Hi all! Zara here, a BSc Psychology GRADUATE!! No longer a student, nope, I am a certified grad now. It has been an absolute pleasure to write some blogs about my life at Exeter’s Streatham Campus over the past two years, and I am now able to take a more holistic look at my time now that it has come to an end. I went to my brother’s graduation as he is graduating the same year as me, and whilst his university is fantastic, I couldn’t help but feel like I would not have enjoyed going there as much and have been reflecting on why. Here are some reasons I am grateful and super happy with my choice to attend university here in Exeter.
Location
To me, Exeter’s location is absolutely perfect. Since the first year, I have been taking trips to the beach, camping on Dartmoor, visiting nearby sites like the Eden Project, the Jurassic mile and even Stonehenge, though that last one is a bit farther away. Still, living in the south west makes all these places super accessible to visit by train or by car. The other week, I went on an impulsive camping trip to Dartmoor (pictured below!) and it was absolutely lovely weather. We woke up to all the horses having their breakfast (morning graze in the grass!) and enjoyed breakfast in Spitchwick (also pictured!) before taking a dip in the water. I also went on a last-minute trip to the beach the other week for a cheeky swim, which was not only quick to get to but also quick to get back from – Exmouth is only about half an hour from the city in a car or on the train. We stopped for an ice cream at Darts Farm on the way back from our swim, and just being able to do all these things and live like a main character has been amazing. The south west is absolutely gorgeous, and Exeter, being a Russell Group university and a top 10 university for my subject, makes this a no-brainer for me.
Campus
The second reason I am super happy with my choice is the vibes on campus. My brother attended a city university with a decentralised campus, which he enjoyed, but overall I have loved having the hub of Exeter’s Streatham Campus, where my course was based, because it’s made making the most of societies and finding friends so much easier. Everyone goes to the same places to study, eat and hang out, which means I have been able to send a quick “anyone on campus” text to friends and undoubtedly someone is on campus and is free to meet for a coffee, yap, or study session. One of the other nice things about a campus uni like Exeter is that you’ll end up seeing the same faces throughout your studies, which makes it feel so much more close-knit and like a community. I know lots of students in other cities really struggle with homesickness and finding their place at university but here, I’ve not really felt like that. In first year most new students live in uni halls , which sets you up for second and third year as you are already super familiar with campus and people around your accommodation. It’s been oddly comforting to see people from my first-year accommodation around campus throughout my studies, so I am really, really glad I came to Exeter.
Societies
The third reason is societies. There have been so many to choose from, and because they mostly run on campus, being a part of a variety of societies over the course of my studies helped me meet so many people. Even if I just went for a taster session, over time I became familiar with the faces of people there, as (at least I found) that a lot of the same people attend societies. For example, if I went to the Debating Society, I would see so many of the same faces at other political societies, or people at the Expedition Society, or the Open Water Swimming Society. It’s really nice to be a part of that sense of community, as after meeting a bunch of people at one event, I felt comfortable going to any event, as I was sure to know a few friendly faces. Members of societies also sometimes go on to leadership positions within the Students’ Guild (and this is something you could do if you’re interested!). Now, as a graduate, I have personal relationships with people from a lot of different societies as well as key members of the Guild, and it’s really made Exeter feel like home and a close-knit family. I think this is something quite unique about Exeter, because joining societies is so encouraged and a big part of student life.
My faculty
The fourth thing is my faculty in particular. At my graduation ceremony, the chancellor of the University gave a speech where he said they would continue to maintain the high standard of teaching they currently exhibit to make sure our degrees stay as prestigious as they are, which got me thinking about the academic side of my time at Exeter. I can say I have felt beyond supported by my faculty here in Exeter. Anytime I have been confused or needed guidance, I have always been supported and received clear advice. I have had the most wonderful lecturers, and my dissertation supervisor could not have been more helpful through the very stressful process of data collection, analysis and writing the final scientific report. There was such clear signposting for where to access help if I needed it, and every lecturer held office hours that were published online and in their emails, so we could go in person to get more support.
As someone who takes my academic success incredibly seriously, I have been so impressed and happy with how it’s all gone, and I would recommend Exeter just from an academic standpoint without even considering everything I have already discussed. As far as I am aware, my treatment is absolutely not rare and is, in fact, the norm.
The overall vibe
The last thing I will talk about is the vibe and the culture on campus and in the city. Exeter is such a beautiful historic city. The Roman walls are absolutely gorgeous, and the student body doesn’t really do massive ragers in town, so whilst there are lots of students in the city, everyone is very respectful of the local communities and even join in on local events like running groups, local sports clubs, or charity events.
It doesn’t feel so insular, and being in the city centre is also is not daunting like it could be in a major city. The city is big enough that I find everything I need, but not too big that I worry about my safety, and I always see people I know whilst I am out. Exeter has a reputation for being a bit ‘posh’, but I wouldn’t even say that is the case. It is, however, more relaxed for sure; people aren’t as fast-paced or intense as I think they are at some other Russell Group universities. I have really, really enjoyed that, because going into the working world, I feel I have a really good understanding of balance between ‘work’ and ‘play’: you’re able to practice that at Exeter because the student culture here isn’t all studies or all clubbing or all societies. I feel like the Exeter atmosphere pushed me towards balance – I really loved that during my studies, and it’s definitely set me up well now that I am graduating. Being a part of the local community was also amazing, and helped me meet so many mentor figures who were able to guide me through university (I met them through local sports clubs and work, in case you are looking to do the same).
Final thoughts
So yeah, those are some of the main reasons I have absolutely adored Exeter, and I am genuinely heartbroken to leave. It has been an honour to be a student ambassador for a university that has changed me so fundamentally for the better, and I look forward to seeing what is next for me. I hope you will consider coming to Exeter and maybe trying some of the things that my fellow ambassadors talk about in our blogs and videos.