Current international postgraduate, Swarnim Agrawal, shares what she loves about living on campus.
Moving to a new place can be daunting in itself and I was moving to another country. While making decisions about my offer from Exeter and thinking about accommodation, I was sure that I wanted to live on campus. The pandemic meant that most of my undergraduate degree in India was online, so this time I wanted to have the full university experience and what’s better for that than living on campus!
While applying for accommodation, I had filled in preferences for Lafrowda and East Park as they seemed closer to the campus as well as the city centre. As a postgraduate student of MA Creative Writing, I had very few seminars per week which meant that I was not required to be on campus on most days of the week. Being a full-time postgraduate student also means that I get just one year on the course which is a very short time to get involved in many things at the university along with studying. Yet, living in Lafrowda on campus has helped me feel a part of the university community.
I opted for a studio option as I was looking for an independent space of my own. While living in a studio can sometimes become a lonely experience, the various events organised by the Residence Life Team are my best source of socialising. I love going to their events and meeting people from other accommodations. From making pasties, cookies and waffles, to decorating Easter eggs, mugs and plant pots, I will take away so many lovely memories and souvenirs from the events.
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The Residence Life team also organises many socials at iSCA Eats, which is situated in the Cornwall House, just a few minutes away from most Lafrowda blocks. This introduced me to iSCA Eats and I just found my place. Even though I go to the library to study sometimes, iSCA Eats soon became the place where I could go and sit for hours working. With a diner-like setup, friendly staff, music playing in the background, screens for watching sports (I go there to watch tennis), film nights – I just love the place.
Another benefit of living on campus is that you can take a walk around the campus whenever you wish to. Living on campus gives you an easier access to the lush green spaces in and around the Streatham campus. During my walks, I have discovered so many beautiful places such as the Reed Pond and Taddiforde Valley. Recently, a friend took me to the Duryard & Belvidere Valley Park, just about 20 minutes away from Lafrowda, and it was such a wonderful and peaceful area to sit, walk, and take in the view. There is always a new place waiting for you!
Overall, living on campus as an international postgraduate student has been a gratifying experience with a good blend of working and socialising.