How to romanticise Exeter life in the cooler months

Winter is here, and it can seem like everything is pitted against you. Student loans are running low, your landlord’s capped the thermostat, and uni assignments become the sole purpose of your life.

As the cold sets in, you are left to bundle up and power through late-night study sessions. Between the pressure of deadlines and seasonal depression, it feels like survival mode has kicked in. It’s hard to feel like you are living, rather than just existing, in these chilly months at uni.

So, here are seven ways to romanticise your life at Exeter – make your own joy!

1. Christmas markets

Take advantage of the winter season! It’s not just cold and miserable, especially when the city is getting ready for Christmas.

The renowned Exeter Christmas Market is open with dozens of stalls to buy hot Christmas foods, trinkets to decorate your room, or last minute presents for your family members. So, head to the Christmas markets with some friends or even alone, and enjoy the Christmassy atmosphere.

2. Change your mindset

If you can’t avoid your work (I’m sorry but you can’t) then embrace the academic weapon mindset and trick yourself into enjoying the work. It’s an element of faking-it-until-you-make-it. We’ve all seen the “academic girlies” in the library, actually studying, getting all their reading done, writing essays more than one day in advance of the due date. Plan your work, go to the library (at least it’s heated), load up on snacks and pretend to be the academic weapon – you’ll become one by accident.

3. Self care

Most Read

Nathan breaks silence on MAFS UK split and reveals Lacey left him ‘heartbroken’

This Wicked press tour clip is getting utterly dragged and has become a massive meme

Omg, one of the MAFS UK couples has ‘secretly reunited’ to ‘give relationship another go’

Options for self care are admittedly a little limited in student living – you won’t be having a bath in your accommodation or second year house. That being said, it’s still important to take time for yourself and to romanticise your self care. Take time to do your skincare and play some relaxing music, instead of quickly doing it last thing before bed. Maybe buy a new face mask (the £1 ones by the Boots checkouts), light scented candles around your room, or cook yourself a proper meal with your housemates.

4. Beach picnics

Who said the beach is just for summer? Of course, we cannot recommend swimming in the sea any time after October, but the beaches are still a great place to go to get away from the assignment pressure and the mess your housemates left in the sink. Get a £3 ticket and take the train to Exmouth or Dawlish for an afternoon of peace and quiet, or make yourself a picnic to take out there to enjoy with your friends – but be sure to wrap up warm!

5. Soundtrack your life

Create a playlist for your day-to-day life at Exeter. Choose the vibe you want to set for your winter months here – Cosy? Christmassy? Confident? Choose the songs based on the energy you want to bring to the final few weeks and listen to it whenever – walking to lectures, planning your formative essays, hiking up Forum Hill.

Focus on nostalgia – like listening to “All Too Well” as you pass your first year accommodation, or “Take My Breath Away” when near Cardiac Hill.

6. Enjoy the nights in

Now that it’s dark before you leave your final lecture of the day, and the weather is freezing, going out isn’t always the best idea. Instead, make the most of your nights in!

Do a movie night with your housemates, light scented candles and pick a rom com or a Christmas classic. You don’t have to leave your flat or spend any money to romanticise your life – enjoy the smaller moments too, and make them special in your own way.

7. Make the most of your time

We only have three weeks left of this term, five weeks until Christmas, and seven weeks until 2025 – that’s not a lot of time.

Make the most of these winter weeks and the time left at Exeter before going home for Christmas – especially if this is your last Christmas in Exeter.

Spend time doing the things you love, not just what your module convenor has set you, and spend time with the people you care about as well as just the people you live with.