Exeter campuses
At our campuses in Exeter, the Students’ Guild (Exeter’s Students’ Union) is central to student life and is recognised as one of the UK’s leading students’ unions. The Guild is a dynamic, innovative and award-winning organisation, existing to represent all the diverse students of the University of Exeter. The Guild is a member-led organisation, which means all our students have a say in the running of the Guild and it often sets national records for turnout in students’ union elections. Through Guild representation, the broad range of services and exceptional activities, we are confident that you’ll have the best possible university experience at Exeter.
It is undeniable that the University of Exeter has become one of the finest universities in the UK and indeed the world, having become an almost permanent fixture in the UK’s top 10 higher education rankings. But despite its prominence in both teaching and research, it is the Guild’s contribution to the phenomenon that is the ‘Exeter Experience’ that transforms student life here in Exeter from excellent to truly exceptional.
Your programme is, or hopefully should be, an important factor when it comes to selecting a university. But very rarely do prospective students consider all the other opportunities that being a student offers them. Here at Exeter we have one of the most active student bodies in the UK, with chances to join societies, to volunteer, or earn a little extra cash by working for the Guild, being taken up and enjoyed every day. These opportunities not only provide students with exciting ways to spend their time whilst here at Exeter but also help build their skill base and look great on CVs.
As President, I work as part of a four person sabbatical team charged with: defending the academic rights of all students; ensuring the welfare of every member of the student body; and acting as the social hub for activity on and off campus. In essence we just want to make sure you are safe and have as much fun as possible during your time here.
Roughly four years ago I was one of the lucky few who knew exactly which university I wanted to attend. I knew that my programme was one of the best in the country and that I was going to attend a lush utopian campus near the sea. Looking back now, these factors have somewhat paled in comparison to everything I have experienced over the years. No other place I have visited on my modest travels has ever inspired the kind of belief and success that the University of Exeter and specifically the Students’ Guild does.
Nick Davis, Students’ Guild President 2011/12
Cornwall Campus
The Cornwall Campus Students’ Union is known as FXU and jointly represents students of the University of Exeter, Cornwall Campus and Falmouth University (FXU stands for Falmouth and Exeter Union). Students from each institution have their own Student President and the support of a joint Welfare President. As with the Guild in Exeter (of which you’ll automatically be a member, too), FXU will play a major role in your student experience, starting with a programme of Freshers’ activities. FXU organises events on and off campus, helps students to set up and run sports clubs and societies, has a successful Community Action and RAG base, and runs a support and advice service.
Cornwall is fantastic. There’s no other way to put it.
Now, I’ve heard plenty of people comment on the rumour that ‘little happens in Cornwall’ but this couldn’t be further from the truth.
You’ve got everything you could want or need and in a lush, green countryside surrounded by the beautiful Atlantic no less. A vibrant and colourful nightlife full of quaint and charming independent pubs, bars and clubs, with everything from live folk gigs to house and dub on offer; there’s a little bit of everything for everyone. Not to mention all the outdoorsy stuff that the county is a perfect setting for: surfing, sea-swimming, kayaking, rock-climbing, coasteering, kite-surfing, wind-surfing and dozens of various sports clubs – you name it, Cornwall’s got it. Sure, it’s not the heaving metropolis that London is but, if anything, that’s a bonus. It’s all about feeling at home here.
FXU offers many sports and societies ranging from hockey and rugby to Bee Soc and Capoeira.
I can say that FXU helps offer students a great life, and the opportunities you'll find here can help set you up with a career for life.
Jay Bjorkmann, FXU President, 2012/13.
Questions?
If you want to know more about the Students’ Guild or FXU, or just have a few questions you feel students are more qualified to answer, feel free to get in touch.
For students based in Exeter, you’ll find our Students’ Guild website helpful with all our contact details and our forums.
For students based at the Cornwall Campus, please see the FXU Students’ Union website.
