Student mentor profiles
Read the profiles of current and previous Student Mentors to learn more about the scheme, how they support new students and benefit from the experience too.
Sarah Gaunt
The University of Exeter, Penryn Campus is really environmentally orientated, which allows you to meet like-minded people. The location was a huge draw for me, being originally from the Channel Islands I was used to being by the sea, and when I visited Falmouth it completely made up my mind. The vibe on campus is always really friendly and relaxed, especially when it’s sunny and everyone is just outside and hanging out with friends in between lectures.
The best aspect of the Biosciences department, in which I study, is probably the field trips; in the first year they are local, around Cornwall, but in your second year you get the chance to go to Cyprus and Scotland, and then in the final year you can choose to go to Africa or Spain, both of which are amazing opportunities.
While being at university in Cornwall I have completed the Exeter Award, worked as a volunteer on several local initiatives such as the Helford River Clean Up and also been a Student Mentor in my third year. I hope this will show future employers that I am able to work with others as well as lead other people.
I decided to become a Student Mentor as a way to help new students get to know the campus, and get the most out of what the University has to offer. As a first year student I never signed up for a Student Mentor, unlike a lot of my friends, who really appreciated having someone to ask the silly questions you think of when worrying about moving away from home!
After graduating I hope to gain some experience volunteering in conservation, before hopefully moving towards ecotourism, and tying it more closely with active conservation.
I have really enjoyed the time I have spent at the University of Exeter, the University staff and FXU have made it an incredible three years, and I would definitely recommend the Penryn Campus to prospective Bioscience students.
Sarah Gaunt, BSc Conservation Biology and Ecology, Penryn Campus
Sam Kendray
For me coming to the University of Exeter, Penryn Campus was a change from the Midlands and city life, a chance to live by the coast and take up new hobbies. The location was a huge selling point, if you like the coast, and want to get away from the city it’s the place to be.
The lecturers are great and the numerous local fieldtrips are fantastic, but without doubt the highlight of my programme, is the second year fieldtrip to California!
I decided to become a Student Mentor as I know that the first few weeks at university can be stressful, and I believe I can help others with any problems they may have. The experience has made me realise that most students have the same worries which are easily resolved within the first few weeks.
Best years I have had, don’t want it to end.
Sam Kendray, BSc Geography, Penryn Campus