Jazzlyne
Why did you decide that Exeter was the best place to study your particular subject?
I love the campus based setting the university has. It is so green which makes it very relaxing and breathable. It has a good mix of historic and modern buildings, and many little quirky spots you can explore. It has 23 subjects ranked in the top 10 in the UK, and that makes the university a very well-rounded place to hone your knowledge.
Describe your typical day at Exeter
My timetable has a lot of independent study, meaning I don’t have a lot of classes to attend. Although this gives us more free time, it helps us learn to manage our time well, especially if we want to make time for other activities and plans around school work. On weekends, I tend to take a break from work and either go to nearby towns, or book facilities in the sports park to let off some steam.
What are the best aspects of studying within your department?
Speaking as a final year student, the freedom and range of options I had in my final year courses was probably the best aspect of my department. The given assignments were all very flexible to our interests, which really compelled me to invest my time in and helped me produce better results than it otherwise would. My lecturers were very open to discussing different kinds of ideas and issues in classes and assignments, and I feel like that allowed me to explore issues in such a unique and creative way, and in much greater depth which I otherwise would not have.
How would you describe the vibe on campus?
Both vibrant and relaxing at the same time. Depending on the time of day and place you’re at, the university offers a range of places that you can find to suit your preferred work environment.
What activities are you taking part in?
I am part of the Sailing Society, the Exeter Student Volunteers (ESV), and the Indonesian Society where I have held the position of social secretary in my second year. I loved that I was able to learn a new sport (Sailing), even coming in as a complete beginner in my final year. The members and committee were all very friendly, and even though I rarely joined the socials, they held so many (casual) sailing trips that it made it easy to make friends and get to know members. ESV allowed me to volunteer on a semi-regular basis, and helped me secure work experience in the sector I want to work in in the future (Education).
What particular skills are you gaining from this experience? Will this help you in your choice of career?
Having been in such a supportive academic, working environment I feel like I have a better sense of my desired work environment. I have spoken to different academics in the field I am interested in, and that has helped me better navigate myself in what I would otherwise know a limited amount about. They have been very real with their experiences, and allowed me to really weigh the prospects of working in the sector I intend to pursue.
What’s the best thing about living in Exeter?
The best thing about living in Exeter is that it’s only a few train stops away from the sea, beautiful cities such as Bristol and Bath, and there are many opportunities to explore the English countryside. Although it is easier if you have a car, there are many societies that promote these activities for you to easily enjoy them with a group too.
Would you recommend Exeter to your friends?
I would definitely recommend Exeter to prospective students. I think it’s a really good breath of fresh air; its peaceful and quiet, and just a great place to be able to focus on what you want to do without the hustle of the typical, busy, city life.
What advice would you give students planning on coming to the University of Exeter?
Take it at your own pace, and be willing to learn and grow as a student and as an individual. Know that your lecturers and the university resources are there to help you out so long as you’re proactive and willing to use it, and make use of the societies that match your interests as they can be a good break from the rigorous academic routine you may have.
Has the University been supportive during your time here?
The university has been extremely supportive during my time here, especially in my final year, a stressful time with graduation and work pressures constantly looming. I utilized the University’s wellbeing services and they were truly such a help for my mental health as the professional help really made the difference. I reached out to academics from different colleges and different departments when I had interests outside my chosen degree, and they have all been so welcoming and willing to share their expertise.
I took part in a range of activities outside the university as well, and having communicated those to the university, they were very supportive in encouraging them which undoubtedly helped me further develop the skills for me to grow both personally and professionally.
