3 ‘Insider’ Tips For Film and TV Studies
As we’re approaching Welcome Week, I thought that I would take the time to give the incoming Film and TV Studies students three tips that have been born only out of experience. You’ll get so much information about the academic side of the department, but I’m going to give you some insider tips that I wish I had known this time last year.
1. Wear layers
Millburn House (home of the Film and TV Studies department) is a generally warm place but layers are a must. My favourite room for screenings is the biggest screening room on the ground floor, A0.28. It’s a great place to screen films (you’ll understand why when you see it) but unfortunately it’s the room that takes the longest to warm up due to its placement in the building. Being chilly and trying to concentrate on a film is a tricky task, so be prepared. Last year, I thought that wearing a jumper would solve this problem. Boy, was I wrong. This year, I’ve changed my fashion tactics and I think layers are the way forward. The more the merrier. Of course, layers are great because you can offload them later in the day if you get too warm. Being a little cold at times had no effect on my enjoyment and learning ability but if you see me around the department dressed like a snowman, now you know why!
2. Bring enough food
The days at Warwick Film and TV are long. There are so many amazing things to learn about that they have to be. Last year, I was in the department from 9-7 on a Monday. This was a slight shock to the system (the academic geek inside me secretly loved it), but again it’s all about being prepared. Obviously I don’t know the first year timetable for this year but another one of my insider tips is make sure you bring enough food. It’s quite the trek to the main campus from Millburn and you don’t want to run out of time to actually eat something between lectures/screenings/seminars. I bring my own lunch to avoid this and I also recommend bringing lots of high energy snacks. You’ll need them to get you through the educationally intensive days. Also, some of the screenings are very long and the worst thing you can do is fall asleep!
3. Go to all of the departmental meetings
Every so often, the department will send out a notice about a meeting that is being held. Usually they give you chance to chat to staff and share any thoughts about how your course is going. The meetings are very informal and not pressured at all. If you feel awkward about having a one on one meeting with your personal tutor (which you shouldn’t, because all the staff are lovely) try and catch them at one of the departmental meetings. I’m sure they’ll be more than happy to answer any of your questions. As an aside, there always seems to be way to much catering for these events, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. If free food doesn’t entice you, I don’t know what will!
I hope that these insider tips have been useful to any incoming Film and TV Studies students out there and I look forward to seeing you around the department!
