Civil Engineering - MEng (Hons)

University of Exeter

Studying for my PhD in Civil and Water Engineering at the University of Exeter has been an exceptional and genuinely life shaping experience. Academically, the University offers outstanding facilities, well resourced laboratories, and a research environment that encourages curiosity, independence, and collaboration. What truly distinguishes Exeter is that research is never pursued for its own sake alone. There is a strong, shared commitment to real world impact, where ideas are developed with the intention of addressing practical challenges and benefiting society. The professors are leaders in their fields while remaining approachable, generous with their time, and deeply supportive. Regular seminars, interdisciplinary meetings, and research gatherings create a vibrant academic culture where ideas are continuously shared, challenged, refined, and connected to real applications beyond academia. Exeter’s location is another major strength. With excellent transport links, the city offers easy access to major academic and innovation hubs such as London and Bristol. This makes attending national and international conferences, workshops, and seminars both practical and frequent. These opportunities significantly enriched my PhD experience and helped me stay closely connected to the wider research and professional community. The University’s support for innovation is particularly impressive. The Innovation Centre fosters a genuinely encouraging environment where new ideas are welcomed and actively supported. Innovation is not treated as an abstract concept but as a natural extension of research. I personally organised and delivered my own seminar on Artificial Intelligence with the support of the Innovation Centre, and the level of encouragement, organisation, and belief in student led initiatives was remarkable. This culture empowers researchers to take intellectual risks, develop leadership skills, and transform ideas into meaningful impact. Living in Exeter itself adds a unique and memorable dimension to the experience. The city has a distinctive charm, shaped by its historic cathedral, narrow streets, and a quiet gothic atmosphere that gives it character and depth. It is peaceful without being isolated and lively without being overwhelming. Living conditions are comfortable and relatively affordable compared to larger UK cities, contributing to an excellent quality of life. The surrounding countryside, rivers, and nearby coastline provide a rare balance between academic intensity and personal wellbeing. Above all, it is the people who make Exeter truly special. Exonians are warm, welcoming, and genuinely kind. From fellow PhD students to academic staff and local residents, there is a strong sense of community and belonging. Informal gatherings, academic events, and social activities create meaningful connections that extend well beyond the classroom or laboratory. The campus itself is beautiful, green, and thoughtfully designed, encouraging both productivity and connection. Overall, the University of Exeter offers far more than an excellent education. It provides an environment where research, innovation, community, and quality of life come together seamlessly. I could not imagine a better place to pursue a PhD, and I am deeply grateful for the experience and opportunities Exeter has given me.

Being based at the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus has been a real highlight. The sense of community is strong, and the campus environment is genuinely inspiring—small enough to feel supportive, yet academically rich. The proximity to the coast and nature has contributed hugely to my wellbeing and creativity during my PhD. I’ve also appreciated the accessibility of staff; supervisors and lecturers are approachable, and interdisciplinary collaboration feels very natural here. The facilities for research, particularly within my department, have been well-maintained and easy to access. The biggest challenges have mostly been structural rather than academic. Administrative processes such as finance, IT, and HR can sometimes be slow or fragmented, making basic tasks more stressful than necessary. As a research student, I’ve also felt that communication between central services and postgraduate researchers could be clearer, especially regarding policy changes, deadlines, and available support. Finally, while Penryn’s location is great, the limited transport links and cost of housing in the area can create accessibility issues for me especially given the parking situation on campus is extremely expensive. With very few permits being given out.

Lots of study areas and loads of different societies to join. The guild hold many events throughout the year to bring people together. Sports are accessible and incredibly fun.

10/10. I've enjoyed every minute since settling in. The sports societies are the cherry on the top of the cake. A real community and a great atmosphere around campus.

The University of Exeter is a fantastic place to both live and study. The campus grounds are absolutely beautiful, the infrastructure and facilities are excellent and ever improving thanks to continual investment and the academic experience is engaging and challenging.