Hi! My name is Duong, but most here knows me as Darlyn. I’m from Hanoi, Vietnam, and I’m currently studying MA Social Media and Digital Marketing at the University of Exeter. I started my course in September 2024.
Before coming here, I completed my BA in Business and Marketing at Coventry University, and I had some experience in Marketing and Communication, which sparked my interest in how digital platforms influence consumer behaviour. The University of Exeter stood out when I was looking for a Masters course to pursue. The University’s academic reputation, the flexibility in module choices, and the supportive learning environment really convinced me. I’m someone who likes to shape my own journey, and I therefore really appreciated that Exeter allows me to be able to choose modules that match my interests and my future career goals.
My course and my future career
Two of my favourite modules are Social Media: Management and Strategy and Promotional Cultures in Consumer Society. What I appreciate most is that we get to choose the brands, industries, or even specific campaigns we want to explore, making the learning process feel very personal and relevant. These two modules cover almost everything I love about marketing on digital platforms, like CGI, influencer marketing, storytelling, and ethical branding. What makes learning about these topics even more exciting is that I get to experiment, reflect, and refine my ideas using the frameworks we’ve been taught in class. It feels like a real test drive for the future. The modules’ approach has helped me learn how to think strategically, adapt creatively, and anticipate challenges. We’re encouraged to think critically, spot gaps, and come up with better solutions.
The mindset will stay with me long after I graduate, when I know I will have to be practical and use these skills in a real-world market. I haven’t yet joined any placements or field trips as part of my course, but I’m currently looking into summer internship opportunities in social media strategy or marketing-communications in the hospitality field.
I’ve also started looking into the career support services available at Exeter, such as the careers platform Handshake and CV review sessions with the Career Zone, both of which I’m planning to use as I apply for summer internships.
Adjusting to postgraduate study
Coming to a new country had its challenges, but in my case, the transition into the academic environment wasn’t the biggest challenge. Having already completed my undergraduate degree at Coventry University, I was quite familiar with how the UK education system works, from essay formats to seminar discussions. I didn’t face a cultural shock in the classroom or struggle with adapting to academic expectations, the way many first-time international students might.
What did challenge me, though, was the step up in academic level. A Masters programme demands more than just understanding theories or applying models. It’s about critical thinking, pushing boundaries, and bringing your perspective beyond the textbook. I have had to push myself harder, develop stronger arguments, be more original in my thinking, and refine my critical reflection skills. The intellectual demand is higher, and it requires me to invest more time, energy, and brainpower than I had to in my undergraduate degree if I want to stand out or achieve high marks.
Living in Exeter
Beyond the academic side, settling into life in Exeter was a different adjustment. As someone born and raised in Hanoi – a bustling, high-energy city full of life and movement, I found the peaceful rhythm of Exeter quite unfamiliar at first. The slower pace, the quiet evenings, the absence of late-night food stalls or 24/7 buzz took me by surprise. It took me a little while to appreciate the calm, but over time, I began to see it as a gift. Exeter’s environment gives you space to breathe, to reflect, and to really focus on your growth, both personally and professionally.
I live in student accommodation, which has been a meaningful part of my experience here. It’s where I’ve had the chance to meet people from all over the world, and those everyday moments have helped me learn so much about other cultures. Everyone’s friendly and open, and I genuinely feel like I’m part of a mini-international family. My flatmates are always willing to help, and they somehow always notice when I’m feeling a bit homesick. I’ve had countless fun nights with them, whether we’re throwing small get-togethers, cooking our dinner together, or hanging out and yapping about our stories after a long day. There have been days when I’ve missed my family and my city a lot, but thanks to them, I’ve never felt alone for too long. Although I haven’t joined any student societies yet, I’ve found my own version of community through everyday connections: with flatmates, classmates, and international friends. Those shared experiences have helped me feel a sense of belonging.
My favourite spots
One of my favourite places on campus is the Forum. It’s my second home during deadline season. Study spaces are everywhere, plus there are plenty of plug sockets, food options to keep you going, and even large desktop computers if I need a break from my laptop. Even though it’s over a 30-minute walk from my accommodation, I still spend whole days there when assignments pile up, it’s just that convenient and comforting. I know it is a strange kind of comfort, but I really enjoy being surrounded by other students also racing against deadlines, but still having access to everything I need, from a quick snack to a quiet corner to focus. My second go-to study spot is the Alexander Building. It’s a bit closer to where I live and usually quieter, which helps me concentrate when I really need to get things done without distraction.
Off-campus, I mostly enjoy spending time with my flatmates. Sometimes we cook together or just hang out. And when I have time, I explore other places in the UK with my best friends who live in different cities. I don’t usually plan the trips; I just go wherever they take me! It’s been such a fun way to experience new places and build stronger friendships.
Exeter’s welcoming and supportive community
What surprised me the most about studying at Exeter is how warm and supportive everyone is. From the very beginning, I was met with kindness. People smile at me for no reason, hold the door open, and genuinely want to help, even if they barely know me. For example, when I was struggling a lot with my luggage during my travels, many people didn’t hesitate to help me. Another moment I’ll also always remember is when I had a small accident on campus: I slipped and fell. I was quite shaken, but my professor and the Student Hub team were by my side.
They helped me contact medical support, made sure I was okay, and checked in with me afterwards to see how I was recovering. It wasn’t just about assistance; it was the care, the attentiveness, the quiet reassurance that I wasn’t alone. That moment made me feel deeply seen and supported.
Moreover, my professors and staff at the University have been incredibly kind and approachable. They don’t hesitate to offer guidance, whether it’s academic or personal. They will challenge you and cheer you on. If they see that you’re putting in the effort and taking initiative, they’ll meet you halfway and more. That encouragement makes all the difference: it really makes you feel respected and empowered when you’re studying at a higher level and pushing yourself to grow.
Final thoughts
So, my advice to anyone considering Exeter is to be open to new experiences, take initiative, and not be afraid to ask for help. Show people your effort and your willingness to learn, and they’ll respond. Exeter is not just a place to study, it’s a place to become braver, more curious, and more connected. You’ll grow here in ways you didn’t expect but definitely gain from.
