Find out everything you need to know about coming to University of Exeter with our International Students guide.International students
When you arrive
The Meet and Greet Scheme and Freshers' Week held immediately before the start of term in October, smooth your transition to University life in the UK. A programme of events introduces the University and provides practical information about life in England before your programme begins. You will be able to visit the local area, register with a Health Centre, open a bank account and meet representatives of campus organisations, ask lots of questions and make many new friends. If you are offered a place to study here you will receive full details of the programme in July.
The introductory programmes are coordinated by our International Student Support Office. Our International Student Advisors in Exeter and Cornwall act as a focal point for help and advice with any matters relating to your welfare throughout your studies. They are able to assist with immigration issues including the renewal of student visas, provide advice about schooling for children of international students and produce a termly e-newsletter packed with cultural tips, event news and useful information. They also coordinate a wide range of cultural events throughout the year in partnership with student societies.
We recognise that you continue to develop your language skills after registration and so the INTO Centre in Exeter and Academic Skills Service in Cornwall offer a range of in-sessional classes, workshops and tutorials free of charge for students and spouses.
The International Students Council represents international student concerns to the Students’ Guild. The Students’ Guild coordinates a variety of clubs and societies including international students’ societies in both Exeter and Cornwall along with a number of other societies representing different ethnic, nationality or language groups (please see the Students' Guild website or the FXU website for the Cornwall Campus). These can be a great way to make new friends and learn about other cultures.
Followers of the main religious faiths will find a place to worship close by or on the campus. Muslim students have their own Prayer Rooms on the Streatham Campus with separate facilities for both men and women. Our Multi-Faith Chaplaincies in Exeter and Cornwall provide a welcoming and supportive environment for students and staff of all faiths.
Students on courses of longer than six months are entitled to free National Health Service treatment and can register at a local Health Centre on or near to one of our campuses on arrival.
I don’t come from a big city and I could never picture myself living in all the hustle and bustle, so location was also very important for me. When I heard of the University of Exeter’s campus in Cornwall, set near amazing beaches and surrounded by lush countryside, I knew that it was the place for me. Apart from its prestigious reputation and inviting location, I chose Exeter for its world-class teaching staff, and especially at the Cornwall Campus, smaller classes which enables more personal contact with lecturers.
Both the staff and lecturers in my department are very committed to their work and helpful too. Our lecturers are pretty innovative in their teaching methods, especially when it comes to complex literary works that need a lot of explaining. Having small, intimate classes and seminars is another perk because it helps to foster a more friendly relationship between students and lecturers. It makes it easy for us to approach them for any help.
At first, it was a bit hard to settle in especially when I was the first and only Bruneian student at the Cornwall Campus. I experienced what is known as culture shock and was finding it hard to cope being away from my family. But through events created for international students, such as the international welcoming week, I got to meet other international students who were in the same boat as me and that helped ease my worries.
I think it is important to let prospective international students know that there is a large and diverse amount of international students at the Cornwall Campus. This is just to reassure them that despite Cornwall being far away from it all, there are people from the same background ready to help and assist them, if there is any need. Many international students finds the first few months overwhelming and thus it is vital to let them know that support such as the International Society exists.
Hidayatul Atiqah HMJ Fariz, from Brunei, BA English, Cornwall Campus
