From Forum Hill to FIXR crashes: 12 experiences that only make sense to Exeter students

We are halfway through term one and if you’re a fresher, you’ve gotten used to all the oddities that make up Exeter life. Your first year is the time for learning about the “Exetah” life, your second year is for re-learning from your mistakes and your third is your desperate clinginess to your silly fresh status. During your time here, every student will experience one of these Exeter things. From falling down TP stairs to late-night Efes, these moments are what will shape your Exeter Uni experience. So, here’s everything every Exeter student will experience, some more than once and some, never again.

1. The hills

Exeter’s hills are a notorious part of the student experience that deserve attention. Walking up Forum Hill with a hangover is an Exeter experience you are unlikely to forget. However, Cardiac Hill is rumoured to be WORSE than Forum. Although I have never had to tackle Cardiac, my Birks friends are still battling the terrain. By the end of first year, you will have calves of steel.

2. Timepiece

Many would argue that Timepiece is the epitome of the Exeter student experience – in particular, the midweek sanctuary that is TP Wednesday. The perfect place to seek refuge between lectures, coupled with the classic green Venom. TP Wednesday is where all sports societies come together. You see a mix of fancy dress, face paint and screaming rugby boys. By the end of first year, TP will be your second home.

3. FIXR

Every week, Exeter students all have the same ritual. They have their laptops, phones, and iPads open and ready for FIXR ticket drops.

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This is a TOUGH battle. Especially with FIXR crashing, not refreshing and tickets selling out in less than a minute. When you do secure a ticket for your night out, you can’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment (more than you did when you submitted an essay on time).

The only good thing that comes with this is Overheard. If all else fails, run to Overheard and see who’s selling. If you’re a first year, be wary of scammers…my friend was once scammed out of £150 on Facebook.

So, to TP or not to TP – this is the weekly battle you will have to get used to.

4. Sandy Park

Sandy Park is home to the Exeter Chiefs, where you’ll witness the team tackle their opponents while you battle the queue for drinks.

Exeter vs. Durham and Exeter vs. Loughborough are the highlights of the rugby calendar, sparking some of the fiercest competitive spirit among Exeter fans against our biggest rivals.

By the end of the match, you’ll be eagerly dashing to the coaches and once inside, you’re guaranteed to join in some impromptu chanting and sing-alongs to classics like “Sweet Caroline”.

5. Lemmy

Lemon Grove (AKA Lemmy): Exeters’ on-campus nightclub, known for its year six vibes and cheesy tunes. It’s the spot your friends convince you to go on a Saturday during Fresher’s and then vow to avoid forever.

6. The races

A crucial Exeter experience involves spending the day at the races, dressed in tweed jackets, chinos, knee-high boots and anything Barbour.

You’ll make your bets while sipping on lager, darting back and forth between the tent and the racetrack.

The day will end with mud-covered shoes, regretting your lack of layers, and facing a long queue for transport as you attempt to locate your friend in a sea of wax jackets and trench coats.

7. The Nappy Run

A highlight of Exeters’ Rugby club is the Nappy Run initiation – where students run through the city just in nappies, cheered on by enthusiastic crowds and others back from a grocery shop.

Last year, the route stretched from the Imperial Wetherspoons to the Exonian, while this year’s challenges reportedly involved wearing nappies under charity shop outfits and other amusing challenges.

8. Logic Monday

Fever Monday trades the Monday blues for a much livelier (and more chaotic) start to the week. It’s a hotspot for first years – and for second and third years who swore they’d outgrown Fever.

It’s the kind of night that begins with “one drink” and ends with you staying till lights on at 3am, navigating the route to Efes.

9. Efes

Efes is a holy grail that has become an essential part of the student experience. Known for serving the finest late-night craving for a kebab, wrap or chips to soak up your VKS and Venoms after an evening of Fever or TP.

If you haven’t tried their garlic mayo or chilli sauce you’re missing out.

10. The Quay

The Quay’s picturesque riverside is an ideal place to unwind. Whether you’re taking a leisurely stroll, visiting the local cafes or enjoying a Sunday brunch at Mangoes to cure your hangover from TP Saturday, the scenic views offer an escape from the business of campus life.

11. Exmouth Beach

Just a short train ride away from Exeter, Exmouth Beach is another ideal relaxing area. It’s most popular during the summertime, serving as an ideal picnic destination – especially after a mandatory stop at M&S for those essential “picky bits”.

If you’re feeling adventurous, Exmouth also offers a variety of activities including paddleboarding, kayaking and sailing. Don’t forget to try the local fish and chips.

12. EGB

Exeter is known for its lively social scene, which includes a variety of balls held throughout the year, from winter galas in the Exeter Phoenix to the highly anticipated Enchanted Garden Ball in summer term. Nothing quite excites us like to chance to wear our finest black tie and pose for photos in elaborately decorated venues.

Related articles recommended by this writer:

• TP or not TP: The five stages of grief you’ll experience when buying a Timepiece ticket
• An A to Z of everything that will make up an Exeter student’s life
• Just 51 things you categorically must not do during Freshers’ Week if you want to survive