Hello everyone! My name is Tatiana and I am a soon-to-start second-year Marine Biology student living in Cornwall and studying at the Penryn Campus. I have compiled a very honest and fun list of things that took me by surprise since I started my course here. For some context, I grew up in Guayaquil, all the way down in Ecuador, South America. I was previously a sales and marketing professional working around the UK and Spain, until I decided it was time for me to pursue my long-forgotten dream of studying Marine Biology.
Before coming here, I had lived in Brighton and travelled a lot around the UK for work and for fun. People tend to be very surprised by my British geography skills, given that they go much further than just knowing where London is. Still, I was hesitant about moving here. As someone who finds comfort in being surrounded by people, I worried about how I would adapt, especially as a slightly âolderâ student (I am only 25, thank you!). On top of that, the nearest well-connected airports seemed a long way to go, which made Cornwall feel much more remote than anywhere I had lived before.
After what felt like a really short academic year, I have some updates for you. Along the way, Iâve met some incredible fellow students, academics and locals, and have slowly but surely found my way around this place I now call home. Here are some of the things I have learned after a year here, including both the fun and not-so-fun parts!
1. Finding your place here
Building a community here was like a slow, steady burn; it took time but came naturally, given everyoneâs openness to include me. When I first got here, I started where everyone tells you to start: societies. I met some amazing people at the Christian Union and the Women in Conservation Society, where I offered my skills to meet others. Whether it was helping to create promotional posters or managing logistics for an important event, I kept myself socially engaged, and I found it to be incredibly rewarding because of the friendships I made.
The Intercultural Café (hosted by the University) introduced me to other students with Latin American and Spanish backgrounds, which felt like a breath of fresh air. I know socialising might feel tiring or difficult at times, but you would be surprised by how far a compliment, warm greeting or insightful question can get you! For me, it has proven to be worth it time and time again. What could have been a very lonely beginning turned into an encouraging transition filled with good memories.
All of this was made easier by the friendliness and warmth I experienced on campus. When I came for an open day before deciding whether studying here would be the right place for me, it was one of the first things I noticed, and that kindness continued throughout my first year. From my first Airbnb hosts to my current landlord, and from cafeteria staff to the library team, I was consistently met with attentiveness and a friendly welcome.
Inevitably, there will be days that do not go according to plan, and during those times, having the right support around you can make all the difference. For example, I had an accident on campus where I fell off an e-bike and gave myself my very first concussion (not my fault, it was the bike!). Right after it happened, I was promptly and efficiently assisted by the Security Team, and received follow-ups from the Student Wellbeing Team, who checked in on me regularly. Extensions were quick and easy to get, and all of my lecturers were understanding during the month I spent recovering. I certainly wouldnât want to go through the whole thing again, but it was a needed reminder that support is available when you need it most.
2. Being different is an advantage and becoming your own countryâs ambassador
This is a hill I will die on: the things that set you apart are your strengths, not your weaknesses. Before starting university, I worried that being older than many of my classmates and taking a less traditional route into higher education would somehow put me at a disadvantage. Instead, it gave me the confidence I might not have had otherwise.
Having lived alone, travelled, moved countries and worked a variety of jobs, I found myself drawing on those experiences all the time. From presentation skills, managing deadlines and teamwork to simply feeling comfortable speaking to new people, every experience brought something valuable with it. I also found that those experiences helped me support others around me. Whether it was encouraging a friend, sharing advice, or helping someone feel included, I realised there was real value in bringing your whole self to university.
Don’t be scared to take up space and use your voice. Whatever experiences, skills or perspectives you bring with you, however big or small you might think they are, they matter and they have a place here.
On a similar note, I also seem to have accidentally become my country’s unpaid and very enthusiastic ambassador. There are not many Latin Americans here, let alone Ecuadorians. To be honest, after scouting everywhere for them, I think there are about four of us on campus (one of them being me and another being my brother, haha!).
Having lived in large and diverse cities, this initially worried me. It is only natural to sometimes want to speak your language, share your culture, or talk about the latest political drama from back home. For better or worse, it has allowed me to become my country’s representative and do it to the best of my abilities. Whether it is by making traditional dishes for friends or teaching them a few words â which may or may not be curse words â in Spanish, I get to share my culture with them firsthand rather than having it be based on stereotypes. What has surprised me most is that the response is almost always one of curiosity, admiration and respect for what it means to move so far away from home to pursue your goals.
And to be honest, I kind of like it when people tell me I am the first Ecuadorian they have ever met. Instead of feeling intimidated, I have started to feel encouraged by it. I think the same can be said for anyone coming from a country that is not particularly well known.
3. Cornwall is unlike anywhere else, including the rain!
By now, I am sure you have heard about the coast walks, hidden coves and beaches, but what surprised me most was just how quickly nature became part of my everyday life.
Falmouth in particular feels incredibly special. With the Fal Estuary right on our doorstep, it is easy to see why it is such an exciting place to study any bioscience-related degree. Cornwall feels a bit like a hidden treasure to me. No other place I have lived in or visited around the UK has quite the same laid-back, green and calm feel.
One thing I did not expect was the amount of wildlife you can see without even trying. Since starting my course, I have become much more aware of the animals around me. It is not unusual to spot ravens, barn owls, blue tits and seabirds while going about your day. I have also been lucky enough to see common dolphins and grey seals along the coast. We even had two orcas visit not too long ago! Sadly, I missed them, but that did not stop everyone from talking about it for weeks afterwards. Away from the sea, there are also moles, hedgehogs, squirrels around town and what feels like an endless number of rabbits hopping around campus at night. And that is before you even start looking at everything hiding in the rock pools!
Now, I wouldnât be honest with you if I didnât mention the rain. I believe I have never spent so much time talking about the weather until I moved here (maybe it is a British thing?). I must admit that the rain will either become your best friend or your worst enemy; there is no in-between.
There will be periods when you completely hate it and feel annoyed by it, but eventually you will come to terms with it and accept that, as humans, we are waterproof after all. As long as you also have waterproof clothing, you will be fine. After this comes acceptance and resilience, when you finally make peace with the fact that the weather is completely out of your control. Me? I am still getting there.
4. The university genuinely wants you to succeed
There is support available in so many different areas, but what stood out to me most was how involved students are in shaping their own experience. On one hand, the university is constantly asking for feedback, whether it is about modules, field trips or student life in general. It never feels like your opinion disappears into a void. At the same time, the Students’ Union is constantly advocating for you, whether that is pushing for more funding and providing food vouchers and free toiletries, campaigning for more affordable transport, or helping improve mental wellbeing.
There is also a vast range of ways to get involved. Throughout the year, I have seen students organising fundraisers, selling homemade cakes for causes they care about, and showcasing handmade crafts at Christmas markets. It creates a real sense of community and makes campus feel incredibly active.
What I appreciate most is that the university actively looks for ways to recognise and celebrate students. Whether you are balancing work alongside your studies, volunteering, completing internships or developing skills through schemes like the Exeter Award, there are opportunities everywhere if you are willing to put yourself out there.
On the other hand, every single lecturer or academic here is incredibly skilled, highly respected in their field and truly passionate about what they do. Being taught by that level of excellence leaves an impact on you, as you can’t help but admire their career progression and wonder: How did you do it?
That insight is incredibly valuable because it gives us a glimpse into the industries and careers we are so passionate about. In my experience, none of them were ever intimidating, snobby or unapproachable. Instead, they were always honest and transparent about both the opportunities and challenges they faced throughout their careers. The people around you genuinely want to see you achieve your goals. Whatever skills, interests or ambitions you bring with you, there is space for them to develop here.
5. Distance is not as bad as you think, long haul travel is doable
Before moving here, I thought Falmouth would be incredibly isolated. I used to live about 30 minutes away from a major international airport, so the idea of moving somewhere much further away seriously kept me up at night. Since then, I have travelled both within the UK and internationally several times, and I can confidently say it is much more manageable than I expected. Whether it is a short trip home or a long-haul journey, you quickly learn the routes, connections and travel tricks that work for you.
I have friends travelling anywhere from 7 to 20 hours to get home during term breaks. Yet somehow, we all make it work. While Cornwall may feel remote on a map, in practice, the journeys become part of your routine surprisingly quickly.
It is a small price to pay for living in what I genuinely think is one of the most special corners of the UK.