Hi, I’m Chi Le, an MA student in Media and Communications at the University of Exeter. Deciding where to continue my postgraduate studies has excited and terrified me at the same time. Coming from Vietnam, I knew studying abroad would be one of the most challenging decisions that I have ever made. Like many international students, I was not only thinking about the academic reputation of a university, but also whether I would feel supported, safe and able to settle in a new country.
Before coming to Exeter, I kept asking myself a lot of questions: Will I feel safe? Will I be supported? Will I actually settle in and feel like I belong to this community? Looking back, I realised that support at Exeter goes beyond academics. It’s about creating an environment where international students feel reassured, welcomed and confident as they navigate life in a new place.
In this blog, I am going to share my 5-month experience as an international student to show how the University of Exeter has really impressed me.
Impressive Student Support Team
One of the things that truly stands out about Exeter is how much the University cares about students. Even before stepping foot in Exeter, as an international student, I already felt well-supported in becoming part of its global community. I felt thankful for the International Student Support Team as they gave me a sense of support when it came to the visa process. For me, this part was really overwhelming since there was a lot of paperwork that needed to be done.
At this stage, Exeter provided clear guidance through its international student resources that every international student can access through the International Student Community & Support website. This support was not limited to online but also in practical events. Exeter held a Pre-Departure event for international students in my home country country, and I could bring my parents along as guests. We had the chance to meet University representatives, listen to current students, share their experiences, and see some photos and videos of the city and campuses to get a glimpse of what life at Exeter would be like.
That event not only gave me the chance to meet future students but also gave my family a sense of reassurance that I was heading to a safe, friendly and inspiring place. Thanks to that experience, the journey of studying abroad felt much easier and far more exciting.
What I really appreciate is that their support doesn’t stop once you arrive. I would say that it becomes even more visible once you’re actually here and trying to adjust to daily life. One example that stood out to me was the airport collection service at the beginning of term. Arriving in a new country can feel overwhelming, especially after a long flight, but knowing that there was a planned pick-up service organised by the University made the transition much easier. It removed a lot of the anxiety about navigating transport with heavy luggage in an unfamiliar place. So I would highly recommend this service to international students and you can check this service through Airport Collection Service site.
Throughout the term, the support continues to be visible in different ways. The international student support team regularly sends emails about welcome activities, practical information sessions and cultural events designed specifically for international students. These updates might seem small, but when you are adjusting to a new academic system and daily routine, they make a real difference.
I really appreciated their support since instead of waiting until something goes wrong, Exeter team makes sure we are informed in advance. That sense of structure really helps reduce unnecessary stress. As an international student, even if I don’t always need assistance, simply knowing that there is a team communicating with me makes me truly feel supported and looked after from the moment I arrived.
A Peaceful Place to Grow
When my family first talked about studying abroad, their biggest concern wasn’t about academics, it was about safety and environment. They wanted me to live somewhere peaceful, where I could feel secure and focus on growing both academically and personally.
As someone who’s quite introverted and loves nature, I’ve always found comfort in calm, green spaces rather than busy cities. That’s why Exeter feels like a perfect match for me. The Streatham Campus is breathtakingly beautiful. It offers exactly the kind of atmosphere that helps me recharge and stay balanced after classes. I often spend time walking around campus, especially near Reed Hall, where the view of the hills always feels magical, like I’m stepping into a little wonderland. For me, Exeter itself is small enough to feel safe and welcoming, yet still full of joy.
One thing I was slightly nervous about before arriving was accommodation. I currently live in private accommodation about a 20-minute walk from Streatham Campus. At first, I wondered whether living off-campus would make things more difficult, especially in a new country. However, one of the things I quickly realised is how walkable and student-friendly Exeter actually is. The city is compact and the route between my accommodation and campus feels safe and manageable. Knowing that the University of Exeter has 24/7 security patrols in place has helped me feel comfortable moving between campus and accommodation, even in the evenings. There is also an app called SafeZone that I was introduced to in the Welcome Week event, which makes it easy to get help quickly if needed. These small details really add up and contribute to a strong sense of security. Even though I live in private accommodation, I still feel connected to the University environment and supported as part of the wider student community. Feeling safe where I study and live allows me to focus more on my studies and enjoy my time at University a lot more.
Inclusive Community for International Students
As an international student, I knew that one of the biggest fears was feeling out of place in a new country. But from the very beginning, I always felt a sense of belonging and acceptance. During Welcome Week, there were so many events to help us get to know each other, from campus tours and student society fairs to informal meetups and cultural nights. I was a bit nervous at first, but everyone was so friendly and open that it didn’t take long to make new friends. We bonded over coffee breaks, exploring the city together and even trying other’s traditional food.
For me, inclusivity isn’t just something I see; it’s something I can experience. Exeter has given me so many opportunities to connect with people from different backgrounds, to learn new perspectives, and share my own culture. They have a wide range of societies and sports clubs, covering everything from cultural interests to hobbies and academic subjects. These activities make it much easier to socialise outside of lectures and build genuine connections. Being part of such an open and inclusive community has made me feel more confident, curious, and connected to the world around me.
One app that I would like to recommend for Exeter students is MyExeter. Besides using it for checking my timetable and navigating my study spaces, I also use it for checking new events. The Events section makes everything feel more accessible. I can scroll through upcoming workshops, social gathering and cultural celebrations in one place. As mentioned before, I’m quite introverted so I don’t always feel comfortable walking into random events without knowing what to expect. Being able to read about them beforehand helps me decide which one feel right for me. It gives me a sense of control rather than pressure. This app is essential for anyone like me who want to gradually step out of their comfort zone.
Final Thoughts for New Students
If there is one piece of advice I can give to you, it would be this: you don’t need to have everything figured out before you arrive. The University of Exeter will help you do it. Support at Exeter is built into everyday student life, even if you don’t actively seek it out. Just knowing that there is always someone that will help you – from your academic to wellbeing life – to make sure you always feel taken care of.
Joining activities, meeting new people and exploring both city and campus life will help you feel relaxed, and recharged. Studying at the University of Exeter isn’t just about getting a degree, it’s about the journey of learning, growing, and discovering who I am along the way. Exeter has given me a place where I feel supported, inspired, and truly at home. If you’re thinking about where to start your journey, I encourage you to choose a place that challenges you, welcomes you, and helps you grow every day.
For me, that place is Exeter.