My name is Daisy, and I’m an international student studying Financial Technology. Looking back on my first term, I’ll share the highs, the hurdles, and how I found my feet in this new chapter of life. Whether you’re worried about making friends, navigating the campus, or finding a job, I hope my story reassures and inspires you as you prepare for your own university adventure.
Arrival and first impressions
The moment I stepped off the bus on that cold, rainy day, dragging my heavy luggage, I realised this wasn’t quite the picturesque storybook beginning I had imagined. However, my mood quickly lifted as lovely summery weather arrived, and I found myself captivated by the beauty of Exeter’s lush greenery and the simple joy of picking fresh blackberries. Having grown up in a bustling metropolis, I found Exeter to be a refreshing alternative.
Here, I’ve learned to embrace a quieter pace of life, accompanied by the cheerful calls of seagulls and the flutter of pigeons. From the very beginning of arriving in Exeter, I began to immerse myself in the wonderful rhythm of life in the UK.
That first day, I moved into my accommodation and embarked on a “shop marathon” to gather essentials. This was a seemingly mundane task, but it actually turned into an adventure that sparked my interest in creating a startup project focused on addressing student needs when moving into new accommodation. Inspired by these early challenges, I joined the University’s pre-incubator programme dedicated to helping student startups, which has been an incredible learning experience (more on this later in the blog!).
Language learning
One of my biggest worries was making friends, especially as an international student. However, the diverse and inclusive community at Exeter quickly eased my concerns. During Welcome Week, I attended a mix of social events, from the Freshers’ Fair to society taster sessions. Joining societies is a fantastic way to meet like-minded people—I joined the Excode and ExSIF Societies, which aligned with my interests and academic studies, and I also chose to join the Climbing and Outdoor societies. However, I faced some foreseeable challenges. Language barriers sometimes made it hard for me to join in with small talk, as topics often changed quickly with local culture, leaving me feeling isolated in certain moments. It was frustrating to want to connect but struggle to find the right words or timing to jump into discussions. To change the situation, I actively participated in the University’s insessional language support programme. Many thanks to Emma from the programme for guiding us through cultural nuances and helping us meet new friends!
Despite the initial difficulties, I learned that everyone is just as eager to make friends as you are. A simple smile or an introduction in the kitchen can lead to meaningful connections. Take it easy, because building friendships is a step-by-step process that doesn’t happen overnight. Even if you’re an introvert and find it difficult to quickly integrate, your smile and friendliness can go a long way in forming connections. Give yourself more chances to meet more people and you will find friends, even if this seems challenging at the beginning.
In the future, in addition to carrying on with the language programme, I will make an effort to immerse myself in English-speaking environments. Listening to English podcasts, engaging more in conversations, and practicing potential topics and phrases with tools like ChatGPT has helped me feel more prepared. Gradually, I believe that I can build confidence and learn to enjoy the process of building connections step by step.
Making friends and finding joy
Attending church activities has become a heartwarming part of my journey. The kindness and warmth of the church community has deeply moved me. For example, one member and his family invited me on a trip to Dartmoor, where I witnessed the fiery spectacle of the Tar Barrels Festival. Two other members organised Bible study and cultural exchange sessions, which opened my eyes to new perspectives and fostered meaningful connections. The Christmas Carol Service and dinner were another highlight, where my peers made the festive season feel magical. These moments brought so much joy and warmth to my life in the UK.
Both the University’s Students’ Guild and (as I mentioned) societies also organise outdoor trips. During one of these trips I met Evelyn, who is now one of my best friends and we have shared countless happy moments together. Each experience with these amazing people added layers of meaning to my time at Exeter, making my journey unforgettable. Exploring the stunning landscapes surrounding Exeter became one of my greatest joys. During a hike in Dartmoor, the breathtaking views left me in awe—a vast expanse of rugged beauty that felt almost otherworldly. The sight of wild ponies and semi-wild sheep and cows grazing freely and the serene quiet of nature provided a much-needed escape from any pressures and worries.
Another memorable experience was a coastal walk. The sound of seagulls became a familiar backdrop, and I found myself enjoying the company of these birds as I strolled along the beaches near the Cornwall campus. We also took ocean cruises in August to track dolphins and seals, where I spotted dolphins dancing in the waves. Their playful movements added a magical touch to an already beautiful day.
The city and campus are also full of beautiful scenery. The Streatham campus is a blend of modernity and nature, with plenty of green spaces to relax between lectures. The INTO building is a hub for international students like me, offering a space to study, socialise, and access support services. Exploring Exeter city center has been another joy—from the charming cafes on the High Street to the vibrant Exeter Quay, there’s something for everyone. After a fulfilling climbing session at the city’s climbing centre, basking in the sunlight and feeling the gentle breeze at Exeter Quay with a cup of coffee is an incredibly romantic and delightful way to dry off the sweat and unwind.
Postgraduate studies
As a postgraduate student, life is a whirlwind of lectures, research, projects, and the occasional existential crisis about the future. Yet, amidst all this chaos, there’s something uniquely rewarding about delving deeply into a subject you’re passionate about.
Now, let me set the scene as I write this: it’s finals week, and assignments are flying at us like confetti at a party—but without the fun music or cake. Deadlines are looming, and my peers are frantically typing away, fuelled by caffeine and determination.
However, I’m sitting here smugly typing this because, thanks to my brilliant (and slightly obsessive) time management, I’ve already completed most of my assignments. Yes, I’m that person. Although the past few days were a bit chaotic as I rushed to meet assignment deadlines, which unfortunately disrupted my extracurricular activities and job search progress, I believe that I can generally strike a good balance and mostly maintain my composure.
I would like share some tips for working ahead that have saved me from last-minute panic: break down the workload to small tasks, but if the inspiration wave comes, don’t stop it. If I’m on a creative roll, I let it flow—even if it means postponing meals or pushing bedtime a little later. Inspiration doesn’t follow a schedule, and embracing it often leads to my most productive and satisfying work sessions. Of course, I make sure to catch up on rest and self-care afterward!
In addition, I write my first drafts with zero pressure and in advance, knowing I’ll refine them later.
This makes starting less intimidating and often gets my creativity flowing faster. Plus, it’s much easier to edit a messy draft than stare at a blank page.
My startup and preparing for the job market
The idea appeared on my first day arrived Exeter, when I saw a lot of waste in donation bins. The experience gave me the idea of creating a company that helps students trade second-hand items and access other moving services, and drove me to find startup support opportunities at the University (you can also find these on the University website here).
This support has offered me an excellent start on my entrepreneurial journey – pitching ideas, building a team, and bringing FIST (my startup idea) to life. I enjoy the process of putting my ideas into practice.
I’ve had the chance to meet so many incredible people through the scheme. While I don’t consider myself a natural at networking, I’ve been amazed by how many are willing to listen, support, and offer advice when they see genuine passion. This experience has shown me that enthusiasm can often bridge the gaps where confidence or experience might fall short.
Step by step, I’ve overcome challenges, stood on stage to pitch our idea, and grown in ways I never expected. Every obstacle conquered, every person met, and every milestone reached has been an opportunity for growth. Whether or not this project achieves ultimate success, I’m proud of how far I’ve come and excited about what lies ahead. There’s something deeply satisfying about turning thoughts into actions and seeing them take shape in the real world. It’s through this process that I learn, adapt, and grow, and it’s one of the most fulfilling parts of any project I undertake.
Now, here’s a little advertisement for our project – FIST! It’s a one-stop solution where students can not only trade second-hand items but also access moving services like packaging and pre-setup. Whether you’re looking to save money, embrace sustainability, or make your move-in more convenient, FIST has got you covered. If you’d like to help us shape FIST, we’d love for you to fill out our survey: https://forms.office.com/e/dAXiEpCaSu. And if this idea excites you, let’s chat—we’re always looking for passionate minds to join the discussion.
As I look toward the next chapter, I am actively preparing for my transition into the job market. The University of Exeter’s Career Zone has been an incredible resource, offering tools like CV360 for instant CV feedback and the Interview Simulator to help build confidence. Additionally, the numerous workshops available through Handshake provide valuable insights into industry expectations, application tips, and networking strategies.
For more tailored advice, students can also book one-on-one appointments with career advisors to receive personalised guidance.
I’m excited to share that I’ve recently joined the Career Zone team! It’s been an enriching experience to assist fellow students in navigating their career journeys. Whether you’re exploring options, polishing your CV, or preparing for interviews, I encourage you to visit the Career Zone desk to discuss your plans or schedule an appointment.
I’m also incredibly grateful for the University’s employability initiatives, such as the Student Campus Partnership (SCP) and Student Business Partnership (SBP) roles, Mentor Scheme and Professional Pathway. These can be competitive, but I really encourage you to give applying to them a try. These opportunities offer invaluable real-world work experience, allowing you to develop skills, build professional networks, and showcase your abilities on a much larger stage.
If you’re curious about how to make the most of these resources or need help mapping out your career path, feel free to drop by the Career Zone!
Final thoughts
The first term at the University of Exeter has been a whirlwind of growth, learning, and joy. As an Exeter Excellence scholarship recipient, I believe I’ve upheld the commitment I made during the application process to actively participate and promote initiatives. While there’s always room for improvement, I’m proud of the contributions I’ve made so far and am motivated to continue striving for excellence.
As Albert Einstein once said, “The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.” Each of us has our unique personality, preferences, and goals. What matters most isn’t the specific activities we choose to participate in but the curiosity and love for life that drive us forward.
Time flies, and the first term has passed in the blink of an eye. I hope to stay motivated, to think and to try, even when facing difficulties or experiencing awkward moments. All these experiences will one day become anecdotes to laugh about and cherished memories. These are the nutrients for growth. So, pack your bags, bring your curiosity, and get ready to embark on a journey that will shape not just your academic career but also your life.