Hi, I’m Eunjeong, though most of my friends here call me Luna! I’m originally from the Republic of Korea, and I’ve travelled quite a long way to pursue my Master of Science in Environment and Human Health at the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus in Cornwall.
If you’re a prospective student looking for a university experience that feels like a breath of fresh air—literally—then you’ve come to the right place. Today, I want to take you through a typical day in my life, showing you how I balance my intense Masters studies with the incredible coastal lifestyle and the diverse, inclusive community that makes Penryn so special. Being here often makes me feel like I’ve stepped right into a scene from the movie About Time, which was filmed right here in Cornwall. It is an inspiring place to live and learn, and I hope this glimpse into my day helps you see why.
8:00 AM Wake up and Morning Routine
My morning officially begins at 8:00 AM. I currently live at The Sidings, which is a fantastic off-campus student accommodation located just a stone’s throw from the Penryn train station. One of the most important parts of my morning ritual is sitting down for a proper breakfast. My lectures are usually four hours long, so I’ve learned the hard way that I need plenty of energy to stay focused and participate in our deep-dive discussions.
Around 9:30 AM, I start my commute. While there are buses available, I almost always choose to walk. It’s a pleasant 20-minute stroll to the campus, and the pathway is so scenic that it feels like a nature walk every single day. I often spot squirrels, little birds, and even the occasional bunny along the way, which is a lovely way to clear my head before the academic day starts.
10 AM Morning Lecture: The Global Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Crisis
By 10:00 AM, I am settled into my morning lecture. This term, we are focusing on the Global Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Crisis, which has turned out to be one of the most fascinating modules of my entire course. Our sessions are led by brilliant researchers like Anne Leonard and Aimee Murray, along with several guest speakers who bring real-world urgency to the topic. We explore how humans are exposed to antimicrobials through water pollution and hospital overuse, and we discuss the sobering reality that AMR could become the leading cause of global deaths by 2050. Learning about these global environmental health trends is exactly why I chose this field, and the research mentioned by our lecturers constantly inspires me to dig deeper into my studies. The classroom environment is very international, and it’s common to hear perspectives on how these health crises are managed in different parts of the world.
12 PM: Lunch at the Stannary (or my homemade random lunchbox)
When the clock strikes 12:00 PM, it’s time for lunch, and the social heart of the campus is definitely The Stannary. It’s a bustling spot where you can find a huge variety of seasonal food at reasonable prices, typically ranging from £2 to £6. I love that the menu reflects our diverse community; for example, during Lunar New Year, they served traditional Asian food, which made me feel right at home. On Fridays, I often treat myself to the classic English Fish and Chips – for only £6!
While I frequently bring my own homemade lunch to save a bit of money, on days when I’m feeling a bit lazy, I always go for the Chicken Masala, which is a delicious halal option. There are always sandwiches, salads, jacket potatoes, and vegetable hotpots available too, so there is something for everyone regardless of their dietary preferences.
12:30 PM Student welfare at the Student Union (SU) (free tea, biscuits, and food!!)
At 12:30 PM, my course mates and I have developed a bit of a routine: we head over to the Student Union (SU). It’s located right in front of the Stannary and is easily my favourite place on campus because you can truly feel that student welfare is their top priority. The SU offers a free food station and a wonderful “eco-friendly refill station” where you can top up on things like washing liquid, shampoo, and conditioner. As my flatmates and I finish washing liquid quite fast, it is such a good idea to bring our own bottle to refill it to save money and the environment! We usually drop by for a free tea or coffee and some biscuits before our afternoon session. Sometimes they even have special events like crafting or visits from therapy dogs (you can easily keep track of when these events are through the MyExeter app). During the darker UK winter months, spending time here — colouring, eating a few sweets, and chatting with friends — really helps keep my mood up. It’s a great way to relax.
1 PM Afternoon Lecture – Debate & Meeting at ECEHH
The afternoon lecture begins at 1:00 PM and usually involves a lot of interaction. Today, we are having a structured debate about AMR fact-check. One of the biggest differences I’ve noticed between studying in Korea and the UK is how much interaction between lecturers and students is encouraged. It’s a very open environment where there truly is no “wrong” question or answer. My course mates come from the UK, India, and the US, and our debates are always incredibly rich because we bring case studies from our home countries to the table. At first, I was a bit too timid to share my ideas in English, but everyone listens so carefully and helps me develop my thoughts that I’ve grown much more confident. This supportive atmosphere allows me to have a more flexible way of thinking about my research.
After the lecture, I often have an in-person appointment with my academic tutor or course leader to discuss my dissertation topic. Even when I’m feeling stuck on my research direction, they provide practical and considerate advice on everything from evidence-based policy to using quantitative methods like R. I feel so lucky to have this level of support from the faculty at the European Centre for Environment and Human Health (ECEHH).
3 PM International Café at the Lower Stannary
By 3:00 PM on Wednesdays, I make my way to the Intercultural Café at the Lower Stannary. This is a fantastic weekly event where the activities change constantly—from celebrating International Mother Language Day to playing board games or doing crafts. When I first arrived, I was worried about whether I would find a community here, but I quickly realised that Penryn is a truly multicultural campus. Talking with students from all over the world has broadened my perspective and allowed me to bond with others who are having the same experiences as an international student in the UK. We usually enjoy some complimentary snacks while we chat and relax after a long day of lectures.
4 PM International Food Shopping
I often head off campus for some international food shopping. As a Korean, I definitely crave spicy food, and I’m happy to say it’s very easy to find the ingredients I need. I can take a quick 20-minute train ride to Falmouth or Truro to visit oriental supermarkets that stock everything from Gochujang (Korean chili paste) to frozen Mandu (dumplings) and fish balls. They also have a great selection of Thai, Japanese, Chinese, and African ingredients. Being able to cook my own food and experience other cultures’ cuisines makes me so happy and definitely helps with any homesickness.
5 PM Falmouth town & Gylly Beach
I usually head down to Falmouth town or Gyllyngvase (Gylly) Beach. The beach is only a 10-minute walk from the Falmouth Town station, and it is easily my favourite spot in the whole area. Coming from a coastal area in Korea, I have a natural craving for the sound of the waves, especially when I’m feeling a bit stressed. I love watching people walk their dogs or spend time with their families. I often stop at the Gylly Beach Café for a hot chocolate with marshmallows and squirty cream. If you’re feeling brave, my friends highly recommend going for a sea swim followed by a session in the beach sauna.
Falmouth town itself is full of charm, with plenty of independent shops and cafes. My favourites are the Poly Café and Bar and Palacio Lounge, which have a calm vibe that’s perfect for studying.
I also recently discovered Ploy Thai Restaurant, which serves authentic food that reminds me of when I lived in Thailand for a fellowship. It has rice, soup, curry, Thai milk tea, and even Thai beer! The best part is you can even can get 5% off student discount.
6 PM Oriental Society Movie & Ramen Night
At 6:00 PM, I might head back to campus for a society event. The Oriental Society is hosting a Movie & Ramen Night. We’re watching the Korean film Train to Busan, and the society provides free ramen, rice, and snacks. It’s a great way to meet students from China, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, India, and the Philippines. These societies are the backbone of the international community here and ensure there is always a social event to look forward to.
8 PM Potluck Party
To cap off the evening, my friends and I often hold a potluck party at one of our flats. I’ve invited my coursemates and flatmates for a dinner themed around Thanksgiving. Since we have friends from the US and we celebrate our own version called Chuseok in Korea, it felt like the perfect way to bring everyone together. Everyone brings a dish—I’ve prepared Mandu (Korean Dumpling), while others have brought stuffing, cranberry sauce, Indian curry, and even a homemade pumpkin pie. It is so exciting to experience new cultures through food. We always share what we are thankful for, and tonight I told them how grateful I am to have found such a supportive group of friends, so I never feel lonely here.
10 PM Travel Plan in the UK
I have spent the last few months truly soaking up everything Cornwall has to offer. I’ve explored the quiet charm of Penryn, the vibrant energy of Falmouth, and visited beautiful spots like Truro, St. Ives, Fowey, and even the main university city of Exeter. Now that I’ve embraced the local coastal lifestyle, I’m starting to look a bit further afield and am busy planning some weekend trips.
Travelling from here is surprisingly easy. I can hop on a train right at Penryn Station, which is located just in front of my accommodation, or take a National Express bus to reach major hubs like Bristol (where there’s an airport with regular flights around most of Europe) or London. A friend of mine recently returned from Edinburgh and told me how stunning it was, so I’ve added that to my must-visit list as well. I am so excited to see where my journey in the UK takes me next!
11 PM Evening Reflective Blogging
I settle back at my desk and open my Naver blog (the biggest Korean blogging website). Recording my life here has become a deeply precious ritual for me. I started this blog because I wanted to capture every fleeting moment of this experience, but also because I want to support other Koreans who dream of coming to the Penryn Campus to study. When I scroll through my past posts and look at the thumbnails I’ve created, I am often surprised and moved by how much I have achieved during my time in Cornwall.
It hasn’t just been about working hard on my assignments or studying for my Masters degree. I have actively participated in a wide range of university events and built deep friendships with students from all over the world. Beyond my previous lives in Korea, France, Thailand, and Australia, I have now successfully built a life for myself here in the UK, and that makes me feel incredibly proud.
If you’re thinking about studying at Exeter, especially here in Cornwall, I cannot recommend it enough. It’s a place where you can find a truly global outlook in a beautiful, coastal setting—come and join us!