Whether you’re coming from nearby or halfway across the world, starting university can feel overwhelming. Freshers’ Week is your launchpad — full of new faces, events, free pizza, and maybe a little homesickness.
This guide will help you find your feet — from locating lecture halls to discovering food spots, nightlife, weekend activities, and budgeting tips.
If you don’t find your “people” or favourite society right away, that’s okay. Take things at your own pace, explore what’s on offer, and build your uni experience step by step.
Here’s what every Exeter fresher needs to know to make the most of Freshers’ Week — and beyond.
Freshers’ Week: What to Expect
Yes, there will be club nights — but Freshers’ Week is about far more.
The Freshers’ Fair (located in the Forum and by the Great Hall) is your golden ticket: stalls, freebies, cakes (check out Gwen Bakes), and every society you can imagine.
Tip: Sign up for as many as interest you — you don’t have to commit right away, but it’s a great way to test the waters.
And don’t just rely on word-of-mouth or posters in halls — the Exeter Guild’s website has a full events hub where you can see what’s happening each day, from society taster sessions to live music and sports sign-ups.
It’s your best friend for keeping track of what’s on: Exeter Guild Events
Hub – https://www.exeterguild.com/events-hub
Ticket Tactics: How the Ticket System Works for Nights Out at Exeter
Unlike some other universities where you can just queue at the door, Exeter nightlife usually requires you to buy tickets in advance — and it’s all done through the Fixr app.
Most club nights do not sell tickets on the door, although Fever and Cavern sometimes allow you to queue without one — but entry isn’t guaranteed, especially on busy nights.
How to Get Tickets:
- Download the Fixr app.
- Search for the event you want (e.g. 4Play, Logic ( fever), Timepiece, Cavern).
- Buy your ticket through the app.
Stay Ahead of the Game:
Subscribe to: 4Play Events, Logic, Timepiece, and Cavern on Fixr.
- Follow them on Instagram and turn on notifications — tickets often drop at random times and are sometimes shared directly in their stories with links.
- Act fast — popular events sell out very quickly.
If You Miss Out:
- Join the ‘Overheard at Exeter’ Facebook group.
- You can find resold tickets, ask questions, or just see what’s happening around campus.
Top Tip:
- Don’t rush to buy a Freshers’ wristband until you know what your flatmates are doing — you could save money and avoid missing out on better plans.
Nights Out: Exeter After Dark
Whether you’re into cheesy tunes, underground beats, or just a good pint and pizza, Exeter’s got you covered. The nightlife here has something for everyone — from classic student clubs to chill pub vibes and legendary post-night-out food.
- Timepiece – the Exeter classic. Expect VKs and sticky floors. Popular on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays
- Cavern – for fans of house/techno. Popular on Tuesdays and Fridays
- Fever – Two rooms, cheesy classics vs DnB (Mon & Thurs)
- Old Firehouse – legendary for its 14-inch pizzas. Great for birthdays and chill nights
- Ram Bar (on campus) – Campus bar, pool tables, sports screening
- The Imperial (“Impy”) – Giant Wetherspoons with a beer garden
- Effes – Post night out kebab is an Exeter STAPLE
Cracking the Academic Code:
The academic leap can feel daunting, but Exeter has support in abundance. From sociable study spaces and quiet rooms to bookable pods, supportive tutors, and essential apps, here’s everything you need to stay on top of your studies from day one.
Study Spaces Worth Knowing:
- Forum Library – buzzing, central, and bookable
- Business School Café – bright and sociable
- Peter Chalk Centre – quiet focus zones
- Reed Hall – peaceful and away from crowds
Academic Support Systems:
- Personal tutors – academic and personal help
- Office hours – prime time for feedback and face-to-face chats
Pro tip: Get familiar with ELE (Exeter Learning Environment) early — it’s where all your course materials live.
Pro tip: Download the MyExeter app – and check your timetable. Tap on any lecture or seminar to see the room on the campus map – a quick and easy way to avoid getting lost when classes start!
Wellbeing: Because It’s Okay Not to Be Okay:
University life isn’t always smooth sailing. If you’re struggling — whether with homesickness, stress, or anything else — help is available.
- Wellbeing Services – counselling and support: wellbeing@exeter.ac.uk
- Residence Life Team – help with hall-related issues
- Nightline – student-run listening service
- Student Health Centre – don’t forget to register!
- Streatham campus: 01392 724381
- St Luke’s campus: 01392 724381
Budgeting & Food Hacks
Student life means learning to stretch your pounds without living on instant noodles.
Tools & Tips:
- Budgeting apps: Monzo, Emma
- Big shops: Aldi (Alphington Rd), Lidl, or order Tesco/Sainsbury’s online
- Loyalty cards: Tesco Clubcard, Nectar (for discounts and freebies)
- Flat meals: Split costs, batch cook — it saves money and stress
Cheap Eats on a Student Budget:
- The Ram Bar – hearty campus food
- iSCA Eats – quick Forum lunches
- Firehouse – monster pizzas
- The Imperial – affordable Wetherspoons classics
Bonus: Download UNiDAYS and Student Beans for discounts on everything from Domino’s to ASOS.
Weekend Adventures:
Need a break from lectures (or hangovers)? Exeter’s location is unbeatable:
- Exmouth Beach – £4 train ride from Exeter St David’s
- Exeter Quay – cafés (try Mangos or Sundays), kayaking, canal walks
- Dartmoor – hiking trails (car required)
- Topsham – charming riverside town with pubs and antique shops
Societies, Sports & Getting Involved:
Getting involved in societies and sports is hands-down one of the best ways to meet people beyond your flatmates and course mates — and at Exeter, you’re seriously spoiled for choice.
Whether you’re into high-level competitive sport or just looking for a fun way to stay active, there’s something for everyone.
BUCS Teams (Competitive Level):
If you’re serious about sport, Exeter has one of the top BUCS (British Universities & Colleges Sport) programmes in the country — and trust us, it can feel intense. The level of competition is high, and the training is a real commitment. So, if you’re trialling, be prepared for early starts, gym sessions, and a real team mentality. You can sign up for trials through the society’s Instagram pages — they’ll post all the key info there.
Didn’t Make BUCS? There’s Still a Place for You:
If you don’t make a BUCS team, don’t let it knock your confidence or make you feel like you have to give up the sport. Most clubs offer intramural or social leagues — with training, fitness, and games, it’s a similar vibe to BUCS but without the pressure of competing against other universities.
Casual & Social Options:
Not into competitive sport? No worries — there are loads of social and casual sports clubs where the focus is more on fun than fixtures. Think Dance, Surf Club, Yoga Society, Skiing, Golf, and Badminton, just to name a few.
These are great if you want to stay active, meet new people, or try something completely new without the pressure of competition. Most offer beginner-friendly sessions, socials, and trips throughout the year.
Find out more here → https://sport.exeter.ac.uk/studentsport/clubs/
Pro tip: Visit the Sports Park during Freshers’ Week for discounted gym deals (bring your student ID!).
Pro tip: Make sure you and your friends grab tickets to the Rugby Varsity — it’s one of the biggest social events of the year, held at Sandy Park Stadium. Don’t miss the chance to cheer on Exeter as they take on their rivals!
Final Thoughts: You’re Not Alone
Freshers’ Week can feel overwhelming. Social media may make it seem like everyone’s having the time of their life — but behind every carefully curated post is someone also trying to figure it out.
Don’t worry if you don’t settle in straight away. Real friendships take time. The “best week of your life” might not happen in Freshers’ Week — and that’s perfectly okay.
This is just the beginning.
