Exeter’s approach to teaching- both from the dedication of staff to its wellbeing focus- is wonderful, especially when I have compared my experiences to friends at other universities. However, the general culture of students at Exeter is what is difficult for me. The ‘Exetah’ stereotype is relatively true and, as a working class boy from South Wales, this sometimes makes me feel unable to take part in social events or societies. Likewise; although not ran directly by the university, the costs associated with some societies- especially sports- are astronomical compared to similar societies at other major universities. The university itself is wonderful, being one of the greenest campus’s I have ever seen, but is sadly placed at the top of a very large hill far away from most cheap accommodation. Perhaps pointing out affordability, some university amenities- namely the Ram Bar- are very affordable. However, some simply are not- Exeter university is the only institution I know of who have chosen to have a Pret A Manger over a Greggs on campus. For most students, this is unaffordable. I have loved my first year at Exeter and look forward to the next two, but I do sometimes feel that I do not belong here, do not have enough money to take part in everything I want, etc.

Exeter takes pride in the fact it makes you read a lot to understand your course. Beyond one or two lecturers who read off of PowerPoints, they are each very knowledgeable and very good at explaining the intricacies of their topics. Exeter has some wonderful field experts for history too!

Lafrowda, at about £202/week for a single bed en-suite was lovely but very unaffordable. I had friends staying in the centre of Cardiff for roughly half of that and receiving a room twice as big. The staff, security, and campus feel of Lafrowda was amazing, but the price (as well as that of all local shops) felt extortionate.

The library is open 24/7 which is really nice and there are loads of place to do work so there is always variety however the cafes/shops all close at either 3pm or 8pm and if youre late night studying youre limited to the expensive prices in the vending machines if you want a snack or refreshments.

The lectures sometimes assume that you know certain things and had background knowledge in classics for example so they tend to skip through some content. However, the fact that the lectures are recorded means that if im confused about aspects then i can always cycle through the lectures or contact the lecturer pretty easily

You arent given a toaster,we had to buy that ourselves, the kettle leakes everywhere when you pour from it, the microwave broke really easily and within the first few weeks of being there anf the shower door itself has come off of the hinges and no one seems to want to fix it. The walk to uni itself is about 20 minutes all up hill so you really have to like walking and have to use a lot of effort when going to uni each day.