Hi everyone! I’m Lucy, a BA History student at the University of Exeter’s Streatham Campus. As I’m coming to the end of my first year – I can’t believe how quickly it’s gone – I thought I’d share my thoughts on fitting in at uni.
Moving away from home for the first time – new city, new people, a totally new environment – I know first-hand how daunting this transition can be. This time last year I was definitely asking myself ‘Will I fit in at the University of Exeter?’ If you’re asking yourself this same question, or simply curious about adjusting to university, I hope this blog will assure you that you’re not alone. Hopefully it will give you some tips, guidance, and reassurance that you will find your place here at Exeter.
Uni as an introvert:
As an introvert, the idea of university life was, quite frankly, terrifying for me! I think this was largely down to the stereotypes surrounding socialising and Fresher’s Week. We all have that image of an intense social scene, with constant parties and nights out, and this wasn’t exactly my idea of fun. But I was also worried that if I didn’t get involved, I’d feel left out and isolated. Arriving at Exeter though, I quickly realised those stereotypes aren’t the only reality.
Uni brings together so many different people and personalities. Whatever you are feeling, it’s certain others are feeling the same. I quickly found friends I could go on nights out with, but also friends who preferred a quieter, more relaxed environment. In fact, some of my best times at uni have been girls’ nights in – sat in pjs, facemasks on, eating an insane amount of chocolate, and chatting the whole way through the movie marathon!
That said, it is true that university is likely to force you out of your comfort zone. But that’s not a bad thing – it’s how you meet new people, try new experiences, and find what works for you. Exeter is great for easing that transition, making sure everyone feels welcome and included. Societies are a big part of this, providing the opportunity to meet like-minded people. The University really aims to ensure there is something for everyone, from sports and hiking, to art and baking, there are hundreds of groups to choose from. If you want to check out what’s on offer, you can visit https://www.exeterguild.com/get-involved.
Joining societies really helped me find my place, providing an environment where I could further my interests and hobbies, whilst surrounded by people with similar passions. Most societies hold taster sessions in the first couple of weeks so you can go along and see what you might enjoy. I was definitely nervous at first, going to lots of these events on my own, but I quickly realised there was no need to be as everyone is in the same position and the society committees work hard to create a comfortable, inviting, and inclusive environment. A good example of this was my first trip with the Adventure Society. The committee encouraged everyone to take part in ball games and mini photoshoots on Exmouth beach, and I have this to thank for some of my first friends at Exeter.
Being a campus university and a student-orientated city, there is an amazing sense of community at Exeter. Everyone is friendly, and all it took was a small push out of my comfort zone to initiate interactions. One of the simplest ways I made friends was just by showing up early to my lectures and seminars. Standing outside your class or lecture ten minutes before it starts, you naturally get talking to people. It can be daunting to strike up a conversation, but even moments as simple as asking someone if they’re in the same class, or asking what other modules they’re taking, have led me to people I would now consider some of my closest friends.
Coming to Exeter as an introvert, it’s reassuring to see such a wide range of social scenes. The University really does cater towards all different personality types and help everyone find their place. There are so many opportunities to find your people, from societies and classes to even just bonding with people in the laundry room over your similar inabilities to figure out how to put a wash on!!
Experiencing uni sober:
Traditionally, university life, especially Fresher’s Week, has been well known for its stigma of drink culture and clubbing. This can be daunting if you’re someone who would rather not drink. I remember feeling worried and self-conscious that choosing to stay sober would isolate me from university life. But now, having completed my first year, I can confidently say that staying sober doesn’t mean missing out on the fun of Fresher’s and nights out.
More and more students are opting not to drink, or at least to drink in moderation. There has rarely been a time where I was the only one sober. Even at society events, like pub crawls or club nights, the committees usually aim to have at least one member sober, so you’re not alone. People are generally very accepting if you chose not to drink, you should never feel awkward or out of place because of your choice. In the first few weeks of uni, you will likely be invited to pre-drinks (‘pres’), bars, or nights out, and I was initially nervous to accept these invites, worried I would feel out of place. But that wasn’t the case. Most pres will have plenty of soft drinks and mixers on offer, and the focus often shifts to card games or charades. It ends up being far more about getting to know each other and having fun than the alcohol itself.
If you’d rather avoid the drinking and clubbing scene altogether, Exeter offers plenty of alternatives. It is important to remember that Fresher’s Week is also Welcome Week, so there are a wide range of events and activities to get involved with throughout the whole week. The Guild makes sure to run plenty of alcohol-free events, from outdoor movie nights and craft sessions to board games and pizza nights at Exeter’s Old Fire House.
I know one common concern for non-drinkers is sports societies, which often have a reputation for intense drink culture, challenging freshers to crazy drink combos or chugging as a form of initiation. But sports societies are increasingly aware that not everyone is a drinker. Don’t think that gets you out of the challenge though! You might have to chug milk out of a shoe or take some strange concoction consisting of Brussel sprouts and custard or something equally disgusting!
Diversity at Exeter:
You might be worried about fitting in at Exeter, particularly in terms of finding people with similar backgrounds and experiences. But the University is actively working to improve the diversity in its admissions each year, and from my experience, that really shows. Coming from a state school, and a college (rather than a sixth-form), I was nervous about Exeter’s reputation for being predominantly made up of private-school students. However, there was no need to be nervous. The campus brings together a range of people, from diverse backgrounds, creating a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere.
One thing I personally found really reassuring and impressive was the 93% Club at Exeter. This student-led organisation aims to improve the university experience for students from non-fee paying schools and bridge the opportunity gap. It demonstrates Exeter’s active participation in making university a more diverse environment, moving away from stereotypes, and encouraging everyone to feel welcome at Exeter.
The University also has a large international community, with a significant percentage of students coming from overseas. This provides a unique opportunity for young people across the globe to become united through one campus. Having the chance to meet and connect with such a range of people adds to the amazing sense of community, whilst also celebrating diversity. To support this, the University hosts societies for dozens of nationalities, faiths, and political stances. Seeing the rows of tables at the Culture Fair during Welcome Week is definitely impressive! Whether you join one of these societies because it reflects your own background, or simply because you’re curious to learn more, they are a great way to find like-minded people and feel at home. No matter your background, there’s a place for everyone at Exeter.
Calling Exeter ‘home’:
Finding your place at university and adjusting to your new life takes time, and that’s true for everyone. It wasn’t until way past halfway through my first term that Exeter started to feel like home. If you’re feeling nervous about fitting in or finding your people, know that you are not alone, It’s completely normal. University is a big adjustment, and feeling lonely or homesick is a natural part of the first year. But this University really does aim to support your transition to uni life.
Exeter is a diverse and vibrant campus, with a strong sense of community. Now, coming to the end of my first year, I can honestly say I’ve found my place and feel that I fit in. I can’t imagine being anywhere else.
While it may take time to feel settled, the huge range of societies, courses, and cultural groups on offer ensure you will find like-minded people and friends you can truly relate to. You might have to step out of your comfort zone to meet others and make the most of uni life, especially if you’re more of an introvert like me, but it’s worth it! You’ll find people who make that step feel easy, and even enjoyable.
No matter your background, personality, or interests – whether you’re an introvert, prefer to socialise sober, come from a state school, or are an international student – there is a place for you. I hope this has provided some reassurance that you will fit in at the University of Exeter!