Everything you need to know before coming to Exeter uni that the prospectus doesn’t tell you

Before we begin, congratulations on your results and getting into the University of Exeter! This day calls for celebration, partying and getting excited about beginning your new adventure. You have probably been frantically searching and gathering as much information as you can to prepare yourself for Exeter. You have read the whole university website back to front, read the prospectus and watched every YouTube video on how to get ready for university life.

Although you may be feeling all sorts of emotions, there is no need to worry – you will soon join the “Exetah” lifestyle and be able to recall the city like the back of your hand. So, here’s everything you need to know about Exeter uni before you start your first year. By the end of term one, you will be a frequent TP goer and Efe’s number one fan.

1. There is lots of walking

You will have to get used to walking everywhere very soon and very quickly. In Exeter, the main mode of transport is either train, bus or on foot (unless you’re lucky enough to have your car with you). If you already live in a big city, you need to get un-used to the accessible Ubers as Exeter doesn’t have that around here. But you won’t need to worry, Exeter is such a walkable city, you won’t even think about taxis.

By the end of first week, you will feel those calves burning and your Fitbit going through the roof. It’s a small city and, to be honest, it’s just easier walking everywhere. Even if you have to walk in the Devon rain – walking is much more reliable than finding a parking spot.

2. Pres start EARLY

If there is one thing you must know about Exeter uni is that we start our pres EARLY. Our uni’s nightlife is known for their early starts and being blackout by 6pm. With our club entry times starting from 7PM, you will have to get used to drinking vodka and playing three rounds of Ring of Fire at 4pm. Although our pres start early, that means your night can end early and so, you (hopefully) won’t be too hungover for your 8:30pm seminar.

3. The ‘Exetah’ stereotype is true

You have probably been doing your research about Exeter uni. Whether that is on TikTok, YouTube, Instagram or asking previous alumni. Wherever you have been researching, everyone will tell you that the “Exetah” stereotype is very real.

The “Exetah” stereotype is basically about the very posh private school kids who constantly say “rah” after every sentence and are dressed head to toe in Urban Outfitters, Signet rings, Adidas Gazelles and white linen trousers. They will definitely say the most out of touch stuff about money and you’ll think they’re joking…they’re not.

4. Join Overheard

Joining Overheard on Facebook will be your life saver! In Exeter, all your nights out depends on getting tickets on FIXR. However, the main thing about FIXR and TP tickets is that they sell out VERY quickly. You will find yourself setting multiple alarms just to claim a ticket for a TP Wednesday.

By joining Overheard, you will be able to buy resale tickets and sell your own tickets if you change your mind about going out (just be careful of getting scammed). Also, Overheard is great for general Exeter uni information, finding second year housemates and general gossip.

5. You will drink lots of coffee

In the Exeter Forum and just Exeter’s campus in general, there are LOTS of coffee shops. Once those assignments start building up and those deadlines come in full force, coffee will be your best friend. On Streatham Campus, there is a Pret and Starbuck in the Forum, along with Barisca Coffee dotted in and around the campus buildings. So, with many coffee shops available, you will soon become a coffee lover and a caffeine addict (especially when those late night library sessions begin).

6. Summer in Exeter is unbeatable

My favourite part about Exeter is Exeter in the summertime. When you arrive in Exeter in September, the weather will still be very hot. Although Exeter in winter is also beautiful (with the Christmas Markets and the Winter Wonderland), the spring and summer seasons are unreal. With the beach being just a train ride away, you will absolutely love Exeter in term three.

7. TP is where all your nights out will be

Timepiece (more known as TP) is the number one place for all the Exeter nights out. It has multiple bars, outside smoking area and three dance floors. Although there are other clubs in Exeter, TP seems to be the hot spot for all Exeter uni students.

When you first go to TP, you have to get a TP Venom and soon, you will become obsessed with this cocktail that makes you go feral on the top top floor. Everyone is a menace for TP and the battle to get a TP Wednesday on FIXR every week will make you start to pull your hair out, but it will be worth it.

8. The hills

Like the first one, you will get used to the hills everywhere. Especially Forum Hill. Exeter is a very hilly place. One minute you’re walking fine and the next, you’re fighting for your life, sweating and hoping that your lungs won’t explode. But you will get used to it and soon you will have calves of steel. Never skip leg day.

9. Collect those TP cups

A number one hack in TP is collecting the TP cups. In TP, when you return a cup, you get £1 back. So, if you collect 10 cups, you got yourself a free Venom. You can even take the TP cups home if you really want and use them for big profit on another night. So, be sure to keep an eye on all those empty TP cups.

10. Avoid Sidwell Street

Enough said.

Recommended articles written by this author:

• Here are the Exeter University accommodations as songs from Charli XCX’s latest album, Brat 
• It’s a Brat summer: Here’s absolutely everything that gives off Brat vibes at Exeter uni
• Feeling fragile? Your hangover cure based on your Exeter uni degree