Zachary Stancombe

BA Archaeology

What has been the highlight of your time at Exeter?

The highlight of my time here has to be the people I have met; those I studied with, studied under and met along the way. It is the people who make Exeter such a special place to study, creating a friendly and welcoming environment in which to live and work. I would not have enjoyed my time here nearly as much without them. 

What will you miss the most about University?

Exeter offers a brilliant balance between supporting its students and encouraging them to achieve at the highest levels of excellence. The rounded approach to life and education that Exeter provides and promotes has allowed me to thrive as a student, fulfilling my potential and achieving my ambitions. It is working and living in such a positive atmosphere which I will miss most.

What did you enjoy about your particular programme?

Archaeology is an amazingly broad and fascinating subject. It has specialist fields that are challenging and diverse enough to appeal to a wide range of students, from the theoretical approach of Historiography to the scientific approach of LiDAR or 3D modelling. Archaeology offers students the opportunity to contribute, in a meaningful way, to current discussion and provides a plethora of different challenges and opportunities. It is this mix of learning and discovery that makes the subject so enjoyable!

What advice would you give to current and future students?

I would say that it is of key importance to approach every essay or task with interest and to remember that your ultimate aim is to gain a degree that is a reflection of your ability. Enjoying your subject helps you work more effectively, but all degrees require you to work. Whilst working hard is important, maintaining a personal life is equally vital. Your time at university should be a rounded experience and enjoying yourself is part of that!

What are your plans now that you have graduated?

I have gained a place at the University of Cambridge to study for an MPhil in Archaeology. I then want to take a PhD before entering the world of research and, hopefully, becoming a lecturer. A more personal goal is to help raise the profile and popularity of Archaeology as a degree subject to enable it to receive the kudos I believe it deserves.