Hi, I’m Emily, a first-year Zoology student at the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus, and I’m loving it so far! The University offers countless opportunities and unforgettable experiences. From developing valuable skills through your studies to engaging in sports, joining societies, volunteering and exploring new places, every moment is a chance to discover more about yourself. The time I have spent here so far is turning out to be a truly memorable student experience – and in this blog I’ll tell you why!
Academic Skills
The University of Exeter is one of the top universities in the UK, meaning you receive top-class teaching. From lectures and seminars to hands-on practical sessions, my course is helping me develop a wide range of valuable skills such as, fieldwork and research skills to core skills including initiative, teamwork, and communication from group work. The learning environment is supportive and interactive with lecturers who are friendly and approachable. This makes it easier to ask questions and engage with them in lectures and tutorials. Many of the academic staff are conducting their own research which they often share with students, which gives us deeper insights into the subject and aides our studies.
Support
There are many teams at the University of Exeter, offering a wide variety of support. At the Penryn Campus, the Student’s Union are always available for a chat, plus they provide free soup Fridays and a free food pantry if you are ever struggling financially. The Info Hub on the Penryn Campus and the student help desk are also available to answer any questions you may have. Besides that, your personal tutor and Lecturers will also provide advice and support if you ever have any concerns or worries about things that may be affecting your studies and they are always keen to help. The Penryn Campus also has ResLife, a student support group which will help you to meet new people. They also provide free snacks once a week, provide flat visits to first years and offer many trips throughout the year to various locations around Cornwall. There is a ResLife team on the Exeter campuses too. Other support available includes the IT hub, the CareerZone and the accommodation team, who all go above and beyond to help solve any issues and improve your student experience.
Student Life
Whether you choose a sports club, a cultural society, or something completely unique, being part of a community outside your academic studies can broaden your horizons, boost your confidence, and make your university experience truly enriching. So far, my student experience at the University of Exeter has been unforgettable. I have had so many opportunities to experience new hobbies and passions I had never considered before. Joining a society is an incredible way to meet new people, socialise and build lasting friendships, while also discovering that new hobby or passion. There are so many societies to choose from (over 150) and there really is something for everyone. I have joined Expedition Society, Book Club, Gig Rowing and EcoSoc and I am loving them all so far!
During Fresher’s Week there are also countless student events taking place, giving you an opportunity to meet new people and settle into university life. From free ice creams to enjoying a Llama walk, campus tours and sky bar events at night, the University creates the memorable student experience right from the very beginning. The Student’s Union at Penryn also arrange weekly karaoke nights, creating a fun start to the weekend. In addition to all that, there are also many volunteering opportunities, which are displayed during a volunteer fair on the Penryn Campus. These can help to increase your skills, whilst being an enjoyable experience. I have been volunteering with the Cornwall Wildlife Trust, sorting seagrass seeds at Falmouth Harbour. This has helped me to further develop my skills, meet others on my course and enjoy beautiful Falmouth.
Sports
The University of Exeter offers many opportunities to get involved in sports. There is a sports centre on the Penryn Campus, making it easy to access the gym and gym classes. The sports societies are very welcoming and encourage you to join even if you have never tried the sport before. I tried out badminton and gig rowing, and decided to join the rowing club, having never rowed before. We row once a week at Flushing, which is always a highlight for me. It’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors, work as a team and build strength and stamina in a fun, social setting. In addition to rowing, I attend a weekly gym session, which the rowing club arrange. Both activities give me a sense of balance and time away from study. There are lots of opportunities to try out for a competitive team and many competitions and tournaments held throughout the year.
Location
University at the Penryn Campus in Cornwall has made my first term unforgettable! The campus is a lovely place to live and study. From modern lecture theatres and numerous on-campus cafes to a well-stocked campus shop and a library complete with cosy chill-out zones, everything is designed to make student life comfortable and enjoyable. There are many beautiful green spaces, including the tranquil walled garden with benches and hammocks, making it a perfect spot for lunch, as well as the Italian gardens and Lime Tree Avenue. The campus is a stunning environment to walk around and explore, offering an escape between studies. Having the chance to live and learn in such a beautiful and scenic setting has made the start of my first year so much easier and more enjoyable. This truly is a unique student experience.
As if the campus isn’t enough, Falmouth is such a vibrant, diverse and lively town to explore, with a wide range of cafes, shops and pubs. Nearby is Gylly beach, Swanpool beach and Castle beach. These are excellent places for a walk, a sea swim (which is also new to me) or a beach BBQ. Pendennis castle is also nearby and is a beautiful place to visit. Joining the Expedition Society has also given me the opportunity to explore places in Cornwall such as Kendal Vale Nature Reserve, Mutton Cove, St Austell and Fowey, many of these walks taking place along the South West coastal path. The nightlife in Falmouth is also great fun, with small pubs like Chintz playing jazz music. Live music can also be found at The Cornish Bank. There are also many affordable places to eat in the town which provide student deals, such as Leroys and The Cornish Bakery! Falmouth is a friendly, close-knit community and the locals really do make you feel at home.
Cultural Activities
There are a diverse range of cultural activities held through the year. At the Penryn Campus there is a Cultural Festival held in March, celebrating different cultures, and the diversity within the student population. There is also an Intercultural Cafe on the campus, which holds events during Welcome Week to help international students settle in and provide support throughout the year. In addition, there are many cultural societies which will help you feel at home and help you to meet others that share your culture, including Hispanic society and African and Caribbean society. Recently events were held to celebrate Black History Month, bringing diverse cultures together.
Your studies
Studying at the University of Exeter is a great experience thanks to the world class teaching, practical experience, careers support though schemes such as the Exeter Award, Green Consultants and Connect with Alum Scheme- and these are all things that help you to build skills that could be used in any future career. Whilst studying Zoology at Penryn Campus, I have attended various field trips. During my first week I went to Land’s End and throughout my first few months I have been on field trips to Devichoys Wood and the Helford estuary. These field trips were not only fun and enjoyable but they have also helped to deepen and improve my learning and understanding further. During second year there will be opportunities for field trips to Scotland or the Isles of Scilly. In our final year there are also field trips abroad to destinations such as Costa Rica, Alaska, and the Azores, no doubt creating a unique and memorable student experience.
I have found the Centre for Ecology and Conservation (CEC) community at Exeter to be supportive and encouraging. CEC Wednesdays provide a time to relax and play games with other students on your course and it can be a time to ask any questions to PhD students. The CEC also held a Christmas fair selling items students had made, they also hold casual meetings throughout the year for students to provide feedback.
Having only been at the University of Exeter for a few months, I can already say that my experience here has been unforgettable. From the academic skills gained through my course, to enriching experiences like field trips and volunteering, new friendships formed through societies and events, the opportunities have been endless. Getting to explore Falmouth and other areas in Cornwall has added to create a vibrant and unique student journey.
By studying here, you will learn new things about yourself and be able to nurture current hobbies and passions whilst also developing new ones. The support offered by staff for your studies and settling into student life helps to ease any worries you may have and means you always have someone to go to for advice. Finally, you can be sure that by studying at the University of Exeter your student experience will be vibrant, lively and you will have the best time!