As a third year currently sitting on the steps outside Forum typing this after leaving my last lecture of my undergraduate degree, I feel in a good position to set out a bucket list of quintessentially Exeter things that you have to do before you graduate.
1. TP Wednesday – Exeter’s most sought after night has to go top of this list. Whether you love or hate Timepiece, just experiencing this sport night once in your university life is a rite of passage for an Exeter student.
2. Varsity – heading to Sandy Park under the lights to watch the rugby is such a university highlight. The buzz of all those in attendance creates a thrilling atmosphere that is infectious. After going once, you can’t wait to go again!
3. Catch a match at St James Park – it may not be the Premier League, but League One Exeter City FC has its stadium nestled within the city centre. It’s hard to miss it if you live near Wells Street or Old Tiv Road!
4. Donkey Sanctuary – located in Sidmouth just down the A3052, why not visit the local donkeys? They’re very intelligent, empathetic, and gentle, making great therapy animals – ideal if you need to destress from coursework or exams.
5. Explore the local area – there are so many hidden gems around Exeter. Hope Cove, just past Salcombe, has an impressive coastline with rocky, jagged cliff formations. Just over 20 minutes south of Exeter is the MamheadObelisk Viewpoint, which boasts a stunning vantage point of the beautiful coastline hidden amongst acres of woodland.
6. Independent shops – having a peaceful stroll along the River Exe towards the Quay is a staple of Exeter student’s Sunday rituals. Whilst having a look around Exeter’s waterways, have a look at some of the independent stores. If you need a coffee and cake, skip the queues at Starbucks or Costa, and head to VEG BOX, Sundays, or Mango’s at the Quay. If you’re up in town, Artigiano is popular in the day for its coffee, and famous for its jazz nights on Mondays. Chain stores will always be there; whilst you are spending time in Exeter, go to the places that are unique to the city.
7. Dartmoor – we can’t live this close to a national park and not visit it, right? With 368 square miles to explore, there is so much to see… and if you’re lucky enough, you might encounter a Dartmoor pony!
8. Attend a ball – The Enchanted Garden Ball is Exeter’s biggest event of the year – and another opportunity for students to lose their minds over ticketing sites and scams. But once you’ve got your hands on a ticket, it will be one of the highlights of your university life. There’s something so magical about the whole university coming together at the stunning Shobrooke Park Country House. When it is decked out with fairground rides, fairy lights, and tents decorated to the max, it’s a truly extraordinary evening. Even if you can’t get to EGB, any winter or spring ball by a society or sports club will be a great evening of dressing up and eating good food – and of course having a boogie.
9. Silent disco in the Cathedral – need I say more?
10. Beach trips – Exeter has several nearby beaches, with Cornwall just a short drive away. Try going at different times of the day: night-time stargazing is perfect at Dawlish Warren! This year, Exmouth is hosting ‘Party on the Beach’ (which does what it says on the tin really).
Exeter offers students such a varied, multifaceted lifestyle: beach, city, sporty, nature-orientated. This is just a short list of some of the things Exeter and the wider area offers, but it is really up to you to make the most of your time here before walking across the stage in your cap and gown.
