Luci – Exeter University
Semester 2, 2023
Bachelor of Business/Creative Industries
My name is Luci, and I currently study a Bachelor of Business and Creative Industries.
I completed a semester abroad at Exeter University in the UK in September 2023. Before choosing Exeter as an option for my exchange, I knew hardly anything about the city or university and was quite nervous about my decision, as it was such a small university, quite far from any big cities/towns, although after finishing, I am so, so happy with my decision.
Accommodation
For accommodation, it was quite competitive in Exeter, and you had to be quick with applying for specific accommodations, as there is only one university-owned option for exchange students completing one semester. I was put in James Owen Court, which was a 20-minute walk to campus but also in the center of town, which was super beneficial for going out, grocery shopping, and things like that. I also got lucky with my flat and met some amazing people from all around the world. We would all chat and cook dinner together each night, which was super nice and comforting!
Classes & Teaching Style
I found the workload quite similar to QUT. I completed four classes while I was there and had two assignments for each one, as well as one exam in January. In Exeter, it is much more common to attend your lectures and tutorials, even though attendance is not marked. The tutorial groups were all a lot smaller, which was nice as it was easier to make friends and keep in contact with your classmates. The pass rate for Exeter was 40%, so it wasn’t too hard to pass, which was also a plus!
Tips and Tricks
When I first arrived in Exeter, I was super nervous about making friends, as I knew no one before arriving. It is quite exhausting at the beginning, meeting new people every day and attending many events in your first couple of weeks. My advice is to put yourself out there as much as you can at the start so you can meet new people and make those great friendships that will ultimately benefit your exchange immensely.
I also really recommend joining a club/sport. I think a big difference between Australian and UK unis is the importance of your sport and clubs and how these depict your social life for the year. I joined touch rugby at the beginning of the semester and met so many people that I would call good friends now. I attended weekly training with the club and went to socials held by the club every Friday at TP, which was a great way to form and keep those friendships!
I would recommend attending as many events as you can, as Exeter is so small; everything is within walking distance or a bus ride away, which makes it super easy! The Exeter varsity games are super fun, Christmas dinners with your club/sport, pub trivia nights, TP events, fight night, and much more!
Going on exchange was one of the best things I have ever done, and I would recommend it to anyone! It is so great pushing yourself outside your comfort zone, meeting so many new people, and travelling to incredible places on your break! I would also really recommend Exeter University, as I had an amazing time and would do it again if I could in a heartbeat!
Find out how you can apply for exchange via the QUT Student Exchange website
