Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to get a student visa?
Chinese/BNO/HKSAR passport holders need to obtain a student visa. Please visit the British Consulate-General for more information.

Please visit this website for more immigration advice.

What’s the weather like in the UK? Will it be very cold?
Autumn temperatures when the term starts will be around 12°C - 16°C and chilly at night. Winter temperatures dip to around 4°C and in summer rise to 20°C plus. Rain showers are to be expected any time of the year. It is warm inside buildings so it is best to wear layers that you can adjust to the temperature.

What will the food be like?
There are some restaurants on campus serving different varieties of hot meals as well as salads and sandwiches. Chinese food is available in specialized restaurants, markets and shops in nearby towns and cities. Alternatively, you may also choose to prepare food by yourself.

Are things expensive in the UK?

Here is a very rough guide to your likely weekly expenditure if you are living on campus (excluding your tuition fees):
Accommodation: £73- 122 on campus
Books & materials: about £10
Food/general expenses: about £70- 90
Total estimated basic costs: £160-220 per week

How do I get to the university?
If you arrive in London Heathrow, you can take either the coach or the train to Coventry. Please click here for more information.

From Coventry, it is only a short bus or taxi ride to the University. The bus will cost you approximately £1.5, and a taxi approximately £12.

Where can my friends/family stay when they come to visit me?
There are quite a lot of hotels and guest houses in Coventry. Please click here for more information.

What are the nearest towns/cities from the university?
The University of Warwick campus is about 5 km from central Coventry, from where it takes only about 20 minutes by train to Birmingham. Other nearby towns include Kenilworth and Leamington Spa.

Is it safe in the UK?
You should feel pretty safe in Britain. However, as in most countries, you must use your common sense and be aware of your surroundings.

What facilities are there on campus?
You can find most of things you need on campus, including supermarket, restaurants, arts centre, music centre, sports centre, swimming pools, library, bookshop, banks, post office, travel agency, launderette, copy shop, hairdressers, gift shop, health centre pharmacy and so on.

What’s available at the Students’ Union?
The Students’ Union runs entertainment programmes and manages a number of services. There are also over 250 clubs and societies affiliated to it.

When is the academic year?
The academic year starts in September and finishes in June. There are 3 terms in each academic year. For details, please click here.

Can I work in the UK?
Yes, you can. In the UK, students who are registered on a course that is longer then 6 months can work 20 hours a week during term time, and work 40 hours per week during vacations.

How do I get temporary work on campus?
Warwick University has its own temping agency – UNITEMPS – where you can sign up when you are ready to take on some extra work. The rate of pay is around £5.10 per hour.

Can I work in the UK after I graduate?
It is possible in certain circumstances to work in Britain after study. You can find further information from the Advice and Welfare Office or the Careers Advisory Service.

Do I need to register at the police station?
You should check their passport on entry to the UK. A stamp in a student’s passport will clearly indicate if police registration is necessary. Students holding a Chinese National / HKSAR passport are usually required to register at the police station while those with BNO passport are usually not required to do so.

How do I open a bank account?
There are two major banks on campus - NatWest and Barclays. They will expect to see your offer letter, some ID and accommodation details, including home and university addresses. There are also HSBC branches in Earlsdon (15 minutes by bus) or Coventry city centre (25 minutes by bus).

Will I need medical insurance?
In the UK, no one is charged for emergency treatment at hospital accident and emergency departments. Besides, if you are on a course lasting longer than 6 months, you are entitled to free primary medical treatment under the government-funded National Health Service (NHS). There is a flat rate charge of approximately £7.20 for each medicine that is prescribed. Please note that you must register with the doctor at the Health Centre immediately at the start of your course to benefit from the National Health Service.

How can I get an official transcript after study?
Please click here

Where can I learn more?
You can find out more from the following websites:
Warwick International Office
British Council
British Tourist Authority

Please feel free to contact us if you have other questions.