The bad:
There seems to be a priority on having 'fun' and attending university for primary reasons other than learning, that is perpetuated by 'welcome week', which seems to encourage these excessive have 'fun', 'socialise' and partying attitudies. Some fun is not so much the issue but the university's prioritisation of it to draw students who may not know any better (This may be a wider cultural and systemic issue with UK universities in general, that may partly result from the the university prioritising profit over learning).
There are too many departments, which can be very confusing (especially at the beginning). For example, when dealing with a tech issue I was passed around to about 3-4 different parts of the university, which in the end, I had to basically figure out by myself.
The shops on campus do not accept cash. They should accept cash as well.
There need to be more individual workspaces, that do not need to be booked, such as cubicles in the library.
The good:
It's relatively close to the city centre.
The campus isn't too large.
The greenery is very nice and there's a lot of cute squirrels.
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Best Aspects of University Experience:-
Academic Opportunities: Universities offer a wide range of academic programs, courses, and research opportunities, allowing students to pursue their interests and develop their skills in various fields.
Social and Cultural Diversity: Universities bring together students from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives, creating an enriching environment for learning and personal growth.
Extracurricular Activities: Universities often offer a plethora of extracurricular activities, including clubs, sports teams, volunteer opportunities, and cultural events, allowing students to engage in activities beyond academics.
Networking Opportunities: Universities provide opportunities for students to network with peers, faculty members, alumni, and industry professionals, which can be beneficial for future career prospects.
Personal Growth: University experiences often foster personal growth, independence, and resilience, as students navigate academic challenges, social interactions, and life transitions.
Worst Aspects of University Experience:
Financial Burden: University education can be expensive, leading to financial stress and student debt for many students and their families.
Academic Pressure: The rigorous academic demands of university coursework, exams, and deadlines can lead to stress, anxiety, and burnout among students.
Social Isolation: Some students may experience feelings of loneliness or social isolation, especially if they are away from home or have difficulty connecting with peers.
Limited Resources: Depending on the university, students may encounter limitations in terms of access to resources such as library materials, research facilities, or extracurricular opportunities.
Bureaucratic Challenges: Dealing with administrative processes, such as registration, housing, or financial aid, can sometimes be cumbersome and frustrating for students.
Improvements to University Experience:
Financial Aid and Scholarships: Universities can improve access to higher education by offering more financial aid, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs to students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.
Mental Health Support: Increasing access to mental health resources, counseling services, and wellness programs can help address the mental health challenges faced by students.
Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives: Universities can prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all students.
Student Support Services: Enhancing student support services, such as academic advising, career counseling, and mentorship programs, can help students navigate academic and personal challenges more effectively.
Infrastructure and Facilities: Investing in infrastructure improvements and modernizing facilities, such as classrooms, libraries, and recreational spaces, can enhance the overall student experience on campus.
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Exeter is a beautiful and vibrant city, adding a huge bonus to studying at Exeter University. The staff are always happy to help and the well-being services and money support, advice and general student support is excellent. As a student struggling with low mood and anxiety, I found the prospect of continuing my education at a different University to my undergraduate course daunting, but the support available and received made the transition smooth and enjoyable. The lecturers are great at condensing information down in a manageable and easy to understand way whilst advising the areas for extra study and what is relevant to assessment/examinations.
The downsides to Exeter University would sometimes be the timetabling, with sometimes a lot of hours crammed into one day, or lectures being as long as 3 hours with minimal breaks which can be too much and overloading of information. Some lecturers do not upload the lecture videos until days after the lecture which can be frustrating if you can't keep up with the pace and don't have the slides to fill in the gaps as you go, or for finishing notes after the lecture if anything is missed. If lecture slides were uploaded prior to the sessions it would be a great help. Despite these aspects, the University of Exeter is a brilliant place to learn and I hope to continue on to do a Doctorate.
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