Is it worth applying to Exeter as a Muslim from an immigrant family

Hi, I am a year 13 student planning on studying at Exeter. I have already received an offer. My ambition for this uni is to do with it being a Russell group I can get into with a contextual offer for law.

Today, I visited the city and the Streatham campus, and one thing that stood out to me was the lack of coloured/foreign people. This was a huge shock to me as I come from Southampton, a place where the majority are from immigrant families. My main concern is the lack of diversity in the university and the need to adapt to be more upper-class and "British."

I am currently studying at a college in Winchester, where most students come from more wealthy British families. This made it difficult for me to try to fit in; however, I still managed to make friends primarily with other first — and second-generation people.

I am worried that I won't be as lucky as I was in college to be able to make friends and fit in there also with other Muslims as well.

Reply 1

Anonymous #2

The uni isn’t even open yet?

Term starts on the sixth…(06/01/25)

Are you sure you didn’t just see staff and lecturers?
Term dates:
https://www.exeter.ac.uk/about/facts/termdates/
Next open day :frown:

according to website)
Friday 30 May 2025 (Streatham)

Personally when I visited in June 2024 on an open day I had no concerns about the people and it felt quite diverse.

P.S: I’m a white person so mb I don’t have the best perspective compared to what you’re looking for but I’m sure you’ll be fine wherever you end up.

You could probably contact the university to ask about diversity and mb ask to talk to some current students from immigrant backgrounds and they could answer your questions?

Idk just my thoughts / advice, take with a pinch of salt ofc.

Also us British people aren’t all that bad, try to make friends with us too❤️ (you don’t have to isolate yourself is what I’m trying to say)

Hope any of this was useful!!!

Double P.S: My friend is planning on studying veterinary, he’s from Egypt and applied to Exeter. If you have any questions that I can’t answer I can ask them.

Reply 2

ExeterStudentRep

Original post

by Anonymous

Hi, I am a year 13 student planning on studying at Exeter. I have already received an offer. My ambition for this uni is to do with it being a Russell group I can get into with a contextual offer for law.
Today, I visited the city and the Streatham campus, and one thing that stood out to me was the lack of coloured/foreign people. This was a huge shock to me as I come from Southampton, a place where the majority are from immigrant families. My main concern is the lack of diversity in the university and the need to adapt to be more upper-class and "British."
I am currently studying at a college in Winchester, where most students come from more wealthy British families. This made it difficult for me to try to fit in; however, I still managed to make friends primarily with other first — and second-generation people.
I am worried that I won't be as lucky as I was in college to be able to make friends and fit in there also with other Muslims as well.

Hi Anonymous,

Congratulations on your offer!

Please note that at present, university students are on their winter break and many will return on the 6th January. During term time, Exeter has an incredibly diverse student body, with over 7,500 international students coming from around 150 countries, not to mention that there are also 'home' students who are from an immigrant background (some of my closest friends are immigrants, and my grandparents also migrated here). I tend not to feel isolated at all.

There are many societies related to culture and religion on campus. Here, you can meet many people who are first or second-generation immigrants, or even share the same beliefs as you. You can get a gist as to what groups you can connect with here: https://my.exeterguild.com/ . If you don't find what you need, you can always make your own society, too.

Equally, there is a lot of focus on Islam in Exeter. The university has an Arab and Islamic Studies Institute, for instance, but there is also a Mosque fairly close to campus, and a lot of guidance from the university to help you feel comfortable. Halal foods are also very accessible here, whether it be on campus or in one of the many international / purpose-based shops in the city. You can access the University of Exeter Muslim Student Guide here: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/v8media/universityofexeter/globalexeter/infoforagents/2020INT001_Muslim_student_guide_v1.pdf .

Ultimately, the staff and students are all very friendly. You will meet people from all walks of life, and you won't need to 'adapt' to fit in with a certain demographic. As with all things, it may not be instant, but there are certainly plenty of opportunities to meet the people you would like to meet.

I hope this helps,

Grace
University of Exeter Student Ambassador

Reply 3

Anonymous #3

I know someone who was an immigrant from East Asia and studied Medicine at Exeter. She had no problem fitting in and successfully completed her studies so I'd say go for it!

Reply 4

Anonymous #4

Original post

by Anonymous

Hi, I am a year 13 student planning on studying at Exeter. I have already received an offer. My ambition for this uni is to do with it being a Russell group I can get into with a contextual offer for law.
Today, I visited the city and the Streatham campus, and one thing that stood out to me was the lack of coloured/foreign people. This was a huge shock to me as I come from Southampton, a place where the majority are from immigrant families. My main concern is the lack of diversity in the university and the need to adapt to be more upper-class and "British."
I am currently studying at a college in Winchester, where most students come from more wealthy British families. This made it difficult for me to try to fit in; however, I still managed to make friends primarily with other first — and second-generation people.
I am worried that I won't be as lucky as I was in college to be able to make friends and fit in there also with other Muslims as well.

i’m the same but planning to start in september! i think it’s become way more diverse than what it use to be. i’m sure more POC’s like us will be applying for this year- although there’s a majority, it seems to be getting more diverse- I think?