A day in the life of an MSc student

Current MSc students, Komal Makwana, Peter Shaw and Shloka Shah, discuss how an average day looks for them at Warwick Business School and how they make the most of their time.  

Where to study at Warwick?

Shloka: My day starts early, and since I live on campus, reaching WBS is just a short 7-8-minute walk away. On my way, I usually stop by Rootes Grocery Store for a quick grab-and-go breakfast or any essentials I might need. One of the perks of living on campus is the accessibility—whether it’s study spaces, sports facilities, or social events, everything is within reach. 

Peter: I am one of the few in the course living in Leamington Spa, as opposed to on campus or in Coventry, and so getting to campus takes slightly longer, but still an easy direct bus that goes from Leamington to campus in around 25-40 minutes depending on the traffic. 

Komal: My first class varies and can range from a finance-heavy lecture, seminars of corporate finance or financial management, packed with case studies and problem-solving exercises. Engaging in these discussions keeps me sharp, and working in teams on group projects challenges me personally to strive for better.   

Peter: In terms of where I like to study and do assignments, I always end up in the WBS PG Learning Space. I find myself most productive here as I believe it is one of the only places on campus where you have access to two screens, which definitely comes in handy when working with a lot of data and financial analysis. As it is just for WBS postgrads it generally is very quiet, everyone is working hard so distractions are at a minimum which motivates me to work hard.  

Shloka:  Balancing coursework with group projects means I spend a good part of my afternoon discussing case studies and preparing presentations with my peers. The collaborative environment at WBS has helped me form strong connections with my classmates, making studying an enjoyable experience. 

Komal: After a productive morning of lectures, I carve out time to study, either in the silent section of the library or with a chai latte at the Warwick Café.  As a course representative for the Student-Staff Liaison Committee (SSLC), I often connect with my classmates over lunch to understand their concerns and work on ways to improve the course experience.  

Balancing your day as a Master’s student

Shloka: I like to take a break and head to the Sports and Wellness Hub. Playing badminton, basketball, or table tennis helps me unwind and re-energise. Warwick’s sports facilities are world-class, and the variety of activities available ensures that students can stay active in different ways. 

Peter: I love sport, and spend a lot of time outside of my studies playing tennis on campus, where the facilities are brilliant with both indoor and outdoor courts. If I have a gap between lectures, I also like to go to the gym which has recently been completely refurbished so a very nice space. 

Komal: I try to fit in a "rock up & play" sports session at the Sports Hub. These free sports sessions help me reset my energy and avoid burnout. Staying active isn’t just about fitness, it’s also about maintaining focus and productivity throughout the day. 

Shloka: One of the things I love most about Warwick’s campus is how lively it is. There’s always something happening at the Piazza—book sales, thrift stalls, plant sales, or cultural events. These small yet vibrant events add a sense of community and excitement to student life.  

Whether it’s grabbing a coffee and people-watching at one of the cafés or participating in a campus event, there’s never a dull moment. 

Peter: There are a huge number of societies available to join around campus, personally I joined the Irish society, WBS society, as well as the Tennis society, and each have events most days of the week so more than enough to keep yourself occupied and a chance to take time off from working. 

Time management during your MSc

Komal: I dedicate time to consulting prep; reviewing case studies, refining my CV, or researching firms. Breaking tasks into smaller goals keeps things manageable and prevent last-minute stress. Studying at Warwick is more than just academics, it’s about time management, seizing opportunities, and creating lifelong memories.  

Peter: During term one we had all of our online lectures on a Monday, so this was a good time for me to stay at home and plan out the rest of the week, keeping track of everything that needs to be done. This definitely has helped me stay on track of deadlines so far. Term two I have managed to keep to this routine even my Mondays are busy I like to do a rough plan that I can stick to. ? 

Once you know that you have a rough plan and an idea on what needs to be done, you can kind of relax a bit knowing everything is under control, and enjoy your time on campus with friends. 

Shloka: Every day at WBS is a mix of learning, socialising, and personal growth. Whether it’s engaging lectures, fun social events, or simply a walk around campus with friends, there’s always something happening that makes my experience here truly memorable.  

The combination of academic rigor, social interactions, and a supportive community has made my journey at Warwick both enriching and fulfilling. 

Komal: Before bed, I reflect on my day, plan the next, and unwind with a book or Netflix. As I finally turn off the lights, I feel grateful for the experiences that make my journey as an international student so fulfilling.