From clichéd stereotypes to rugby banter: The reality of being Welsh at Exeter University

Coming from a small town in Wales, moving to Exeter for university was a huge jump.

I was really nervous, especially with the reputation Exeter has of being quite “posh”. I’ll admit things definitely felt quite alien at first, and mostly because of the difference of being Welsh.

Now, at the end of my first year, I still feel that difference sometimes, usually because of my accent. But honestly, I love it here and wouldn’t change it for the world. The people are lovely, the campus is green, and the Welsh Society is like a second family.

If you’re Welsh and considering the University of Exeter, here’s what it’s actually like being from Wales at Exeter Uni.

Your accent becomes a conversation starter

Be prepared for the “say something in Welsh” requests or the copying of your pronunciation. It’s usually not nasty, but in an exotic or intriguing kind of way (although someone did tell me my accent was horrible once).

I’ve definitely become more aware of how I speak while at uni but I wouldn’t say it’s a bad thing. I’ve learned to love being different and now I own the accent.

Yes, private schools are a big thing here

Back home, private schools are basically a rumour. At Exeter? Not so much.

A lot of people at Exeter Uni have had private educations, but that doesn’t mean they are all stuck up or rude. I think that is a huge misconception and was definitely something that worried me about coming to Exeter.

However, most people I’ve met, regardless of background, are ridiculously friendly. The important thing is surrounding yourself with kind and fun people who would never judge you or your background.

The Welsh Society becomes a safe space

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I knew when I came to Exeter I was going to join the Welsh Society and I am so glad I did.

The socials are wild, but so much fun. The committee are so friendly and work really hard to make Welsh students feel at home. I’ve made long-lasting friendships from joining this society and met people with mutuals back home.

It’s genuinely the best thing you could do as a Welsh student at Exeter, I couldn’t recommend it enough.

Everyone suddenly has a Welsh gran

The second someone picks up on your accent, they will inevitably tell you they once went to Tenby or Snowdon, or that their dad’s cousin’s dog is from Cardiff. Don’t get me wrong it gets repetitive, but honestly I think it’s quite wholesome.

Rugby

Rugby is a huge part of Welsh culture, so I couldn’t ditch at uni. But I have to admit, watching the Six Nations in an English pub is a very humbling experience, especially when Wales lose (again). Luckily, the Welsh Society hosts socials to watch the rugby together which makes it the losing a little easier to deal with. And if you actually play rugby, Exeter has loads of opportunities for you too. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you about the initiation rituals.

You’ll become a walking Welsh dictionary

Be ready for “say the long place name” or “say something in Welsh”. You’ll even have people trying (and failing) to pronounce Llanelli. At this point it’s become my party trick. And don’t get me started on Gavin and Stacey, the only Welsh show anyone knows.

The campus is actually green

If you’re used to the hills and country of Wales, you’ll feel quite at home in Exeter. It’s extremely green on campus and the hills are seriously no joke. But it’s definitely quite a comforting aspect of Exeter Uni. It’s like being home, only with more Deliveroo options.

‘Sheep-shagger’ allegations

Unfortunately as a Welsh person, you cannot escape the “sheep-shagger” accusations. I guess certain stereotypes don’t die easily. But honestly? We’ve all heard worse on a night out.

I was definitely worried I wouldn’t fit in at Exeter, but I feel just the opposite. Although you may experience jokes about being Welsh, you’ll never be excluded.

If you’re Welsh and thinking about joining the University of Exeter but are worried about it being too different, don’t be. It’s different in a way that makes you grow, find your people, and teach half the uni how to pronounce Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobyllllantysiliogogogoch.

Honestly, I cannot recommend the University of Exeter enough.