The Penryn Campus

The Penryn Campus offers the very latest academic, research and residential facilities set in 100 acres of countryside close to the waterside town of Falmouth, with beautiful views over the Fal estuary.

Made up of around 6,000 students, it offers a close-knit friendly community, in an arrangement that is unique as we share the campus with Falmouth University; a leading specialist arts institution. This combination creates a vibrant community of students from science, engineering, humanities and arts backgrounds.

We excel in tackling some of the world’s biggest challenges through our research, which then informs our teaching.

The environment and sustainability underpin much of the ethos of the Penryn Campus. These themes consequently recur throughout our degree programmes as well as in student societies, clubs and the running of the campus. It is no coincidence that this campus is home to the £30 million Environment and Sustainability Institute (ESI), and puts the University and Cornwall at the forefront of research into the solutions to problems of environmental change.

Our campus is constantly developing; most recently the £12 million Stella Turk Building, named after a prominent female Cornish scientist, has established a new centre of excellence for research and teaching, building on the success of the £12 million Science and Engineering Research Support Facility (SERSF). The Stella Turk building supports growth in the Business School, the Centre for Ecology and Conservation, Renewable Energy and Camborne School of Mines. It is also the home for Law, Energy policy and Mathematics

Other recent additions include the Renewable Energy Facility (REEF) and a £1.2 million Masters Suite. A £4 million sports centre and nursery, and a prestigious Green Flag Award for our grounds, help make this campus a great place to study, work and live.

In 2023 we welcomed the European Centre for Environment and Human Health to Penryn Campus. The centre’s move, from the Knowledge Spa in Truro, enabled our Truro teaching facilities for students at the University of Exeter Medical School to be expanded.

Map

By car

The Penryn Campus is approximately two hours’ drive from Exeter. From the north, take the A30 west from Exeter until you reach the A39 signposted Truro. Drive through Truro, following the signs A39 to Falmouth. Follow the A39 towards Falmouth until you come to the Treliever roundabout, where you will see signs to the Penryn Campus.

Satellite navigation

Use postcode TR10 9FE. If your sat nav does not recognise this, please try TR10 9EZ; this will not take you directly to campus, but will get you near enough that you will be able to follow signs to the campus entrance.

By coach

National Express coaches stop in Penryn. For timetables, visit the National Express website or for passenger information phone: +44 (0) 08717 818181. The U1 bus service from Truro Bus Station drops you direct to the campus. For bus services within the southwest, visit the Traveline SouthWest website.

By rail

The Penryn Campus is approximately two and a half hours by train from Exeter. The campus is in Penryn, which has its own station. There is a frequent direct service to Truro from London, the Midlands and North as well as other major British cities. At Truro, change to the branch line service to Falmouth and leave the train at Penryn. The station is approximately a 15 minute walk from the campus.

For timetabling, visit the National Rail Enquiries website or phone: 03457 48 49 50.

NB: There is no taxi rank at Penryn station. Taxis should be booked by prior arrangement. Abacus Taxis' number is: 01326 212141. Alternatively, the U1 bus service from Truro Bus Station drops you direct to the campus. For timetabling visit the Traveline SouthWest website.

By plane

Cornwall Airport, Newquay

Direct flights operate into Newquay from Ireland, Germany, Switzerland, Portugal, Spain and from around the UK, with connecting flights from around the world.

Further information is available from the Cornwall Airport, Newquay website.

For public transport connections visit the TravelineSouth West website.

Information on taxis can be found on the Newquay airport website, as well as details on car hire.

NB: Newquay Airport is approximately 40 km from Penryn. If you’re using public transport you'll need to take a bus from the airport to Newquay, and then another bus or train to Penryn (typical total journey time two to two and a half hours). The campus is roughly three quarters of an hour to an hour's drive by car from Newquay.

By taxi

Abacus Taxis (01326 212141) are Falmouth's largest taxi firm and offer short and long distance journeys.

Car hire

For information regarding car hire companies in Cornwall, refer to the Visit Cornwall website.

Sustainable travel

The University of Exeter has declared a climate emergency. Sustainable and active travel has been identified as a key area to help reduce campus associated emissions and also to support health and wellbeing.

On foot

The University is within easy walking distance of Penryn town centre, which is 10-15 minutes away and where you can pick up the branch line to Falmouth in one direction or in the other direction to Truro to connect with other services across Cornwall and beyond.

By bike

Cycling is actively encouraged and there are secure cycle storage facilities and a cycle maintenance station located on Penryn campus. Showers and changing facilities are also available. Find out more about the provisions for cyclists at the University on our Cycling webpage.

Facilities and services

We share the Penryn Campus with Falmouth University and, between us, run a 50:50 joint venture called Falmouth Exeter Plus (FXPlus) who manage the campus's buildings, facilities and services.

Facilities

Student accommodation	We offer exceptional student accommodation just a couple of minutes’ walk from all the academic and social facilities.
Summer accommodation	Accommodation options are available to the general public when not being used by students.
Childcare	The Little Wonders nurseries at the Penryn and Falmouth campuses provide students and staff with high quality childcare.
Eating and drinking	Students, staff and visitors to campus can enjoy the available restaurant, bar and shop facilities
Shopping	Located in the Heart building, our shop provides all the essentials
Fitness Centre	Our Fitness Centre provides opportunities for students, staff and the wider community, of all levels and ability, to participate in sport and physical activity.
Library	The Library Service supports students from the University of Exeter, Penryn Campus and Falmouth University.
The Compass	The Compass is a student information service, that offers help and advice on any aspect of university life.
Conferences and events	The One Stop Shop is the first port of call for meeting and conference booking requirements.

Car parking

Like many university campuses, the Penryn Campus has limited car parking. As such, potential car park users are encouraged to use alternative, sustainable transport. Students and staff who live in the local area (Falmouth and Penryn) are able to use the U1, U2 and U3 buses.

You can find out more about travel, transport and parking on campus and around the Falmouth and Penryn areas on the Falmouth Exeter Plus website. The campus operates an Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system in which you pay as you leave. You can find up to date charges and information in the Penryn Campus Parking Policies on the driving and parking page.

Car Parking Permits

If you work or study at the Penryn Campus you may be eligible to apply for a parking permit. To apply for a permit, you'll need to log in to Falmouth Exeter Plus's online application and payment portal.

How to contact the Penryn Campus

Web: Enquire online

Phone: 01326 370400 (8.30-17.30)
01326 255875 (24 hour)

Mail: University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9FE