Why I chose the University of Exeter and what I’ve loved about studying here

Hi, everyone! I’m Gowri Ramesh, studying MSc Digital Marketing at the University of Exeter. Originally from India (Bengaluru), I found myself drawn to Exeter for a variety of reasons, all of which I’m excited to share with you. I went through a rollercoaster of emotions, sleepless nights of research, and questionable decisions. But I hope my story helps you in making yours!

The Decision-Making Process

I started doing my research in October 2023, even though I was meant to join in September 2024. Yep, almost a whole year in advance. This was because I wanted to thoroughly research my options and ensure I had enough time to apply to each university before the deadlines, which are usually in December or January. Given that applications take a long time to complete, this early start was crucial. The more informed you are, the more confident you will be in your decision.

When it came time to choose a university, I was faced with numerous options, each with its own appeal. One major obstacle I faced was filtering an overwhelming amount of information about different universities. What made it easier to narrow them down, was the fact that I was 100% sure of the programme I wanted to study Digital Marketing – not Marketing, not Marketing Analytics, none of that.

Yet, the pressure to choose the “right university” was intense, and I often found myself second-guessing my decisions.

To overcome this, I developed a structured approach. I listed down my priorities and key criteria that mattered the most to me, such as course content, faculty expertise, and campus life. I also reached out to current students on LinkedIn and alumni to get first-hand insights, which helped me gain a clearer perspective. Imagine picking a perfect outfit for a special event: You’d consider the occasion, your style, and what makes you feel good. Likewise, choosing a university involves understanding what fits your academic interests, career ambitions, and personal preferences.

So, I asked myself these questions:

• What is your #1 reason for doing this Master’s?
• What are your academic interests? What subjects excite you?
• What type of learning environment do you prefer? Large lectures and small seminars or online teaching mode?
• What is your ideal location? City, countryside, or coastal?
• What is your budget? Consider tuition fees, living expenses, and financial aid options.
• Do you want to be part of a university that has a lot of societies and diverse communities?
• Will the course you want to do here help you achieve your career goals?

Taking the time to answer these questions will give you a clearer picture of what you’re looking for in a university, making the process much easier and less overwhelming.

Exeter stood out for several key reasons. Here’s the tea:

So, for me, course content was the most important factor. I wanted to make sure I was learning in a way that really engaged me and broadened my knowledge. The University of Exeter’s programme was a perfect fit, offering a great mix of theoretical and practical learning. The focus on research-led teaching meant that I would not just be skimming the surface—I would really be digging into the latest and most relevant aspects of marketing.

The course featured a mix of large lectures, small seminars, and interactive workshops, providing a well-rounded educational experience. What really stood out were the real-time client interactions and projects with UK-based clients. These opportunities to work on live projects help bridge the gap between theory and practice, offering practical experience that is invaluable for understanding how marketing strategies play out in real life. The diverse class environment allowed us to interact with peers from various backgrounds, bringing different perspectives to the table.

2. University Ranking:

When choosing a university, rankings and accreditations were important for me. After identifying programmes that aligned with my interests and career goals, I turned to the QS rankings and professional accreditations to gauge the overall quality and reputation of each institution.

One of the most compelling reasons was the University’s outstanding global recognition. Exeter’s Business School is renowned globally for business education, reflecting its strong academic standards and industry relevance. I wanted to ensure that my investment in moving from my home country was justified by a top-tier, forward-thinking programme.

The triple accreditation from AMBA, AACSB, and EQUIS further confirmed that my programme meets the highest global standards.

I’ve even had the opportunity to share my student experience on the University website, where I talked about my programme and why I fell in love with Exeter: read here.

3. Faculty Expertise:

Interestingly, this was a big deal for me. I dove into researching the qualifications and publications of the marketing faculty to make sure that I’d be learning from experts who could provide practical advice and perspectives that you might not get from textbooks alone.

That’s the kind of learning environment I wanted, and it made a huge difference in my decision to choose Exeter.

4. Location and Campus:

Coming from India, where the concept of a university campus life is quite rare, I knew that if I was going to study abroad, the campus experience would be incredibly important.

The location was a huge draw. Coming from a bustling city like Bengaluru, I found Exeter’s relaxed vibe really refreshing — it offers the perfect blend of city and countryside.

I love walking along the historic quayside every evening and sitting on the lawns of the cathedral with a coffee as I read a book!

The city is small enough to feel welcoming and being student-friendly, it is easy to navigate. And the train station is just a five-minute walk from the University, connecting you to major cities like London easily.

Some of my favourite things about the campus:

1. There are SO many cosy, quiet spots where you can just sit and tackle your assignments.
2. The campus has streams of water flowing, flowers and trees lining every path, and you can see little bunnies hopping on the lawn as you walk to your next class.
3. There is always something going on in The Forum: and I mean, always. Either a career event, society showcases, food festivals, there’s never a dull moment.
4. Fancy a night out without leaving campus? The University has its own professional theatre—Northcott Theatre—the place to be for drama, dance, opera, comedy, and everything in between.
5. Watching the sunset at Holland Hall: As the day winds down, there’s no better place to be. I spent several evenings during summer just watching the sun go down as late as 9:00 pm.

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5. Student Life

One thing was for sure — I wanted a place that would not only challenge me academically but also offer an incredible student experience.

What I love most about Exeter is its incredible diversity. I found myself surrounded by people from all walks of life, which made for such an enriching experience. It felt like a little world within itself, with students from my hometown and amazing individuals from different cultural backgrounds. I’ve grown so much as a person because of it.

Being someone who loves to get involved, I’ve thrown myself into university life. I’m proud to be a Student Content Ambassador, a role that’s taught me invaluable skills and connected me with a fantastic team of creative people (and why I’m even writing this blog in the first place!). Being the Academic Rep for Business and Management has also been incredibly rewarding, allowing me to be a voice for my course mates. And then there’s being part of the Exeter Guild Awards panel – a truly unforgettable experience. These opportunities have shaped me into the person I am today, and I’m eternally grateful to the University for providing them in just one year of my time here!

There’s a quote that sticks with me: “Your network is your net worth.” And let me tell you, joining societies is the best way to start building yours.

I love how the campus feels like a community, yet it’s big enough to offer endless opportunities.

6. Cost of Living

One of the biggest perks of living in Exeter is the cost of living. Compared to the big cities like London and Manchester, it’s not as expensive. Rent, groceries, and even nights out are significantly cheaper, meaning your student loan goes a lot further.

There are reasonably-priced accommodations both on and off-campus and it is easier to manage your finances here. What I heard from my seniors before I closed in on Exeter was that most places are within walking distance so you can save on commuting costs, and a lot of stores offer student discounts, so I was super excited to be able to shop without breaking the bank!

The University of Exeter truly makes the most of its stunning location by organising budget-friendly trips for students to nearby beaches, national parks, and tourist attractions. 

Of course, there are part-time job opportunities available, which can help you manage your expenses even better. However, since Exeter is a smaller city, it’s a good idea to start applying as soon as you get here to secure a position.

Tuition Fee Aid and Scholarships | Overcoming the Financial Hurdle

Studying abroad is an incredible opportunity, but it can also be daunting, especially when considering the financial aspect. As an international student, I was faced with the hefty price tag of tuition fees, accommodation, and living costs. It’s enough to make anyone nervous! 

Thankfully, I was awarded a £5,000 Global Excellence Scholarship by the University, which was a huge relief. It felt like a weight lifted off my shoulders (the key is to keep checking the website for available scholarships and apply AS SOON as you see it because they are always very competitive).

There are multiple scholarships and bursaries offered by the University of Exeter, so it’s worth exploring all your options. It might feel overwhelming at first, but remember, every little bit helps. I did some research and discovered that Exeter also offers a hardship fund specifically designed to support students facing unexpected financial difficulties. This can help with expenses such as rent or living costs, providing an extra layer of security during challenging times.

Attending Postgraduate Sessions

So, there you have it – my journey to Exeter. This University has delivered on all fronts and more for me. I can honestly say that every day has been a step forward!