Get the most out of your campus visit to Exeter's stunning Devon and Cornwall sites with our complete student checklist.
Choosing where you will spend the next three or four years of your life is a major milestone. As a member of the prestigious Russell Group, the University of Exeter combines world-class research with exceptional student satisfaction. However, a university is much more than its league table ranking. To truly understand whether you belong here, booking a University of Exeter open day is an absolute must.
Exeter’s unique selling point is its incredible balance of academic rigor and natural beauty. Spread across historic cities and breathtaking coastal landscapes, the university offers an environment that inspires both study and play. By attending a prospective student event, you transition from viewing polished marketing brochures to walking the actual paths, sitting in the lecture halls, and chatting with the professors who will shape your future academic career.
"The moment I walked into the Forum on Streatham Campus, I knew I wanted to study here. The energy, the glass architecture, and the greenery around it felt completely different from any other campus I had visited." - Marcus, BSc Geography GraduateOne of the most important things to realize before planning your campus visit is that the University of Exeter operates across three distinct campuses in two different counties. You must ensure you book your open day at the correct location for your specific course.
The largest and main campus in Exeter, Streatham is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful in the UK. Situated on a hillside overlooking the historic cathedral city, it is a registered botanic garden featuring rare trees, lakes, and beautifully landscaped gardens. Most undergraduate subjects—ranging from Business and Law to Biosciences and English—are taught here. The hub of this campus is the Forum, an award-winning glass-roofed structure that houses the library, student services, and vibrant cafes.
Located just a 15-minute walk from Exeter city centre, St Luke's is a historic, close-knit campus. It is home to the Medical School, the School of Education, and Sport and Health Sciences. St Luke's has a distinct, collegiate community feel with its own sports facilities, library, and beautiful grassy quad where students gather during sunny afternoons.
Located near Falmouth in Cornwall, the Penryn Campus is a unique, collaborative environment shared with Falmouth University. This campus specializes in environmental science, mining engineering, renewable energy, politics, and creative writing. Surrounded by beautiful coastal scenery, Penryn offers a passionate, eco-conscious student community and state-of-the-art laboratory spaces designed around sustainability.
Travelling to Devon or Cornwall requires some forward planning, especially if you are travelling from the Midlands, Northern England, or international transport hubs. Securing your travel early is the best way to keep costs low. Below is an estimated budget breakdown for a prospective student event visit to help you plan your journey.
| Expense Item | Estimated Cost (Exeter) | Estimated Cost (Penryn) | Money-Saving Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train Travel (with Railcard) | £35 - £85 | £45 - £110 | Book Advance Single tickets 12 weeks prior and use a 16-25 Railcard. |
| Overnight Stay (Budget Hotel) | £45 - £90 | £50 - £100 | Check university partner hotels or book early in nearby seaside towns. |
| On-Campus Lunch / Drinks | £8 - £15 | £8 - £12 | Grab a meal deal at the campus supermarket or use open day vouchers. |
| Local Transport (Bus/Taxi) | £4.50 (Day ticket) | £5.00 (Day ticket) | The Streatham campus is walkable from Exeter St David's station, though steep! |
An open day goes by in a flash. To ensure you gather all the information you need, structure your day with a clear plan of action. Here is our recommended itinerary template for making the most of your trip:
Do not be passive during your campus visit. This is your chance to interview the university. Here are the top questions to ask academics, current students, and housing advisors to ensure you get the raw, honest facts.
Sometimes, travel restrictions, financial constraints, or clashing open day dates make attending an in-person prospective student event difficult. Thankfully, the University of Exeter offers an incredibly immersive virtual tour platform.
The interactive virtual tour allows you to explore 360-degree panoramas of the lecture theatres, accommodation rooms, social hubs, and sports parks. You can also listen to pre-recorded subject talks, view student accommodation walk-through videos, and chat live with current student ambassadors via their online portal. While it cannot completely replicate the atmosphere of standing on Devon soil, it is an exceptional alternative for initial research and shortlisting.
Before you pack your bag and set off for the South West, run through this quick checklist to guarantee a smooth, stress-free day: