Distributed socials – Wednesday 10th September
Coventry is an interesting city, with a vibrant cultural and culinary scene – including right here on the University of Warwick’s campus. Whilst we are providing opportunities to network through dedicated social events, we also want to provide the opportunity to experience the parts that interest you most, with others sharing your interest. That is why the last social is going to be a little different!
We have picked out and curated a list of activities spread across campus and further afield in the city and nearby locations, and invite you to join the one that most appeals to you. If you are staying on campus, there are several options available for you to grab dinner.
It might be that you’re coming to RSECon with your team, and you want to use this opportunity to socialise, you can use our list to help find a suitable activity/venue.
If you’re looking for other ideas, Kenilworth and Earlsdon are both nice areas with good bus links and food/drink options, the latter hosting many UoW students. Coventry City centre itself has a lot of options, but we recommend planning carefully as they are a bit spread out!
How it works
- These events are self organized
- Costs are not covered
- Make others feel welcome
- Join the slack channel for your activity and plan your evening
- We have a dedicated slack workspace for RSECon25 – check it out in August to join the channel you are interested in.
- Ensure others will be attending your preferred activity, and confirm arrangements for meeting beforehand. The meeting time and locations shown in the list below are suggestions. Please use the Slack channel to proactively develop plans for all who would like to participate.
We understand that social events can be a bit intimidating for some. We’re committed to making sure everyone feels welcome and able to fully participate. We’ve included meeting locations and times below, and some activities will be supported by volunteers to help with the organisation.
Where to eat
If your activity doesn’t involve food, you might want to grab some dinner before or after. There are several food outlets available on campus.
- Dirty Duck
- Panda Mami Dinner: 17:00 – 21:00 (£18.99)
- Benugo Bar open 11:00 to 20:00, Kitchen open 12:00 (noon) to 19:00 (closed between 15:00 and 16:00)
- Varsity Open 10:00 to 23:00
On-Campus options
There is so much to do on the University of Warwick campus – check out the options below. Before heading off to one of the on-campus activities, make sure to grab something to eat and drink!
Outdoor gym
Solo Activity
Organise a football match
Group Activity
Interested in having a casual kickabout, or perhaps a friendly competition between RSE groups? Warwick offers 5-a-side pitches to get your football fix.
Two pitches are currently being held and need to be confirmed by 31 August, so get your teams together early.
Additional pitches can be reserved up to 7 days in advance.
Go for a swim
Solo Activity
For those staying in conference accommodation, complimentary access to the sports centre, including the pool and sauna is included. Anybody seeking a spotter, start here.
Check the weekly swimming timetable before you go.
Bouldering at Coventry Climbing Centre
Group Activity
Located on the university campus, the climbing centre offers a range of climbing options from beginner to advanced.
You must complete a registration form and online bouldering induction before attending a bouldering session. Full details can be found on the climbing centre’s website.
An induction is required (lasting about 15-20 minutes) before you can begin climbing and up to 10 people can book for each induction. You can sign up for the 18:30 induction or the 19:15 induction. Participants need to confirm by 30 August.
Warwick Arts Centre
Solo Activity
Warwick Arts Centre is home to a three-screen cinema showing a range of classic and contemporary films. Grab your popcorn and catch an evening showing, either by yourself or with a group.
Show times are announced three weeks in advance, so check in late August to pick a specific film.
Sculpture Park walking tour
Solo Activity
The university is home to 24 outdoor statues – how many of them can you find? Whether with a friend or by yourself, the self-guided walking tour is a great way to explore the campus while catching a moment of silence.
Relax in your room, nap and chat
Solo Activity
We understand the conference can be very intense. Take an evening to recharge and look after yourself. Maybe do a channel for this anyway so somebody can still join in a gentle chat?
BYOG (Bring your own games)
Group Activity
Bring along some board games that you’d like to play, or come and discover a volunteer-curated collection. There will be space available at the Rootes building, and if the weather is nice enough there is additional space outside.
Off-Campus options
There are also a number of options to head into the local communities, taking advantage of the bus connections or walking routes that depart from the university. All of these activities could include dinner, but you are also welcome to grab food from the on-campus locations before you head off.
Dinner/drinks somewhere nice
Group Activity
We recommend Kenilworth or Earlsdon – excellent curry houses, some nice bars, and easy bus travel to/from campus. Group up and pick somewhere.
If you’re after home-style Indian food, Ally’s Balti is not to be overlooked (https://allysbalti.co.uk/, BYOB, no corkage)
If you are in the mood for more traditional pub fare, try The Queen and Castle (https://www.queenandcastlekenilworth.co.uk).
Wednesday evenings generally have good availability, but groups of more than 8 are best to book to avoid disappointment.
Aim to book a table in the week before.
Walk in the woods
Solo Activity
Kenilworth is about 2.5 miles south of the University and in good weather there is a nice walking route through moderate ‘terrain’ (footpaths, fields, possibly stiles). The walk there is just over an hour.
Have a nice walk (either on your own or with others), take in some history then either grab a pint in one of several nice traditional pubs, walk back, or hop on a bus back to campus.
Bus route 11 will return you directly to campus.
Axe Throwing
Group Activity
Give your best lumberjack impression on this one, you don’t even need plaid or a beard. Two lanes are available for booking, which can accommodate 8 people each.
No alcohol before or during this experience, you need to wear closed toe shoes and no heels/sandals. ID and waivers will be required at the venue
