I studied maths at Warwick from 1992-1995, and found it truly uninspiring. I had enjoyed maths up until degree level, partly because it seemed to have some practical application. All this was to change at degree level.

At degree level, maths at Warwick was very conceptual. And if you think that will interest you, then you'll probably enjoy it. Personally, I found learning how to prove well-known mathematical theorems rather than how they might be applied in the real world (in most cases, they probably can't) to be a real turn-off. To me, the course felt like maths for maths sake. If you want to learn about practical applications of maths then this course probably isn't for you. I'd estimate that less than 1% of the course has been of use to me since, and I'm in computing, where you might expect at least some of it to be useful.

If you are considering studying maths, and are unsure about it, then read 'Fermat's Last Theorem' by Simon Singh or the novel 'Uncle Petros and Goldbach's Conjecture' by Apostolos Doxiadis. Both give an excellent insight into the mathematical community, which is very insular, but I expect can be very rewarding if you are that way inclined.

If you have already committed to study maths, then please don't be put off by this. If you find you have the same reservations as me, then there is scope to transfer to more applicable lines of study. I realised too late that it wasn't for me, and had to put up with 3 years of it. However, even then it was definitely worth perservering, because you can get by without having to do too much work and thoroughly enjoy yourself the rest of the time. And at the end of it, you have a maths degree from Warwick, which is highly regarded.

I must also add that my comments here may well apply to maths courses elsewhere, but obviously having studied at Warwick, I can only really pass judgement on the course there. It would be interes
ting to hear of people's experiences of maths degrees at other universities.