12 Reasons to Study in Exeter
By Lisa Hayward on December 15th, 2015
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Thinking of studying in Exeter? Here are 12 reasons why you’d be making the right choice.
University of Exeter has a stable place in the top 100 universities in the world according to Times Higher Education, giving the city a distinct reputation for pioneering research and thought leadership.
It was also ranked 7th in The Times and The Sunday Times’ Good University Guide 2016.
Exeter is renowned for its pleasingly picturesque surroundings and its ideal balance of city and rural life. In this friendly and diverse city, students can enjoy the cosmopolitan lifestyle whilst having fast and easy access to the beautiful landscapes of South West England.
Both the Uni of Exeter and Exeter College campuses are right on the cusp of the lively city centre, whilst Falmouth’s seven beaches give students plenty of opportunity for sun, sailing, surfing and other watersports.
The University of Exeter has produced some incredible talent, including none other than Harry Potter author JK Rowling; Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke; Oscar and BAFTA-winning Robert Bolt and Dr Who writer Robert Shearman. And many of Exeter’s entertainers and journalists have gone on to work for the likes of the BBC, The Guardian and Channel 4.
Trip to London? No problem. From Exeter, the thriving capital is just under 200 miles away and perfectly reachable by train for just £30. What’s your reason not to?
Around 95% of University of Exeter students are in work or further study within just six months of graduating. So if employability is a key factor in your choice (and let’s face it, it should be), you’ll can rest easy knowing you’re in good hands at Exeter.
As mentioned earlier, Exeter’s convenient location means it gives you the best of both worlds. But as a city it also has a lot to offer internally – cafes; shops; restaurants; activities.
The bustling Princess Hay shopping centre provides all the major high street names, as well as leading chain restaurants and unique independent finds. It’s got an excellent nightlife, with numerous swish cocktail bars and larger student-oriented clubs such as Rococo, Unit 1, John Gandy’s and The Monkey Suit. And both uni campuses are just a short walk from Exeter’s hotspots Penryn, Jubilee Wharf and Falmouth – a buzzing student area.
With leading music venues like The Cavern, the Exeter Phoenix and The Lemon Grove, there’s no shortage of opportunities to catch your favourite bands and artists. The Cavern has been a long-standing symbol of fresh and upcoming talent, playing host to the likes of Coldplay, Muse and Radiohead back in their early days. And the Exeter Phoenix is a regular stop on the road for many of the world’s biggest touring bands.
Sporting fans will be pleased to know Exeter has its own rugby team – and a great one at that. You can catch the Exeter Chiefs at any of their games over at Sandy Park Stadium during the season.
Whether you’re an international student who will be flying home to visit family, or you hope to take a quick getaway whenever you please…Exeter International Airport provides flights to over 30 different countries as well as all the UK’s major cities. It’s also really easy to get to via train or bus.
For those looking for all the modern comforts of life without missing out on tradition, Exeter has it all. Its modern-day shops, restaurants and facilities blend seamlessly with historic buildings, like the city’s very own Cathedral, consecrated in 1933 and rebuilt in the late medieval period. And of course, one can always appreciate the stunning architecture and various cultural hotspots as they wander throughout the city.
If years of watching The OC have got you dreaming of endless parties on the beach, then Exeter might just be the place for you. Within reasonable distance of Exmouth Beach (not to mention Falmouth’s several other beaches), you’ll never be stuck for places to take a sunny study break or celebrate the end of yearly exams.
Exeter is known for its high quality of life and considerably low crime rate. It currently has one of the largest growing populations in the UK, with more and more people choosing to set up camp for business or pleasure and two thirds of these being of working age. The city also ranked 27th out of 95 universities on the Complete University Guide’s 2015 crime table.