My name is Nasha, and I’m currently in my second year of studying Law with Business at the Penryn campus. When I first received my offer, I’ll admit; like many international students, I had no idea where Penryn was. As someone who grew up in the bustling city of Cambridge, where I attended boarding school, the idea of moving to a quiet coastal town in Cornwall felt both exciting and slightly daunting. Fast forward a year, and I can confidently say it’s been one of the most transformative decisions of my life.
This blog is my way of sharing that journey; of trading skyscrapers for rolling hills, busy intersections for breathtaking sea views, and a fast-paced city rhythm for the gentle pace of life by the coast. Living and studying here has not only shaped my university experience but also allowed me to discover hidden corners, serene spots, and a sense of peace I never expected to find.
Whether you’re a prospective student considering Penryn or simply curious about life in Cornwall, I hope to show you how stepping outside the “usual” university destinations can open a world of beauty, adventure, and personal growth.
Campus Life: More Than Just Lectures and Libraries
Green spaces: The Penryn Campus is renowned for its commitment to sustainability and its beautifully preserved green spaces, something that truly sets it apart from many other universities. While many campuses are dominated by endless stretches of concrete and towering buildings, Penryn feels alive. Lush gardens, winding footpaths, and vibrant bursts of flowers soften the landscape, creating a calm and inviting atmosphere.
One of my favourite things to do between lectures is to wander through the flower-filled gardens, where the scent of fresh blooms lingers in the air and the gentle rustle of leaves creates a quiet kind of magic. I often find myself gravitating toward the water fountain near the Tremough building. There’s a small wooden bench tucked nearby, and it’s become my personal retreat a place where I can escape the stillness of the library, settle in with a book, and let the soft sounds of trickling water and birdsong clear my mind.
This blend of nature and learning gives the campus a warmth and serenity that makes studying here feel less like an obligation and more like a privilege. The walk home from university makes me feel refreshed rather than tired as I walk through the forested paths where the trees cave in and the calm breeze passes.
Bridges Beyond Campus: Exploring Falmouth and Truro
Falmouth: Getting from campus to Falmouth is quick and easy, perfect for spontaneous seaside trips. The bus from campus costs under £3 and takes about 20 minutes; ideal for soaking in the Cornish views. If you live off campus, a monthly pass is handy, but Glasney residents can simply tap on and off whenever the weekend calls.
For a more scenic route, the train is just a 15-minute walk away at Penryn Station. A 6-minute ride takes you straight to Falmouth Town for around £3.60 or less with a railcard. It’s a calm, easy journey that ends with the charm of the coast right at your feet.
Truro: Truro is another nearby gem, perfect for those days when you feel like wandering a little further. Unlike the cosy, coastal charm of Falmouth, Truro has the vibrant energy of a small city, with more shops, cafés, and hidden corners to explore. It’s an easy journey too; the bus costs around £3 and takes roughly 40 minutes. If you’d rather get there faster, the train is a smooth 15-minute ride, with tickets starting at about £5.60 on Train Pal, or less with a railcard. Whenever I start to feel a little tucked away between Penryn and Falmouth, Truro is my perfect reset.
There are also many more places around Penryn that are easy to visit. Cornwall is more than just campus life and the familiar walk to the sea; it’s full of charming towns waiting to be explored.
Little Cornish (Falmouth) gems you’ll absolutely love
Gylly beach: Gylly Beach is one of those places that feels like it was made to be adored. The water glimmers in shades of turquoise and blue, so clear that on sunny days it almost looks tropical.
Locals and students alike flock here to swim, paddleboard, or simply let the salty breeze wash over them.
For me, Gylly is my morning escape. On days without lectures, I lace up my trainers and jog down to the beach, letting the sea air wake me up as the town slowly stirs to life. The path down is lined with greenery and soft coastal light, and by the time I reach the sand, the world feels wide and calm. I usually grab a coffee or matcha from a nearby café, sit for a moment, and let the view settle in waves rolling, gulls gliding, and the horizon stretching endlessly ahead.
Getting there is easy; just a 20-minute walk from the center of Falmouth, or a quick 10-minute stroll from Falmouth Town Station if you’re coming from Penryn.
Whether it’s for a swim, a run, or a quiet moment by the sea, Gylly Beach has a way of making you want to stay a little longer. Plus, the Castle Beach Cafe is right next to it!
Castle Beach Cafe: On my visits down to Gylly beach I really love the Castle Beach Cafe, as it’s a quiet spot where you can grab food whilst having a lovely view of the ocean right in front of you! It’s a great place to grab a sweet treat after walking down.
The Games Room: The Games Room, tucked away on Falmouth’s lively high street at 12 Market Street, is one of those spots that just has a great vibe the moment you walk in. It’s always buzzing, especially on the weekends, with chattering in the background. I love heading out for dinner on a Saturday night to take a break from my usual cooking routine, and The Games Room has become my go-to place to round off the evening with a group of friends.
There’s something so fun about it whether you’re huddled around a table for a friendly poker game or locked in a slightly too-competitive round of darts (I promise, I keep it bet-free!), it’s the perfect way to unwind with friends with light drinks if you would like. It’s a great social spot which I would recommend, it’s easy and perfect for if you also don’t like staying out till too late and maybe the clubbing scene is not for you; as it closes by midnight everyday!
Where to go if you’re missing the city feel
Plymouth: Like many students, I grew up surrounded by the energy of city life. I spent my teen years in Cambridge and often visited London to see family, so I got used to the constant movement the bustle, the bright lights, the endless things to do. That kind of rhythm stays with you, and every now and then, you catch yourself missing it. Cornwall has a slower, gentler pace, which is part of its charm, but sometimes you just crave that familiar buzz of a city.
When that feeling hits, I have found that Plymouth is the perfect little getaway. It is close enough to make a spontaneous day trip but big enough to give you that vibrant, urban feel. The train takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes, or if you’re watching your budget, the bus will get you there in around 2 hours for roughly £15–25 with a same-day return; it’s even cheaper with a railcard, and you can even catch some clothing sales!
Between Sea and Study: How Location Inspires Student Life
The last thing I want to share in this blog is how living in Cornwall has quietly but powerfully shaped my student experience not just academically, but emotionally and mentally too. Having lived here for a year now, I have come to realize how much the environment itself plays a role in how you feel every day.
Every morning, I wake up to the soft light rising above the Falmouth pier. The sky slowly turns from gentle pinks to gold in its morning rise, I often pause and think, “How lucky am I to have this right outside my window?” It is a moment of stillness that sets up the tone for my day — a reminder of how different this life is from the rush of the city, where mornings are often swallowed up by traffic and noise.
Daily, I find it amazing how I can head out for a walk, grab my favorite drink, and soak in the beautiful view of Falmouth Pier. The Cornish hills sit quietly in the distance, boats glide across the water, and everything feels calm and peaceful. It is such a refreshing change from the endless buildings and busy streets of the city.
Living away from all that constant buzz has honestly done wonders for my health. Being here has encouraged me to go on weekly walks to the beaches, and with so much greenery around, it is easy to find new walking routes. I even use Strava to create different paths it is a wonderful way to stay active while enjoying Cornwall’s natural beauty.
Living in Cornwall has taught me that university life is not just shaped by what you study, but where you grow. This little corner of the coast has given me space to slow down, to breathe, and to fall in love with the quiet beauty of everyday moments. From sunrise walks by the pier to spontaneous trips with friends, it is the kind of place that wraps around you like a warm hug, welcoming, and unforgettable.
If you are dreaming about studying somewhere different, I hope my story shows you that the best experiences often come from stepping outside your comfort zone and exploring unfamiliar places like Cornwall, as I took that risk; and loved my university experience here so far!