Who do I want to be in the future?
That was the question that kept me up at night every time I would think about what I wanted to study. I wanted to understand how the world of business could work with the planet, not against it. My answer wasn’t perfect – but I knew I wanted to make a difference.
Hey everyone! I’m Ayleen, a second-year Business and Environment student at the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus.
Where sustainability meets strategy
I’ve always been fascinated by how the world functions — how economies grow, how companies make decisions, and how all of that affects the planet we live on. Hence, I knew I wanted a foundation in business in conjunction with a sustainable approach. That’s when I stumbled upon Exeter’s BSc Business and Environment – it was the perfect course combining both my passions. A space where sustainability, economics, ecology, and entrepreneurship all come together. Unlike many other courses I came across, Exeter’s degree didn’t treat sustainability as an afterthought; it is integrated into every module.
Furthermore, the Penryn Campus aims to source from local suppliers wherever possible and minimises plastic packaging and food waste. Dare I say, the Sustainability Cafe in the Upper Stannary does have the best local coffee!
In my first year, for one of my law modules, we had to make a podcast. What I really love about my degree is that you have the opportunity to work with and learn from people outside your course, studying a plethora of different degrees such as environmental science, politics, and law. Fun group projects such as this really allowed me to befriend people from all over the world. Everyone had different perspectives, but what I loved most was how open the discussions were — no one was afraid to challenge ideas. Whether this be in a lecture or a seminar. It made me realise that Exeter encourages not just learning, but critical thinking.
Another standout class was Understanding Work and Organisations, where we learned how employee wellbeing connects to productivity and long-term sustainability. It made me see that sustainability isn’t only about the planet — it’s also about people. That balance between environmental and human sustainability is what sets this degree apart.
A campus that breathes creativity
Something many people don’t realise about studying at Penryn is how creative the environment is. Sharing the campus with Falmouth University means you’re constantly surrounded by artists, filmmakers, and designers. It’s not unusual to overhear a conversation about climate policy at one table and a film script at the next.
That blend of disciplines sparks creativity in unexpected ways. I have the privilege of not just having friends from studying the sciences, but people studying the arts as well. Because of this, I’ve had exciting opportunities to realise how certain concepts are interlinked. For example, last week I had a very interesting debate about how the film industry is trying to reduce its carbon footprint. Collaborating with students with different interests but the same ideology made me realise how our skills complemented each other and prompted us to initiate a sustainability awareness campaign. It’s day-to-day moments like this that remind me that this is what the real world is about.
Being in this kind of environment keeps you inspired. It pushes you to think differently — to see that business isn’t just numbers and reports, but storytelling, innovation, and creativity. It transcends the course and encourages you to think outside the box.
Finding home far from home
As an international student, I won’t lie — moving to a completely different country was overwhelming. I grew up in Lahore and Dubai, surrounded by tall buildings, traffic, and endless noise. Suddenly, I was in Cornwall, where the sea is only a bus ride away, and life moves at a slower, calmer pace.
At first, it felt like stepping into another world. But that’s exactly what I needed. Penryn’s small campus made it easier to settle in and connect with people. Within a few weeks, I started recognising familiar faces on my way to class, bumping into friends at the café, and chatting with professors who genuinely cared about my progress.
One of the things that stood out most to me is how personal the learning environment feels. The small cohort sizes mean you can actually build relationships with your lecturers — they know your name, your interests, and what you want to do in the future. I once stayed after a seminar to talk to my lecturer about green consulting, and instead of giving a quick answer, he sat down with me for half an hour and talked me through possible career paths. That kind of support makes all the difference.
The campus itself feels like a hidden gem — surrounded by greenery, with views that make early-morning lectures slightly easier. And on sunny days, there’s something magical about studying outside or catching a sunset walk with friends after class. It’s moments like those that made Penryn feel like home.
I lived in Glasney View, one of the on-campus accommodation options, in my first year. Coming to the UK as an international student so far away from home really made me value my time in my flat. Living with students from both the University of Exeter and Falmouth University means we never had a boring night. Flat movie nights, cooking dinner together and just lingering in the kitchen before bed are all things I really miss from living in this flat. It was also convenient knowing I had a sense of community and a home away from home where everyone in the block knew each other. Did I forget to mention the double beds and ensuite bathrooms – something so rare for university accommodations!
Now I live off campus between Penryn and Falmouth, which is convenient to come into university or walk into town. Something to consider when looking for second-year housing is the distance and travel time to and from campus, and most importantly the people you live with. My best advice is to start looking early!
Beyond the classroom: finding my people
University isn’t just about what you learn — it’s about who you become. Joining societies was the best way for me to find my community and make lifelong friends.
As Vice President of the Asian Society, I’ve met people from all over the world who share similar stories — moving away from home, navigating cultural shocks, and trying to build a sense of belonging with a community. Organising events that bring people together, whether it’s a Diwali celebration or a casual dinner, has been so fulfilling. Watching first-years walk in nervously and leave with new friends is a feeling I’ll never get tired of. Here’s a picture of me organising a dinner for first years to meet the rest of the Asian community at the ever-so-hospitable Curry Baba in Falmouth.
There are also tons of other Asian restaurants to choose from in the area. Ranging from Indian Cuisines – Red Chilli in Penryn, Namaste and Wilder in Falmouth – to East-Asian options such as the new Thai E San restaurant, Bango Kitchen, and Ming’s Garden. There’s always something to choose from in either the restaurants or the Asian corner shop in Falmouth!
Working with ResLife has also been a huge part of my Exeter experience. I help host events for students looking to meet new people or who might be struggling with adjusting to university life. From board game nights to chatting with passersby by handing out free tea and coffee at Glasney Lodge has made a big impact – even if it’s just to put a smile on people’s faces. I remember one student telling me that kayaking with Res Life encouraged them to start doing more water sports activities.
As a Student Ambassador, I’ve also had the chance to talk to prospective students — many of whom remind me of myself a few years ago: excited, nervous, and unsure. I love being able to tell them that it’s okay not to have everything figured out. Exeter has a way of helping you find your path, even when you’re still exploring.
The Career Zone has been especially helpful in guiding me to look for summer internships and employability. It is ranked in the top three university careers services in the UK, which is absolutely phenomenal. They are super helpful in looking over your CV and offering advice, and you can book office hours in person or online with skilled professionals. The best thing is, you still have access to these support services as an alum even after you graduate. I highly recommend going to them for advice!
Growing into myself
Looking back on my time here so far, I can see how much I’ve changed. I came to Exeter with curiosity and hope; I’ve grown into someone more confident, driven, and inspired.
I’ve learned how to balance leadership and empathy, ambition and rest. My course has challenged me to think critically about how the world works, while my extracurricular experiences have taught me how to bring people together. And through it all, I’ve realised that university isn’t just about getting a degree — it’s about growing into someone who’s ready to make a difference.
Even the quiet moments — late-night study sessions, laughter in the kitchen with flatmates, or sitting on the beach watching the waves — have shaped who I am. They remind me that growth doesn’t always happen in the classroom; sometimes it happens in conversations, in community, and in the courage to step out of your comfort zone.
Here’s a picture of my friends when we decided to drive over to Kynance Cove and explore the gorgeous Cornish landscapes after a lecture.
Why Exeter?
Because Exeter doesn’t just teach you what to think — it teaches you how to think. It’s a place that encourages curiosity, celebrates individuality, and supports your growth every step of the way.
It’s where professors remember your name, where the environment inspires creativity, and where friendships feel like family.
I can’t imagine spending my university days anywhere else besides the Penryn Campus. Compared to a much bigger city, I would much rather have a home away from home where I can truly be myself – enjoying my course in the natural environment.
If you’re reading this and trying to decide where to go next, I know how confusing it can feel. But ask yourself: Where will I grow the most — not just academically, but as a person?
For me, the answer was the University of Exeter. It’s where I found my direction, my people, and a version of myself I’m proud of.
