Hi there! I am Naura, a third-year BSc Psychology student at University of Exeter, born and raised in Jakarta, Indonesia. As I head into my final year, I’ve had the chance to grow both personally and academically, and I couldn’t imagine a better place to do it. Exeter has offered so much more than just an education, and there are so many reasons why I chose to study here, and I am excited to share what makes this university special.
High-Rank Education and Employability
Since I was a kid, I have dreamed of studying abroad, and I would choose an English-speaking country to immerse myself and enhance my fluency. Where else is the best place besides England itself? If you can, aim high by choosing a university from the Russell Group. The University of Exeter is part of this group and is globally recognized for its high academic reputation in the QS World Ranking, making it one of the best universities in the world.
The Psychology course at the University of Exeter ranks in the Top 10 in the UK. It is also accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), a distinction not all universities offer. This accreditation is a key first step toward becoming a Chartered Psychologist and strengthens your qualifications for entering any other field as well. The University also encourages employability for our future careers. They run several career fairs across all disciplines, featuring a lot of big companies, during the term. They also have a designated Career Zone in the Forum building ready to help. I tried their one-on-one session to build a CV and to get to know more about the industry in psychology last year. Recently, I joined the University of Exeter’s December-May Career Mentor Scheme as a mentee, which connects students and graduates with experienced professionals for monthly sessions, providing valuable insights and personalized career guidance. A lot of successful alumni also participate in this scheme.
Why Exeter Felt Right
Exeter’s reputation as one of the safest cities in the UK was a major factor in gaining my parents’ approval for me to study here. With its low crime rates and welcoming atmosphere, Exeter offered a sense of security that made them feel more comfortable about my move. The financial aspect also made Exeter an appealing choice for us. Its lower cost of living compared to larger cities meant I could live and study here on a more manageable budget, reducing the overall expenses of studying abroad. On top of that, the University’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity assured us that I would be welcomed into a community that values students from different backgrounds. Together, these factors created an ideal setting that met both my academic ambitions and my family’s concerns.
My Academic Path
As I mentioned earlier, I come from Indonesia. Growing up, I followed the national curriculum, which doesn’t include assessments like the IB or A-levels. This meant I would typically need to complete a foundation year to qualify for UK universities.
However, I was fortunate to find the University of Exeter’s International Year One (IYO) programme through an agency that connects students with UK universities. Out of other options, Exeter was the best in terms of rankings and student life. For the application, I only submitted my high school transcripts and IELTS score. The IYO programme, run by INTO, allows international students to join the University with slightly different requirements and skip the foundation year. During my first year, I spent most of my time at the INTO building. Some subjects, including Psychology, were integrated with university courses, allowing us to attend lectures alongside local students. We also had additional classes designed specifically for international students to help us better understand the material. After completing the International Year One programme, I progressed to the second and third years just like the local students, with no distinction between us. Overall, this experience greatly influenced my decision to study here.
Student Life
Living and studying in Exeter has been an incredible experience. Unlike big cities, Exeter has a charming small-town feel, which creates a sense of community that’s perfect for students (just what I was looking for during my university years). The town is easy to navigate, and everything you need (e.g. shops, cafes, and even green spaces) is within walking distance. You’ll find yourself quickly settling in and recognizing familiar faces around town.
The University itself has an impressive range of societies and clubs to join. Whether you’re into sports, arts, or something niche, there’s something for everyone. During the Freshers’ Week (or Welcome Week as it is also known), all the societies set up their booths, trying to attract new members, and the campus is buzzing with students. It is definitely the most lively and crowded time of the year. You can attend as many taster sessions as you like before deciding which societies to join. Personally, I joined the Indonesian Society and served on the committee for two years. It was a great experience to meet new people, work together, and enjoy the events together. One of the most memorable events I attended was the SEA Gala, where several South East Asian societies (including Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam) came together to host a vibrant evening of cultural celebration and connection.
There are also plenty of opportunities for part-time work. You can find jobs on campus, like what I do now as a Student Content Ambassador and International Student Ambassador. Or you can work in local shops, many of which are open to hiring students.
Reflecting my time here, I can say that choosing the University of Exeter was definitely the right choice for me. The combination of high-quality education, supportive faculty, a strong focus on employability, and the vibrant student life has shaped my university experience into something more than I ever expected. Whether it is through societies, work opportunities, or simply living in this welcoming city, I have evolved in so many ways.