Feeling a little lost in the whirlwind of uni life? Wondering if you’ll ever shake off that homesick feeling or find a way to stay connected to your culture while fitting in? Trust me, I get it.
Hi! I’m Jena – a second-year Politics and International Relations student at Penryn Campus in Cornwall. With a mix of French and Scottish roots, and having grown up in between Luxembourg, Dubai and Paris, I know all about navigating different cultures and places. And let me tell you, adjusting to uni life in Cornwall has been a whole adventure of its own!
In this blog, I’m diving into all things identity, homesickness, and finding the people you fit in with – because no matter where you’re from, you deserve to feel at home whilst at the University of Exeter.
Finding your community at uni is actually way easier than you might expect – especially in a place like Penryn, where the small-town vibe means you’re constantly bumping into familiar faces, whether on campus or in town. Everyone’s super friendly, and because the student population is so tight-knit, you’ll quickly find that someone you meet already knows someone you know! There’s also a real mix of international students and people from all sorts of backgrounds, which makes it even more exciting.
Personally, I was a little nervous about not being able to speak French with people, but it turned out to be no problem at all! I’ve found a great group of francophone friends (mainly French and Belgian), and we get together to cook up some food and drink some wine. The French culture of food (and apéritive) is something that I really miss but by doing this with some of my friends it’s like bringing a piece of home to uni life. And I know I’m not the only one! My friends from the Middle East have found their own community too, gathering to share meals and celebrate traditions. Plus, there’s a MENA (Middle East and North Africa) society that organises events and Iftars during Ramadan, making it even easier to stay connected to home while embracing life in Penryn.
Celebrating different cultures is such an important part of building a strong, welcoming community, and while Cornwall itself might not be the most culturally diverse place (demographically), the societies on campus absolutely make up for it! They create spaces where people can connect with their heritage, celebrate traditions, and share their backgrounds with others.
There are so many student groups dedicated to cultural celebrations. The Asian Society, for example put together an incredible Holi festival, which was so vibrant and joyful that it even won awards from the Students’ Union! Then there’s the African Caribbean Society, which hosts amazing music events and art exhibitions that highlight creativity and identity.
But cultural connection isn’t just about finding people who share your background – it’s also about sharing your traditions with friends who might not be from the same culture. Every year for La Chandeleur, I make crêpes for my housemates, and it’s become such a fun tradition that makes me feel closer to home. And embracing other cultures can be just as meaningful! A friend of mine once cooked up a huge feast for Chinese New Year, complete with dumplings and traditional dishes, and it was such a special way for all of us to come together and celebrate with them.
Another memory that really stuck with me was during Ramadan—one of my Turkish friends was fasting, and having lived in an Islamic country, I knew how important community and generosity are during this time. So my friends and I took turns cooking meals for them so they could enjoy a warm and welcoming Iftar each evening.
That’s the beautiful thing about Exeter – it’s not just about staying connected to your own culture, but also about immersing yourself in others and finding those shared moments that bring people closer together.
As a serious foodie, I know how much comfort a familiar meal can bring, especially when you’re living away from home. Finding the right ingredients to recreate those nostalgic flavours can feel like a mission, but luckily, there are some great spots near Penryn that make it a whole lot easier.
Since my grandpa is Vietnamese, I grew up eating a ton of Vietnamese dishes, and when I moved to uni, I was determined to cook some for my friends. I was surprised to find that Asda and the big Sainsbury’s in Truro actually carry a decent range of ingredients – things like rice noodles and fish sauce. They might not always have the most niche items, but for the basics, they’re a solid go-to.
If you’re after something more specialised, there’s an Asian food store in Falmouth, where you can find a lot of harder-to-get ingredients. The only catch is that it’s on the pricier side, so it’s more of an occasional treat rather than a regular shopping spot. But if you’re willing to venture into Truro, there’s an international food shop that is absolutely worth the trip. The variety there is incredible you’ll find spices, pastes, sauces, and ingredients from all around the world. If you’re into Middle Eastern cuisine, their selection is impressive, with loads of authentic ingredients that can be tricky to find elsewhere.
One of the most exciting events on campus has to be the Cultural Festival. This is an entire week dedicated to celebrating the incredible mix of backgrounds, traditions, and cultures that make up our student community here at the University of Exeter. It’s the kind of event that brings people together in the best way possible, offering the chance to immerse yourself in different customs, try new foods, and see the beauty of cultural diversity in action.
During the festival, societies and religious groups team up to showcase their traditions, creating an atmosphere that’s vibrant, welcoming, and packed with opportunities to learn and connect. One of the highlights is the international football match. Teams made up of students from different nationalities face off in friendly matches, bringing out that electric sense of unity and competition that makes the sport so special. Whether you’re playing or just cheering from the sidelines, it’s an amazing way to see how sports can bring people from all walks of life together.
Another huge part of the festival is the cultural showcase in the Upper Stannery, where students set up stalls to showcase their food, traditional clothing, and cultural heritage. This is so much fun as one moment you’re trying authentic South Asian street food, the next you’re learning about the history of Cornwall. It’s the kind of place where you can chat with people, hear their stories, and get a taste (literally!) of their background in a way that’s meaningful and fun.
Next I thought I would give you a guide to religious societies and support you can find at the University of Exeter in Penryn:
University life is a whirlwind of lectures, social events, late-night study sessions, and the occasional attempt at cooking a half-decent meal. In the middle of all this, finding ways to stay connected to your faith can be incredibly grounding. Luckily, there are plenty of opportunities to do just that here!
One of the easiest and most welcoming ways to keep up with your faith is by joining a religious society. Whether you’re looking for community, celebrations, or simply a space where people understand the importance of your beliefs, these societies are a fantastic place to start:
- Christian Union
- Jewish Society
- Catholic Society
- Islamic Society
- …and many more!
Each group hosts events tailored to their faith, from celebrating religious holidays to discussions about spirituality and everyday life. And trust me, I’ve heard amazing things about them all whether it’s festive gatherings, insightful talks, or just good old-fashioned social events where everyone is welcome.
Sometimes, faith isn’t just about attending services or participating in events. It’s also about finding guidance, support, and a place where you feel truly heard. The multi-faith chaplaincy at the University provides pastoral and spiritual care to all students, no matter their background or beliefs.
It’s a safe and welcoming space where you can seek advice, talk things through, or just be in the company of others who understand. The chaplaincy also helps students navigate university life while staying true to their values and faith.
For Muslim students, the University has a dedicated prayer room on the Penryn campus, making it easier to observe daily prayers without having to stress about finding a quiet space.
And the chaplaincy doesn’t just cater to specific religious groups, it also organises non-religious meetings and support groups, including bereavement groups and even social gatherings like Burns Night suppers!
University life is an adventure, a mix of excitement, challenges, and endless opportunities to grow. But at its core, what really makes the experience special is the people you surround yourself with. Whether it’s through cultural societies, religious groups, foodie traditions, or simply the kindness of friends sharing their customs, Exeter is full of ways to feel connected, supported, and at home.
Adjusting to a new place can be overwhelming, but it’s also an incredible chance to embrace different cultures, forge lifelong friendships, and create traditions of your own. So whether you’re joining a society, hosting a meal from your home country, or just finding comfort in familiar flavours at the local international food shop, remember – you belong here.