University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Queries

Hello all, I am in Year 13 and trying to decide which university is best for me. I am hoping to study biological sciences/ ecology. My gut feeling is with Exeter, specifically to study conservation biology and ecology at the Penryn campus.

I really liked the campus when I visited on an open day, and the course covers all of my favourite aspects of biology and conservation. However, I do have some concerns about the logistics of it all:

1) I'm from Birmingham and I'm aware it's quite a long journey by train. Is this bearable and what about moving in and out every year?
2) What are the lecturers like? Do they have a lot of passion and subject knowledge?
3) Is there plenty to do? Do you ever feel bored?
4) In terms of shopping, where do you go to buy food/ clothes? I know Falmouth has a Tesco and a few other shops but are there any closer places?
5) What is the local environment like? Is it suitable for comprehensive fieldwork?
6) Is the on-campus accommodation okay? There didn't seem to be many places to just sit, eat and relax?
7) And finally, would you recommend Penryn Campus?

Thank you for reading and I'd love to read any replies!

Hello Capybara100,

It is great to hear that you would like to apply to conservation biology and ecology at the Penryn campus. Obviously some of your queries are looking for other’s experiences so I shall hold off and see if any students come back to you with answers. However, I will help where I can!

3. You may find some of our student life videos for Penryn of interest. It gives a bit of an insight in to what our students get up to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osbLwuC2ON0 or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sN4o7Ctq4nc are a start.
4. There is a big Asda about 5 minutes from the Penryn Campus. It is really close and perfect for any food shopping. You can also arrange delivery for Sainsbury’s and Asda to the halls. As for other shops Falmouth is the closest nearby place for clothes; it is made up of more independent shops rather than chains but is a good place to shop.
5. In your first year you will do fieldwork in the local area. My understanding has always been that it is a great location for fieldwork and anecdotally students tell me that Cornwall is a great location for this. Hopefully you will get further confirmation in further responses!
6. Do you mean places to relax and eat within the halls? There are various places to eat and socialise on campus. The Exchange is the main hub but there are other spots elsewhere on the campus. One particularly peaceful spot is the Chaplaincy.

I would obviously speak highly of the Penryn Campus so it goes without saying that I would recommend it! Do let me know if you have any further questions that I can help with.

Good luck with your decision making and application!

Melody

Hi Melody!

Thank you so much for your replies, they have helped to put my mind at ease. Thanks for the videos too, it seems like there is plenty to do at the Penryn Campus.

I did want to ask one more question about the accommodation - is there enough storage space? Because when I visited the accommodation at Glasney Student Village, there didn't seem to be much room to store clothes etc.

Thank you

Hello all, I am in Year 13 and trying to decide which university is best for me. I am hoping to study biological sciences/ ecology. My gut feeling is with Exeter, specifically to study conservation biology and ecology at the Penryn campus.

I really liked the campus when I visited on an open day, and the course covers all of my favourite aspects of biology and conservation. However, I do have some concerns about the logistics of it all:

1) I'm from Birmingham and I'm aware it's quite a long journey by train. Is this bearable and what about moving in and out every year?
2) What are the lecturers like? Do they have a lot of passion and subject knowledge?
3) Is there plenty to do? Do you ever feel bored?
4) In terms of shopping, where do you go to buy food/ clothes? I know Falmouth has a Tesco and a few other shops but are there any closer places?
5) What is the local environment like? Is it suitable for comprehensive fieldwork?
6) Is the on-campus accommodation okay? There didn't seem to be many places to just sit, eat and relax?
7) And finally, would you recommend Penryn Campus?

Thank you for reading and I'd love to read any replies!

Hi, I’ve start here last week and am from near Birmingham.
1- The train journey is a little long but it does go along the coast so you get some beautiful views to make it worth it. The car journey is a lot shorter and easier if that’s possible for moving in and that.
2- All the lecturers I’ve met so far seem really enthusiastic about their subjects and getting undergrads involved in their research as well, there is some really cool research going on.
3- as you’re interested in ecology and conservation there is so much you an do down here. The campus itself is full of awesome wildlife and the EcoSoc do regular trips and events to explore this and the wildlife further from campus too.
4- ASDA is a short walk from campus and they will also deliver to your flat as well. There is also a small shop on campus for essentials if you’re desperate one day. For clothes there’s lots of small charity shops in Penryn and Falmouth but the main stream shops like H

Thank you so much!!!

Your comments are extremely helpful!! The travel time was definitely a big concern of mine but it's reassuring to hear from someone in a similar situation as me - I'm glad there's some great views along the way too!

My gut feeling is with the Cornwall Campus and I'm happy to see that it's a viable and exciting opportunity