en/offers/coachcards/young-person
- Tesco Clubcard (This is free!): https://secure.tesco.com/clubcard/
7. Check out Cannon Park Shopping Centre. This is where most of your groceries will be bought, with
Tesco, Wilco, Iceland and Seoul Plaza all located here. It’s not hard to find but it’s helpful to find the
fastest way there from your hall.
3.6 WELCOME WEEK
Welcome Week refers to the first week of term (25 Sep - 1 Oct), which aims to give new students a
chance to make new friends, explore the exciting options from the clubs and societies, and ease into
uni life. The events for this year’s Welcome Week are currently being planned. More information on
Welcome Week will be updated here: https://warwick.ac.uk/students/welcome/. Each department
will be also holding certain induction activities to introduce you to the academic side of life.
SingSoc will also be holding some events to help you ease into life at Warwick. Look out for more
information on these events during Welcome Week!
3.7 BANK ACCOUNTS
Popular bank accounts amongst Singaporeans here are Barclays, NatWest, Lloyds, Santander, and
HSBC. Barclays and Santander have branches on campus.
You will need your Student Status Letter, Passport and Bank Draft to set up your bank account. You will
23
receive your debit card and cheque book within the next 2-3 weeks. Do note that banks in the UK are
not as efficient as those in Singapore, so patience is the key here!
Bank staff will be on campus during Arrivals Weekend and Welcome Week for you to open an
account. Be prepared to queue early, and for hours, to open your bank account, as there are many
students from Warwick looking to do the same. Do consider booking appointments at banks
off-campus (in Coventry, Leamington Spa or Kenilworth), as these may have shorter waiting times.
Barclays
Santander
Natwest
Barclays offers students a Visa debit card with interest free overdraft of up to £1000.
Most students use their Student Additions Account. The nearest bank branch is in
Coventry or Kenilworth. More information is available at:
https://www.barclays.co.uk/current-accounts/student-account/
Santander requires a monthly fee of £1 for the Essentials Current Account and offers
students a Visa debit card. It offers cashback of up to 15% with specific retailers. More
information can be found at: https://www.santander.co.uk/personal/current-accounts
NatWest does not require a monthly fee and offers students a Visa debit card.
International students may open a Natwest Select Account. The nearest branch is
located in Coventry. More information can be found at:
https://www.natwest.com/current-accounts/select_account.html
HSBC provides options for setting up a bank account from Singapore, but only under
certain conditions. For existing HSBC members, you will need to bring along your
passport, NRIC and student visa to set up your HSBC UK account. There is a one-time
administrative fee to do so. However, if you are a HSBC Premier customer, it will be
free on the condition that you maintain S$200,000 in your account.
HSBC
For non-HSBC Premier customers, there will be a monthly fee for an initial fixed term
of 12 months and is renewable monthly afterwards. You can apply online and you will
receive a letter via snail mail approximately 2 weeks later telling you how to activate
your account upon reaching the UK.
Alternatively, setting up an account in the UK is free of charge with no monthly fee for
Basic Bank Account. The nearest HSBC branch is located in Coventry and Kenilworth.
You will need to call in to the branch and request for an appointment, or you could try
walking in but it is likely that all slots will be full.
More information can be found at:
https://www.hsbc.com.sg/international/open-an-account/
Alternatives
Aside from traditional banks, you could also opt to open an account with a digital bank.
The advantage of this is that you will not have to queue up or make physical
appointments at bank branches. Some options are Monzo or Revolut.
24
3.8 NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE
Registering with NHS
Submit your completed NHS registration form on the e:Vision portal and you will be allocated to either
the BLUE or PINK Practice. The different Practices determine which team of doctors will serve you
during your visits. This will confirm your details on file and show which Practice you belong to.
Visiting NHS
You will have to make an appointment to see a doctor in the Health Centre on campus by phone or in
person and have your NHS registration details ready when you need to do so. Also note that
medications prescribed by the doctors do not come free, and that you will have to visit a private
pharmacy to purchase the medicines (there is a pharmacy in the Student Union building).
There are several NHS-run hospitals in the area with Accident & Emergency (A&E) services, and these
are open 24/7. The closest is University Hospital, Coventry. There is a public bus service shuttling
between the hospital and campus. In case of an accident or sports injury, these A&E units are the right
place to go to.
25
Life at Warwick
Academic Details
26
4.1 TUITION AND ACCOMMODATION FEES
Tuition Fees
Course
The following methods of payment are
available for paying fees to the University:
1. Flywire - Direct Bank transfer, UK and
international credit/debit card payments,
Alipay and Union Pay
Fee
Undergraduate
Band 1: £23,390
Band 2: £29,830
Medicine
Year 1: £27,290
Year 2 – 4: £47,580
Postgraduate
Taught
Full Time: £19.945 - £38,000
Part Time: £9.970 - £15,725
Postgraduate
Research
Band 1: £21,760 (Full Time)
£13,056 (Part Time)
Band 2: £27,800 (Full Time)
£16,680 (Full Time)
2. Direct Debit - Setting this up will
automatically deduct fees from a bank
account every payment cycle. You just
need to ensure the necessary funds are
present in your bank account.
3. UK Credit/Debit Cards
Payments by locally issued Credit or Debit
cards can be made using the Automated
Telephone Payment Line: 0330 0883627 (+44
330 088 3627 outside the UK). Remember to
quote your University ID, date of birth and how
much you are paying.
The band classification of the courses can be
obtained at
https://warwick.ac.uk/services/finance/student
finance/fees/. Students have the choice to
either pay all their tuition fees for the whole
academic year at the start of their course or
pay in instalments.
4. If you’re a scholarship holder, fill in the
‘Sponsored Students’ form online at
https://warwick.ac.uk/services/finance/stu
dentfinance/makingpayments/sponsored/.
Ensure you have your financial status letter
from your scholarship provider in case the
Finance Office requires confirmation.
Accommodation Fees
Accommodation fees can be paid in full at the
start of the year, or at the start of every term.
Payment Methods
The University charges late payment fees on all
overdue payments. All University fees must be
paid in Pounds Sterling.
Detailed payment instructions for each method
can be found here:
https://warwick.ac.uk/services/academicoffice
/finance/makingpayments/methodsofpayment
/#credit
27
4.2 TERM AND
VACATION DATES
2023-2024
your course. It can range from 8-9 hours for
courses like literature, to 14-15 hours for
business courses and 17-19 hours for courses
like science/engineering.
When your day starts and ends also depends
on your personal timetable; but in general,
lessons end early on Wednesdays as it is the
day for extra-curricular activities like sports
and societies.
Autumn Term: 2 October 2023 – 9 December
2023 (10 weeks)
Christmas Break: 10 December 2023 – 7
January 2024 (4 weeks)
Spring Term: 8 January 2024 – 16 March 2024
(10 weeks)
Easter Break: 17 March 2024 – 23 April 2024 (5
weeks)
Summer Term: 22 April 2024 – 29 June 2024 (10
weeks)
4.4 EXAMS &
ASSESSMENTS
Most major exams at the University fall in the
Summer Term (the 3rd and last academic term).
However, some half modules that run only for
one term (Autumn/Spring term) may have their
assessment at the end of that term.
*Note: If you like, you may leave as soon as
your exams are over during the Summer term.
Check the University website for your personal
exam dates closer to the time.
Modes of assessment for each module also
vary, with some being completely essay or
exam based, and some a mixture of both. As
such, you may have essays to do or
assessments to study for during the Christmas
break.
4.3 LESSON TIMES
The earliest lesson at the University is 9am.
Lessons are normally 1 hour long, though some
lectures can run for 2 hours, depending on
modules. Lab sessions for engineering modules
are normally 2 hours long. The number of
contact hours (lectures, seminars, lab sessions,
etc) you have per week varies depending on
For more details on your course, approach any
of our Course Ambassadors listed on our
website!
28
Life at Warwick
Travelling Around
29
5.1 RAIL
Rail tickets can be purchased directly from the National Rail or Virgin Trains website, or by
downloading the Trainline app.
Coventry Rail Station
Coventry Rail Station, approximately 6km from campus, is the nearest main-line train station. It is
easily reached from London (Euston), Birmingham and Leicester, all of which run regular and frequent
services direct to Coventry. You will need to take a public bus (either 11 or 12X) to and from the station
and main campus,
Canley Rail Station
Canley has a small local rail station that is approximately 2km away from the University - an
approximately 25-minute walk from main campus. London Midland offers a regular rail service that
passes through Canley Rail Station going to London, Milton Keynes, Coventry, Birmingham New
Street, Birmingham International, Rugby etc.
16 – 25 Railcard (Highly Encouraged)
This Rail Card costs £30 (1 year) or £70 (3 years) and provides a 33% discount on train tickets that you
purchase. It is highly encouraged that you get the cheaper 3-year deal, as it will be extremely useful for
those who plan to travel a lot around the UK or those who plan to make frequent trips to
London/Birmingham. Check out http://www.16-25railcard.co.uk/ to apply.
Do also link your Railcard with your Oyster card if you are travelling in London as it will give you a
hefty discount off public transport. This may be done at the information counter at any Tube Station.
5.2 BUSES
Local buses to the University
The standard fare for a single journey is around £2 – depending on if you take a National Express or
Stagecoach bus. You can also get University Single Bus tickets for £1, but only for NX buses. Do
download the bus apps as you are able to buy Group Tickets (Worth it if you’re travelling in groups of 5
maximum) and All-Day Tickets. (Worth it if you’re taking multiple buses in a single day)
Check this page for all bus services to Warwick University and their respective timetables:
https://warwick.ac.uk/about/visiting/directions/localbuses/
Note: Bus passes/return tickets for one bus company cannot be used on buses operated by another
company. A ticket bought on a Stagecoach bus CANNOT be used on a National Express bus!
Inter-city buses
If you want a cheaper option for travelling to other cities such as London, you may consider Megabus,
which has a stop at Cannon Park Shopping Centre, or National Express, which has a stop at Pool
Meadow Bus Interchange in Coventry.
Megabus: http://uk.megabus.com/Default.aspx
National Express: http://www.nationalexpress.com/home.aspx
30
5.3 DRIVING
Driving in the UK as a student
If you are holding a Singapore driving licence, you may drive in the UK for a year without converting to
a UK licence. If you don’t have a licence you must study in the UK for at least 6 months before taking a
driving test or applying for a full licence. To obtain a UK driving licence, you need to apply for a
provisional licence and pass a driving test.
Applying for the exchange of your foreign driving licence
If you want to change your driving licence to a UK driving licence, you must complete the application
form D1, along with your BRP, passport photo, Singapore (or other foreign) driving licence and £43
cheque. The D1 form is available from any Post Office branches and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing
Agency (DVLA) form ordering service online at: https://www.gov.uk/dvlaforms The entire process
takes about 10 weeks. Your foreign licence will not be returned to you. Hence, a good way would be to
report that you’ve lost your Singapore Driving licence and use the old card for submission to convert to
the UK driving licence.
Learning how to drive in the UK
Step 1: Applying for a Provisional Driving License (PDL)
Complete the D1 application form and submit it with your passport, passport photo and £50:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/Motoringtransactions/BeforeyouapplyA/DG10032690. It takes
about 2 weeks to receive your PDL.
Step 2: Book your theory test
Book your test at: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Diol1/DoItOnline/Doitonlinemotoring/DG_197297
Step 3: Taking lessons
In general, driving instructors recommend min. 30hrs of practical lessons before the practical test. You
can also ask about recommended tutors from seniors who have learnt driving in the UK. There is a
driving
school
in
Coventry
called
‘The
Driving
Force’
(around
£20/hour):
http://www.thedriving-force.co.uk/.
Step 4: Booking your practical test
Once you pass your theory test, book your practical test online at:
(http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Diol1/DoItOnline/Doitonlinemotoring/DG_197299)
Step 5: Test date
Things to bring to your practical test:
- Theory test pass certificate
- Both parts of your PDL (photocard and paper counterpart)
- If you have an old-style paper licence, you must take your signed driving licence and you must also
bring a valid passport.
If you pass your test the examiner will give you a pass certificate and ask if you want your full licence
sent to you automatically. Once you have passed, you can start driving right away without waiting for
your full licence to arrive.
Other useful information
After you pass your driving test, you need a year on your licence before you can rent a car to drive in
the UK. Only some car companies such as Europcar and Fifth Gear rent to under-23s. To convert your
UK licence to a Singapore licence, you have to take the Basic Theory Test, and convert to a Singapore
licence with the pass slip.
31
5.4 AREA AROUND WARWICK UNIVERSITY
1. COVENTRY
Appearance-wise, the city of Coventry is admittedly far from attractive – most buildings are plain
concrete structures – since the city centre was heavily bombed during WW2, destroying much of the
heritage sites. However, there are some places that are worth visiting, plus shops and eateries to
patronise. Warwick students can travel to Coventry by public bus from campus.
Getting there
From campus: Bus 11/12X (National Express), U12 (Stagecoach) from Warwick Bus interchange
From other parts of the UK: Megabus/National Express Coach to Pool Meadow Bus station OR train to
Coventry Rail station
Places to visit
2. Cathedral Quarter: in the heart of the city centre, comprising of the ruins of an older cathedral
brought down during air raids in WW2
3. Coventry Transport Museum: houses the largest collection of British road transport in the world.
Admission is free
4. Herbert Art Gallery and Museum: houses a large array of permanent displays of visual art and
historical pieces. Gallery displays are created in partnership with other national museums
Shopping
1. Broadgate and Lower Precinct Shopping Centre: brands like Primark, Topshop and New Look
can be found.
2. Asian Marts: see CV Mart, Tohki Halal Meat (in Coventry Retail Market), Oriental Supermarket
Eateries
Asian
1. Jinseon Korean BBQ Restaurant – across Pool Meadow Bus Station
2. Noodle Bar – 9 Bull Yard
3. China Red (Chinese hotpot) – 58 Hertford Road
4. Red Panda (Mala) – 17 Market Way
Western
1. Botanist (Classic British/European menu) – Broadgate
2. Zizzi (Italian) – Broadgate
3. Creams (Icecream and Waffles) – 1 Swanswell St
4. Jam Jar (Icecream, Sundaes and Waffles) – 163 Corporation St
Bubble Tea
1. ALS Gongcha - Near West Orchards Shopping Centre
2. T4 Coventry - 60 Broadgate Road
Nightlife: Check out Kasbah and JJ’s!
2. ROYAL LEAMINGTON SPA
With a diverse selection of eateries, shops and nightlife, a significant number of 2nd/3rd year Warwick
students can be found residing here. Running through the middle of the town is the Parade, a main
street lined with popular brands and the Royal Priors Shopping Centre.
Getting there
From campus: Bus 11/12X (National Express), U1/U2 (Stagecoach) from Warwick Bus interchange
From other parts of the UK: Bus 11 from Pool Meadow, Train to Leamington Spa Rail Station
32
Places to visit
1. Royal Pump Rooms: Spa bath that opened in 1814, is now converted to a museum, art gallery
and library
2. Jephson Garden: 180-year-old park running along the River Leam. The newly constructed
Glasshouse boasts multiple species that belong to the tropics
Shopping
1. Royal Priors Shopping Centre: brands like Marks & Spencer, Sports Direct, Superdry and
Topman/Topshop can be found
2. Asian Marts: KW Oriental Supermarket
There are many other shops along the Parade, use your weekends to check the place out!
Eateries
Asian
1. Been (Affordable Chinese cuisine) – 29 Chandos St
2. Nana’s Restaurant (Japanese) – 31 Regent St
3. Millennium Balti (Indian) – 41 Bath St
4. Thai Elephant (Thai) – 20 Regent St
5. Sabai Sabai (Thai) – 41-43 Regent St
Western
1. Gourmet Burger Kitchen (British/American cuisine) – Regent Court
2. Zizzi Leamington Spa (Italian) – Parade
3. La Coppola Ristorante & Oyster Bar – Parade
4. Coffee Architects – 39 Warwick St
5. Temperance – 33 Bath St
6. The Steamhouse – 68 Warwick St
7. Bluebasil Coffee Shop and Brownies – 64 Bath St
Nightlife: Check out Smack and Neon!
3. BIRMINGHAM
The 2nd largest city in the UK after London, a trip to Birmingham will fulfil all of your shopping and
foodie needs! It’s easy and cheap to get here from school, so consider making a daytrip down.
Getting there
From Pool Meadow Bus Station: Bus 211, OR train to Birmingham New Street
Places to visit
1. Cadbury World: allows visitors to try various forms of Cadbury chocolate while touring the
factory, learn more about the history of Cadbury and how their chocolate is made. The tour
costs £10.50
Shopping
1. Bullring: home to over 160 of the most imaginative shops and stores to explore, like Selfridges
and FCUK
2. The UK’s largest Primark
Eateries
Asian
1. Chung Ying Gardens (Dimsum, Chinese set menus) – 16-18 Wrottesley St
33
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Malaysian Delight – 8 Ladywell Walk
Sabai Sabai – 7 Waterloo Street
Gaijin Sushi – 78 Bristol St
Zindiya (Indian cuisine) – 21 Woodbridge Road
Yakinori Selly Oak (Halal Japanese Food) – 520 Bristol Road
Western
1. Original Patty Men – 9 Shaws Passage Digibeth
2. Purecraft Bar & Kitchen – 30 Waterloo St
3. Bodega (Latin American Street Food) – 12 Bennetts Hill
Nightlife: PRYZM – A party bus to PRYZM runs on certain days to and from the University to
Birmingham. These events are organised by students and tickets are sold privately.
4. KENILWORTH
Kenilworth is a small traditional English town, with quaint teahouses and scenic parks. The town is
known for the ruins of Kenilworth Castle, a stronghold founded in the 1120s and currently regarded as
one of the best castle ruins in the UK.
Getting there
From campus: Bus 11 from Warwick Bus interchange
From other parts of the UK: Bus 11 from Pool Meadow, Kenilworth Railway Station
Places to visit
1. Kenilworth Castle: the castle is the site of multiple historically significant events, such as the
abdication of King Edward II and the six-month long Siege of Kenilworth, believed to be the
longest siege in English history. Admission to the castle costs £8.20.
5. STRATFORD-UPON-AVON
The town of Stratford-upon-Avon is a must-go to learn about a key part of English culture, whether
you are a Shakespeare enthusiast or not. The town has become synonymous with all things
Shakespearean, becoming a tourist hotspot.
Getting there
From Pool Meadow Bus Station: Bus 337/460, OR train to Stratford-upon-Avon Train station
Places to visit
1. Shakespeare’s Birthplace: Entrance costs £12.50 (students) or you can buy the Five House Ticket
for £19 to visit the other Shakespeare-related houses such as Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, plus the
tickets last for a year so you can pass it on.
2. Royal Shakespeare Theatre: Ticket prices range from £14 to £60, though if you’re lucky you can
snap up some of the fifty £5 tickets available for 16–25-year-olds for each show. Check out the
RSC Key scheme for all 16-25 years old like £5 tickets and discounts in RSC shops!
34
Life at Warwick
Campus Life
35
6.1 CULTURE
6.2 WEATHER & TIME
The University is very modern since it was only
built in the 1960s. Warwick University has a high
percentage of international students, giving the
campus lots of diversity. It is peaceful during the
daytime as it is isolated from the city and
generally surrounded by greenery.
West Midlands Seasonal Chart
Average
Average
Total
Seasons
Temp
Temp
Rainfall
(Max °C) (Min °C)
(mm)
Mar - May
12
3
155
(Spring)
Jun - Aug
21
10
178
(Summer)
Sept - Nov
14
6
173
(Fall)
Dec - Feb
7
0
172
(Winter)
Certain areas can get livelier at night. The Copper
Rooms at the Student’s Union (SU) holds POP
(weekly student club night) every Wednesday
and can be heard around the SU from 10.30pm
until 2am. Students also tend to drink at the
piazza when the weather gets warmer, and there
are lots of parties on campus to join/avoid.
Drinking and partying culture is omnipresent in
the UK, and common for uni meetings to end at
the pub!
Time
UK is on GMT (Greenwich Mean Time), and
Singapore is GMT +8. However, UK will be on
Daylight savings when you arrive, which means
London will be on GMT +1 (BST, British Summer
Time). DST goes by the following rule: “Spring
forward, fall back”. Clocks in the UK are adjusted
forward on the last Sunday in March (Spring) and
are adjusted back on the last Sunday in October
(Fall).
For many students, it is their first time living away
from home and having to take care of
themselves. Some people may not share the
same standards of cleanliness or behaviour as
you do, so be prepared to accommodate
differences. The kitchens may get very dirty as
some students may not have the habit of
washing up immediately after they cook. Most
times, the pans and plates are just left on the
table tops. You will have to compromise but also
be assertive if it gets out of hand.
Be mentally prepared for the Sun to set around
4.30pm in the winter and at around 8.30pm in
the summer!
People are generally friendly and polite, though
you may still be treated slightly differently as an
international student. There are some rare cases
of racial harassment (as with elsewhere in
Europe), so be aware and stay safe. Remember
that if you need help, you can always call any
Exco Member, although it may be better just to
call the police if you feel unsafe.
36
6.3 SHOPS ON CAMPUS
cakes, pastries and other sweet treats.
Eateries
Smaller cafes
There are also cafes in various departments and
important landmarks in the university, such as
the Library, University House and Westwood,
which sell sandwiches, salads, snacks and drinks
throughout the day.
Benugo
Located at the Warwick Arts Centre, it is a
stunning bar and kitchen with a breakfast and
all-day menu. They serve pizzas, sides and
starters.
Bar Fusion
Located on the first floor of Rootes Building, it has
a great environment for relaxing and socialising
with friends. The big screen is good for watching
football. The Bar offers themed nights like Quiz
Night.
Certain eateries such as the Library Café also sell
hot food during lunchtime.
Takeaway
There are many different cuisines available for
takeaway such as Abang Fuad, Redfern Kitchen,
Domino’s and others. Do ask around the
Singaporean community for the best deals and
our recommendations!
Bread Oven
Located on the first floor of the Students’ Union,
Bread Oven sells cheap baguettes (like Subway!)
and there are weekly special sandwiches
available.
Others
Rootes Grocery Store
RGS is a mini supermarket located just outside
the Student Union. Usual prices are steeper than
that in Tesco but look out for good discounts!
Dirty Duck
Dirty Duck is a pub located on the first floor of
the Students’ Union. It serves drinks and
everything from burgers, fish and chips and
lasagne to warm chocolate fudge cake and a
Sunday Carvery.
Post Office
Located in the Rootes Grocery Store. The post
office also offers money changing services.
Terrace Bar
A favourite hangout when night falls, this place is
bustling with students drinking their hearts out,
playing pool and foosball.
Copper Rooms
The newly renovated club in the Student Union,
the Copper Rooms hosts popular events such as
SkoolDayz and POP throughout the term.
Pret A Manger
Located on the ground floor of Rootes Building,
Pret serves freshly prepared sandwiches, salads,
soups and wraps along with organic coffee. Be
prepared for a long queue especially during
lunchtime!
Varsity
This English Pub is a longer walk away from
Central Campus and is located nearer to
Westwood. It provides an exciting variety of pub
food on the pricier side but it is higher-quality.
This is another good place to catch live football
matches.
Curiositea
This cute cafe with old-school decor located
beside the Piazza serves hot and cold drinks,
37
6.4 STUDENTS’ UNION BUILDING
The Warwick Students’ Union building is situated at the centre of the campus, by the piazza. It is
divided into two buildings; the Students’ Union Headquarters (SUHQ for short), where most of the
administration offices and meeting rooms are located, and the Students’ Union building (SU) which is a
recreational place for students to hang out.
The SUHQ has a reception where students can approach for any assistance related to student life, from
housing problems to lost property, and various meeting rooms and offices. The Warwick Volunteers
Office is also located in the SUHQ.
Within the main SU building you can find a pharmacy, many campus eateries and pubs, making it a
popular social meeting place.
6.5 SPORTS AND SOCIETIES
Sports Facilities
The University offers a wide range of sports facilities on campus accessible via your student card.
Casual fitness options start from £41 for a month (gym, swimming and classes) at the newly upgraded
sport centre (situated near Lakeside/Sherbourne). There are also more student membership options for
the different available plans to include usage of different facilities. More details can be found at
https://warwick.ac.uk/services/sport/join
Sports Clubs
To join any sports clubs, you first need to join Warwick Sport by purchasing the On/Off-Campus Sport
Club Pass (£69.50/£31 respectively). If you pay for the On-Campus fees, you do not need to pay for
Off-Campus fees. On top of that, you need to pay the SU Sports Federation Fee (£32) to be able to join
any sports club. Lastly, you have to pay a membership fee for each individual sports club you join,
usually £6. All fees paid are only valid for the current academic year.
For many of the sports clubs, you do not need experience to join and there are many friendly and keen
people who wish to introduce you to their sports. If you have an aptitude for the sport and progress
quickly, you can advance to the University teams and compete with other universities or clubs in the
area. Each sports club also tries to nurture team spirit through frequent training sessions and social
events.
Find out more at: https://www.warwicksu.com/societies-sports/sports-clubs/
Societies Federation
The Societies Federation plays host to a vast range of Societies, including the Singapore Society! The
Societies Federation fee is £23 per year, which you will need to purchase in order to join any society.
There are discounts if you purchase 2 or 3 year bundles of Societies Federation Fees at once. On top of
this fee, you may have to pay for each society’s individual membership which is typically a few
pounds. In addition to meeting new friends and taking part in the activities of a Society, being a
member of a Society often rewards you with huge discounts for their events.
Find out more at: https://www.warwicksu.com/societies-sports/societies/
Societies’ Fair
There will be a Societies’ Fair during Welcome Week to exhibit the various Sports and Societies at
Warwick. Each sports club and society will have a booth with information about them. Some will allow
you to sign up to be on their mailing lists or to be a part of their trial events.
Warwick Singapore Society
38
Join us to be part of your home away from home. We organise potlucks, Christmas and CNY dinners,
Production, paintball, and many other activities that allow you to interact with fellow Singaporeans and
those interested to find out more about Singaporean culture!
6.6 IT SERVICES
room doors when you are not in to prevent theft.
Coventry (20min bus away from the campus) is
also not a very safe place to be alone at night,
and most shops tend to close by 6. Not all roads
have good lightning at night, so stick to the main
city areas when it gets late!
The IT Services on campus provide computing
and network services to all students and staff on
campus. You can contact the IT Services
helpdesk at 024 76573737 (0900-1700, Mon-Fri),
or
access
their
online
helpdesk
at
https://warwick.service-now.com/sp.
Emergency Numbers:
Note that the University takes a very strong stand
against peer-to-peer file sharing (i.e. Torrents), as
it is against the UK’s piracy and copyright laws.
Any infringements will lead to a hefty fine.
Community Safety Team
(24hrs)
In Your Room
All accommodations have Wifi access via the
Eduroam Network. You may also choose to
connect your devices via an RJ-45 network
cable.
Police/Fire/Medical
Services Emergency
Number
Police Non-Emergency
Number
NHS Direct
(24hrs, Health Advice)
NHS 111
(24 hrs, Emergency)
Student Computer Services
The Student Computer Centre is a facility that is
open 24/7 to all students, with computer,
software, and printer services. You are able to
loan a student laptop and get your laptop setup
for the university’s printing service at the IT
helpdesk located here.
024 7652 2083
(non-emergency)
024 7562 2222
(emergency)
999
101
0845 4647
111
6.8 GROCERIES
Estimated weekly expenses on groceries will be
£30-£40. Produce is generally cheaper here than
in Singapore and do look out for good deals from
the different shops.
6.7 SAFETY
The university is generally a safe place, and the
Community Safety Team operates 24 hours a
day, 365 days a year. There are alarms and
CCTVs in major university sites. Security Vans
will often patrol the campus, and the security
guardhouse is located near the University House
in case of any emergency. The Community Safety
Team can be contacted at their non-emergency
number 024 7652 2083; in the event of an
emergency requiring the ambulance, police or
fire brigade, call 024 7652 2222.
For groceries, Tesco and Iceland at Cannon Park
Shopping Centre (just off Claycroft) are the best
options. The former is good for fresh food and
groceries in general, the latter for frozen food.
Aldi is another option (just across the road from
Tesco) for cheap groceries. Take full advantage of
the various discount/loyalty cards offered by the
different retailers!
For Asian food, Seoul Plaza in Cannon Park
contains a wide variety, as well as other shops in
Coventry city centre. For Halal groceries, do
check out Tokhi Halal Meat at Coventry Market.
Personal safety is still important. If you are out
late, it is advisable to have a friend walk back
with you, especially if you are a girl. Avoid the
darker and quieter areas of campus and stick to
well-lit routes. Note that the University is an
open campus, hence make sure you lock your
39
6.9 LAUNDERETTE
Sending Post
The Post Office is located inside Rootes Grocery
Store – you can obtain stamps or mail your post
there. Rootes Grocery Store also sells bubble
wrap and specialised envelopes for mailing
parcels. There is a post box outside Rootes
Grocery Store and in Westwood for you to drop
mail off for post as well.
The washing machines and dryers on campus
are cashless and operated using Nets/Visa. Each
washing cycle costs £3, lasting ~30mins, while
each drying cycle costs £1.60 and lasts ~50mins.
Some accommodations have launderettes below
their blocks, while others have shared
laundrettes in other buildings. Do ask your
Residential Life Tutors for the location of the
different laundrettes!
6.11 RELIGION
When using the dryers, be sure to remove the
lint from the wire mesh before starting the dryer;
if not, your clothes won’t be dried properly.
There is much support for different religions at
the university, from religious societies to places
of worship. There are religious societies such as
the Christian Union, Buddhist Society, Catholic
Society and the Islamic Society that aim to
support students’ religious life while in university.
6.10 POST
Receiving Post
Letters and small postal items will be delivered to
the Residential Hubs, with mailboxes for each flat
that can be accessed with your key fob.
The university also has a Multi-Faith Chaplaincy
and a Muslim Chaplaincy on campus, behind the
Warwick Arts Centre.
There are also places of worship such as
churches and mosques near the university. The
full of places of worship list with other
information can be found on the links below:
You will have to head to the Student Post Room
to collect larger parcels and registered items,
where each Post Room is located depends on
your residence. If such mail is sent to you, you
will receive a notification on the My Warwick
App asking you to collect the item from the
Student Post Room. When picking up your
parcel, you will need to bring your University ID
with you for verification. Opening hours are
Monday to Thursday, 10:30 to 18:00, Friday,
10:00 - 17:00, Saturday 12:15 to 15:15, and it is
closed on Sunday. Opening hours are different
during Vacation times, so do check the Opening
Times on the website.
Warwick Islamic Society’s Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/WarwickISoc/
Warwick Christian Union’s website:
http://warwickcu.org/freshers/churches/.
It is important that you inform all senders of your
FULL postal address including the postcode, to
avoid mix-ups. An example of a full postal
address is as follows:
Line 1: <University ID>, <Room number>,
<Residence and block number>
Line 2: University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road,
Coventry
Postal: CV4 7ES
For more information:
https://warwick.ac.uk/services/estates/post/
40
6.12 USEFUL APPS
e-Tickets! Remember to check-in for flights
online beforehand, or face a £55 penalty at the
airport.
1. My Warwick
Contains everything you need as a Warwick
Student – your timetable, student email, campus
map, bus timings, library account etc!
12. Shopmium
Get exclusive offers on everyday brands found in
the supermarket. It gives you up to 100%
cashback on featured items. Use promo code
87ee72 for a free gift! (It may be a tub of Ben &
Jerry’s)
2. NX Bus mTicket
Buying an eTicket for National Express buses here
gives you a 10p discount! The app also has Group
and Single Daysaver tickets (up to 5 people, £7),
which is useful when going out as a group
6.13 JOBS
3. Trainline
This allows you to find the best prices/timings
when booking your train ticket! Remember to
register your 16-25 Railcard for the 33% discount!
Most international students coming to the UK will
be allowed to work a maximum of 20 hours per
week during term time. Unitemps (Website
affiliated with Warwick) is a good way to secure
a part time job for some supplementary income.
Opportunities for paid work placements include
clerical work, data entry, events and hospitality,
research as well as translation. Signing up with
Unitemps is hassle free and easily done online.
4. Unidays
Get great discounts for online shopping, eating
out, and travelling. You will have to register with
a valid Warwick Student ID to be eligible for the
discounts.
The Students’ Union also employs student staff in
its food outlets, as security staff and part of
promotional activities. Jobs will be advertised on
the SU website and a diverse range of options
are available from short term to longer
commitments. Other miscellaneous jobs include
working for the Student Union to distribute fliers
or posters for events or parties.
5. Too Good To Go
Get discounted food from shops around you and
help to reduce food waste! Nearest shops are
usually in Leamington, but this works great in
London.
6. Just Eat / UberEats
Food delivery apps that deliver to the university.
Check their Facebook page for discounts!
Additionally, full-time work is available during
off-term time for those with the Tier 4 Student
Visa. (Most Singaporean students studying in UK.
7. Uber / Bolt
No Grab in the UK, and Black Cabs are horribly
expensive.
8. ViaVan
An alternative ride-sharing service, but this is
only available in London for now.
9. Olio
An app that promotes zero waste! Get great free
items from people around campus and help to
save the earth in the process.
10. Splitwise
Useful when travelling with friends, especially to
track expenses and split the bill.
11. Ryanair
Useful for checking-in for flights and saving your
41
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Warwick Singapore Society would like to thank our following main sponsors:
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in London
Singapore Global Network
University of Warwick Students’ Union
University of Warwick International Office
© Warwick Singapore Society 2022/23
For more information or to highlight any errors in this publication please email
community.warwicksingsoc@gmail.com