can any people who are studying at exeter&#x27;s penryn campus please answer this?

Universities Forum Helper

12

Hi! I'm currently doing a masters at the Penryn campus but also did my undergrad there and from my experience, the campus is very inclusive and friendly! I'm from a low income background and while some people there are from higher income backgrounds, I've never had the problem of feeling left out or anything like that, many people from these backgrounds are my closest friends. There's a good mix of people from all sorts of backgrounds so I definitely feel like it shouldn't be a reason to stop you doing a course you really want to do!

Penryn Campus is a great campus that's got a great community feel and is shared by both Exeter and Falmouth Universities which means you get loads of different types of people going there! - Alicia, University of Exeter Student Ambassador

Reply 2

16hdennis

9

Original post by varsh_xx

i really need some firsthand advice about the inclusion/friendliness of people at exeter. they have the perfect course for me (marine science), and i'm apprehensive about the uni's reputation for having a 'posh' attitude as i might not fit in that

I am doing BSc Zoology at Exeter, Penryn Campus, so am studying in the same department you might be in!
I have never met anyone who comes across as having a ‘posh’ attitude, which may have something to do with our campus being separate to the rest of the University. The campus is also shared with Falmouth University Students which brings a different perspective.
Almost everyone in the Biosciences department is very friendly (there’s inevitably going to be some people who have certain attitudes with people coming from all over) and you will definitely be able to find people you get on with at societies and events.

I’m glad you have found a course you are excited about, and, I might be biased, but the Biosciences Degrees here are really good!

Reply 3

varsh_xx

OP

10

Original post by 16hdennis

I am doing BSc Zoology at Exeter, Penryn Campus, so am studying in the same department you might be in!
I have never met anyone who comes across as having a ‘posh’ attitude, which may have something to do with our campus being separate to the rest of the University. The campus is also shared with Falmouth University Students which brings a different perspective.
Almost everyone in the Biosciences department is very friendly (there’s inevitably going to be some people who have certain attitudes with people coming from all over) and you will definitely be able to find people you get on with at societies and events.
I’m glad you have found a course you are excited about, and, I might be biased, but the Biosciences Degrees here are really good!

thank you so much! that makes me feel more confident about choosing exeter :smile:

)

Reply 4

artful_lounger

21

I didnt study there but had two friends that did. I gather the Cornwall campus is essentially completely different to the main campus and the two people i know who went there, both fairly down to earth people, seemed to have a great time socially. The reputation for upper middle class "posh" types is regarding the Streatham (and maybe St lukes) campus. Remember the Cornwall campus is wholly separate and doesn't have overlap in student body or faculty with the main campus.

Reply 5

Muttley79

20

Original post by artful_lounger

I didnt study there but had two friends that did. I gather the Cornwall campus is essentially completely different to the main campus and the two people i know who went there, both fairly down to earth people, seemed to have a great time socially. The reputation for upper middle class "posh" types is regarding the Streatham (and maybe St lukes) campus. Remember the Cornwall campus is wholly separate and doesn't have overlap in student body or faculty with the main campus.

The Streatham campus is not posh - lots of working class people from comps these days. How long ago were you there?

Reply 6

Chloeelww

3

Original post by ExeterStudentRep

Hi! I'm currently doing a masters at the Penryn campus but also did my undergrad there and from my experience, the campus is very inclusive and friendly! I'm from a low income background and while some people there are from higher income backgrounds, I've never had the problem of feeling left out or anything like that, many people from these backgrounds are my closest friends. There's a good mix of people from all sorts of backgrounds so I definitely feel like it shouldn't be a reason to stop you doing a course you really want to do!
Penryn Campus is a great campus that's got a great community feel and is shared by both Exeter and Falmouth Universities which means you get loads of different types of people going there! - Alicia, University of Exeter Student Ambassador

Hi, I was wondering as a postgraduate student but new the Penryn campus if its better to live on campus or in Falmouth. From my undergraduate experience in Swansea I really enjoyed living in a student house. Also need to find some flatmates to live with as I’m new to Falmouth/ Penryn. What would your recommendations be ? X

Reply 7

2

How much money would a student need to live off per week at Penryn Campus self catered room do you think? Thank you need to plan ahead with money

Reply 8

12

Hi Be48,

Planning your budget as a student is crucial, so this is a really brilliant question. Whilst I must preface that I did not study at our Penryn Campus, but our Streatham one, I am more than happy to give you a little breakdown of the typical weekly expenses you might encounter. Firstly, you would have to consider factoring in your rent of course, although a termly expense or monthly, it will still affect your weekly allowance. You should also factor in the following:

1. Food:

•

Expect to spend around £30 to £40 per week on food depending on your dietary preferences and whether you cook most of your meals, I have had a quick google search and you can catch a bus to take you to a Lidl 15 mins away from Penryn Campus, which might be slightly cheaper. Or you can always get your food shop delivered, that way you know what dinners you have in the fridge/freezer and can perhaps plan for up to three weeks, this is what I did and used ASDA!

•

Eating Out: If you occasionally eat out or grab a coffee, budget an additional £10 to £20 per week.

2. Transport:

•

If you plan to travel between campuses or explore the surrounding area, budget around £10 per week. However, if you mostly stay on campus, this cost could be lower.

•

It might also be slightly higher if you wanted to book train tickets home, for example I had to travel back to London to come home, which would cost £60 return (with my railcard), but obviously this wouldn't be every week! Nor would you necessarily need to travel home as much as I did.

3. Social Activities:

•

Budget around £10 to £30 per week for socializing, entertainment, and other leisure activities. This can include things like going out with friends, pub crawls, or bowling! Although I have known some friends to spend £40 a night when they are out drinking/clubbing so if you like to drink, I expect your budget to be slightly higher. Then again, this was also at our campus' in Exeter, so it might be more expensive as it is a central town!

4. Miscellaneous:

•

It's wise to set aside about £10 to £15 per week for unexpected expenses, like toiletries, laundry, cleaning products or small emergencies.

Total Estimated Weekly Budget:
· Low End: £100
· High End: £140

This estimate gives you a good range to work with. Adjust according to your specific lifestyle and spending habits. If you're careful with your spending, living on the lower end of this budget is feasible. However, it’s always good to have a little extra set aside for unexpected costs or emergencies. Plus you don't need to worry about bills and or the Internet, as this should be included in your accommodation!

If you are worried about your budget after this breakdown, or you just think you would really like a job whilst at uni; I would suggest you apply to become a Student Ambassador- essentially my job! We meet with perspective students to support them on their journey into university. From open days to information fairs, campus tours, and presentations, you'll get paid to share your love for our fantastic uni! So watch out for the application deadlines, as I know many people missed out in first year.

I really hope this helps!

We look forward to welcoming you in September!

Best wishes,
Sophie, University of Exeter Student Ambassador.

(edited 10 months ago)

Reply 9

2

Original post by ExeterStudentRep

Hi Be48,
Planning your budget as a student is crucial, so this is a really brilliant question. Whilst I must preface that I did not study at our Penryn Campus, but our Streatham one, I am more than happy to give you a little breakdown of the typical weekly expenses you might encounter. Firstly, you would have to consider factoring in your rent of course, although a termly expense or monthly, it will still affect your weekly allowance. You should also factor in the following:
1. Food:

•

Expect to spend around £30 to £40 per week on food depending on your dietary preferences and whether you cook most of your meals, I have had a quick google search and you can catch a bus to take you to a Lidl 15 mins away from Penryn Campus, which might be slightly cheaper. Or you can always get your food shop delivered, that way you know what dinners you have in the fridge/freezer and can perhaps plan for up to three weeks, this is what I did and used ASDA!

•

Eating Out: If you occasionally eat out or grab a coffee, budget an additional £10 to £20 per week.

2. Transport:

•

If you plan to travel between campuses or explore the surrounding area, budget around £10 per week. However, if you mostly stay on campus, this cost could be lower.

•

It might also be slightly higher if you wanted to book train tickets home, for example I had to travel back to London to come home, which would cost £60 return (with my railcard), but obviously this wouldn't be every week! Nor would you necessarily need to travel home as much as I did.

3. Social Activities:

•

Budget around £10 to £30 per week for socializing, entertainment, and other leisure activities. This can include things like going out with friends, pub crawls, or bowling! Although I have known some friends to spend £40 a night when they are out drinking/clubbing so if you like to drink, I expect your budget to be slightly higher. Then again, this was also at our campus' in Exeter, so it might be more expensive as it is a central town!

4. Miscellaneous:

•

It's wise to set aside about £10 to £15 per week for unexpected expenses, like toiletries, laundry, cleaning products or small emergencies.

Total Estimated Weekly Budget:
· Low End: £100
· High End: £140
This estimate gives you a good range to work with. Adjust according to your specific lifestyle and spending habits. If you're careful with your spending, living on the lower end of this budget is feasible. However, it’s always good to have a little extra set aside for unexpected costs or emergencies. Plus you don't need to worry about bills and or the Internet, as this should be included in your accommodation!
If you are worried about your budget after this breakdown, or you just think you would really like a job whilst at uni; I would suggest you apply to become a Student Ambassador- essentially my job! We meet with perspective students to support them on their journey into university. From open days to information fairs, campus tours, and presentations, you'll get paid to share your love for our fantastic uni! So watch out for the application deadlines, as I know many people missed out in first year.
I really hope this helps!
We look forward to welcoming you in September!
Best wishes,
Sophie, University of Exeter Student Ambassador.

I seriously can’t thank you enough for such an incredibly helpful, thoughtful and informative reply. I am travelling a long way from Scotland to come to penryn so the more I can prepare the better. I don’t suppose you know if we get a reading week in first year? I just want to think about travelling home then. Many thanks again for all your help, absolutely brilliant

Reply 10

12

Original post by Be48

I seriously can’t thank you enough for such an incredibly helpful, thoughtful and informative reply. I am travelling a long way from Scotland to come to penryn so the more I can prepare the better. I don’t suppose you know if we get a reading week in first year? I just want to think about travelling home then. Many thanks again for all your help, absolutely brilliant

Hi,

No worries at all! I really hope it helps! If I can think of anything else before September I will be sure to add another reply.

Regarding a reading week, it really does depend on the course, I studied Middle Eastern Studies with Theology and had a reading week every first term but some courses are different. If you are lucky you might get two, one in each term! When you receive your timetable, you'll be able to see your reading week as there will be a gap, but double check with your lecturers you won't have any mid-term exams during that week. I would also suggest, once you've checked with your lecturers, book your train as soon as and definitely invest in a railcard if you can!

Best,
Sophie University of Exeter Student Ambassador.

Reply 11

2

Thank you so much, a rail card sounds a fantastic idea actually. I was just thinking that my mum would like to come down and visit me during the reading week so she was keen to plan her journey down. But perhaps I need to wait a couple more weeks until finding out more details. Thank you again very much for all your help and I look forward to starting.

Reply 12

2

One thing I am also needing to know please Sophie - mobile networks, I’m on EE, does that work well on campus and in halls? If not can you recommend any others, thank you

Reply 13

12

Original post by Be48

One thing I am also needing to know please Sophie - mobile networks, I’m on EE, does that work well on campus and in halls? If not can you recommend any others, thank you

Hi Be48,

That would be lovely! I'm sure she is looking forward to visiting you and our wonderful Penryn. I am on EE and it works well in Exeter, but obviously as Penryn is in Cornwall, I am not totally sure. I can see if I can call the uni on Tuesday to ask the team if you would like?

Best,
Sophie, University of Exeter Student Ambassador.

Reply 14

2

Yes please, that would be so helpful thank you so much for all your help, really grateful :smile:

Reply 15

12

Original post by Be48

Yes please, that would be so helpful thank you so much for all your help, really grateful :smile:

Hi Be48,

I have just spoken with the uni and it seems to be that the majority of the popular networks work just fine down in Penryn, EE and Vodafone seem to be good choices, so I am sure you have no need to worry.

Best,
Sophie, University of Exeter Student Ambassador.

Reply 16