Hi everyone! I’m Jena, a second-year Politics and International Relations student at the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus. I am half French, half Scottish and spent my childhood in between Dubai, Paris and Luxembourg. This blog is all about why I chose to study at the University of Exeter’s Cornwall (Penryn) Campus and why it has become such a special place for me! I’ll be sharing my experiences – from my course and the unique campus location to the vibrant societies and the application process.
Picture this: I’m sitting at my laptop, staring at the screen after my school told me it’s time to start thinking about university applications. The problem? I have absolutely no idea where I want to go. So, I start scrolling through UCAS, checking out all the Russell Group universities that offer International Relations – until I stumble across the University of Exeter’s Cornwall campus. Wait… Cornwall? By the sea? HUH?!
That’s what caught my attention the most – the fact that the campus was right by the coast. The Exeter city campuses (Streatham and St Luke’s) had never really appealed to me, but discovering the Penryn Campus felt like an incredible opportunity. I could study at a university ranked in the top 10 for my department while fully embracing the laid-back, beach-bum lifestyle I had always wanted to try.
But that didn’t automatically mean it ticked every box on my long checklist of requirements. So, I did some research and discovered something even more exciting; the campus isn’t just sustainability-focused, but it’s also shared with another university, Falmouth University, which specialises in the arts. That’s when everything clicked. This wasn’t just a great academic choice; it was the perfect environment for me. Throughout sixth form, most of my friends were creatives—artists, photographers, musicians, and actors. Despite wanting to study an academic degree, I’ve always felt drawn to artistic communities.
Looking back, though, I didn’t realise just how much the sustainability aspect of the campus would come to mean to me. At the time, I just thought it was cool – but now, it’s easily one of my favorite things about studying here. The ability to incorporate environmental perspectives into my degree has been one of the most fascinating parts of my learning experience. Politics, while engaging, can often feel heavy and overwhelming, but focusing on environmental solutions gives me a sense of optimism. It’s the part that makes me feel like I’m not just studying the world’s problems, I’m exploring ways to help make it better.
So, the location was great, the environment was amazing – but what about social life?! Coming from Paris, a bustling city, many people around me questioned my decision to move to Cornwall. They warned me that it would be rural, isolated, and, frankly, boring. But in reality, that couldn’t be further from the truth! I quickly realised that what I wanted from university social life was quite different from the typical experience of big clubs and mass drinking. When I saw videos of students at Penryn campus having barbecues on the beach, I knew instantly that this was exactly the kind of lifestyle I wanted. Penryn campus felt like the perfect fit.
“Join a society!” they say – and whoever they are, they’re absolutely right! While I was still considering my different university options, I made sure that Exeter’s Penryn Campus had one specific society I was determined to join no matter where I ended up studying: sailing. Of course, it’s no surprise that Falmouth has a thriving sailing scene, it hosts a massive regatta every summer! Joining the sailing society felt like the ideal way to immerse myself in my new environment, meet like-minded people, and make the most of living in this stunning coastal town. And now as my second year at the Penryn Campus closes to an end, I’ll be going into my second term as the Treasury for the Sailing Society 🙂
Then came the day of visiting the campus.
My parents and I made a very last-minute decision to go down to Cornwall to see the campus, which meant embarking on a long journey – driving all the way from France, taking the Eurostar, and heading down to Cornwall just weeks before the UCAS deadline for firming university choices.
Because the visit was so spontaneous, we didn’t book a tour (though I now know that’s definitely something I could have done… whoops). After an exhausting eight-hour drive, we finally arrived in Falmouth. And, naturally, the first stop was the beach (we’re all beach bums in my family). We decided to stretch our legs with a walk, and that’s when I saw Swanpool Beach.
And wow.
It was exactly like the videos I had seen online – students gathered on the sand, chatting over a beachside BBQ, the kind of scene that feels straight out of a movie. My mum took one look at me and said, “That’s it. You’re going here, aren’t you?” And, of course, she was right.
The next day, we explored the campus, and everything about it just confirmed my decision even more. The lush greenery, the flowers, the vibe, it was everything I had ever wanted in a university setting. But the moment that truly sealed the deal? Seeing wetsuits hanging off students’ bedroom windows, drying in the sun. It felt like proof that I’d be surrounded by people who shared the same love for the ocean as me. And I was right! Now, I (aim to) go swimming in the ocean with a group of friends about once a week, making the most of this incredible location and the lifestyle I had always dreamed of.
Alright, let’s fast-forward a few months – it’s move-in day, and Freshers’ Week is just around the corner. AHHHHHH!
Like everyone starting university, I was filled with excitement, nerves, and about a million questions.
Was I ready to move away from home? Would I make friends easily? And, most importantly – what was I thinking of moving to England of all places?! (Coming from a Scottish-French background, this felt like a bold move and unexpected twist in my life story.)
But honestly? All the fear I had was just in my head.
From the moment I arrived, people were so welcoming. The University had organised events to help us settle in, meet new people, and feel at ease. It became clear very quickly just how much the Uni genuinely cared about our wellbeing – not just during Freshers’ Week, but long after. To this day, we still get weekly emails packed with resources, events, and opportunities focused on mental health and student support.
So, two years into my university experience – what makes me love it even more?
First, small class sizes. When I first started, I didn’t realise just how much of an advantage this would be. But now, I genuinely love it! You get to know everyone – not just the names, but their interests and opinions. And the lecturers? They don’t feel like distant academic figures but people who actually know you and care about your progress. Discussions feel personal, debates are engaging, and there’s this great sense of community in every seminar.
Then, there’s the tight-knit campus. Because it’s small, everyone knows everyone, and that creates a naturally interconnected atmosphere. It makes the campus feel welcoming and friendly in a way that larger universities might not. You walk across campus, and there’s always a familiar face, whether it’s someone from your course, a society, or just a casual acquaintance you meet on a night out. Another thing I’ve come to appreciate so much is just how safe this campus feels, something that’s especially important as a woman. The small, tight-knit nature of Penryn means there’s a real sense of familiarity and security everywhere you go.
One thing I didn’t expect to love so much was the career support. Honestly, I didn’t really think about it when applying, but now I realise just how valuable it is. The University provides incredible resources through the Career Zone and other initiatives, making it so much easier to navigate internships and job opportunities
Somehow, though I’ll admit it was very challenging, I managed to complete two internships in my second term of second year, both of which I found through the University. Interestingly, neither of them were directly related to my degree, but they’ve actually given me a much clearer idea of what I want to pursue after graduation. Now, I know I want to work in the environmental field while still staying within the governance and policy side of politics.
So, to wrap things up. Looking back, choosing Exeter’s Penryn Campus was hands down the best decision I’ve made. The beach, the course, the lifestyle – it all just fits perfectly for me. And hey, who knows? Maybe it could be the right fit for you too.
I’ve had the chance to explore passions I already had while discovering new ones along the way. Everyone’s uni experience is different, and finding the right place is key. For me, Penryn struck that perfect balance, great academics, an amazing community, and the bonus of being surrounded by people who love a mix of deep discussions and outdoor adventures.
Whether it’s debating world issues in seminars or grilling burgers on Gylly Beach with friends, this place has given me so many unforgettable memories – and there are plenty more to come! As I head into my final year, I know I’ll keep making the most of everything this campus has to offer.
If you’re searching for a uni experience that’s both academically solid and genuinely fulfilling, I’d say the University of Exeter Penryn Campus is absolutely worth checking out!