Hello I am Reeham, a final year Pakistani student at Exeter pursuing Biological Sciences (BSc). Moving from Pakistan to the UK for university was both exciting and intimidating. Like many international students, I had so many questions before arriving at the University of Exeter. Would I fit in? Would I feel homesick? Would I be able to balance academics, work, and student life? Looking back now, after completing my second year, I can honestly say Exeter has become a second home for me.
Why I chose Exeter
When researching universities, I wanted somewhere academically strong but also welcoming and supportive for international students. The University of Exeter stood out because of its excellent reputation in the biological sciences, beautiful campuses, and a strong sense of community.
What particularly attracted me was how student-focused Exeter felt. The University offered not only high-quality teaching and facilities, but also opportunities to grow personally and professionally outside the classroom. As an international student travelling so far from home, that support system was incredibly important to me.
Settling in and feeling at home
One of my biggest worries before moving was whether I would feel isolated being so far away from Pakistan. Thankfully, Exeter quickly felt welcoming and inclusive. From the first few weeks, I met people from all over the world as well as many students from South Asia.
There are plenty of cultural societies, events, and activities that help international students settle in and make friends. One of my favourite experiences was taking part in a Biodiversity Day organised through my course. It gave me the opportunity to meet other international students while also sharing my own culture. I set up a henna stall representing Pakistan and wore traditional shalwar kameez, which sparked lots of conversations and cultural exchange.
The Students’ Guild also runs “Give It a Go” events that bring together both international and local students, making it easy to meet people outside your course and broaden your friendship group. I have also attended events organised by the Islamic Society, which has been a great way to meet other Muslim students and become part of a supportive community on campus.
As a Muslim student, one thing that made settling in much easier was the availability of halal food options. There is halal chicken available on campus, and Exeter offers a surprisingly wide variety of halal restaurants and grocery options. Some of my personal favourites include Efes Grill, Babylon and Dahan’s Café for Turkish, Lebanese and Moroccan food, particularly their shawarma and shawarma platters. When I am craving food from home, Gandhi’s is a great option for dishes such as biryani and daal with rice. For quick fast-food options, I often visit Popeyes, Slim Chickens or Chicken Point. If I am looking for something a little more special, Rosa’s Thai offers halal chicken and is perfect for a meal out with friends.
Another important part of student life for me has been the strong Muslim and international community in Exeter. Having access to a local mosque and prayer facilities on campus really helped create a sense of belonging. I have attended events organised by the Pakistani Society, including a memorable Qawwali Night that brought together Pakistani students from Exeter and three other universities. Events like these helped me stay connected to my culture while building friendships in the UK.
Ramadan and Eid are naturally times when many international students miss home, but Exeter’s community makes these occasions feel special. The Students’ Guild and Exeter Islamic Society organised free community iftars throughout Ramadan, and the Multicultural Society also hosted events where students from diverse backgrounds could come together and break their fast. For Eid, I joined friends for Eid prayers at the mosque before we went out for lunch together. The evening before Eid, we gathered for a tea and henna night, which reminded me of chaand raat celebrations back home in Pakistan.
Although Exeter is smaller and quieter than major UK cities like London or Manchester, that is one of the things I now love most about it. The city feels safe, peaceful and student-friendly. Everything is close by, and the green spaces around campus make studying feel much less stressful.
Academic life in Biological Sciences
Studying Biological Sciences at Exeter has been both challenging and rewarding. One thing I really value is how interactive and engaging the course is. We do not only learn through lectures; there are practical laboratory sessions, workshops, group discussions, and opportunities to apply what we learn to real scientific problems.
Some of my favourite parts of the course have been the practical modules and laboratory work. Being able to conduct experiments, analyse data and apply theory in a hands-on environment makes learning much more enjoyable and helps bring scientific concepts to life.
The facilities for Biosciences are excellent, with modern laboratories, research equipment and dedicated teaching spaces. What has stood out most to me, however, is how supportive the professors and academic staff are. Whether I need help understanding a difficult topic, advice about assignments or guidance regarding future career options, staff are approachable and genuinely invested in helping students succeed.
The University also encourages independent thinking and research, which initially felt very different from the education style I was used to in Pakistan. However, over time, this helped me become much more confident academically and personally.
Opportunities beyond the classroom
One thing I did not fully realise before arriving at Exeter was how many opportunities there are outside academics.
I have been involved in student ambassador work and campus events, which helped me gain confidence, meet new people and build professional skills. There are also opportunities for part-time work on campus, which can help students gain experience alongside their studies.
More recently, I have worked as an Event Assistant with the Students’ Guild. Through this role, I have helped organise trips for students to locations across Devon and Cornwall. These trips are heavily subsidised, meaning students only pay a small amount that mainly covers transport costs, making travel affordable and accessible.
The Students’ Guild offers a huge range of societies and volunteering opportunities, so there is always something happening. Whether you are interested in sports, culture, charity work or networking, there is a place for everyone.
Budgeting and student life
Living abroad teaches you independence very quickly, especially when it comes to budgeting. Exeter can be manageable for students if you plan carefully. Student discounts, budgeting apps and cooking at home help a lot.
One thing I appreciate is that Exeter is more affordable and less overwhelming than larger UK cities. Public transport is convenient, and because the city is compact, many places are within walking distance.
At the same time, student life is still active. One of my favourite places on campus is Reed Hall. It has some of the most picturesque green spaces at the University and offers beautiful views across the grounds. The café there is a lovely place to study or catch up with friends. When I need a quieter environment, the Old Library is one of my favourite study spaces on campus. The café at Peter Chalk hub is also one of my favourite study spots offering some of the most incredible views of the green Exeter campus.
Another benefit of living in Exeter is how easy it is to explore the surrounding area. Through Guild trips, I have visited places such as Exmouth, Ilfracombe, Torquay, Plymouth, Topsham, Canonteign Falls, Bath and the Donkey Sanctuary at Sidmouth. These experiences allowed me to see more of the Southwest while making new friends and creating unforgettable memories outside my studies.
Looking towards the future
Studying at Exeter has helped me grow in ways I never expected. Beyond academics, I have become more independent, adaptable, and confident in myself.
In the future, I hope to continue building a career in the biological sciences while using the skills and experiences I have gained during my time at Exeter. Being an international student here has opened so many doors and introduced me to opportunities I would never have imagined before moving to the UK.
Final thoughts for Pakistani students considering Exeter
If you are a student in Pakistan considering studying abroad, I completely understand how overwhelming the decision can feel. Moving countries is a huge step. But for me, choosing Exeter was one of the best decisions I have made.
Exeter combines strong academics with a genuinely welcoming environment, and it offers international students the chance to grow both personally and professionally. Although moving away from home is never easy, Exeter truly has the ability to make you feel like you belong.
I hope sharing my experience helps future students feel more confident about taking that next step.