Hi! I’m Anissa and I’m currently in my second year studying English Literature and Film and Television Studies with Employment Experience at the University of Exeter. I’m originally from Birmingham but now spend my time outside of university split between the UK and Belgium. With that out of the way, I’m going to be talking about all the reasons that led me to choosing the University of Exeter.
Dual-honours programme
As you might have guessed from my degree, I am a dual honours student, meaning that my degree spans across two different subjects (English and Film). Having come from the International Baccalaureate, an A-level equivalent qualification, I was used to an education that remained broad, as instead of 3-4 A-Level subjects I studied 6, which helped me keep my options open for the future.
This was something that I wanted to continue into my university education; I knew that I wanted to explore a career in publishing, journalism, or television and therefore studying English AND Film seemed like the perfect solution. However, as I was researching different universities it became incredibly apparent that this degree was somewhat hard to track down. When I looked on the University of Exeter’s website (which I was also very impressed by, compared to lots of other uni websites which seemed quite outdated), I saw that they not only offered an English and Film course, but it was part of a greater range of dual honours and flexible combined honours courses offered by the University. This furthered my decision to firm the University of Exeter as I saw a university that provided me with the degree that I wanted to study, allowing me to remain somewhat broad in my range of studies, and a university that obviously encouraged this type of ‘atypical’ degree, filling me with confidence when I made my decision.
Employment Experience programme
Before researching universities, I was aware that the option to do a ‘year abroad’ existed at most universities, however I was unaware of the ‘Employment Experience’ pathway. Further research into the University of Exeter highlighted this intriguing programme to me and actually ended up being the deciding factor between my choice to firm Exeter over the University of Bristol.
I’m someone that likes to be immersed in new challenges and experiences and therefore I found the opportunity to do a year in any industry very enticing. For those of you that might not know, ‘employment experience’ or a ‘year in industry’ works very similarly to a ‘year abroad’ in the way that it transforms your Bachelors degree from a 3-year programme to a 4-year programme, however instead of continuing your studies at a foreign university in your third year, you (depending on what internships/placements you’re able to secure) spend a year working with up to three different companies in an industry you’re interested in. Although 17-year-old Anissa found the idea of spending a year in the working world slightly scary, picking a year in industry also provided me with a sense of stability and comfort. In a world where graduate jobs are becoming harder to come by, I felt that by choosing the University of Exeter, and the employment experience programme, I would at least have some more valuable work experience under my belt as well as an academic degree.
The University of Exeter was the only university that I applied to that offered me not only an exciting life opportunity but also some sense of security when thinking about the not-so-distant world of work. Therefore, it became a no-brainer when choosing which university I was going to attend!
Campus and Accommodation
Starting university is always going to be a bit daunting and knowing this, I wanted to make my transition into university as smooth as possible. For me, this meant that I was looking for a campus university that offered catered accommodation, and the University of Exeter offered me just that! Being at a campus-based university, rather than one where buildings are scattered around the city, meant that in first year I was truly able to create my very own routine. With most of my lectures and seminars being in buildings 5-7 minutes away from my accommodation, it quickly felt like second nature to be walking around Streatham Campus. I can also say, as a second year, that I have explored St Luke’s Campus for many a studying spot, and the atmosphere is equally as cosy and welcoming. Having a sort of microcosm created by studying at a campus university means getting a taste of that adult freedom, away from home, whilst knowing that you’re safe and avoiding the overwhelming feeling of catching two buses to get to a lecture 10 minutes late – a feeling many of my friends at other universities know too well. As well as the convenience of an immediate sense of belonging where every café, lecture theatre, and corner shop is a max 15-minute walk, having catered accommodation was also very important for me, and another reason I chose the University of Exeter.
Not being a very confident cook and having an older sister who LOVED her catered accommodation experience (albeit at another university), I was convinced that it would be a great way for me to settle into university living, and I wasn’t wrong! I was lucky enough to get my first-choice accommodation (Mardon Hall) and met all of my amazing friends, who are still some of my best friends to date. As it was a catered residence, rather than one of the uni’s self-catered flats, it essentially felt a lot like a boarding school – without a matron. This meant hanging out in the common room, then taking a minute long walk to Holland Hall to have our breakfast and dinner! This created a strong routine for all of us, which is super important in first year when you’re trying to find your feet. As there were set times to eat, it also helped us all bond much quicker as we were guaranteed to spend breakfast and dinner eating with friends and meeting at least one new person.
As someone who is quite extroverted and not at all a picky eater, catered accommodation killed two birds with one stone as it ensured a non-awkward introduction to people and relieved me of the stress of cooking, whilst adapting to my new environment.
Therefore, the campus university and catered accommodation became HUGE positives that resulted in my selection of the University of Exeter. The atmosphere of camaraderie and bumping into at least five people that you know on campus (whether welcome or unwelcome!) continues throughout your time at Exeter and truly creates an atmosphere of belonging as you attach memories to the people and places. Whether it’s a love -hate relationship with Forum Hill, a genuine appreciation for the beautiful interiors of the Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies, or even a funny recollection linked precariously to a part of Reed Hall, the whole campus, including the people, will soon feel like a home away from home.
The Location!
I cannot talk about Exeter without talking about its gorgeous location! In the autumn the campus trees turn the most gorgeous shade of auburn, making you feel as if you’re walking through a dark academia Pinterest board, especially when walking along Reed Hall, in the spring a fresh, glistening green coats the campus followed by a summer of pure blue skies and a pollen-filled air that is worth walking in – even with hay fever. I come from a family that absolutely adores the sea and having looked at Exeter’s academic strength and the different programmes it offered, its proximity to the sea was the perfect bonus. Every so often, when deadlines are looming and things get a bit overwhelming, having the luxury of hopping on a 10–20-minute train to Dawlish or Exmouth is the best remedy, the sea air filling your lungs. Third term, after exam season, sees the entirety of the University of Exeter flocking to the many surrounding seaside towns in Devon, going to local pubs, or spending the day at the beach with friends. Some of my favourite memories of first year are from beach days, exploring hidden coves, taking mini ferries, and getting ice-cream snatched out of my hand by a seagull. As well as this, I truly believe that location is so important when studying at university. With Exeter so well situated, the very campus overflowing with greenery, ponds, and breathtaking sunset views from Forum library or the top of Cardiac Hill, even in times of stress or anxiety, you can go on a walk or merely look out the window to feel immediately grounded and connected to nature.
Those were my top four reasons for choosing the University of Exeter as my place of study for four years, offering:
- A wide range of academic study to help those of us -like me- who couldn’t possibly choose just one subject.
- Career pathway options for a flavour of the world of work whilst still being a student.
- A community feel as a campus university that acts as a stepping stone into the adult world.
- A beautiful environment not exclusive to the green campus but made up of the surrounding seaside towns as well.
Therefore, it was for these reasons that the University of Exeter felt like the best choice for my studies in further education. The University felt like the perfect in between of being an adult whilst still having room for error and exploration in a safe and beautiful environment. This is an attitude that I believe is mirrored by lecturers, tutors, and seminar leaders, as questions are always answered and explored, treating students like the academics that we are / set out to be.
See you soon!
Anissa