Exeter University Devon's Premier College - Britain All Over Travel Guide

Exeter University, Exeter, Devon

Exeter University is Devon’s premier university.

Exeter University has around 14,000 students at four campuses: the main Streatham campus and St Luke’s campus in Exeter plus newer, smaller campuses near Falmouth in Cornwall.

The University of Exeter dates back to 1955 and is a pleasant red-brick institution situated on a lovely, hilly, landscaped campus. The university consistently ranks among the top ten universities in the UK for both academic standards and student satisfaction.

Student Body

The majority of students still tend to come from the south of England with a substantial contingent of public school, “green welly”, rather posh, somewhat over-bearing, Oxbridge rejects.

Many students tend to spend their first year living on campus before moving out into accommodation in Exeter town or in surrounding villages in accommodation which is let out to holiday makers in the summer. A car is probably essential for students living in the countryside.

Other students may choose to live in Exmouth or the trendy village of Topsham, which have better transport links into Exeter.

The university has a lively social and music scene and a noted local theater – the Northcott Theatre. The university has also enjoyed sporting success particularly in cricket, rugby and rowing.

The University of Exeter is also known for its Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies which began in the 1970’s with a large financial endowment from the Middle East. Many students from the Middle East come to the UK to pursue their studies here.

Alumni

Famous alumni of Exeter University include the Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling, musicians Will Young, Thom Yorke, lead singer of the band Radiohead, and Felix Buxton of Basement Jaxx, Oscar-winning screenwriter Robert Bolt, BBC Middle East reporter, Frank Gardener, ex-England wicketkeeper Paul Downton and the 11th President of Turkey, Abdullah Gul.