City or coast…city or coast? A question that had my mind in two pieces for several months. It’s common knowledge that picking where you want to go to university is not a simple decision. Family may tell you, ‘Don’t go too far’ and teachers may tell you ‘pick the one best for the course you want to do’. And while both bits of advice make sense, the decision ultimately comes down to what you want your university experience to look like, not anyone else.
A bit about me
Hi, I’m Prisha, a third year Zoology student studying at the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus. I always imagined myself at a big city university. The idea of busy streets, endless cafés and the feeling that something was always happening. But another part of me loved being outdoors, spending time in nature, going on walks, and being by the water. So, when it came to choosing between a city or coastal university, I spent ages going back and forth, trying to picture what felt right.
Discovering Penryn
When I first came across the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus, in Cornwall, I wasn’t sure at first. It was a long way from home, and I’d never considered living in a smaller town before. But the more I read about it, the more intrigued I became. Surrounded by greenery, and beaches just a short walk away from the charming town of Falmouth, Penryn offered something that no city could: a chance to study in a place that feels like paradise. The campus is shared by the University of Exeter and Falmouth University, creating a vibrant and creative environment, filled with students doing such a wide variety of courses. With my housemate studying photography at Falmouth University, I sometime help with photoshoots, and I have got to see the process of developing a roll of film at the Institute of Photography. I also had the opportunity to walk in the 2025 Graduate Fashion show, showing off my friend’s designs was a fabulous feeling.
But what really set Penryn apart for me was its location. Living and studying in Cornwall sounded like an absolute dream. Now I’ve been here for over two years, on any given day, I might finish a lecture and head straight to Flushing beach for a swim or grab a snack from one on the many independent cafes in Falmouth town, like The Cornish Bakery, to watch the sunset over the harbour. It’s the kind of lifestyle that makes university feel more than just academic; it becomes an experience. And still now I find myself thinking, ‘I can’t believe I’m here’. Sometimes I truly have no words to explain how grateful I am for being where I am and to have made the decisions that have shaped my life here.
My course: Zoology
Unlike many students, I didn’t come to an open day. I applied without ever visiting and luckily got a conditional offer to study BSc Zoology. So, I first visited the Penryn Campus and Falmouth town in the spring before my A-level exams. Academically, Zoology at Exeter ranked 5th in the UK and 4th in the world for Ecology (and in 2025 it now ranks as 2nd in the world for Ecology)! Safe to say that I was really impressed by that. But more importantly, having diverse rockpools and stunning coastlines so close-by was integral to the course’s practical fieldwork, which not many other universities can say they offer. In my first year, we went as far as Land’s End and also Gwithian Towans to conduct a small ecological survey. And in my second year, we searched the rockpools around Castle Beach for any creatures. We ended up finding the rare Rainbow Sea Slug!
Trying out a new sport
When I was still looking at my options, I remember browsing through the societies that the campus had to offer. One that particularly caught my eye was the Gig Rowing society. I had always wanted to try out rowing, but this was different, a new sport of which I had never even heard. I learnt that it was a traditional Cornish rowing sport, with six rowers in a fixed- seat, wooden boat. The society’s page on the SU website showed that some of their students had gone on to row in the World Pilot Gig Championships on the Isles of Scilly! How amazing is that? I remember so vividly thinking that I want to compete in this competition too, never having even picked up an oar. I’m not saying I picked the University of Exeter because of this ambition, but it definitely was in the back of my mind at the time…
Little did my 17-year-old self know, in my second year of uni, I would be selected, along with 4 other students, to represent Flushing & Mylor (the local rowing club) at the World Championships. To this day, it has been one of the best weekends of my life and an experience that I will never forget. All thanks to studying in Cornwall. Being out on the water for early morning training and becoming part of a close-knit team has been unforgettable. It’s also such a uniquely Cornish experience, something I would never have discovered at a city university.
Jobs and work experience
In my first year of university, we had a module called ‘Skills and Careers’, and through this we were guided through finding a work placement. I found a wildlife hospital close to home where I spent two weeks working. It has given me so much insight into how to approach companies for experience and also provided me with useful animal husbandry skills.
After graduating, I would love to get into the field of science communication. So, for the past year I have been writing articles and illustrating for the University of Exeter and Falmouth University’s student-led natural science publication, and being on the society’s committee has hugely helped to improve my written communication skills, collaboration and working to deadlines. Hopefully my role in the society will help towards my future ambitions!
Final thoughts
Choosing Penryn has pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best possible way. Moving far from home to a completely new environment turned out to be exactly what I needed. I’ve met people from all over the world, tried things I’d never imagined, and found a sense of independence that I am really proud of.
Looking back now, I’m so glad I trusted my instincts. The University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus has given me a university experience that’s both academically enriching and personally meaningful. It’s a place where I’ve been able to challenge myself, explore new passions, and feel truly connected to the community and environment around me.
If I had chosen a city university over Penryn, I may have never found my love for swimming and rowing in the ocean; never realised I love the peaceful small-town lifestyle and never would have been in a location where I learn about the diverse environment around me in my course.
So, if you’re currently stuck in that same debate: city or coast? my advice is to think about the kind of experience you want beyond your degree. University isn’t just about lectures and coursework, it’s about the environment you’ll live in, the people you’ll meet, and the lifestyle you’ll create for yourself. Choosing Penryn has shaped my university experience in ways I never expected, and it’s a decision I’d make again in a heartbeat.