Hello everyone, my name is Nasha. I am currently a second-year LLB Law with Business student at the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus. I am an international student who attended boarding school not far from Cambridgeshire, so coming to study in Cornwall was a great transition from the countryside to the seaside! Grab a snack because I’m about to take you through a week in my life, including lectures, late nights, and runs along the scenic coastline.
By the end of this, don’t be surprised if you’re already picturing yourself here, swapping the ordinary for an ocean breeze and something a little unique!
Monday
AM ☕
I awoke to the normal seagull music, looked out my window at the sea, and decided to start the week on a positive note. I scrambled two eggs, made my signature caramel latte (fancy, I know), and got my head to work.
I went for a light 7km run along the coastal trail. I tracked it on Strava because, honestly, if there’s no proof, did it really happen? The salty breeze hit me as I fell into my rhythm, music playing through my headphones, and I calmly stared out at the clear blue sea stretching across the trail. It felt almost surreal, as if I had woken up in a coastal dreamland rather than the UK!
PM 💤
I felt rejuvenated after that energetic morning, which had fuelled my brain nicely, so I went to the campus library to read my favourite book, “Doughnut Economics.” Faint talk buzzed in the background as groups filled the space with a usual studious atmosphere.
I began drafting an essay on workplace health, which is based on group dynamics reflection. Half an essay later, I felt like I’d aced my Monday and, most importantly, had a productive, determined start to the week.
Tuesday
AM ☕
Tuesdays are always a long day for me because I have classes all morning. I got up about 10 a.m. to attend my Contract Law lecture, having only had a glass of milk and a cereal bar. Today’s lessons included a lecture and a seminar, which I prepared for by bringing notes and books. Despite not being a morning person, I was able to answer most of the questions during the seminar, which gave me a nice sense of accomplishment.
PM 💤
After my seminars and lectures finally finished, I hopped on the train back to Falmouth, only a five-minute journey from Penryn, which still feels like a cheat code. No long commutes here, just a quick route home.
I decided to cook something proper for once, rather than my normal “throw pasta in boiling water and hope for the best” scenario. I made my classic chicken tikka rice bowl, which I was truly craving (rather than usual the fridge-raid special) which made my day as it’s my favorite meal to make. I sat down with my meal, turned on a Bollywood movie and sipped my green tea, as I heard it’s really good for your skin and quick digestion before bed.
I went to sleep quite early after that. It had been a tiring day, not particularly creative, but hey, my meal was creative, which has to count for something.
Wednesday
AM ☕
On Wednesdays I usually don’t have any lectures or seminars, so I decided a little shopping therapy wouldn’t hurt. I strolled down to Falmouth town, got my groceries, and then explored some of the town’s small businesses.
Beyond the university gates, the Cornish town is a hub of creativity and local enterprise, most of it driven by students like you. On weekends, there are lots of tiny food stalls and pop-up ventures. Many of these are run by enterprising students demonstrating their culinary interests, selling small baked products or vegan meals, both of which are popular choices. I definitely recommend showing your support by buying a little treat from them the next time you’re in town.
If you want to learn some entrepreneurship skills while earning some money, visit CB Stores. This pleasant small shop offers an excellent platform for aspiring entrepreneurs. They provide a location for you to resell your pre-owned apparel and designer things. It’s an excellent opportunity to:
- Refresh your wardrobe: Clear out your closet and make space for new looks, all while giving your quality items a second life.
- Earn extra pocket money: Turn your unused clothing items into cash that can help with everyday university expenses, from textbooks to social outings.
- Gain business experience: Learn how to bargain and sell your goods at a good price and make sure not to lose out on money as much as you can, which is the real experience.
PM 💤
I’m part of the Asian Society, and honestly? One of the best decisions I’ve made at uni. Every month, they host Chat & Chai on campus, which is exactly what it sounds like. A bunch of us pile into a room, catch up over warm mugs of chai, and simply chill for a few hours. While the chai’s getting prepared by our lovely society presidents, we usually end up playing board games or attempting karaoke with varying levels of success. I always have a good time!
Societies like this are such an excellent opportunity to meet people outside your course and from Falmouth University – the arts university that we share the Penryn Campus and our student societies with. I’ve made friends I’d never have crossed paths with otherwise. Plus, there are lots of opportunities if you want to get more involved, such as joining the committee, running the society’s social media, or even going for president one day. All are great experience for your CV, but more importantly? It’s a great way to socialise and get more involved in events, as well as having a break from studies.
Thursday
AM ☕
My morning consisted of our group brainstorming ideas for our wellbeing in the workplace case study presentation, while I depended heavily on caffeine for creativity. We met outside Koofi, the coffee and pizza café on campus, to brainstorm over coffee. The seagulls? Also sat outside with the group. On our tables. Staring at us like we owed them rent. It was a sunny day today, which surprised me because every other day had rained so far. This gave me the energy to come up with ideas, and we eventually settled on the NHS case study during Covid, which I found to be quite interesting.
PM 💤
In the afternoon, I decided to get a break away from the campus and Falmouth town, so I took an hour-long train ride to Plymouth with some friends, which was totally worth it. Falmouth is great for independent shops and places to eat, but Plymouth’s got chain stores and big brand shops, as well as lots of chain restaurants – perfect for getting any food you may crave! Drake Circus Mall is fantastic for all the things we don’t have in Falmouth.
We picked up a couple items from M&S (since who doesn’t enjoy their food?!) then we headed to The Terrace Cafe for a small drink as we watched the sun drop over the beach in the distance – a lovely midweek break from all the university chaos. If you don’t want to make the trip to Plymouth, Truro is an even closer town and equally great to visit.
Friday
AM ☕
This morning, I attended an entrepreneurship workshop given by former Dragon Den participants on behalf of the Business Society, who invited them. This motivated me to think about new product development, which is what Dragon Den is all about, as well as the confidence to show it in front of influential players. We started conversations and brainstormed new product ideas quickly before we got to ask questions, which I had prepared in my notebook.
PM 💤
I went out with some society friends to the Game Room in Falmouth, which is open until 11 p.m. on Saturdays and is extremely popular for drinks and some friendly rivalry on the pool table and dart boards. If you have a large group, I would definitely recommend playing pool because it can accommodate large groups while maintaining competition. While also grabbing a snack or beer, of course, my team always wins!
The weekend
Saturday
Finally, it was the weekend at last. Saturdays are normally my social days, which I look forward to all week. Quality time and catch-ups with people who make life a little bit lighter are what I love.
AM 🌅
Today, my friend took me to a new spot in Falmouth called Indidog Eatery. I hadn’t gone before because I tend to stick to my regular haunts. But this place? Instant fave. I ordered a caramel iced latte, grabbed a seat with a view, and just soaked it all in. The food was great, but the view? Bonus points. Major bonus points, with the rainbow which topped it off.
PM 🌠
As I wanted to break away from the home-cooked meals, me and some friends decided to have a pizza night out. We joked and shared our uni experiences and we got the pizza piping hot within minutes of ordering. The place was called The Stable – it’s in the centre of Falmouth, and it lived up to my expectations and made my day. These are the kind of nights that you remember not only for the food but also for the company.
Sunday
Sunday is the one day I actually let myself wake up naturally; no alarm, no guilt, just rolling out of bed whenever I am ready. This Sunday, I woke up with one thing on my brain: a strawberry matcha from Café Nero. Not a want, a need.
Headed down there and discovered something life-changing: Café Nero offers student discounts when you join up with your university email address. A game changer. Why have I been paying full prices throughout the term? Anyway, I bought my matcha, which quenched my cravings and made me satisfied. I then walked back to my flat, thinking about the week ahead and also what a productive and creative week I had just had; feeling a sense of accomplishment. Also feeling happy with my sweet treat in my hand and zero plans ahead for the rest of the day, just a relaxed Sunday off.
To wrap up the week, I established next week’s goals, which will help me keep track of what I need to do academically and personally. My notebook is usually filled with each week’s wins, which may be small but also mighty. Seeing everything I’ve accomplished enables me to achieve even more.
That’s a wrap on my week at uni! Thank you for sticking with me through latte runs, lectures, society activities, and everything else. Studying at the Penryn Campus while living in Falmouth seems like an adventure everyday. Whether I’m discovering new independent shops, brainstorming business ideas or meeting students studying one of Falmouth’s creative courses, there’s always something new to discover and I never get bored.
If you’re thinking about studying at Exeter’s Penryn Campus, I hope this has given you a genuine taste of life down here and may perhaps inspire you to spend the same weeks as I do.
I hope to see you again next time reading away through my blogs!