Austin

Austin is studying for Finance and Accounting With Industrial Experience at the Streatham Campus in Exeter

Why did you pick Exeter over other Universities?

The qualities in a University that were crucial for me were:

Being a member of the Russell Group community
A conducive environment for preparing students with an unrelenting passion for sports
A prime location with access to a tranquil environment associated with the coast

To my delight, Exeter University topped my list being Russell Group and a consistent top 10 contender for the British Universities and College Sport (BUCS) ranking. Best of all, it is in a prime location with effortless access to:

The golden sands of Exmouth beach
Sidmouth’s majestic red cliffs and pebble beach

How have you found the teaching, research, lecturers, course content?

Our lectures are designed in an interactive and captivating manner. Two and half years later, I still can recall the exciting simulation of the Game Theory Model in our Economics Principles module in the first year. With adequate tutorial questions, references and access to the most recent relevant module books published in our Library, I am confident in the first-class education we are being offered.

How have you found the support services and the facilities?

Amongst other student support services, most crucial in my books are:

Our one-to-one assigned academic personal tutors who are scholars in our respective fields and can provide advice and guidance.
Academic development workshops such as language (for non-native English speakers), Excel and statistics sessions free of charge.
A Buddy-up scheme which offers informal peer support for students through collaborated efforts of members of staff and fellow students.
An enlightened application which offers study and wellness advice and tips.

Tell us about the campus...

The University of Exeter is distinct in that it is a blend of a city and a campus university. Take our Streatham campus that offers a strong sense of community with tranquil and eco-friendly scenery as an example. It is easy to navigate to our accommodation, lecture halls and extra-curricular facilities like the gymnasium and on campus restaurants - they are all conveniently closely situated. It also situated near the city centre which offers an avenue for adventurers to explore the multitude of exciting opportunities such as a diverse night life.

How is your accommodation?

My on-campus accommodation of choice in my first year was Ransom Pickard. It was accommodating to the student budget, offered delicious, cooked meals (catered) for its residents and an onsite tennis court. We were also equipped with a common room, which was home to game nights, watching marathons and many more memorable experiences.

I would encourage catered accommodation as it offers a social and culturally diverse setting. This enabled me to acquaint myself with close friends, who I now consider family and went on to share a house with off campus in my second year and keep in contact with even in my third year.

Did you settle in ok to Exeter?

Settling in to the UK was certainly more tranquil than expected. I was offered a shuttle bus (Airport Collection Service) from Heathrow to my accommodation by the University. Upon arrival to my dormitory I was greeted by our Student Guild’s welcome package. We also have a residence team which periodically pops in to check up on how well we were settling in which was a great help whilst I was familiarising myself with the new environment.

What are your top tips for international students thinking about studying in the UK?

My top tips would be:

Ensure you arrive in time for the Freshers' Week events - it comes in handy when making new friends and exposing yourself to and acquainting yourself with the activities offered.
Stay true to yourself, be confident and most importantly be ready for an amazing student experience.

How well supported have you felt during the COVID-19 pandemic?

It was reassuring to be informed that our Industrial Experience Director offered us an opportunity to defer our placement year to our final year and proceed to our third acknowledging the adverse affects COVID-19 had on student placement searches. Furthermore, our minimum placement length for the 2020/2021 academic year was reduced to 26 weeks to accommodate possible delays in placement commencement.

Are you a member of any societies, volunteering, or hold any part-time jobs?

I was elected Finance and Accounting Representative in my first year and awarded a Business School Commendation for my engagement with our Student Staff Liaison Committee. Shortly after being re-elected during my second year, I was shortlisted from over 450 nominees for the representative of the year award.

Touch-Rugby was the first society I joined which was a good opportunity to share my passion for rugby with fellow students having represented Maru-a-pula (my A-Levels College) in numerous inter-college rugby competitions. I was later recommended to my first part-time job as an Intramural Touch Rugby Umpire which I held for two consecutive years.

What has been the biggest highlight of studying at Exeter?

Being amongst the handpicked individuals to participate as a conference assistant in the 31st Annual Conference of the European Association for International Education (EAIE) hosted in Messukeskus, Finland takes the cake.

Have you used the Career Zone? How has it benefited you?

The Career Zone provided a robust programme for curriculum vitae and job applications skills which were regularly called upon during my numerous job applications. This includes, but is not limited to, my role as an Exeter Student Ambassador, and most recently my placement year with The Range Head Office. I would recommend fellow students to familiarise themselves with these resources as they cater for any crucial information gaps.

The blend of engaging modules I have chosen until now and will choose in my final year are predominantly based on the exemptions from professional accounting bodies such as ACCA or CIMA. This means after graduation, I will be more than halfway through my journey to a Certified Chartered Accountant thus providing a head start in my future endeavours. Furthermore, I have actively utilised a range of professional skills workshops offered outside my studies and consequently been awarded The Exeter Award. Additionally, I am on track to receive my Exeter Leaders Award before my graduation in 2022.

How have you found the city and the surrounding area?

The city has been accommodating, from the welcoming residents, the diverse cuisine spots to mind blowing tourist attractions such as the medieval underground passages. My favourite place would have to be the Exeter Quay. The vibrant scenery of the restaurants, the quay itself and pleasant sound of students enjoying their water sport activities was extraordinary. This was also where I encountered the best ice cream my taste buds have had.

What advice would you give to a prospective student considering your course?

Brace yourself for an analysis heavy journey and remember that the lecturers are approachable scholars who were once students. They can relate and are understanding individuals. As such, make use of that opportunity to acquaint yourself with them.

Is there anything you wish someone told you when you were joining Exeter?

Pack warm and heavy because winter is coming.

Sum up your experience at Exeter in just four words:

Enthralling, Vibrant, Humorous and Memorable

What are you plans after finishing your course? If you have been offered a graduate job or further study, please go into detail about this.

After graduating, I intend to complete a summer internship whilst I wait to embark on my Masters journey in the field of Finance with Exeter University’s Business School. I firmly believe our University gives a well placed range of analytical and industry accredited knowledge and skills to not only survive, but thrive and be a force to be reckoned with in the corporate world.