Editor’s Note
Finding love can be hard, especially at university. But don’t worry, Exeter is full of couples who’ve found it. Speaking to lecturers and alumni reminds us that love is everywhere, from meet-cutes across the Atlantic to friendships beginning in Fresher’s Week. These stories remind us that romance often arrives when you least expect it.
Robert Lamb, Head of Social and Political Sciences, Philosophy, and Anthropology and Dr Sarah Lucas, Senior Lecturer
After being taught by both Sarah and Robert, hearing their love story first hand caught me completely by surprise. It’s a journey that started far from Exeter in 2013, when a mutual friend introduced them at a philosophy lecture in the Sydney Opera House.
In a scene straight from out of a movie, they hit it off over drinks on a rainy evening and began a long-distance romance fuelled by love letters. They eventually shared a high-stakes “official” date in San Francisco, both traveling halfway across the world to meet at a restaurant called Florico. They admitted how nervous they were then, but that week-long date was where they realised they’d found “the one”.
They admitted how nervous they were then, but that week-long date was where they realised they’d found “the one”.
Today, Exeter is home. While Sarah originally joined the university as a visiting fellow, she has now settled here with Robert, a senior lecturer. Their “ideal Saturday” has shifted since having two children; these days, it’s a walk to Newton St. Cyres ending with a pint at The Beer Engine or Double Locks. Sarah jokingly told me that the most “Exeter” thing they’ve done is get a dog, which makes their local wanders much more entertaining.
This year they will be celebrating their tenth anniversary, and they keep the spark alive through “rituals of spontaneity,” like ‘Serious Film Sundays’ and ‘Backgammon Fridays.’ Their shared love of academia makes them deeply compatible, but it’s their mutual respect that filled my heart during our chat.
Their shared love of academia makes them deeply compatible, but it’s their mutual respect that filled my heart during our chat.
Robert admires Sarah’s infinte sense of love and openness to the world that makes him want to be a better person. He admires her deeply, jokingly admitting that he gets a lot of credit just for being married to the most popular person in the department. Sarah, in turn, admires Robert’s spontaneous humour, which keeps her laughing even in hard moments, and his steady ability to show up for people.
We ended with their advice for Exeter singletons. They prove that no distance is too far for love. My favourite takeaway, however, was this: the more you love the world, its nature, food, and people, the easier it is for love to find you.
They prove that no distance is too far for love.
Rachel Yung and Miguel Alvarez Vazquez, 2025 Exeter Law Graduates
Rachel and Miguel’s story began in the most musical way possible: at the piano practice rooms in Cornwall House during their very first week of university. When Miguel’s student card failed to let him in, a small conversation sparked a connection that slowly bloomed. Between piano repertoires and the shared struggle of studying Law, they clicked instantly.
Their first date took them to Rockfish by the Quay, but their heart belongs to Belmont Park. Situated between their second-year houses, the park became their sanctuary for long chats over boba or coffee to clear their heads after hours of case law. They even recounted a three A.M. trip there to catch the Aurora; they missed the lights but were rewarded with a shooting star instead.
Their first date took them to Rockfish by the Quay, but their heart belongs to Belmont Park.
A perfect Exeter Saturday for them is simple and sunny: a meal in the city center, a visit to the Cathedral, and a walk through town, ending with a snack run to the Guildhall Sainsbury’s for a movie night. In a very relatable “Exeter” twist, they admitted to a shared weakness for Apple Taxis, racking up a triple-digit bill just to chat about life on the way home!
Between glamorous black-tie balls at the Historic Guildhall and the intensity of exam seasons, they’ve learned that love is found in the “little moments.” Whether it’s walking to the Forum together or setting aside an hour to decompress after lectures, being present is what keeps their spark alive.
Between glamorous black-tie balls at the Historic Guildhall and the intensity of exam seasons, they’ve learned that love is found in the “little moments.”
They realised they were “the one” for each other when they started actively choosing the long way home, standing outside each other’s doors for hours just to avoid saying goodbye, after celebrating the milestone of graduation together and, finally, introducing their parents.
Rachel and Miguel offer this advice to Exeter singletons: don’t underestimate the “slow burn.” Be your authentic self, join societies to find like-minded people, and remember that sometimes, a broken student card is all it takes to find the one.
Be your authentic self, join societies to find like-minded people, and remember that sometimes, a broken student card is all it takes to find the one.
