Hi! I’m Giang Chu, a student from Vietnam, currently studying for an MSc in Sustainable Business Management at the University of Exeter’s Cornwall Campus. If you’re curious about what life is like here, let me take you through a typical day in my life. From fascinating classes to nature-filled breaks, there’s a lot to love about studying at Exeter.
8:00 AM – Wake-Up and Morning Routine
I start my day around 8 a.m., grabbing a quick breakfast and getting ready. Living at the Sidings, a student accommodation close to campus, means I can take a lovely 15-minute walk to my lectures and classes. It’s a refreshing way to begin the day, surrounded by the beautiful green spaces that Cornwall is known for. Here’s a photo of my daily walk—definitely one of my favourite parts of the day!
9:00 AM – First Class: Sustainable Business Management
My mornings kick off with my favourite module, Sustainable Business Management. This class dives deep into the world of sustainability, exploring how businesses can adopt sustainable practices and create positive social impact. Dr José Melenez Roman, our lecturer and programme director, is incredibly inspiring—he genuinely listens to our ideas and goals, making every class feel relevant and engaging. Classes take place in the Peter Lanyon (PL) Building, which has become my home base on campus.
12:00 PM – Lunch at the Stannary (or My Homemade Asian Meals!)
Lunchtime at Exeter offers some great options. The Stannary Kitchen serves a variety of food choices, and you can check the weekly menu online for some interesting options! (Link: Stannary Kitchen Menu).
Even though the food at the Stannary is tempting, I usually bring my own lunch from home. I miss the authentic flavours of Asian cuisine, so cooking my own meals has become a way to feel closer to home while sticking to a budget. Most days, I prepare something simple but comforting, like stir-fried noodles, rice bowls with vegetables, or a hot soup packed with familiar spices. Bringing lunch also gives me the flexibility to enjoy my food wherever I want on campus—whether it’s in a cosy study corner or outside with friends on a sunny day. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other international students who also bring their own dishes and swap recipes or food stories from back home!
1:00 PM – Self-Study in the DM Masters Suite
After lunch, I head to the Daphne du Maurier (DM) Masters Suite, where there’s a quiet room that’s perfect for getting work done. This is where I focus on assignments, prepare for upcoming projects, and do my independent reading. It’s peaceful, so I can really get into “the zone” here, surrounded by other students with the same focus.
Besides the DM Masters Suite, the campus is filled with a variety of study spots to suit every need and preference. Whether you need a completely silent space or a more casual setting, you’ll find a spot that works. There are also dedicated study pods around campus that are perfect for one-on-one meetings or solo study sessions when you need a change of scenery. For those sunny days, there are outdoor benches and tables which you can use as a refreshing place to read or work while enjoying Cornwall’s natural beauty.
With so many study options, it’s easy to switch up your environment and keep your mind fresh, which is especially helpful when tackling big assignments. Cornwall’s campus really encourages a balanced approach to studying, giving you plenty of spaces to stay motivated and inspired.
2:30 PM – Afternoon Catch-Up with Friends
If the weather is nice, my friends and I love sitting outside on the benches scattered around campus, taking in the fresh air and beautiful surroundings. There’s something about being outdoors that makes our conversations even more enjoyable. We chat about everything from food and culture to sustainability issues, often sharing perspectives from our unique and diverse backgrounds. With students from all over the world in my class, every conversation feels like an opportunity to learn something new.
One of the best parts about these chats is discovering how food can connect us despite our differences. We often exchange recipes and cooking tips from our home countries, and it’s amazing how a shared love for good food can bring people closer. Whether it’s a new twist on a traditional Vietnamese dish, an authentic Italian pasta recipe, or spicy street food from Thailand, these exchanges have given me a whole new list of dishes to try in my own kitchen!
Beyond food, we often dive into deeper discussions about cultural traditions and our varying approaches to sustainability. Hearing firsthand about the environmental challenges faced in different countries opens my mind to issues I hadn’t considered before, and I get to see how sustainability practices vary around the globe. These conversations remind me of why I chose to study in such a diverse environment—every viewpoint adds a new layer to my understanding of sustainability, making our studies feel richer and more interconnected.
It’s inspiring to be surrounded by classmates who are passionate, knowledgeable, and open to sharing their experiences. Sitting outside, enjoying the weather, and exchanging ideas is a simple yet meaningful part of my day that makes life at Exeter even more special.
3:30 PM – Group Work
In the afternoon, it’s time for group work! Currently, we’re working on a group presentation for our Perspectives on Sustainable Development module. Our presentation is modelled after a panel discussion, much like those you’d see on BBC or CNN. My group chose to explore Sustainable Tourism in Cornwall: Addressing Plastic Pollution for a Greener Future. Each of us has a role—mine is as the “Sustainability Expert.” We’re preparing visual aids to bring our perspectives to life, aiming to convey the urgency of the plastic pollution issue while discussing it from various stakeholder viewpoints. Group work is a chance to bring our diverse ideas together and learn from each other, and we’re pretty excited to see how our final presentation turns out!
5:30 PM – Nature Break at Gyllyngvase Beach
After class, I love connecting with nature to recharge and unwind. I usually hop on a bus to Falmouth and head to Gyllyngvase Beach, a stunning stretch of sandy shore with views of the Atlantic that seem to go on forever. Gyllyngvase is my go-to spot to clear my mind and take in the sea breeze. There’s something incredibly calming about the rhythm of the waves, and I often find that spending time by the ocean keeps me grounded and inspired for my studies in sustainability.
Living in Cornwall offers so many opportunities to explore nature, with its rugged coastlines, rolling hills, and charming seaside villages. Gyllyngvase is just one of several beaches I enjoy visiting. There’s also Maenporth Beach, a quieter cove nearby that’s perfect for when you want some time to yourself. Maenporth has a lovely walking path along the cliffs, where you can see wildflowers and catch breathtaking views of the water. If I’m up for a bit more adventure, I sometimes head to Swanpool Beach; it’s known for its unique, lagoon-like pool beside the shore and is ideal for a refreshing swim or an afternoon of paddleboarding.
Cornwall’s natural beauty goes beyond the beaches, too. For a change of scenery, I like to explore Pendennis Point, where you can find a historic castle and take in panoramic views of the coastline, or wander through Trebah Garden, a sub-tropical paradise with exotic plants and hidden trails leading down to the Helford River. Cornwall has so many different types of landscape, ranging from lush gardens to rugged cliffs, and there’s always a new spot to discover.
Being surrounded by nature is one of the most unique aspects of studying in Cornwall, and it’s easy to see why so many students here feel a connection to the environment. Each outing reminds me of the importance of preserving these natural spaces, fuelling my commitment to sustainability. Whether I’m relaxing on the beach, hiking along a coastal path, or simply sitting and watching the waves, I’m constantly inspired by Cornwall’s natural beauty and grateful for the chance to study in such a stunning place.
7:00 PM – Dinner and Asian Food “Party”
Once a week, my friends and I get together for our beloved “Asian food party,” an event we all look forward to. It’s a cosy tradition that brings a bit of Thailand, Vietnam, and Japan right to our shared dinner table at the Sidings. We take turns preparing dishes from our home countries, sharing not only our cooking but also pieces of our culture with each other. It’s such a fun, meaningful way to stay connected to our roots, especially being so far from home, and it has quickly become one of the highlights of my week.
Each meal is an adventure in flavours and a chance to try something new. One week, someone might whip up a spicy Thai Tom Yum soup with fragrant lemongrass, lime, and chilli—a dish that fills the room with warmth and comfort. Another week, we’ll have Vietnamese Pho with its rich, aromatic broth simmered for hours, topped with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime. It’s always exciting to see what’s on the menu, and each of us brings our own twist to these classic dishes.
The Japanese dishes are always a crowd-pleaser too. We’ve had everything from homemade sushi rolls with fresh vegetables to okonomiyaki, a savoury Japanese pancake packed with cabbage and topped with a drizzle of mayo and special sauces. Sometimes, we even make a communal hot pot, filling it with vegetables, tofu, noodles, and thinly sliced meats, letting everyone cook and dip their food together. It’s interactive, delicious, and always leads to lots of laughter.
Beyond the food itself, our Asian food party is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about each other’s cultures and traditions.
8:30 PM – Evening Study and Relaxation
After dinner, it’s back to work! As a Masters student, there’s always something that needs attention, whether it’s reading, assignments, or preparing for upcoming projects. The workload can feel intense at times, but I genuinely enjoy the challenge and find it rewarding to push myself academically. I usually settle into my room, surrounded by my study essentials, and dive into the tasks at hand. Some evenings, it’s focused reading and taking notes, while other nights are dedicated to working through complex project plans or brainstorming ideas for group assignments.
To keep myself energised, I break up my study time by grabbing a tea or a quick snack. I find these small breaks help keep me refreshed and motivated, especially when tackling demanding topics. It’s a satisfying feeling when I tick off tasks from my to-do list, knowing I’m one step closer to my goals.
When I’m finally done for the night, I like to unwind by reaching for one of my favourite books. I find that reading something purely for enjoyment helps me shift my mind from studies to relaxation, and it’s a lovely way to end the day. Sometimes, I’ll put on some music—something soothing and mellow—to help me relax further. It’s my way of letting go of the day’s stresses and preparing for a good night’s sleep.
By the time I’m ready to sleep, I feel a sense of accomplishment and peace, knowing that I’ve balanced my studies with a bit of personal time. Each day brings its own set of challenges, but ending with a good book or music makes everything feel balanced, setting me up for another productive day ahead.
Reflecting on Life at Exeter
Studying at the University of Exeter’s Cornwall Campus has been an amazing experience. The people here are friendly and welcoming, and the community feels close-knit, especially with nature all around us. Cornwall’s beautiful landscape is an endless source of inspiration, reminding me every day why I chose to study sustainability. From engaging classes and group projects to evenings on the beach and shared meals with friends, life here is vibrant, diverse, and truly fulfilling.
If you’re thinking about studying at Exeter, especially in a place as inspiring as Cornwall, I’d highly recommend it. There’s so much to explore, learn, and experience here—come join us!