What started as one sibling’s choice began a whole family’s Exeter chapter, as we discovered when we caught up with Exeter alumnus Ahmed Jamal (LLB, 2012) to hear about how the unintentional family tradition began.
Ahmed started his Exeter journey with studies at our University of Exeter International Study Centre (formerly known as INTO) before progressing to study Law at the University. He was then followed by his sisters Farae Naeem who completed her MSc in Marketing at Exeter in 2010, and Bushra Naeem who completed her MSc in Engineering and Management at Exeter in 2010. Then rounding off the experience with his sister Amna Naeem who completed her MSc in Business Analytics at Exeter, graduating in 2023.
Exeter became much more than a university for the whole family; it became a shared chapter in their lives. Ahmed was the first to study there, and because his own experience was so positive, Exeter became a trusted and familiar name within the family. He credits the international exposure, the experience of British culture, the beauty of Streatham Campus, and the unique charm of both the Campus and the city, as key parts of what made Exeter special for him.
Reflecting on this beginning, Ahmed shared, “It is amusing now because the tradition started completely unintentionally. Recently, I asked my son which country he might prefer for higher education, and his response was, ‘Obviously, Exeter is in the UK.’ That probably says everything about how deeply Exeter has become part of our family’s imagination.”
We wondered what some of the most memorable parts of the sibling’s Exeter experience were and Ahmed noted that “Some of the standout moments were not grand or planned; they were ordinary moments that became lasting memories. Any walk across Streatham Campus could turn into something memorable, whether going to a lecture, returning late from the library, or simply enjoying the beauty of the surroundings. Seeing badgers, rabbits and other animals late at night on Campus was always interesting and made the place feel alive in a very special way. There are also some lighter memories. I have been fortunate enough to travel around the world and experience nightlife in many cities, but nothing quite beats a Saturday Lemmy night.
“For us as siblings, 2009 and 2010 were particularly special because three of us were studying at Exeter at the same time. It was quite common to randomly bump into each other on Campus. We would sometimes unexpectedly end up having lunch at Devonshire House or eating the famous curly fries at the Ram Bar. The best part was that it was never planned; it was always random, and that made it even more memorable. For Amna, who came to Exeter many years later for her master’s, some things had naturally changed, but Exeter was still Exeter. Hearing her stories reminded me of my own university days and showed that while the University evolves, some of its character and charm remain timeless.”
Most families may share holiday traditions, favourite places, or particular memories; Ahmed’s family also shares a university which is a special connection. Exeter gave the siblings a common language and a shared reference point across different stages of life.
Ahmed adds. “There is a particular warmth in knowing that each of us walked the same Campus, studied in the same environment, and created our own memories in the same place. We studied different subjects, moved into different careers, and experienced Exeter in different years, but the emotional connection is remarkably similar. It has become part of our family story.”
Since graduating Ahmed has worked in the legal sphere and is currently an International Lawyer. He notes that his studies played a critical role in both his professional and personal growth, with the legal education, the academic environment, the international exposure and the confidence he gained there all continuing to influence his career. He notes, “as a lawyer with an international practice, the ability to think critically, communicate clearly, understand different perspectives and engage with people from different backgrounds is extremely important. These are all skills I honed at Exeter.” Last autumn, Ahmed returned to Streatham Campus after 14 years when he was on a work trip to London and convinced his work associates to come with him to visit “one of the most beautiful university campuses in the UK.”
In an experience which Ahmed described as “genuinely moving” he was welcomed by the Alumni team who gave the group a tour, and took us to the Law School, where he had the opportunity to meet the co-Director of Education and Student Experience and acting Head of Law School at the time, Dr Richard Bowyer.
Ahmed adds, “He was very generous with his time, shared updates about the Law School, and showed us around. The most emotional moment came when he invited Professor Sue Prince to meet me, without knowing that she had been my personal tutor during my LLB. Meeting her and speaking with her again after so many years was a very pleasant and emotional surprise.
“The visit reminded me how familiar Exeter still felt, even after so many years. Some places had changed, but the feeling of the Campus was still there. It was a reminder that Exeter is not only somewhere I studied; it is somewhere that played a meaningful role in shaping who I became.”
To Ahmed and his family Exeter means growth, opportunity, confidence and connection. In his words, “It represents a formative period of my life where I developed academically, personally and professionally. It gave me exposure to people from across the world, allowed me to experience British academic and cultural life, and helped me begin to understand the direction I wanted to take.
“Exeter gave me much more than a degree. It gave me confidence, direction, and a foundation on which I have continued to build my professional life. It is also now part of my family’s identity. Exeter is no longer just my university; it is a shared family connection across myself and my sisters. That makes it even more meaningful.”
Have you got an Exeter family story to share? Drop us a message on our socials or reach out via email at alumni@exeter.ac.uk to let us know.