Escaping the campus bubble

The University of Warwick is situated in one of the most culturally enriched and beautiful areas of the UK, but for many students at Warwick, the campus is all they will see for weeks at a time. We call this being ‘stuck in the bubble’ and it’s time for a change.

Particularly for freshers, venturing off campus is a rarity unless it’s hitting the bars in Leamington or enjoying the tasty all-you-can-eat restaurants in Coventry. Our campus provides all a student could ever want: bars, music, convenience stores, sports hall, library, an extensive supply of friends and societies. But believe me, there is a lot more out there! Jephson Gardens, Warwick Castle, Shakespeare’s House, and the picturesque towns of Stratford and Kenilworth are all waiting to be explored, and are just a stone’s throw (or a short bus ride) away from campus.

Jephson Gardens hosts an expanse of luscious greenery, calming lakes and exotic greenhouses, right in the centre of the lively Leamington Spa. The gardens are the perfect place for a morning run, a lunch time picnic with mates to escape that pile of work sat on your desk, or even to provide the background for a romantic date. Moreover, Jephson Gardens makes a lovely, relaxing end to a busy day’s shopping in the town centre.

Or why not travel a little further and head to one of the most captivating historical sites in the country: Warwick Castle. Particularly for those Humanities students among us, this castle is definitely worth a trip to get those creative juices flowing, or to take you back in time and feed those historic passions. There are events on all year round, and the castle is set in idyllic and enchanting surroundings. And we get a student discount – bonus!

Next on the list is the stunning Tudor town of Stratford-upon-Avon. Stratford is most well-known for its Tudor-style architecture, royal theatres, and, of course, its timeless link with the life and works of William Shakespeare. Whilst in Stratford you can visit a variety of Shakespeare’s residences, wander the streets he used to roam, catch a performance of one of his plays in the local theatre or even pay a visit to his grave. Rumour has it that famous actors performing in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, recently including David Tennant, make the occasional appearance in the local vicinity too. The town contains many hidden gems, and the quirkiness of some of the local shops is just wondrous. You walk into one shop and it feels as though you’ve been transported to Hogsmeade, the shop next to it celebrates Christmas every day of the year, and the one opposite offers the most delicious selection of treats imaginable.

So what are you waiting for? Our university may be campus based, but that does not mean we are restricted by its frontiers. We are so lucky to be situated in such close proximity to these rich locations, and it seems a shame that every year, for the majority of our students, the furthest away they travel is Gibbet Hill Road or Westwood. Next time you are pondering over what to do, or need a break from that essay, get on the next bus off campus and travel to the world just outside our door. Let’s not get stuck in the bubble anymore, it’s time for an adventurous revolution!