Hi! I’m Hannah and currently I am a postgraduate student at the University of Exeter. I am from the UK but have grown up all over the world. Because of this I have been to so many different schools, which definitely helped me narrow down my choices for my undergraduate degree and my Masters degree as I know what elements and aspects I value when it comes to my environment and education!
Choosing a university is one of the toughest and most nerve-wracking events a student faces, and as someone who has done it twice, it’s still nerve wracking! For me, the process involved countless lists, Google searches, long and tough conversations with my family and friends and even a few tears every now and again. However, this process led me to the University of Exeter and I wouldn’t have it any other way! Here’s why.
The Course
Many students start their search based on what they would like to study – for me that’s Marketing MSc. As a student who is now starting a new university for my postgraduate degree and adventure, it didn’t get easier trying to find the best fit for me. However, after scrolling through many university websites, I came back to Exeter and looked at it more closely. From my searches it had attainable grade requirements, an amazing community and really helpful information such as detailed course content explaining what I would actually be studying.
Now I know this is common for a lot of unis, but not all that I found explained the degree and its modules in detail and in a way that helped me to see and understand better. As someone who tends to stress over the little things and not properly understand content sometimes, this was really nice to see from the University. As well as this, the course explained that it had many networking opportunities for me and made me feel as if I wasn’t going to be by myself and that I would be supported and given valuable insight and information that would help me effectively prepare myself for my career and life after my degree had finished.
Another thing that attracted me to Exeter is the Business School. Not only is my degree accredited by a professional institute, but the Business School itself is Triple-accredited which is amazing and just solidified that this university is the best move for me and my future. I truly feel that the Business School and my course cares about all its students and wants to provide them with the best opportunities and experiences they can – from networking events to bringing in alumni and professionals who provide us with first-hand experience in the industries we are interested in. My course does this on one of our modules and it has helped me decide what I like and don’t like about the industry, how I want to change it and how I want to achieve my goals. An example of this was a speaker who came in to talk to us about leadership in the marketing industry, helping us discover what type of person and leader we would like to be.
Exeter as a community!
Starting over in a new city, beginning a new degree, and joining a new university was definitely a daunting experience. But now, after six months here, I can honestly say that I love it. When I first stepped into the Business School, I felt overwhelmed and nervous, which is completely normal! Instead of letting those feelings take over though, I chose to challenge them and push myself to get involved and put myself out there.
One of the things I really appreciated when I started my degree was that during the very first week of lectures, our course organised a welcome drinks event. It was a chance for everyone to meet their course mates and chat with our lecturers in a relaxed setting. It was honestly such a great experience because it helped all of us unwind a little and get to know each other in a more casual and welcoming environment.
Overall, Exeter, both the city and the University, has been incredibly warm and welcoming. I love walking into the city centre and being greeted with friendly smiles, especially in places like local coffee shops. Spaces like these make students feel really at home.
Exeter: The perfect backdrop
I value a lot of things when applying for university and one of the most important things to me is finding the perfect environment and city to live in that hits all of my expectations and more. I’m someone who loves a cup of coffee and coffee shops and cafes to study in as the cosy setting helps me stay comfortable and de-stressed.
After extensive research and a few walks around the city, I found loads of options and places for me to visit, which is very exciting! As well as this, I love the historical and rustic feel of the city, with its stone buildings and structures and cobbled streets. The city is small and charming and is very walkable which is so nice as a student as it gives you some exercise and fresh air as well as a break from sitting down in lectures all day. I found that the city provides me with so much to do from the coffee shops (such as Mango’s on the Quay) to the squash club, which is located right next to the University.
I love finding things to do and going on adventures, it’s a huge part of who I am and what I value in life, so being able to walk around and discover new things, such as the little boutiques and shops in the Quay, has been amazing to experience and enhances the community aspect of the city itself.
The balance: Opportunity vs Lifestyle
Overall, starting over is never easy, especially when you are searching for somewhere that will enhance you and your skills to provide you with the best experience possible. I went through so many searches for what would be the best fit for me and Exeter never disappointed. Choosing a university should always be more than academics, it should be about finding that balance between academics and lifestyle, about finding your home and enhancing your future; a place where you can thrive academically, socially and personally. Exeter ticks all of those boxes.
After being here and experiencing everything I researched during my search for a Masters degree, I can confidently say that I love it and still stand by my initial thoughts. Exeter is a wonderful place to live – from the walks you can do, the closeness to the coast and Dartmoor National Park, to the history the city has to offer. The university itself, especially the Business School, earns all the compliments it receives as it’s a wonderful place to study and provides its students, especially postgrads, with the best opportunities it can!