What is Exeter uni like for foreigners?

Hi, I’m in Year 12 and I was supposed to be looking at unis and open days properly this summer but I’m guessing they will all be cancelled because of the coronavirus outbreak.

I want to apply to Cambridge but I’m accepting the fact that I probably won’t get in, so Exeter would be my next choice. I would be studying English and apparently their department is quite good, but I’m just worried as I’ve heard so many stories of racism and just generally feeling out of place if you’re not white/upper class/ rich.
I’m Polish and even though I’ve lived in the UK all my life I know that the south west region supports Brexit and is strongly Tory. I’m white but I wouldn’t want to feel like I have to lie about where I’m from or change my behaviour to fit in as I’m definitely not upper class. I was strongly considering Exeter as the uni I would want to attend when I don’t get into Cambridge but now I’m not so sure.

If there are particularly any EU students that attend Exeter then any of your experiences/opinions would definitely help! Thanks!

Hi a.gulietta. This is very obviously an extremely personal question and different students will have different experiences. As I am not a student I will leave it to others to give their perspective, however, there are a couple of things in your post that I can address. Firstly, the University itself has a very strong anti-racism stance and strives to support a culture of tolerance and respect. Whilst there have been incidences, I strongly believe from listening to students, that the people responsible are in a tiny minority and not representative of (or tolerated by) the larger student body at Exeter.
You are right that the South West is not as diverse as some regions in the UK. However, Exeter city itself, as with a large number of University cities, is very outward looking, with strong European and international connections, communities and shopping.
On-campus we have an active Polish community and perhaps a good place to follow up on your questions is to contact them directly: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1786728974874584/
or email [url= [email protected]"][email protected]][email protected]

Thank you that’s definitely reassuring! Do you know if the Exeter open days will still be going ahead this year?