The University in the community

We provide information and guidance for students living and socialising off-campus, also information for permanent local residents who live alongside students and have an interest in the University's development.

We understand that social differences between students and permanent local residents can sometimes cause tension. We believe that such tensions can be resolved when there are more opportunities for communication and meaningful engagement. The University's Community Liaison Manager works to enhance relationships with local communities.

The University also provides many services and facilities that are available to members of the public, contact us directly to find out more. 

Community Engagement News

Join the team!

Supporting our local communities and staying safe has never been a greater priority. Do you want to be part of an innovative team, supporting students and working in the local community? Are you interested in a flexible, part time job that provides experience in working with community organisations?

We’re currently seeking to recruit Community Engagement Officers to work with our Community Liaison Team throughout 2023/24.

To find out more about how to become a Community Engagement Officer visit our recruiting page on Handshake. The deadline for applications is Sunday 4^th June.

Bank holiday collections

For those not living in halls of residence, be mindful that bin dates are changing (just for this month) due to incoming May bank holidays. Bank holiday dates are: 1, 8 and 29 May so check the bin icon on the iExeter app or visit the council website to keep up to date on when bin collections will be for your house. The council have a useful May calendar for you. For any queries contact communityengagement@exeter.ac.uk.

Moving out for the summer?

We are excited to announce that Students on the Move scheme will be returning in term 3.

The scheme allows University students living in private accommodation to have non-recyclable waste collected for FREE- in addition to their normal bi-weekly collection. This scheme has helped to reduce fly-tipping and has taken the stress out of the busy 'moving out' period.

Look out for our Community Engagement Team, who will be issuing 'Students on the Move' envelopes containing collection stickers for marking extra waste and an information leaflet with other options to get rid of no longer needed items. You can also collect 'SOTM' envelopes from the reception areas at Streatham and St Luke’s campuses.

The stickers will allow you to mark your refuse for collection between your normal collection times. These collections will take place every Monday and Friday on these dates:

5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, 30 June

and 3, 7, 10, 14, July

Please follow the instructions on the back of the sticker. For more information you can contact our team.

Exeter-based and Extra Glass? 

Please ensure that extra glass is delivered to your nearest bottle bank and not placed within in your normal recycling bin. Students living in private housing who don’t have access to a car or don't live within walking distance to a bottle bank can book a collection slot on our returning glass caddy scheme.

The hugely successful Glass caddy scheme has returned to transport student’s glass waste to recycling points for Term 3. Contact our team to find out our available collection dates (May to July). Please book early to avoid disappointment- there is a limited amount of collections slots and we are on a first-come, first-served schedule. Last-minute requests will not guarantee you a collection.

Please be considerate of your neighbours

Please continue to be mindful of noise levels, as you may have neighbours with young families, or early morning work commitments. 

If arranging a gathering, it is important to socialise safely and considerately by consulting the noise section of the Community Guide (pages 26-29). Noise in the street can carry and have a big impact on all our community. Consider those who need to sleep, particularly during the week.

Please also be mindful with household waste as rubbish bags left outside can attract vermin who will attack bags and spread waste across the streets, particularly if there is food waste inside.

Check the iExeter bin app for council collection dates at your address. You can also download your bin calendar on the council website.

Get rid of unwanted food items by donating them

Have you got excess/ unwanted food in your cupboard that you no longer want or wish to travel back home with? There are many food banks in Exeter that you can donate these items to (options are below). Please visit each organisation’s website on specifics on what they will accept.

We also have a Community Larder for students on campus that you can donate to as well. Accepting only non-perishable items (dried pasta, rice, canned food, etc), you can drop off items to Mardon Hall Residence Life Room between 9am- 5pm on:

• Monday 22nd May
• Monday 5th June
• Monday 12th- Friday 16^th June

If you would like to donate after the Friday 16^th June, you will need to contact us for available dates/times.

The Community Larder at Streatham offers emergency food supplies for students who are struggling with food poverty and provides information on further support and guidance around the cost of living. To find out more about the financial help available, or to access this resource, you can talk to any of our student-facing support team across the University including the Student Guild Advice Service, Wellbeing and the Education Welfare Team.

Here are a sample of organisations close to you where you can donate:

• Exeter Food Bank (Trussel Trust)
• FoodCycle Exeter
• Teign Valley Larder
• St Katherine’s priory Community Larder
• Exeter Food Action/ Fareshare Southwest
• St Thomas Community Larder (Food Exeter)
• Campus Community Larder

If you don’t have a car or live within walking distance to a food bank there will be a limited collection service run by the Community Engagement Officers that you can book (contact us for details)

House hunting tips

Looking for a property to live in next year? Finding somewhere to live in the city can be tricky.

You can find lots of information and resources through the University's Move Smart Campaign and our other pages here: Community- Students' Information, Accommodation Team, Student's Guild.

There are lots of support teams ready to help you find accommodation. 

Volunteering opportunities available

For those interested in volunteering there are loads of options both on campus and in the city that you can join (for free!):

• Community Garden at Streatham campus: Meet every Wednesday and Saturday. Contact the team to find out where on campus they are.
• St Luke’s Volunteer Garden (SLUG): The garden group are looking for volunteers every Wednesday (between 12 – 2pm). All staff and students are welcome. This hidden gem is located at the rear of the Medical School extension; refreshments, gardening, and stone painting will be offered to anybody coming along.
• Newtown's Wildflower Gardens for the Bees- Thursday mornings at 10.30am - 12.30pm at the Clifton Road Wildflower Gardens for the Bees at the junction of Clifton Rd and Clifton Street. Contact us for more details.
• Bury Meadow Garden- meet at Bury Meadow Park once a month to do a garden makeover. Next sessions are: 3PM on Saturday 10 June, 10AM on Sunday 11 June.
• Polsloe Community Association- Priory Road Park (meet by the noticeboard).Litter pick, plant swap and park care. Every first Sunday of the month at 2pm.
• For more information other pop-up volunteering opportunities or community events, please contact communityengagement@exeter.ac.uk or keep an eye on the Community page.