Meet Napoleon
The cat who chose our campus
Sometime around 2016, a confident feline began appearing across our Streatham Campus, in lecture theatres, libraries, and the beautiful Reed Hall gardens. Although he has a home in the Exeter area, Napoleon decided this was his university long before we made it official.
Over the years, he’s become part of our story, loved by students and staff alike, a quiet observer of student life, a companion to countless study sessions, and a reminder that curiosity (and a good nap) are essential parts of learning.
Whether he’s strolling through the Library and Career Zone, or stealing the spotlight on social media, Napoleon embodies the spirit of our community: independent, intelligent, and always a little bit mischievous.
More than just a campus mascot
For many students, Napoleon is more than just a familiar face, he’s a source of calm on busy days, a small comfort between deadlines, and a gentle reminder that everyone belongs here.
Napoleon has become a symbol of wellbeing, affectionately referred to as the Head of Security and Wellbeing at our Streatham campus. His steady presence has a way of lifting spirits, one paw at a time.
Just like Napoleon, we take the wellbeing of our students very seriously. We provide free advice, guidance and support. You can find out more on our dedicated wellbeing services pages.
Sofia
“My favourite memory with Napoleon has to be the night I stayed up so late and so stressed in the Career Zone to submit my dissertation, the whole while he lazily lounged on the sofa. Although I had gone up to campus alone as my friends had all already submitted theirs, Napoleon was there to lift my spirits every stressed filled step of the way.”
Haniyah
"I am a student who is based in St Luke’s and the only time I’m in Streatham is for my exams which makes me dislike coming up there but… every single time I’ve been up for one of my exams, Napoleon has just popped up to say hi. It’s so nice to see him and he is so incredibly friendly, now often I specifically come up to Streatham for studying to see Napoleon! He’s so cute, friendly and is such an icon."
Kiera
“It was my first night away from home, and I was feeling a little fragile. I went to the Forum with a friend and Napoleon came on right over and sat on my lap. Made me feel much much better.”
Kitty
"I was having a really hard day with a lot going on at home alongside being in the middle of my assignment deadlines, but seeing Napoleon massively changed my mood!"
Amber
“I remember my first night as a fresher, it had been very emotional saying goodbye to family and a few of my flatmates and I decided to go on a walk in the evening. We came across Napoleon and he was so friendly and I felt so welcome it was so lovely seeing him."
Abishek
“Favourite memory of Nelson is seeing him on the way to campus everyday.”
Henry
"I’m a massive cat person so discovering on my first day that the university had a “campus cat” was incredibly exciting! And the novelty still hasn’t worn off. Some of my favourite memories of Exeter have been with Napoleon - tracking him down with friends in the study zone and studying alongside him. This inevitably caused a slight lack of focus… I consider my time at university to be fulfilling, however it sometimes has its challenges. And so I find myself walking to campus just to sit with Napoleon every so often for a change of scenery and as an opportunity for reflection and peace. "
Shagnick
“There have been countless times I pulled all-nighter study sessions (especially while working on my dissertation) when Napoleon on many occasions, almost as if trying to look over me and ensure that I finish my work, would literally sit by and accompany me for entire nights! Also, fun fact: I included Napoleon in the acknowledgment section of my dissertation! Before I met Napoleon, I used to hate cats. Napoleon's kindness to me has, in a very real sense, made me more kind towards the world - and not just to animals, but to people as well in a way that past me could not have comprehended."n
Nelson - The cat with 'Middle Child' energy
It turns out Napoleon isn’t our only campus cat. Not long after his rise to fame, students began spotting a second ginger wanderer, quieter, more elusive, and equally charming.
After a poll on Napoleon’s official Instagram page and a spirited naming tournament, the campus community chose the name Nelson.
While he doesn’t make as many appearances as his more outgoing counterpart, Nelson has his favourite haunts, often seen along the pathway behind Danes Road, near the graffiti wall and bench. True to his “middle child” reputation, he prefers a calm corner and good company on his own terms.
Together, Napoleon and Nelson remind us that campus life is better shared.
And they were BROTHERS!
Its recently been discovered that Napoleon and Nelson are not only our campus mascots, they're brothers (and twins)! For many years, we didn’t know much about their story, or how they came to campus. The owner got in touch with the student behind the Instagram account and shared some throwback pictures of the pair from one Christmas.
A social media star
In April 2024, an Instagram account was created by an anonymous student, as a space to celebrate and share the widespread love for Napoleon. The account has grown into a community of thousands of followers, featuring photos of the pair, alongside memes and positive messages to brighten people’s day. It’s also encouraged for students to contribute their own photos, so that even those who haven’t met Napoleon in person can enjoy him digitally. The goal is to eventually pass the account on so that future students can continue the tradition and keep this joyful community alive.
“I love running the account because it’s given me a sense of belonging at Exeter and I really enjoy having random conversations with other students about Napoleon. When I hear people talking about how much they love the account - sassy comments, funny photo captions, cute wellbeing reminders - it makes me happy that I’ve given people a bit a joy in their day and that I’m also spreading the joy of Napoleon & Nelson. My uni experience would not be the same without these cats and this account.” – “Napoleon”
Napoleon merch
The Instagram account started to receive several requests from students for Napoleon merch. They decided to contact the Students’ Guild to see if they could help make this a reality.
The guild responded and made some freebies for students to enjoy, including stickers, croc charms and keyrings. This has allowed students to have something to remember Napoleon by after they graduate.
Keep your eyes peeled for more merch to get your paws on soon...
Greener campuses for all
We’re proud our campuses offer green, welcoming, and healthy spaces for everyone in our community to share.
Streatham
Gardens
Our 400-acre Streatham Campus, a registered Botanical Garden, is acknowledged as the most beautiful and botanically interesting of any UK University. A Diamond Jubilee International Garden, featuring plant species from Asia, Australasia, Africa, Europe and the Americas, there are plenty of green spaces around campus to explore.
Water features and ponds
Home to several water features and ponds, the original water-feature on campus being Reed Pond, created as a herringbone brick and clay puddled pond. There are also three man-made water features on campus, The Plantation, The Taddiforde Ponds and the Hoopern/Business School Ponds. Each of these mimics natural watercourses and provide habitats for insects, amphibians, birds and mammals.
Wildlife
Napoleon and Nelson are just two of the many animals that call our Streatham Campus home. Deer are often seen roaming the grounds early in the morning, and multiple birds can be found enjoying the ponds. Ducklings have also been seen in the Business School reception. As part of our continuing commitment to biodiversity, our Grounds Team have constructed and introduced bug and insect hotels.
Getting involved
There are multiple ways to enjoy the beauty of Streatham Campus, from a range of walks & trails, including our Sculpture Walk, to holding an outdoor grassed event on campus and volunteering opportunities.
Penryn
Gardens
Set within 100 acres of stunning Cornish countryside, our Green Flag Award-winning Penryn Campus is recognised for its exceptional natural beauty and commitment to sustainability. Blending historic gardens and contemporary landscaping with panoramic views over the Fal estuary and Falmouth Bay. Home to sub-tropical planting, a fruit-producing orchard, walled gardens and native woodland, it provides a vibrant and inspiring environment.
Water features and ponds
There are several natural and designed water habitats, from wildlife ponds to the tranquil stream that winds through the campus. These areas are carefully managed to enhance biodiversity, supporting amphibians, aquatic invertebrates and native plants. They also serve as peaceful spots for reflection and relaxation.
Wildlife
Rabbits, hedgehogs and foxes are often seen exploring the grounds, while kestrels, owls and other birds of prey can be seen soaring overhead. The gardens and ponds are also frequented by a wide variety of songbirds, bees and butterflies. As part of our ongoing commitment to biodiversity, our Grounds Team has installed bee hotels and planted more than 2,000 wildflowers across campus, creating safe spaces for native insect, bird and bat species to thrive.
Getting involved
There are many ways for you to enjoy the natural beauty of our Penryn Campus. Explore the campus on foot via a self-guided tour, take part in conservation volunteering projects, or join one of our Sustainability Café events to learn more about the local environment. Whether you’re taking a peaceful walk or helping maintain wildlife habitats, there’s always a new way to connect with nature at Penryn.
St Lukes
Grounds
Steeped in history and nestled in the heart of Exeter, St Luke’s Campus combines heritage architecture with thoughtfully designed green spaces. Dating back to 1835, the campus has evolved into a welcoming and vibrant environment, its landscaped gardens and courtyards are recognised for their horticultural interest and contribution to biodiversity within the city.
Wildlife*
Biodiversity is actively encouraged, bug hotels, pollinator-friendly borders and diverse planting schemes provide habitats for insects, birds and other urban wildlife. The mix of mature trees, flowering shrubs and seasonal blooms supports a healthy ecosystem while enhancing the campus's natural beauty.
Getting involved
Whether you’re taking a quiet break in the courtyard, or exploring the seasonal planting, the campus provides a restorative space that celebrates nature, heritage and learning.
Staff and students are encouraged to get involved with SLUG (St Lukes Volunteer Garden), an initiative founded in 2018, promoting wellbeing and connection with nature. The gardens include raised vegetable beds, a pond, herb borders, fruit canes and a tapestry lawn, with plans for beehives and a fire pit in the future. The group meets every Wednesday lunchtime.