Student review [#67637] for BA (hons) English
at University of Exeter - UOE

I am a third year English & History student at the University of Exeter, and have enjoyed a very positive experience here!

Exeter is a campus university, meaning all buildings are easily accessible, and there is a strong community feel. The city of Exeter is brilliant to live in because it is supremely walkable, with a large student population. Surrounding towns and villages include Topsham, Exmouth, and Dawlish Warren, where you can enjoy beach days and fish and chips!

The nightlife is good, with three major clubs popular throughout the week and particularly on Wednesdays. That being said, if nightlife is a major factor for you, a bigger city would be more appropriate, as Exeter is not renowned for its party scene.

However, the reason why I awarded four stars instead of five is that the classes sizes are too big, resulting in lower participation and engagement. I have spent the year studying abroad at an American university, where classes sizes are limited to 20-30 in most cases, allowing the professors to get to know the students personally, whereas in Exeter, classes may hold up to 300 students in large lecture halls.

Another academic factor to consider is that, unlike my experience at a US college, Exeter assesses students largely based on one or two sets of exams within an academic year. At other universities, especially internationally, assessment compromises of attendance as well as essays and quizzes. The result is that many Exeter students do not attend lectures and seminars, resulting in lower participation and overall enthusiasm.

That being said, Exeter’s reputation for academics is exceptional and my experience here largely confirms this. I have felt supported at every level of my degree. Professors are approachable, attentive and knowledgeable. Lectures and seminars are well structured and organised.

Outside of academics, Exeter offers a broad range of societies and sports clubs. For me, a highlight has been membership of the Benchball Society! Joining a few clubs is a brilliant way to make friends and meet like-minded people. Exeter is a strong sports university, so anyone interested in competitive sports (especially Rugby, Hockey and Cricket) should consider Exeter a strong option particularly in the South of England.

Overall, I have enjoyed a very positive university experience at Exeter. I would thoroughly recommend it to prospective students looking for a university with a rich variety of campus activities, a stunning and lively city with easy access, and a strong academic standing.