Student life
Studying is just part of your university experience. There are a number of ways to make the most of your time in the UK, meet local people and get to know your new home:
- Orientation programmes at the start of each semester help you to get to know the campus, the local area and other students
- Our Global Chums mentoring scheme helps new students settle in
- Dedicated personal tutor to support you throughout your time at Exeter
- With over 300 societies and 50 sports clubs there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in university life
- Our student unions are led by students for students. Get involved in fundraising, volunteering and award-winning student media
- Credit and non-credit bearing English language support workshops and courses
- Our campuses offer a safe environment with 24 hour campus security
Located in south west of England.
Beautiful, green and safe campuses with fantastic facilities.
4th in the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) table 2022-23
Over 350 clubs and societies, from Harry Potter to football, surfing, drama and dance
Societies
There are over 300 societies in Exeter and an additional 150 on our Penryn campus! Whatever your hobbies there will be a society that suits you, whether its debating, politics, baking, hummus or quidditch - there is a society for everything!
Societies are the best way to meet other like-minded students and get involved with student life. They will usually run a number of events each week, some societies will also hold a large Ball or formal dinner at the end of term.
There are joining fees to become society members, for one semester students this is sometimes discounted so you do not pay the whole year price. Some societies will also offer "stash" - clothes and accessories with the societies' branding for you to buy.
You can view a list of all societies below. We also recommend you look at society Facebook and Instagram pages which often have more useful information about them and their events.
Exeter-based students
Check out the list of societies and groups and sports clubs available on campus, see what the Students' Guild have planned on the 'What's On' section across the campuses.
Penryn-based students
Check out the list of societies, sports and groups available on campus, see what the Falmouth & Exeter Students' Unions have planned in the Events section.
Sport
Streatham and St Luke's Campuses, Exeter
The University of Exeter excels at sport and has great sporting facilities. Our teams compete for national titles in the BUCs Championships (British Universities and Colleges Sports) – we are particularly strong in cricket, golf, hockey, lacrosse, rowing, rugby union, sailing, surfing, tennis and windsurfing. Exeter has 52 sports clubs, and students at any level of the sport can join. It's a great opportunity to try something new.
The Sports Park includes a fitness centre with a 200-station gym and offers a range of fitness classes including Body Pump, Yoga and Zumba. There are different memberships you can sign up for. For more information take a look at the Exeter Sport Website.
Penryn Campus
The facilities at our Penryn campus include a recently renovated 90 station gym, outdoor flood lit pitches and a large, versatile fitness studio which is used for a variety of fitness classes. You can read more about the facilities and available membership options here.
Cost of living
It is estimated that a single student living in Exeter or Cornwall will need a minimum of £1023 a month to meet basic living expenses such as accommodation, food, books and equipment and other necessities. This figure is given as a guide only. The amount you actually spend will depend on your personal life style.
- Find out more about expected living expenses.
- Find out more about life in the UK.
Academic Calendar
You can access the academic calendar here. To see the important dates before your arrival (application and accommodation deadlines included) please look at our Application Timeline.
You will see references to 'terms' on the University website. Our holidays are organised around three terms, but teaching and assessment run over two semesters.
2024/25 Semester 1
Suggested arrival | 14-15 September 2024 |
Orientation & Freshers week | 16-22 September 2024 |
Classes | 23 September - 13 December 2024 |
Examinations | 6 - 11 January 2025 |
2024/25 Semester 2
Suggested arrival | 11-12 January 2025 |
Orientation | 13-19 January 2025* |
Classes | 13 January - 28 March 2025 |
Examinations | TBC April/May 2025 |
Academic year ends | 13 June 2025 |
*Pre-Orientation available to early arrivals on 10 January 2025
Wellbeing Services
Welcome to your Wellbeing and Welfare Services. We provide free advice, guidance and support.
- Students can access our service by phone or email, or book in-person appointments.
- Students can also access urgent support, on campus or remotely, whenever needed.
Support for students in Devon: We’re here to help you with your wellbeing and mental health while you’re studying with us. Our supportive team is here for you whether you’re based on our St Luke’s or Streatham campus. We offer a range of psychological therapies, workshops, self-help services, support with mental health issues and wide-ranging support on wellbeing.
Support for students in Cornwall: Wellbeing support for our students based in Cornwall is provided by a few different teams. Some of our teams are managed by Falmouth Exeter Plus (FX Plus) who deliver shared services on behalf of both the University of Exeter and Falmouth University.
Education Welfare Support:
If your mental or physical health or wellbeing is affecting your ability to study, or your studying is creating health problems, then contact your Education Welfare Team. The team will talk to you in a confidential and non-judgmental way about any issues you need help with.
If you are based in Cornwall, please see the Cornwall Education Welfare Team page.